Eugene Half Marathon, Oregon

For runners, this is the Mecca.

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From the newly renovated Hayward Field to the iconic finish on the track, every stride is infused with the spirit of the world’s best runners who have competed on these same roads. Welcome to TrackTown, USA!

This wasn’t just any ordinary half marathon; this is the Eugene Half Marathon.

As runners lace up their shoes and toe the line, they become part of a legacy that stretches back over 50 years, following in the footsteps of legends. And with its association with the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, the Eugene Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of running history and a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic event.

After initially looking to run this race in 2020, Covid hit the world. I patiently waited 3 years to run this historic race that takes place each spring on the last Sunday of April. The course traverses through the communities of Eugene and Springfield, alongside the Willamette River.

The pure joy of entering Hayward Field

Miles 1-2: Flat and fast through the streets of Eugene

Starting at 7:00 a.m. alongside my friend Jeramy Hall and 12,000 other runners, we embarked on a thrilling race the began running parallel to Hayward Field. The excitement was palpable as we knew that in just 12.9 miles, we would be finishing on the iconic track.

Hayward Field ever present from start to finish

These first three miles through the streets of Agate, University and Hilyard (not hilly at all) is was a runner’s dream, with smooth, flat roads that made for fast times and a great overall experience. If there was an incline in the road, I sure as heck didn’t feel it.

Motivation enough, am I right!?

Miles 3- 8: 476 feet of elevation gain and a friendly face

The first and last hill I saw began at Mile 3 and slowly continued it’s incline through Mile 4. From speaking with the race director, this was the primary elevation gain of 476 feet. Why do runner’s like Rosa Moriello who set a course record this year with a finishing time and course record of 1:11:59? That’s why. If you are curious, the men’s half marathon course record was run by William Milam in 2019. His finishing time…a mere 1:03:07. This highlights the sheer athleticism and dedication of these athletes, pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible.

As I made my way up the hill, I was greeted by the friendliest of faces: Molly Juillerat. Our connection, forged over years of correspondence, took on new meaning as we shared a moment on the course. Molly’s mother, Renee Stacey, like my Papa, battled Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a cruel disease that slowly robs individuals of their ability to communicate. Despite the challenges posed by PPA, there is no cure at present, underscoring the importance of research and support for those affected by this condition.

Molly and I taking in the atmosphere and thinking of our loved ones

Mile 12: Stopping to take in the view at the Willamette River

Renee’s memory was with me every step of the way during the Eugene Marathon. I had promised to run this race in her honor, and as I saw Molly along the course, I felt her spirit urging me on. With renewed determination, I rounded the corner and surged down the hill, passing miles five and six with a sense of purpose.

Running miles 7-8 through Amazon Park and circling back near Hayward Field, I felt a deep connection to Renee’s memory and the impact her family had on me this weekend (more on this later). It was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from honoring those we’ve lost and the promise of keeping their memory alive through our actions.

Miles 9 -12.9: Oregon Campus and Willamette River

Mile 9 took me through parts of the Oregon campus, leading us toward the Willamette River. As I made my way along the riverbank, I couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty and the surrounding scenery. Running alongside such a famous body of water was a truly memorable experience.

The Willamette River, stretching an impressive 187 miles, provided a picturesque backdrop for the next three miles of the race.

Turning away from the Willamette River, I pushed myself to increase my pace, fueled by the anticipation of running and finishing the race on the track at Hayward Field. The emotions were intense, mirroring the excitement and nerves of finishing a Major Marathon. This moment was the culmination of my journey, and I was determined to make every step count as I raced towards the iconic finish line.

Miles 12.9 – 13.1: Hayward Field – Words…but in the moment…No Words.

The energy of the stadium was electrifying, and it was clear that I was about to experience something truly remarkable. If the sport of running has a physical epicenter, Hayward Field at the University of Oregon might be it, especially given the recent futuristic reconstruction of the track and field stadium. This iconic venue has seen countless historic moments in track and field history, and it continues to be a beacon for runners and fans alike. The newly renovated stadium, with its state-of-the-art facilities and stunning design, is a fitting tribute to the sport, its rich legacy, and the end to this race.

Stepping onto the track at Hayward Field gave me chills. The energy in the stadium, combined with the knowledge that every major American race and qualifying Olympic race has taken place on this hallowed ground, was awe-inspiring. As I slowly made my way across the finish line, I was greeted by my friend Jeramy. We lingered for a while, soaking in the atmosphere and supporting other runners. It was a once-in-a-lifetime feeling of sheer bliss, and I will cherish that moment forever.

Jeramy and I on the track in Hayward Field after running 13.1

Every time I look at my medal, I’m reminded of the history it holds. Each medal contains a piece of salvaged wood from the timbers of Hayward Field’s East Grandstand, a structure that stood witness to nearly a century of record-setting and legendary achievements in track and field. The race organizers collaborated with Springfield High School’s workshop to transform these wood pieces into medals, adding a unique and meaningful element to this year’s race memorabilia.

Thank you to the Jullierat Family

We are incredibly grateful to Molly and her husband Andy for their exceptional hospitality throughout the weekend. Not only did they open their home to us, but they also treated us to a homemade feast and shared unforgettable stories about Renee. Their kindness, generosity, and warmth made us feel like part of their family. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and for making our time in Eugene truly special.

