If you are like me, finding motivation to run this time of year can be very difficult. There is something about the weather, that makes me want to just stay inside. That is why I signed up for the first race in the 2019-2020 Portland Running Co Winter 5k Race Series. I truly needed something to keep me accountable, and give me motivation in this hectic month of December. This series is put on by Portland Running Company and Run With Paula Events. They have 3 races in their series, all starting and stopping at their Beaverton location of Portland Running Co, one each month –
December, January and February.
The race started at 9am, which was perfect considering I was not able to pick up my packet prior to race day. I got at the venue right at 8:20am and thankfully the packet pick up was seamless. I just showed them the QR code that was sent via email and I was good to go. One of the great things about this race is the store is open before, during and after the race. I was able to bring my
family and they waited for me while I ran.
The course was very fast and flat. The miles flew by and before I knew it, I was back at the finish line. The race was very well organized and once crossing the finish, I was sent a text message telling me my time! Such instant gratification! Once I made my way to find my family, we went inside Portland Running Co. for the post race party. If you have ever participated in a Run with Paula Event, you know just how great this part of the race is. There was some yummy food and drinks, and they even had long sleeved shirts you could purchase. There were also raffles and since we were already in the store, I was able to pick up some last minute Christmas gifts too.
I highly recommend this race series. It has so much to offer, especially in such a hard time of year to run. I will definitely be adding this to my race calendar for next year!
