Emily, how was Seattle/Whidbey Island?

[aggie94]

I remember you mentioning you were going for a family thing. Did you have a good time? I think all of the PNW has had beautiful weather this summer, so I hope you enjoyed your visit!

[emilycat]

I'm so embarrased to say this, but, um....I didn't go :o

My flight was delayed three hours, I didn't feel like sitting on a plane for five hours, I had a long run to do the next day and I was going to have to get up and do it at 6:00 a.m. with jet lag, blah, blah, blah.

I decided this at the airport. Yes, I know, I'm pathetic.
But I will be in Portland the last weekend in September. Nothing could make me pass up that marathon! (knock on wood :) )

[aggie94]

Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed that the beautiful weather holds out for your race. Where are you staying in Portland? If you get a chance, check out Typhoon -- best Thai food EVER. Have a great time (and a great race!).

[KristaMB]

Emily,

Two of my friends are going to Portland for the marathon, too. Good luck! Oh, and I hope no delays are in store for you this time...

[RobinC]

Portland welcomes you with open arms!!!

I live in the Portland area, but this beginning runner won't be in the marathon. However, I am starting to think that it might be a good 2 year goal. :)

For Thai food, I am quite partial to Beau Thai in NW Portland. Wonderful salad rolls!

Where will you be staying?

Usually we have great weather in September. Hopefully on marathon day the sun will be shining, but it won't be hot. (Okay, so we think it's hot when it gets to 85 ;))

[LeighAnne]

Ok, as long as we are talking about Thai food in Portland, I have to add my 2 cents. I like Typhoon! (http://typhoon.citysearch.com/), and they definitely win for atmosphere, but for a more "everyday place" I prefer Thai Orchid (http://www.thaiorchidrestaurant.com/main.asp). They have numerous locations in the area, and I think their food is great.

emilycat, have a great time in Portland, no matter where you end up eating :-)

[mandarin2j]

I have another Thai place to add to the list: Chabba Thai on NE Sandy Boulevard (our 'hood) is our new favorite place, even over Thai Orchid. But it's a close contest, and you really can't go wrong with any of the Thai places mentioned in this thread.

If you're in the mood for Cuban food, there's a fantastic place called Pambiche on NE 28th and Glisan. They even have a fantastic veggie plate, and the chef/owner used to be a pastry chef at Papa Haydn, so the desserts, your post-marathon reward, are fabulous beyond belief. My favorite is a rum-soaked bananna cake called la banana borracha, or the drunken bananna. ;)

-Amanda

[emilycat]

Such wonderful suggestions! I think I'll be treating myself to some amazing Thai food the evening after the marathon. :D

[RobinC]

When I read that you were coming out to Portland, OR for the Marathon, I thought "Wow, she is coming all the way out to the west coast, to my lil 'ole home town, to run in a marathon. Is she really marathon obsessed or is there something special about Portland?"

I've started checking out the Runners World web site. I am a brand spankin' new runner and thought the site might offer me some enlightenment. It is a pretty cool site. Anyway, I went to their marathon section. I found out that the Portland marathon is one of the 10 best marathons for beginners! Wow! Right here at home! The wheels in my mind are turning. hmmmm....maybe this would be a really good 2 year goal. I have a good friend who is a runner, he would help me train. I wanna run a marathon!!!!

If you want to find out more about Portland, check out http://portland.citysearch.com/

[emilycat]

Robin, you're silly ;)

Seriously, I wanted to run Portland for several reasons:
1. I've never been there, and I've been wanting to go for so long.
2. I loooove the PNW.
3. I'm going for a marathon in every state.
4. It's one of the top rated ones in the country.

Good enough? :p

Running a marathon is an awesome goal -- go for it!