Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Oh Eugene

I am still basking in the joy of Eugene trip. I originally signed up in early January not knowing that my feet would not be willing or able to run for many months. By February when I still wasn't able to run I came to terms that Eugene wouldn't be in the plan for me. As I am getting the message loud and clear that this thing called "life" is His plan not mine. Time marched on and God blessed me with opportunities to participate in Run Across America and brought some wonderful people into my life through that experience. Yet, something was still tugging at me to go to Eugene. So LAST minute I jumped in the car and began the LONG (and I mean LONG) drive to Eugene. No expectations.
I can't really explain the conversations or the feelings I experience while running except to say that Eugene was THICK with GOD. I began the race with Mere who had her plan to start conservative and then pick it up. We stayed together the first 5 miles off and on and then we would be both be on our own as we completed our amazing journey to the finish line. I felt good and really don't recall much about how my feet actually felt. I just remember feeling strong and loved by God. It is a beautiful course with plush greenery everywhere as well as water. The sounds, the path, the people...LOVED it all. I didn't pay much attention to my watch until the last 3 miles. I was perplexed that I was actually able to "walk" out the door and run 13.1 miles without training?? Who knew? By mile 12 and 13 I was tired and my feet began to throb a bit but I decided to push and pick up the pace the last mile. I was actually feeling a bit sad that this experiecne was coming to an end. Running onto the U of O (boo Ducks) track for the finish was super cool! I felt fast and I could feel the track texture under my feet. I was tired and couldn't see the clock but knew that this race felt amazing! Things I loved about this weekend: * Little shops and food everywhere * My bedmate Marnee who made me laugh * Mere's laugh and smile * Singing in the car praising God * Crying with friends * Great course with beautiful scenery * Crazy bike girl at grocery store * Sitting in the sun * Sharing life with others * Watching Mere finish her marathon * Wearing compression socks and sandles with Marnee * Sporting Bling around town * Comfortable tech shirt * Marnee's mad driving skillz * Feeling Strong * Meeting Other Runners/Bloggers * Frozen Yogurt * Twisted Bras * Business Socks * Rocking Road trip * Mere's sweet children * Seeing my niece and family
I don't really know how but I got a P.R. with a 1:54:35. This makes me smile, laugh and scratch my head. This race had a huge impact me and the gift of running in my life. Mere and Marnee both had amazing experienes as well. Check it out! I have a feeling I am not done with Eugene.

17 comments:

a runner said...

Huge, awesome, and amazing! Congrats on your beautiful new PR :)

abbi said...

Congrats to you - funny how things work sometimes!

Johann said...

Congratulations and well done! "Thick with God" - Love it! Do you know Raina from Small Town Runner. If not check her out here: http://smalltownraces.blogspot.com/

Heather Iacobacci-Miller said...

So awesome my dear. I am so glad you opted to do the half. I knew it'd be an accomplishment one way or another. And you ran that race and ran it strong b/c you're strong to begin with. You might not have been in full training per se, but you were back to running.

Tasha Malcolm said...

Eugene was such a fun weekend! I am so glad that I got to meet you. Since we live so close we should get together sometime. I know my hubby is dying to go to football game this fall. :-)

Are you running Bloomsday this weekend?

Ricole Runs said...

This is awesome! Congrats! And congrats on a PR as well!

Becky at Prairie Runner said...

Way to go!!!!! And a PR!!! I love Eugene - if I could, I would move there in a heartbeat!

SupermomE13 said...

Yay!I am so so happy it was a good weekend and a wonderful race for you. :) Eugene sounds like it was a magical race for many this year!!! Congrats and hugs!

Kerrie said...

That is AWESOME! Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Oh sweet friend. You are a treasure beyond words! I love how God met all of us in different ways yet exactly what we needed. He is so cool like that....of course as we know, He invented cool! Love Love Love you and honestly cannot wait to see you again!

Amanda said...

Awesome race Harmony. This was God just lovin on you :)

Kris said...

Sounds like you had an amazing time!! I'm so happy it was wonderful for you. Eugene sounds like a great marathon to run, maybe I'll run the full or half next year. Especially is you'll be there :)

Julie D. said...

first...those are YUMM bowls I see!! jealous. Second, you and marnee are rocking those socks and sandles!! third...CONGRATS on that PR. Love it. Love how you told me you were going to shuffle/walk and it ended in a PR. WHAT?!!! God is pretty amazing...what a gift in a PR with NO training. So love it. and I think we can still be friends even if you aren't a duck fan. :)

Corrina said...

That's incredible! So glad you were able to run it :)

Elizabeth said...

congrats on your PR!! glad you had a fun trip!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

SO GLAD that you could still run YOUR race! Eugene is totally yours in 2013. Congratulations and a trainingless PR! Shows how much potential you have!

Kathy said...

How wonderful!!! Congrats on a wonderful weekend and a PR!!