1. It’s too hard. Yes, the Lake Run has earned the reputation of the run you love to hate because it does pose its challenges, like the McVey hill climb, not to mention a myriad of what I like to refer to as “nuisance” climbs along the way. Even though it has this reputation, however, Mapmyrun has given the Lake Run its least difficult rating category of all its categorized climbs—a Category 5. Climb scores are based on distance, grade/elevation change and maximum elevation. So who ya gonna listen to—the experts… or a bunch of runners who perhaps like to embellish their running horror stories once they’re done? I’ve “been there, done that,” and I’ll give you that it’s challenging but if I can do it, you can do it!
2. I haven’t trained. It’s March 24. You have seven weeks. Experts recommend allowing eight to ten weeks if you’ve never run a 10K before so you’re just shy of that, but if you have some running experience or have run a 5K before, then you’re good. You’ve got enough time to get ready.
3. I don’t like hills. You have options. While the highest elevation of the 10K is 454 feet, the 5K starts at 116 feet and only goes up to 230 so easy peasy. The climb is so minimal that the 5K doesn’t even register a category listing on mapmyrun. And race organizers describe the course as “meandering” –that’s not a word that should scare you away. Of course, you could always walk up McVey…you wouldn’t be the first, and you definitely won’t be the last. Just be sure to start at the back of the pack if you plan on doing so to enable more competitive runners to pace themselves.
4. I only enter races in which I can get a t-shirt. Well, if you register by April 30 you are guaranteed an official t-shirt. So what are you waiting for? If you’re a procrastinator, or you want to train a few weeks before you commit, you can still possibly get a t-shirt if you register after the 30^th, but they go on a first-come, first-served basis after that.
5. I only enter USATF certified races. The 10K and the 5K were measured and certified by an official with the USA Track and Field Association in April 2014. Thus, you can run with assurance that the distance is exact to USATF standards.
6. I don’t have a babysitter on Sundays so need to push my kid in the stroller. Not a problem! Strollers and the use of MP3s are allowed in the 10K and 5K races. For the safety of everyone, walkers and stroller participants are asked to begin the race at the back of the pack.

So now that you don’t have an excuse, here are a few other things you should know.

• This is the first year that the run is being organized by Northwest Housing Alternatives. This nonprofit was the beneficiary of the Lake Run proceeds last year and supplied many of the volunteers to ensure a smooth transition for 2019.
• In addition to the 10K (starts at 8:00 a.m.) and 5K (8:15 a.m. start time) , there will be a Kid’s Dash starting at 10:00 a.m. .
• Fees are: 10K: $45 through April 11; $50 afterwards. 5K: $40 through April 11; $45 afterwards. Kid’s Dash: $15.
• Family Fun Festival will take place the morning of the run complete with a DJ, face-painting and crafts for the kids.
• For more information and to register, go to the Lake Oswego Lake Run website.

If you’re thinking of moving in, out, or around Lake Oswego, you have no excuse not to give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put experience to work for you!