Baby Nate turned 3 months on June 6th, and I’m ready to get back in the groove with my running. But, after what seemed like a very long pregnancy (with 30 pounds of water weight), an emergency C-section, and some serious postpartum depression – I’ve been slow to get back into a routine.
So let’s just say … walking is amazing. A daily 30-minute walk was actually prescribed by my doctor (Dr. Kim Kisor, who is amazing) to help with the postpartum depression, and it’s remained my favorite way to sneak in a little more exercise during the day. My goal, however, is to get back to 10-minute miles.
That’s why at this group run, participants are encouraged to walk, run and walk, or run. My strategy involves running the first half and then walking back. So I found a route that happens to turn around at a Starbucks – no matter whether you’re going 1.5 or 3!
Whether you’re a new mom, new to running, or just want to meet other runners at a low-key group run (I’ll be doing a 12-13 minute mile, with one of my kiddos in a stroller), please come and check this out.
Run Oregon Saturday Barrows Park Run
When: The 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, rain or shine
What time: We’ll get started at 8a
Park: On SW Menlor Lane or the Progress Ridge parking lot
Meet: Where the trail crosses SW Menlor, on the west side of the road
If you’re interested in helping lead the runs, please email us using the Contact Us form and let me know.
The route starts at Barrows Park, off SW Barrows Road near Progress Ridge. From there, we’ll head slightly downhill on an asphalt path, coming to Horizon Blvd., where we’ll make a small loop on Creekshire, to Fern, and Ascension, then back to the trail on Horizon. From there, we’ll stay on the path and cross at Barrows, which is about 0.8 miles from the start. There is a Haggen’s at this point on the route, with bathrooms, a water fountain, and a Starbucks.
Those that want to keep going will then cross Barrows and rejoin the path (the Westside Linear Trail, which turns into Powerline Trail) to Scholls Ferry. At Scholls Ferry, we’ll turn right and stay on the sidewalk to Murray, where we’ll cross and then take a little break at Starbucks. This is where I have been finishing my run and starting my walk, so that I can enjoy my drink and the scenery on the way back without overdoing it before I’m ready.
By running back up to the stoplight at SW 147th Terrace, we’ll make a small loop to turn around; or we can just head back across Murray to go back. Yes, the way back is a hill; but it’s not too steep – I promise.
Possible distances:
Barrows Park to Haggen – 0.83 miles (1.66 miles round trip)
Barrows Park to Murray Scholls Starbucks – 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip)
Barrows Park to Murray Scholls Starbucks to Haggen – 2.3 miles
So, pick your distance, and then pick your treat.
This is a stroller-friendly route, and friendly dogs are welcome but they need to be leashed on this trail for their own safety. If you have a partner willing to stay at Barrows Park with the kids, they’ll have a good time on the playground there. Another good option is to have a partner drop you off at the start of the run at Barrows Park, and then take the kiddos to the Murray Hill park, which is along the Powerline Trail behind 24-Hour Fitness at the Murray Scholls shopping center where the Starbucks is located.