SHOUT OUT to the RCTC cheer squad along the course!! Y’all killed it at every turn 📣 It was so awesome to hear my name being shouted throughout the race. Love my team 🌹💛♥️

That course preview walk threw the usual pacing gameplan out the window, that really encouraged going watchless. I felt way more present with little distraction, just racing the people around me.

Across the country and the world, Rose City athletes faced unexpected challenges. Weather, illness, even surprise bonus distance. Through it all, they showed adaptability and resilience, rolling with the unexpected challenges. They persevered to notch victories large and small, whether it was a PR, an unexpectedly good performance, or taking the time to enjoy the moment.

So naturally, when the gun went off, I went out with all the patience of Shooter McGavin sprinting away from the mob after he stole the gold jacket. (There’s just something about a mass start in the fall.)

Captain, my captain. We couldn’t have done it without Jordan. And I certainly wouldn’t have been able to run my legs, as he drove when I wasn’t behind the wheel.

It’s inspiring to see everyone out there competing in something different, and the support to each other is incredible. I tended to think track events are scary because there is nowhere to hide, but having the support and inspiration around is definitely the positive pull.

I left the race not sure what I did but saw my niece on the sidelines so excited for me and wanting to tell me I did a great job.

Fastest time since my hip surgery!!! So pumped for that 😀 Masters PR and might even be a road 5k PR overall.

[A] quality training cycle is sometimes less about weekly mileage and more about booking time for quality sessions—workouts that are going to support your goal without leaving your body/mind/spirit completely depleted.

It’s important to have these opportunities for young and old to test themselves—it gets us back to the root of why we are out there without the obstacles of cost, travel or entry standards. I’m so glad to be healthy and able to test myself with other Rose City teammates. The support and cheering is unmatched!!

I owe a debt of gratitude (and maybe flowers) to Sam Nishi for excellent pacing and wind-blocking, and to Brandt Bergeron for shouting at me to rip the last 200.

The real highlight of the meet, actually, was volunteering as a clerk. I’ve been helping distribute hip numbers to runners for the past few track meets and have gotten to meet a lot of dedicated runners, from middle school students on summer break to aspiring Olympians to athletes in their 70s and 80s.

Sometimes, you just have to bet on yourself. Stay curious. Try something that scares you a little. You might surprise yourself. You might even finish feeling fulfilled and happy. And you might just find another version of yourself out there.

Hearing teammates and friends cheer my name made me feel strong. It really made an otherwise bad day a lot better.

It's really nice to know that even when I'm at a relatively low point in my relationship with running, showing up with an open mind and sharing in the joy of racing with teammates made for a pretty special evening.

This holiday weekend Rose City athletes rose early hoping to beat the heat. From Champoeg Park to Sauvie Island, from the 5k to the half marathon, they earned PRs, podium finishes, age group wins, and great experiences. Some put themselves out there even though they were unsure of how the race would go. Some overcame doubts and challenges during their races. All were happy for the chance to do it beside their friends.