Hippie Chick Half Marathon- As a Spectator!

I think I have found the race that will be a Marathon Mommies Meetup in Oregon! The Hippie Chick Half Marathon is an All Women's Race and it is the day before Mother's Day. It fills up quickly, so I wasn't able to get a spot this year, but I decided to go cheer on some of my friends. I LOVE seeing runners-all runners, and knowing how hard they have worked for their individuals goals.
I have never watched a race that I didn't participate in, and it was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. :-) I had a fabulous run this morning with Poky Girl and a Marathon Daddy, and then I took a shower, grabbed my 3 cute kids (left my husband to mow the lawn, etc) and we drove down to Champoeg Park. I have raced at this park 4 times and it is one of my all time favorite places to run. The weather was perfect and I got there just in time to watch one of my good friends, Marnie, run in. She just had a baby at the end of December and did awesome!! (She cheered me on at St. George when she was pregnant and has been a wonderful running partner over the last 3 1/2 years!) I watched 3 more women that are friends of mine come in and then I saw the two girls who were running their first half marathon. I actually teared up knowing what kind of time and effort they had spent getting ready for their race. I was so proud of them!! My kids were great and had fun cheering them on. (Although Emily did ask me why I wasn't running!) Instead of a medal, the race finishers get a sterling silver necklace with a cool charm that says Hippie Chick 2008. What a cool gift, and what a beautiful race!! Great job, ladies! I will be joining you next year. And any other Marathon Mommies, this is an open invitation!