This week we have a combo week blog post because I was devoured by Thanksgiving and the weekend as I prepped for a pop up and my Portland trip.
First let’s cover my 5K Turkey Trot where I planned to PR and…I did it! Official time was 27:22 so I was happy with that!
The following Monday I headed to Portland with my sister, Priscilla and her boyfriend Evan. I planned this trip so that I could run, visit the Bridge of the Gods (because Wild) and of course eat all the vegan food and drink all the coffee!
At the PDX airport :)
We ran near our Airbnb which had a cute park called Laurelhurst Park. It was so nice that it was only a few blocks away so I treated the walk over to the park as my warm-up. However, we did properly warm up before our run doing jumping jacks to J.J. Fad’s “Supersonic” as suggested by Priscilla :)
What a scenic run we had. I wish I had a park similar to Laurelhurst nearby my house. Here are more photos so you see what I mean:
There were so many runners, walkers, dog walkers and cyclists so early in the morning! My kind of place.
However, I have a bone to pick with Portland runners. I want to know why no one waves back hello, or even acknowledges that “hey, we’re both running!” Maybe I’m too sunny from LA and an annoying happy runner, lol. I love waving at runners, or giving a peace sign or even exchanging a smile when I spot one. Especially when we are running towards each other. I mean isn’t that awkward to just look down and pretend we’re not there. How nice is it that here we are, same morning, same time, same moment…running. It’s always a good morning when I run so I’m happy to see someone else out there working on their goals. Who knows, maybe I am too sunny lol. Do you wave hello? Smile? Would you wave back hello to an annoying sunny runner? Asking for a friend here.
Moving right along, I was proud of myself for not only getting two hello backs, but also for conquering my first frozen run. I have never, ever ran when it’s 30 degrees Fahrenheit. That was WILD. I panicked a little because I thought my lungs would be mad at me for putting them through that frozen morning crisp breeze but they were totally fine!
These Tracksmith running gloves and my Cotopaxi headband saved the day. Also, thank you Kleenex tissues. Now that I’m back in LA, the cold mornings here feel like nothing after experiencing a true frozen run. I can’t believe people run in much worse conditions!
Now that we are on the topic of cold, the morning that I drove to Cascade Locks to visit the Bridge of the Gods, I nearly froze. But it was worth it. I previously talked about how the book/movie Wild ignited a fire within to choose adventure, to be brave and explore more. Although I didn’t hike the PCT like Cheryl, I felt like I too faced the many challenges that mental health brings to light when you finally confront them. So I thought it would be fitting to walk across the Bridge of the Gods to celebrate my bravery.
The view was spectacular.
The trip was short but we managed to squeeze in some runs and hikes. The moss-covered trees hypnotized us at the Macleay Park Trail.
Oregon, you are certainly beautiful. I will be back soon.
Bravery is acknowledging your fear and doing it anyway - Cheryl Strayed