I ran in High School. I wasn’t half bad either! After graduating, like many, I stopped running and started adulting. Little did I know as a young adult, running can really help you adult better!
I started running as a 31 year old “adult.” I had just moved to a new town. I only knew a handful of people, zero being runners. I was a lone runner, who really didn’t know much. Running now was so different than HS track and cross country. I meet one running friend that year, she was training for a marathon before she turned 40. Running with her changed everything for me.
It wasn’t long before I started meeting more area runners. I learned what a “full marathon” was and dreamed of running one. I still didn’t know much, but I gleaned from any “more experienced” runner I meet. I was given a stack of Runner’s World magazines from a friend. A story in one of those magazines started something for me, something so fun!
#foundchange
Follow me on Instagram at “jerrysgirlruns_zaofit”
The story: a runner from New York picked up coins as he ran the streets. It inspired me to do that same. I live in a small town, completely different than NY, but I figured, “why not?” It wasn’t long before I found my first coin. I started a small jar thinking it would take “forever” to fill that baby jar. To my surprised it didn’t take long at all. I started a second jar, and soon a third. After filling three jars, I put all my jar money into a large glass vase.
I have fun with my coins, posting on Instagram and facebook with the hashtag #foundchange. I have had runner friends start their own jars, tagging me in their #foundchange posts. I have also had running friends mail me their #foundchange to add to my collection. It’s become such a fun thing, giving me well over $100.
I’ve also found other random “junk” while running, from hunting knives to easter bunnies (no joke!). I do have a collection of #foundrocks. I’m saving them! One Saturday group run, my group will go plant these rocks, once again, for others to find. As for the hunting knives and easter bunnies, they are just silently taking up space in my room! Lol!
My #foundchange isn’t just a run running tradition for me anymore. It’s become part of my runs. I have my own set of rules. No picking up change when racing or doing tempo runs. I have found money while racing (crazy hu!?). The list goes on, but…you get the picture. People often ask, “what will you buy with your #foundchange?” That’s something I’ve thought about a lot. I will only turn this found change in and spend it when I register for Boston! All the miles, all the training, they produced a jar full of money and those miles gave me faster legs, legs and coins that will take me to Boston one day!
I am currently training for Eugene Marathon in April. I ran Eugene in 2018 and did qualify for Boston.This last year was the hardest year to get into Boston to date. My time was cut off due to so many entries. So, I train again, for another chance at a dream!
Eugene is a fast and fairly flat course. It’s the end of April and typically has great running weather.The course is beautiful and Eugene is such a “runner friendly” community. Track Town USA. A lot of the course is ran on “Pre’s trail.” They say there’s something “magical” about running on Pre’s trail. I’ve raced there and just ran there. There is something “magical.” It’s not sparkly and glitter like, it’s just so inviting. As a runners community, I felt so welcome on that trail. People I ran into were all so pleasant and nice. The trails are maintained and easy to access and run on. Knowing some of the greatest ran here, like Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman and Ashton Eaton is empowering.
In 2018 I got the privilege of finishing my Boston Qualifying Marathon on Hayward Field. Right on the track. Unfortunately I was so spent the last 100 meters, I don’t remember much, but I remember the crowd as I turned onto the track. I remember hearing my name and I do remember seeing that beautiful finish line. After I looked at photos and saw people in the stadium and the glorious look of that amazing track.
This year, the start and finish of Eugene Marathon is going to be different due to construction. Eugene does have a plan, Autzen Stadium. We will start on the “Big O” side of Autzen Stadium, and finish on the fifty yard line!!!The course will still be nice and fast. I hope you have you join me! If you’re not ready to run a full marathon, there is a half and a 5k. There is also a kids duck dash! Something for the whole family.
Prices do go up soon, do don’t delay. Check out Eugene Marathon website here!
Race Info:
When: April 26th-28th 2019 in Eugene OR
Register here!
- Full Marathon $120
- Half Marathon $100
- 5k $25
- Kids (2-12) Kids Duck Dash $15
Note: Prices go up March 15th! Save $10 on the half or full with promo code JULIEEM19. Save $5 off the 5k with code JULIE5k19
***NEW 2020 promo code JULIEEM20 saves you $10.00 off the full or half and JULIE5K20 saves you $5 off the 5k.
Schedule:
- Friday: Health and Fitness Expo 1:00-6:00p at Lane Events Center (796 W 13th ave, Eugene OR 97402)
- Saturday: 7-7:45a 5k and Kids Duck Dash packet Pick up near the starting line.
- 8:00-10:00a Krusteaz Pancake Breakfast.
- 8:00a Kids Duck Dash start
- 8:30a Run Tracktown 5k start
- 8:45a Kids Duck Dash Awards
- 9:00a-6:00p Health and Fitness Expo continues.
- 9:15a 5k Awards
- Sunday:
- 5:30 -6:40a Pre Race Shuttles to the starting line
- 7:00a Marathon and Half Marathon start
- 8:00a-2:00p Krusteaz Pancake Breakfast
- 9:30a-3:00p Post Race Shuttles
- 10:00a half marathon awards
- 11:00a full marathon awards
