Before Todd and I left Portland, we had to visit VooDoo Doughnuts. We first heard about it on Man vs. Food (an awesome show on the Travel Channel), when Adam Richman visited Portland. They, like the rest of Portland, are a little weird. Some of their creations are topped with unconventional toppings such as cereal (Fruit Loops, Cocoa Puffs); others have even more bizarre like bacon, peanut butter and Oreos. Their token doughnut is in the shape of a VooDoo doll, filled with raspberry filling, topped with chocolate and finished off with a pretzel stabbed in the center. Definitely weird but all in all a tasty treat.
We stopped at Yaquina Head to visit the coolest lighthouse. It is located in one of Oregon's National Parks. Built in the 1800's, it can be seen for 19 miles with it's "signature" signal (unique to every lighthouse) -- on for 2 seconds, off for 2 seconds, on for 2, off for 14. I was a BIG fan!
A short distance from the lighthouse, there are stairs that lead down to some tide pools. We debated going down since we were walking like we were 80. I drastically underestimated what running 26.2 miles would do to me afterward. But considering we probably wouldn't be back there we sucked it up and went down to check it out. I was fascinated by how the ocean shapes all the rocks into perfectly round stones. As we walked closer to the ocean, they became smaller, but still perfectly round. Todd found a bunch of mussels growing on the sides of the big boulders. Although I thought they were gross, he liked them. 
We stayed the night in Newport at the Elizabeth Inn. We were pleasantly surprised to see our room had it's own private balcony looking directly down to the beach. The sight was simply breathtaking. We slept with the door open so the peaceful sounds of the crashing waves could roll in.
We ate dinner at Georgie's (a local restaurant). It was a little later than our usual dinner time but it seemed like we arrived in perfect time. From our table we had the colorful view of the setting sun. I have heard about people watching the sun set before but I never took it so literally. The sun dips below the horizon in a matter of seconds. Todd and I watched the beautiful scene without uttering a word as our waitress waited patiently to take our order. One of God's wonders for sure.
The following morning we took a walk on the beach. The ocean is incredible. We found various ocean life that had washed up on the beach but mostly we enjoyed the water. Now that is something I could get used to.
I never thought I would run a marathon. . .ever. Todd has tried, unsuccessfully I might add, for the last few years to convince me I wanted to and my answer has always been “No, are you crazy?” So what can I say now? Well after a particular low point in May, my defiant, mad at the world side got the best of me and I told him if he wanted to run a marathon now was his chance. So we printed off a 16 week training course from Runner’s World’s website and signed ourselves up for the Portland Marathon!
As friends and family heard we were training for a marathon, most began asking me the same question, “Are you crazy?” and at times I would have completely agreed. There were even moments when I feared for what it was exactly I had got myself into. The first came when reviewing the training schedule and I saw our first long run was 8 miles. 8 miles? I hadn’t run 8 miles in 2 years. But we took the training head on – some runs were better than others, we learned things along the way like proper hydration and nutrition before, during and after long runs, and trained our bodies to run for hours at a time.
We recruited my mom and dad to ride their bikes behind us for water, Gatorade, and fuel snacks on our really long runs (16-20 miles). They quickly became known as “Team Broyles”. I cannot say enough about how much that helped both physically and mentally. The sacrifice on their part was huge – to spend their time helping us achieve our goal is one thing but how boring that must have been!! Todd and I have discussed many times how we couldn’t have done it without them. Thanks Mom and Dad –you’re the best!!
As race day approached, I got more nervous. Had we trained enough? Was I ready? We had booked our room at the downtown hotel sponsoring the event and arrived the day before to get our race packets and chips. They converted their entire parking garage into marathon headquarters, complete with the various athletic company booths and mazes to shuffle the over 10,000 participants through. It was a sight to behold. All the volunteers and event staff did an outstanding job. It was well planned and executed.
The morning of we walked 3 blocks to the start and we were off and running. Literally. Despite my nerves, I was happy to be running alongside my best friend and partner in crime. Another Todd and Karen’s big adventure. I wouldn’t have wanted to be with anyone else. He gives me constant encouragement and praise in life and definitely during every run. Between mile 17 and 18, I started fading – Todd was still feeling great so after a few discussions, I sent him on his way at mile 20. He finished in 4 hours and I was right behind at 4:09. I still can’t believe it.
I have been asked by more than a few what I think about running for that long. To be honest, I pray. I prayed before, during and after the race -- Lord give me air in my lungs, strong legs and a determined mind; help me make it. (And I never forget to thank Him after.) I think about my little girl – how much I love her, how she fills me up and watches over me, and how great it will be to see her again. I think about my good friend (and trainer), Mark, who has constantly pushed me to be better than I am. I think “I can, I can, I can.” It really all comes down to mind over matter. And before you know it, you’re crossing the finish line. What an amazing feeling. 