Left to Right: Jeramy Hall, Elise Peltier (Renee Stacey’s Speech Therapist), Molly Jullierat, Andy Hamilton and Jason Boschan

30 States Down, 20 to Go!

From historic mansions to waterfront views, this Rhode Island race had everything including the most scenic and stunning coastal views of any half marathon I have ever run.

Newport Half Marathon

From historic mansions to waterfront views, this Rhode Island race had everything including the most scenic and stunning coastal views of any half marathon I have ever run.

Hartford Half Marathon

State #28 did not disappoint. The race was extremely well organized and the people were incredibly friendly!

WE ARE BACK!

An Average Person Doing Extraordinary Things

We will fly anywhere, anytime to run any race.

We will fly anywhere, anytime to run any race.

Run4Papa is back and better than ever! I have been working diligently behind the scenes with Northwestern University to provide PPA patients and their families with an unprecedented opportunity.

Our Goal: Fund the 1st National PPA speech therapy trial in history.

For the first time, we can deliver this gift to families battling dementia nationwide.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

  • Today is different from every other day.
  • Make a choice.
  • Choose to make a difference.
  • Be part of the solution at www.Run4Papa.com

Stop Wishing. Start Doing.

Thank you,

Jason

2012 Northwestern CNADC PPA Conference

One Voice: Caring for EVERYONE with PPA

The 2012 CNADC PPA Caregiver Conference was an important day for those of us with loved one’s battling PPA. We had the sharpest minds in the field educating us on how to help those we love the most. As the morning kicked off, my vending booth was prominently located and positioned side-by-side CNADC’s to help promote the Run4Papa campaign. My booth had 3 main exhibits: 1. A personal letter of endorsement from Dr. Marsel Mesulam 2. A computer with Run4Papa.com pulled up for attendees to view and learn more about THE CAUSE 3. The newly launched Running Shirt – an opportunity for EVERYONE battling PPA to have their loved one’s name on the back of my shirt for the Great Wall of China Marathon – a BIG HIT!

The conference exposure was heart-warming because I had the pleasure of meeting caregivers whose loved one’s were diagnosed with PPA. While there were plenty of new names and faces, there were plenty of people attending that were following THE CAUSE online through social media like Facebook and Twitter. On top of all that, the most emotional conversations (if I am allowed to be biased) took place when speaking with patients battling PPA, all of whom were enthusiastically encouraging the efforts of the Run4Papa campaign.

With 324 attendees, the conference was tailored to family caregivers as well as health care professionals. Dr. Marsel Mesulam, Director of the CNADC and the man who first identified PPA, graciously welcomed everyone to the conference. Following his introduction, a lecture on the state of PPA research and treatment by Northwestern physician and assistant professor of geriatrics was delivered by Dr. Diana Kerwin. Our keynote address on “Behaviors, Language and Communication” was presented by Dr. Geri Hall (from Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix), who has lectured and published widely on behavioral interventions and communication strategies in dementia, specifically PPA. The morning session ended with an interactive Q & A session from a panel of doctors and PPA caregivers. This opportunity provided audience members the ability to ask questions ranging from medical opinions, to family member reactions about PPA as well as expectations down the line for caregivers. When all the questions had been asked and answered, we broke for lunch and gave attendees more time to mingle amongst the vendors at the conference.

During the afternoon, the CNADC team organized 12 different breakout sessions for members to attend. Here were some of the choices:

a) Newly Diagnosed, Now What? b) Understanding Genetics in PPA c) Responding to Behavior and Personality Changes in PPA d) When is it Time? Identifying Options and Making Transitions for Care.

My parents split the meetings above while I attended the Support for Family Caregivers and Exploring Creative Art Therapies sessions. The caregiver session was unbelievably emotional because everyone shared their unique personal story. In the same respect, it was extremely helpful listening to everyone and learning how each person/family copes and adjusts to an ever-changing lifestyle of caregiving. Even though this was my first caregiver group experience, I could see the instant impact our dialogue was having on the faces around the table. One caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with PPA within the past couple years said, “I didn’t think I needed to come here before, because to be frank, I was in denial about my wife. This year, I realized that was a mistake. I will continue to come every year moving forward and attend the support groups for help and advice in the future.”

Similarly, the creative art therapy session was equally informative yet surprisingly entertaining. Through hands-on classroom activities, we learned how art, music and movement therapy help people diagnosed with PPA by maintaining their sensory and motor skills. The behaviors included expressing our inner thoughts by drawing pictures on paper, using hand gestures to communicate our emotions, and singing along to improvised songs instructing us to repeat specific lyrics.

As the breakout sessions finished, everyone headed back to the lecture hall for the conclusion of the conference. My What would you do for THE CAUSE? video was being shown and looped for roughly 15 mins on the big screen as everyone took their seats. Dr. Jennifer Medina concluded the day with her speech on “Stress and Caregiving: Mindfulness as a Coping Tool.”

I was so proud to share this day with my parents, family caregivers, patients, experts in the field-and of course-the CNADC team. The conference is an excellent resource for families and people fighting against PPA who want to be a part of a special team dedicated to finding treatment and a cure for this brutal disease.

If you couldn’t make it this year for whatever the reasons, please don’t miss it 364 days from now.

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