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FLRC Newsletter - Jul 2003 |
| Newport, Oregon Marathon - State # 36 and D.C. Completed | |
On May 28 my ultramarathon running friend Cathy Troisi and I were on our way to Portland, Oregon so we could run the Newport, Oregon marathon.Fortunately Cathy had made friends with Christina at running camp. Christina lives in Lake Oswego just outside Portland. She had volunteered to pick us up at the airport and then drive us the 114 miles to Newport. Christina did not run the marathon because she had a marathon scheduled the following weekend on San Juan Island, Oregon. On our drive to Newport Christina took the scenic route so we could see the hazelnut groves, the Coast Mountain Range and of course the Pacific Ocean Shoreline.
Newport is located between the Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay. The area has been a resort community for over 100 years. Newport is also popular for its clamming, crabbing and fishing.
The first night we just collapsed into bed after the long trip and time change in our resort condominium. The view from our room looked directly into the Yaquina Bay and the historic picturesque Yaquina Bay Bridge. During the night we could hear the fog horn and in the morning we woke to the call of the seagulls.
Our tour day Friday included the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse which is rumored to be haunted. It is also the location of the start line for the marathon. We walked on the beach and touched the waters of the Pacific Ocean. We were very surprised to learn from Christina that no one swims in the ocean here because it is so cold year round. Our next stop was at the Oregon Coast Aquarium which features 15,000 marine animals representing some 500 species. Later in the day was packet pick up and prerace pasta dinner held at the nearby elementary school.
Race day morning came and we were up early to catch the shuttle to the start line. Race day was not a typical day for Oregon as the sun came out and no rain or mist was in the air. Starting temperature was 50 degrees and we finished with a temperature of 70 degrees. This would be the hottest marathon in their 5 year history. The marathon was limited to 700 runners and had closed out early. To begin we ran a 4 mile loop in the neighborhoods and then headed to downtown Newport past quaint shops onto the boardwalk where the smell of fish was very strong in the air. It was then out to the countryside along the beautiful Yaquina Bay Coastline. At mile 11 you were offered all the raw oysters you could eat. The people at the stop were saying the oysters would give you enough energy to catch the leaders. I did not partake. Mile 15 was the turn around point and we headed back on the 1/2 closed highway for the runners. To my surprise at mile 21 Joe Henderson, writer for Runner's World, jumped out of his car and raced over to give me an inspirational hug.
At mile 4 was a hill that we would have to climb again from 25-26 miles but after that it was a quick downhill to the finish line. To my surprise after running Sugarloaf Maine only 2 weeks earlier I crossed the finish line with a time of 4:11:09. This placed me fifth in my age group. They sure do produce very fast runners in Oregon. First place in my age group had a time of 3:30. Our finish line refreshments included delicious clam chowder.
Cathy and I felt the course was very pretty and fast. After the finish we walked very slowly to the car to make the return trip of 114 miles back to the Portland area. On our way back we stopped for gasoline. In the state of Oregon only fuel technicians can pump gas. It is against the law to pump your own gasoline.
Christina was very gracious and allowed us to stay overnight in her home. Her husband grilled us a delicious dinner. Sunday came and it was time to make the long trip back to New York after having a wonderful time in the beautiful state of Oregon. The states on the East Coast and West Coast are now completed. It is time to fill in the Central States. Next is Marathon to Marathon at Storm Lake, Iowa in June.
Happy Running,
Ruthie
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