I hadn’t run the Lake Run since 2011, so I was looking forward to returning to one of my favorite races this year. Saturday morning was beautifully sunny and in the 50s – perfect running weather for me! Unfortunately, I’ve had some interruptions to my training that left me a bit nervous about the infamous Lake Run hills. Despite looking forward to my run, I knew it would be a slow one for me.
I arrived with plenty of time to find great parking. I had contacted the race organizers earlier about changing from the 10K to the 5K – due to the fact that I have been having some ankle/foot issues that have been interrupting my training. They told me to make that change on race morning. So, with plenty of time, I got in line to make the changes. While I waited, I noticed that the late registration system seemed to be quite efficient. Computers were set up for people to sign up online and swipe their credit card to pay quickly and easily. My change request must have been the first of the morning, as there seemed to be questions about how to do it. The lady assisting me was friendly and helpful, but she was having a bit of trouble with my change. Once she made the adjustment on the computer, she gave me a new bib and sent me on my way.
There was no bag check, so I took my things back to my car and then meandered around Millennium Plaza Park and checked out the many vendors – some just setting up – for the Family Fun Festival. Then I began warming up as the 10K racers prepared to start. The start line had moved up the street from where it used to be, so I headed to the new location and saw the large 10K group head off. Then it was time for the 5Kers to get lined up. It was also quite a large group. We were lined up in one lane that had been blocked off, so it was a bit tight and the start was slow. There were many families participating in the event, which was great to see. However, I had mistakenly started too far back and had a lot of dodging of people to do before I could settle into my pace. I even had to contend with a young girl riding her bike in the event, which was a bit of a challenge as she couldn’t keep her bike real straight as she tried to keep up with her mom – who was running.
The first incline came quickly, but I was mentally prepared to encounter all the ups and downs. In fact, I think I had exaggerated the hills in my mind a bit and was happily reminded that there was a good amount of flat running and downhill mixed in. As we wound through neighborhoods, it was obvious that this race was truly a community event. People were standing out in front of their houses, coffee in hand, greeting their friends and neighbors and offering cheers and encouragement for the rest of us.
There was a change to the course from when I ran it several years ago that cut out the steepest climb, making it a bit more gradual, but it still had me huffing and puffing. My limited training caught up with me in mile 2 and I felt ridiculously winded. But, the beauty of this race is the sweet downhill finish. As I rounded the corner and saw the long downhill stretch to the end, I took full advantage of gravity and momentum and made my way to the finish line.
There was plenty of water and lots of snacks at the finish. But, for those of you who are all about the bling, this race did not offer finisher medals. The finish was a few blocks from Millennium Park, so finishers made their way down the closed off street back to the park for the Family Fun Festival. The route back led us past some interesting art pieces. One in particular that stood out to me was a giant nose with a pair of sunglasses. I have to say, I am a bit curious about the origination of that piece.
The Family Fun Festival was well attended, as was the race. This event, which is Lake Oswego Women’s Club largest fundraiser, is well-supported by the community. And, the funds go back to the community in a variety of ways.
While it was great to return to this event, I was disappointed later when I went online to check my results. Despite the best efforts of the lady in changing me from the 10K to the 5K, my bib number was never put into the system and I had no results. Despite my slow running, I meticulously keep a spreadsheet of all my official results of all my races. It was a bit sad not to be able to find my results after running. Fortunately, I was wearing my Garmin, so I do have my time for me personally.
I look forward to returning to this race again, and hopefully checking out the newer 10K course next time. I appreciate the challenge, the scenery, and the community support that this event has to offer.