Five years ago, I wasn’t much of a runner. I went on occasional runs, but not with a specific goal or race in mind. Then during signup for small groups at our church, I noticed the SoleSisters group that would train women to walk or run the Helvetia half marathon in June. I started training with the group and a few months later completed my first half marathon. When Sole Sisters organized their first half marathon in Wilsonville, there were around ten participants.
Since then, Wilsonville Sole Sisters have opened their group to many many more women, new weekly training sites have been added, and the annual Queen of the High Road half marathon draws 250 participants. This year, for the Saturday “long run” group runs, women will be meeting in six locations: Wilsonville, Sherwood, West Linn, Tigard, Oregon City and Beaverton. The season kicks off with a discount night at Tualatin Road Runner on February 5th, 6-9pm; the first Saturday run is on February 7th. In all locations, the format will be similar: Meet up at 7:50 to mingle, warm up and learn the route (which will be published on the website and via email a few days prior), then hit the road promptly at 8.
The training runs take place weekly February 7 to May 9th. The Annual Queen of the High Road Half Marathon and Inaugural 10k is set for Saturday, May 16th at 9am.
For more information, check out the SoleSisters website and subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
