Go Girl Race Report 2011 by Jen Treadwell
Trail Running Newbie
by Jen Treadwell
It was my first time running the Go Girl Trail Run. I wasn't planning on running it, thinking to myself I can't run 6 "hard" trail miles, as everyone whom I encountered told me it would be. I was happy working the event, volunteering my time and cheering on the hundreds of woman who were braver than me for tackling those hills, those rocks and those bugs! Well, for anyone that knows Paula, she can be quite convincing. :) She encouraged me, as she does every runner and walker she comes across, to go for it. "Why not," she says, "you can do it, Jen." I think she believed in me more than I believed in myself, but hey, why not just go for it, what did I possibly have to lose besides rolling an ankle or coming in dead last!
Well I couldn't have been more proud of myself if I had won the New York City Marathon! I started the race in the 4th wave, ran my heart out, walked a few of those massive hills (umm, hello can you say Aspen hill?!), and enjoyed the camaraderie of so many ladies running in front and behind me in a single file line up the windy hills of Wildwood Trail. It was an incredible morning; being in nature, being with so many women dedicated to the sport they love. The rocky, hilly terrain made me feel strong and powerful and full of life. It was so different than the many, many miles I've logged on the pavement over the years. And I was actually even FAST when I ran downhill towards the finish. Me, fast?
Crossing that finish line felt amazing and I had so many good friends cheering me on and shouting my name. It was a reminder to me, to always push myself and do the things that feel uncomfortable, because on the other side waits pure awesomeness. I am a trail running newbie and a trail running convert. And my new Montrail Rogue Racers can't wait to be broken in!
Jen Treadwell is an avid runner, a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and the General Manager of Portland Running Company. She's completed both the New York City Marathon and the Portland Marathon, as well as participated in numerous half marathons.
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Go Girl 10k recap & results
By Kelly Johnson, community blogger
July 13, 2009, 2:40PM
Red Lizard teammates Lisa Schwartzman and Megan Clark after the Go Girl 10k.Ladies and gents, today, this girl went.
Yesterday I ran the Go Girl 10K ... The greatest trail run ever.
I have to be honest, 500 women and one really, really big hill at the beginning, I was nervous. Come one, ladies, you know how we are, I was expecting to hear a lot of whining and probably some catty remarks.
I'm aware this is a bad attitude to have going in to it, but it is what it is.
Ladies, ladies ... It was an absolute pleasure to run with you today. I have never run with such a huge group of fabulous women. People were so supportive on the trail, lots of encouragement, but not the phony kind, genuine and real. I was pretty chatty with a few different women throughout the course, and people passed each other, not only with good trail etiquette, but very friendly and cheerful etiquette.
About the course ... How spot on was my preview? I'm actually sitting on a plane flying to Boise as I write this constantly squirming in my seat, and I can feel everyone of my muscles throbbing - but in a good, "You are hardcore, and SO strong," kind of way. Paula challenged us; Paula challenged me - and it felt great.
The last wave of the Go Girl 10k starts at Lower Macleay Park.The race started in waves, which was the only way to make the first mile manageable. The staff and volunteers did a fantastic job with the waves. I was in the second to last wave and only started six minutes after the first wave. The trail was a bit crowded for the first mile, but everyone had fabulous manners and it thinned out as we ran "the hill of hot butts."
As I was finishing up mile 2, I realized I was kind of alone ... I was a bit nervous I had managed to get off the trail, and was lost - but there were no trailheads that met without a volunteer to steer me in the right direction, so I just kept running. I've been running a lot with friends, which has been amazing, but I forgot how nice it was to go for a run and just get lost in your thoughts. I was in my happy place. I hit some rolling hills and before I knew it I was at the big downhill on my way to Leif Erickson.
After finishing Leif Erickson, we ran through a cute little neighborhood, maybe for half a mile, but to my surprise, Kelly was out there to cheer the girls on. I saw her and you couldn't help be get excited to hear someone screaming, "Go Megan!" As I approached Kelly, I ran strategically for the camera and she decided to run a block with me - which really was an amazing idea.
One more big hill up, then down again and voi-la, I had finished the Go Girl 10k. The course was exactly what I was expecting - I knew what I was getting myself into. The race however, was mind-blowing.
The energy on the trail, and at the start and finish was so positive! The volunteers and staff were perfection, helpful and friendly, and incredibly encouraging - honestly, I think the only thing I would have changed was my training, and that is all sitting on my shoulders. Next year, "hill of hot butts," next year.
I grabbed my recovery Jamba and had to jet out of there, to catch this plane I am sitting on right now. I didn't slow down after the race, rush, rush, rush, but the Go Girl 10k was SO worth it. Paula, this is the second Run With Paula race I have done - I'm not going to lie, you absolutely know how to show a lady a good time. I can't wait for the next one!