A Two-fer! A PR and 1st place in my age group! This was an inaugeral event for Forest Grove, and hopefully it will be an annual event. I was a little concerned initially when I picked up my race packet late Friday and found out there was no race expo. Then I noticed there was no timing chip on my bib-I went back tho the sight and saw the race was to be manually timed. No matter, I was looking forward to a great run and lots of scenery. That morning, the race start was well-marked and there was plenty of parking. It started and ended at Lincoln Forest park stadium. There was no bag check, but it wasn't needed, as you didn't have to walk very far, even with street parking. The race started with 1/2 lap around the track and then we headed out into some neighborhoods. The course led us through a park that reminded me a little bit of the Spring Corridor, except more open and much shorter. We ended up on some country highways, then Rt 47 for a little less than a mile. That stretch was a little precarious, as Rt 47 is busy, even at that hour, but there was enough of a berm to run on. We turned Rt onto SW Dilley Rd and passed Montinore Estates-gorgeous winery! We then ran all the way out Stringtown Rd, until shortly after mile 8, where we turned around, there were quite a few hills, but very similar to those of the Helvetia half, so I had no problem. Lots of beautiful farmland, with bison and horses. There was one farm I passed, where the horses were kicking up their hell, enjoying the cool weather. Somewhere after mile 10, we turned onto Ritchey Rd., which led us back through that little park and eventually back to the stadium. There was music playing as well as plenty of pizza, watermelon, bananas, granola bars and gatorade at the finish. The awards ceremony for the half was at 11, so I stayed around for that. I figured that I maybe had a chance to place when I heard some of the times that were close to mine, but was shocked when they called my name for 1st place in my age group. I received a lovely glass plaque with the logo imprinted. The finishers medal was beautiful as well. A well-organized first event-I will definitely be back next year.
Splits were: 8:27, 8:27, 8:32, 9:01, 8:38, 9:08, 9:41, 9:09, 8:53, 8:47, 9:23, 9:14, 8:44, 1:55 (the last tenth of a mile) I maintained a steady pace for the first several miles and throughout, except when there were hills. I felt strong the entire run, and when I realized after mile 12 that I was going to break 2 hours, it bolstered me even more. Official distance: 13.11, time:1:58:01.
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