Including the run this weekend, there are only three runs left for the Coach Jim Spring 2017 season. After this series wraps up, runners will continue to be able to join a free Saturday long run – although those running a spring marathon will have to tack some miles on in order to reach their prescribed mileage. The Portland Marathon Clinic will fire up on Saturday, April 8 under a new head coach. Diane Lechner, who happens to be a wonderful person, is certified by the Road Runner Clubs of America (RRCA) and has long been a pace group leader for Coach Jim. PMC founders Patti & Warren Finke will continue to be involved as well, but Diane will take the lead and no doubt do a wonderful job in that role.
Back to this Saturday:
Your run is made up of two loops from the Grand Central Bakery at 714 N. Fremont Street. Please do not park in the business lot, instead park on the street so their regular customers have no trouble finding parking.
The first loop will start at 8a. The confirmed loop isn’t linked, but this is what the group did last time for 8 miles.
The second run will follow, and again – no confirmation, but I expect it to be an out and back for the first 6 miles of this route.
As usual, bring your own hydration and nutrition on this run to practice your race day eating and drinking plan. It might also be fun to practice your post-race hydration and nutrition plan … I’m not talking about anything crazy, I’m talking about what you plan to eat immediately after your race is done. Find out what will be available in the finish chute – chocolate milk, yogurt, granola bars, etc., and plan to add what might be missing. Protein is an important post-race fuel and if it’s not offered after your race, have a plan to get some. It will help with your overall recovery.
Be kind to your pace group leaders – they are all volunteers! A Starbucks card is a sweeter thank you than a sweaty hug, in my opinion, but saying “thank you” goes a long way too. Coach Jim sets these runs up because he sees how important they are for area runners and your thanks is all the payment he needs. Be sure to join his facebook group here and you can also RSVP for this specific run here.
