The Portland Turkey Trot at the Zoo

A week or so ago, I got a fantastic box delivered to me from KimPossible. Inside, was the magical Shirt that Races. I know magical might feel like a melodramatic word to some people, but what can I say, that's how I roll and if you read my blog you already know that. There is something special about knowing other people before me and after me are contributing to the same journey. And the thing is, we're all so different! Different paces, different ages, different states, different places in life. But this we have in common. I love it!

I signed up for the Portland Turkey Trot at the Zoo. It was my first time running it - my first time in a Turkey Trot at all! I over scheduled my Thanksgiving a little bit and decided I needed to fly to Boise to see my family - as soon as the race was over. So I woke up at 5:30 with exaggerated race day anxiety - even if it was just a four mile turkey trot!

I had my usual cup of coffee:


Threw on The Shirt and other layers because it was freezing - and realized my camera was d.e.a.d. and that I'd have to rely on my cell for documenting the day.

I got to the zoo before they even opened up race day packet pickup so I waited in my car for a while to avoid freezing. Thank goodness for NPR! Eventually I calmed down, got my bib, and discovered - not only was this not a chipped race - it wasn't even timed due to the no number assignment!


Why is it so hard to just do something for fun? I mean, it's fun - but MORE fun if it's timed! Right? Or can a race at the zoo (one of my favorite places on earth) can just be fun on principle alone? I decided to take that approach. . .



After standing in line at the Starbucks cart and scoring another cup of free coffee, I met up with these other two awesome Portland bloggers out for a morning run. Gazelle and Emily. Two very fun girls - read their blogs and become friends with them!


The course for today's run was a there and kind of back again route. We started near the Forestry Center entrance, and ran downhill to almost the Rose Garden, just to turn around and run back up-hill to the zoo.

The race started a little late, and it wasn't well organized. Walkers were mingled in the start, oblivious to the runners weaving in and out behind them. There were also several people with dogs, even though the registration form forbids them. I got slimed by one large black lab. Eventually though, I got past all the distractions and just got to enjoy the run!

I didn't wear headphones at this race. My first time EVER doing that. And you know what, it was enjoyable! I don't see myself trying to do a marathon anytime soon without music (or with even - ha ha), but I really did like hearing everyone around me.

The downhill portion went great, as did the turn around. And the uphill portion didn't seem as intimidating as I thought it was going to be either. There were a few steep legs, but other than that, gradual incline. My favorite part, even though it did also prove to be the most chaotic part, was running through the zoo.

The course wasn't well marked at all, and volunteers were standing there yelling at runners to stay to the right, while spectators and people who had finished were just milling around and getting in the way. Lots of dodging and almost collision.

But there was one animal out while I ran. (crappy phone while running picture)
.

There was also a clock at the finish line. It gave me a 40 minute 4 second finish time. Not sure when they considered me starting, but that's OK. It's not official!

I didn't take time to linger and get my free pumpkin pie - I took off directly from the race to the airport. Where I wore the Shirt that Races to Idaho. Luckily no one had to sit next to me on the plane - and my family are the only people who made fun of me for flying in my running gear. But they should expect that from me by now!


Happy Thanksgiving!