The concept behind the PRC Winter 5k Race Series is to “Never Let Winter Win!” Last January, that was put to the test when the weather got really cold and icy, but Run With Paula Events still managed to put together an awesome race. Thankfully for this girl, (who won’t drive in the ice!) the weather was much more enjoyable for the second race in the series this season. Instead of being 8 degrees outside, it was in the 30s and there was even sunshine! It was glorious.
I got up at the crack of dawn because I had extra miles to put in before the race, and my fingers, toes, and face felt a little frozen before the sun came up. However, I arrived after my pre-race miles to Portland Running Company and found a smiling Paula preparing food as though we were invited into her kitchen at home.
Inside the store, everyone was in a fantastic mood, as the race could not have been on a better day in January. I checked in for the race using the bib I had used from December, and it took all of about 5 minutes before I was joining my friends for more chatter in the store before heading out into the brisk morning air.
I arrived at the race start as I have so many times before, in cheery spirits, waiting for the national anthem and the prompt to start. I took off and felt nice and loose from the 8 miles I’d run previously. My fingers were a bit frozen for the first mile, but it felt good, running with families and friends and runners.
Since I’ve run this race many times, I know every turn, so really what I love to do is judge how well I’m doing by when I see the faster runners coming back after the turnaround. I always make it over the Greenway Park entrance bridge crossing (slower this time due to a little frost) but it’s not too terribly long after that when I see the 1st and 2nd and 3rd place runners flying back toward me so effortlessly. It really is wonderful and inspiring.
The volunteers, as always, were friendly and encouraging. They told us where it was a bit more slippery, where we should veer right to make room for others, and how proud of us they were. I am always so appreciative of those volunteers standing in the cold while we are, at least, warmer than they are.
The turn around point is always great, as the bubble machine is going and all you have to tell yourself is to get back to the store. This is where I get to see all the friends behind me and to cheer them on the way that those in front of me cheered for me. Once I get through the park and hit the commercial neighborhood coming back, the trek feels a lot more uphill than I thought it would be going the other direction.
But I know exactly where each turn is and I’m so ready to see that finish chute after the last turn. The last straightaway is longer than it looks (to me anyway) but there’s always so much encouragement waiting there.
Afterwards, I headed back to the store for chocolate chip pancakes served by Paula herself (filled with lots of love, per her admission) and glorious coffee. I even won one of the raffle prizes.
It’s impossible to leave one of Paula’s races in a bad mood, and the January RC 5k was no exception. What a great way to kick off the race season for 2025!
If you haven’t registered for the last 5k in the series this season, it’s not too late. Join me on February 15th for some fun!
