When you register for the PRC Winter 5k Series, you’ll hear the “Never Let Winter Win” slogan, and I’m here to tell you – they mean it. In the years I’ve run this race (and I’ve missed very few of them) there has been a lot of bad weather, and Run With Paula Events always shows up for all of us. Always.
I mean, this running streak exists for a reason.
We all started hearing rumblings last week from the weather people everywhere – possible snow, ice, and low temps. We all knew it was coming, but we didn’t know how bad it would be and exactly when it was going to land. Schools started announcing delays and cancellations before a single snowflake had dropped, but Oregon takes the weather serious since we are so ill-equipped to deal with it.
The PRC 5k was scheduled for Saturday, January 13th, right after the snow was predicted to arrive. Several people asked me “are you doing it?” and “will it be canceled?”
The answer to that first question was unknown. – it all depended on how safe I felt race morning. But I never questioned the answer to the second question. The answer, without a doubt, was “absolutely not.” Paula Harkin has never canceled this race, and that’s not because she wants anyone to go out if they don’t feel like it’s safe to do so.
She, in fact, encouraged everyone in an email a few days prior to the race as well as another email the day before to stay safe and do what’s best for them. She offered all of us a virtual option and a healthy timeline to do so. But Run with Paula Events will also do everything it takes to make it all happen for those who DO want to get out and do the race no matter what. They aren’t going to let anyone down. They aren’t going to “let winter win.” They walk the walk.
Unfortunately, this girl did, in fact, let winter bully her into staying home. Not only was I unsure of how much weather was going to come in after driving to Portland Running Company, but the wind out there was brutal and I was feeling pretty comfy under the comforter at home.
I still got up at 7:00AM, watched the latest weather report, and thought about it. My family was ready to handcuff me to the couch to prevent me from leaving, but I ultimately wasn’t that hard to convince to stay home. It was COLD and I just couldn’t justify it. I think if I could’ve run there from home, I would’ve made the trek for Paula. Her races are my favorite. But it was just far enough.
But thankfully, Run with Paula events offered everyone a choice. Not everyone felt like they needed to stay home. Per Paula Harkin herself, it was an amazing day at the PRC 5k! It was snowy. And cold. And windy. All as predicted. But the course was beautiful in the snow and the dedicated folks who came out were treated like family as usual.
The event, thankfully a pretty short distance, finished right before the more severe weather came in. Everyone was rewarded with hot soup, rolls, and Hostess Twinkies and Cupcakes. You never walk away from these events hungry. And as usual, Paula was her cheery self.
“What an amazing group of people that made the trek today! I’m proud to keep this race alive for those that use it for accountability and motivation either in person or virtually. We even had day of race sign ups!” – Paula Harkin
The next, (and final of the season!) 5k in the series is coming up on Saturday, February 10th at 9:00AM. I’ve convinced my husband’s cousin, who’s visiting from Wisconsin, to do it with me so there will be no backing out. I hope to see you all there!!