Portland Run TEAM

This is my second year as a member of Team LUNA chix. I was introduced to running at the age of 8 on a small strip of road in Montana. My dad and I would race from our house to his shop and progressed to racing up and down a 1.6 mile stretch of road. I became a hurdler in high school, but injury turned me to golf where I worked my way onto the Montana State University golf team. I continued running for fitness but it never crossed my mind to attempt to race. I did not consider myself a distance runner. 3 miles was the farthest I had ever run. After moving to Rochester MN I began to run more. I worked up to 4 miles then 5 miles. There was a group of runners that I would see every morning heading out for their run. They would ask me to join them, but I had the same answer everytime "you run too far and too fast". One morning I finally caved and decided to join them. It was a 9 mile run of hill repeats. I survived. I gradually worked up to running 40-60 miles per week with this group every morning at 5:05 am. This is where I learned the importance of a group. We pushed ourselves more than any of us would have done on our own through -35 degree temperatures to 90 degrees with 100% humidity. This is where I found my true love for running. My running has changed over the years from focusing on 5k's all the way up to marathon distances and triathlons. Every year my dad and I still race on that 1.6 mile stretch of road. After 22 years of racing I still have never beat him. I am lucky to be able to share my love for sport with my work as a physical therapist and Team Luna Chix has given me the opportunity to help provide a fun and supportive environment for women of all fitness levels to participate. . .

This is my second year as a member of Team LUNA Chix. I am still only a beginner in the world of running, but my with the support and encouragement of my teammates, there are two half marathons under my belt now. I hope this year brings faster times and more people to share the experience with.

I started running over ten years ago as a way to stay in shape and continue to do the activities in life I enjoy. I have raced every distance from 5k to marathon distance. My favorite distance is the Half-marathons, marathons are just far too painful. The one thing I love about running is you can do it anywhere in the world all you needs is your sneakers, it is my favorite way to explore foreign cities. This is my fifth year as a Luna Ambassador and I am honored to be part of this great program that reaches out to other woman with a similar passion for sport and activity. The added bonus of this program allows us to give back to the community through raising money for Breast Cancer Fund, which is just icing on the cake.

Rachel is the newest member of Team Luna Chix and brings enthusiasm and endurance experience with her. She lived a very active childhood in Minnesota and relocated to Portland 4.5 years ago. Running became a mainstay in her life during college. Since then, she has completed more races than she can count, varying from 5k to marathons. Her 7th marathon will be the Boston Marathon in 2011! Beyond running, Rachel is also a triathlete (all distances) and an overall outdoor enthusiast. If an activity combines being outside and engaging herself physically, she is bound to enjoy it. Not only was Rachel drawn to Luna Chix because of her passion for running, but also because it brings women in her community together to raise money for a worthy cause, the Breast Cancer Fund. You see, the fact that Rachel is an event enthusiast bridges between her personal and professional life. She currently organizes national non-profit fundraising events for various causes. Rachel values being in action and making an impact and is honored to be a Luna Chix Ambassador.

Sara Sitter has always been active. But not always considered herself a "runner". She vividly remembers how hard the mile in grade school PE felt. Running has definitely been a consistent part of her adulthood. She has found joy through many Hood to Coasts, a few marathons, the Shamrock run and many other events. She is grateful for the friendships that have bonded over the miles, the sense of satisfaction of completing goals and a quality lifestyle the sport has added to her life. She feels very fortunate to be a part of the incredible LUNA Chix program. And to be working towards the greater cause of fighting Breast Cancer.

I didn't grow up active, but after I moved to the west coast I endured running for a few years. When I moved to Portland in 2002, the people and trails changed everything. Inspired to train for a marathon by my dad, I discovered a rich, supportive female running community. These women encouraged me to expand my horizons and try a multisport event. The camaraderie and fresh air are exhilarating. If I'm not running or cross-training, I love to cook, take photos, travel, garden, or engage in crafty projects.

I finished my first "running" race in 2002, it was a 5k and I remember the wow I just did that feeling when I crossed the finish line. Since then I have ran many different races and distances from 5k's to full marathons. No I don't enjoy the training part, especially for the full marathons, but it's worth every blister and lost toenail when I cross the finish line! I have been apart of the LUNA program for 6 years and it is such an amazing organization to be apart of, not only do we raise money for The Breast Cancer Fund, but we get to help others reach their goals in their sport and in many cases see them cross the finish line for the first time. I Love It!