This year has been all about getting back on my feet and better than ever after ending 2015 with a bout of pneumonia and a cracked rib. I had a breakthrough in the Corvallis Half Marathon this spring and knocked a few seconds off my 5K PR this summer. I had high hopes for theContinue reading “Poised and Ready”
Author Archives: Liz Derstine
Ode to the Turkey Trot
Every Thanksgiving I’ve spent in Portland I’ve made the trek across the Columbia River to take part in Vancouver’s Clark County Turkey Trot. Thinking back on what initially drew me to this event in 2009 as a newly married college grad, it might have been the enticing low entry fee. What I found at theContinue reading “Ode to the Turkey Trot”
Get Loud
Maybe I’m projecting, but this week the universe has been telling me over, and over, and over again- to be my own advocate, put myself out there, and maybe even be a little loud about it in the process. In a recent blog post, pro runner Phoebe Wright likened attracting sponsors and media attention to herContinue reading “Get Loud”
The Aftermath
On the flight home to Portland the day after I ran the Chicago Marathon, I stretched out my stiff and achey legs in front of me, a luxury afforded by exit row seating. It was then that I noticed just how puffy my right ankle was in comparison to my left. I knew my legsContinue reading “The Aftermath”
Friday Picks
I’m starting a weekly wrap up of sorts to share highlights from the week that have been useful to my training, health, and outlook on life. I’ll think of a more creative name eventually, but for now enjoy! Quote “Age is just a number to me. I don’t look it as my age as aContinue reading “Friday Picks”
404 Runner Not Found: Chicago Marathon Recap
“I have a good feeling about tomorrow. I feel really good.” That’s what I told my husband AndrĂ© the night before running the Chicago Marathon. My training leading up to the race had gone as well as I could have asked for. The 60, 70, and 80+ mile weeks had been logged. I could runContinue reading “404 Runner Not Found: Chicago Marathon Recap”
A Weekend With Kara
Early October was a whirlwind between racing in the Chicago Marathon, playing my first Pink Feathers show in Portland, and attending Kara Goucher’s Podium Retreat in Tucson, Arizona. I’m still willing myself to write about Chicago (it was rough), so I’m kicking off with a recap of the retreat! This was my second year attendingContinue reading “A Weekend With Kara”
Giving Myself Grace
The miles have begun to dwindle down in my preparation for the Chicago Marathon. As I build up to important races, I like to hone in on certain words or mantras. In the past they’ve centered around being brave, fierce, and relentless- very much of the “I am woman, hear me roar” variety. This time,Continue reading “Giving Myself Grace”
Drawing on Heroes, Art, and Imagination
Last weekend I ran the 2016 Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon. It was my first time running it since it was established in 2011 and afterward I couldn’t believe what I had been missing all these years. It was by far one of the prettiest courses I’d ever experienced and one of the most challengingContinue reading “Drawing on Heroes, Art, and Imagination”
When I Woke
Yesterday morning I woke up in that blurry line between dream and reality, when it’s not quite clear which is which. I had just received an offer for a job I’d be perfect for, with three years worth of pay upfront. The number was written down on a note and slid across the table toContinue reading “When I Woke”
Mercury on the Run 