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Back in January, 2009, two friends (Jules Moody and Lisa Sequeria) were chatting and enjoying a workout together . They both love exercising (both have worked in the fitness industry) and share a mutual passion for connecting and encouraging women. They both attend Grace Chapel church in Wilsonville and when the time came for the life-group launch ( sign-ups for small groups of various types), Jules and Lisa decided it would be fun to offer a weekly exercise group for the women in the church, and beyond. With our first 2 dozen sign-ups, the Sole Sisters were born. We decided to start training for the Helvetia Half marathon which was set for June 13, 2009. Lisa (an avid runner) put together a 14 week training program and we hit the streets of Wilsonville on March 7th to train.
Jules (the power-walker) led the walkers and Lisa led the runners as we met for 14 consecutive Saturday mornings with some weeknight trainings added in spring. We steadily grew from 2 dozen to over 150 ladies, as neighbors brought friends and sisters and moms, etc etc etc. It was fabulous to meet so many new women from all walks of life and from all surrounding towns (and states!). On June 13, 2009 95 of the Sole Sisters in matching tanks completed the Helvetia half marathon! For 80% of us,it was our very first race! We had about a dozen runners, several run/walkers and about 60 walkers. It was AWESOME!!! The sole sisters kept meeting to walk throughout the summer and by the fall of 2009, we were ready for more!! On September 19th, under the leadership of Ann Christler and Lisa Sequeria, the first Wilsonville half marathon Queen of the High Road commenced. It poured rain the entire morning, but the spirits of the 2 dozen participants soared and it was a blast to compete and complete a goal on our home turf!
TODAY: with the start of a new decade, Lisa,Ann and Jules have combined efforts, passion, faith and friendship to pursue our 2nd annual Queen. Hopefully this is the beginning of a long and strong legacy....
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