When I originally booked this MLK weekend escape, I figured it would be a low-key couple of days to tour around and visit some museums and what not. However, last weekend when I was researching things to do and places to see, out popped up the event for the Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. Groupon just happened to have a discounted entry, and since it would be on the Sunday, it just seemed like a natural fit. And that’s how I decided to do this run, a test of my birthday age with minimal training… can I do this and live to tell the tale?
Map of the route
At the start line. Because I missed the free Hotel shuttle, I had to walk and Jog 3 miles to the start line
Ready to run!
My first goal was to finish the race. My secondary goal was to finish in under two hours, which I thought was an easy 9:11 pace...
Selfie around mile 8.. I was actually a full minute behind the pace, so I had to run the last 6 miles at a faster clip
Rock and Roll! I felt fine until mile 10, that's when my leg muscles started protesting
I ramped up my pace, and by mile 12 I knew I would be fine, despite my sore and tired legs
Towards the finish
And DONE! Official chip time of 1:57:31, which is slower than my marathon pace from ten years ago, but I'll take it!
Post race goodies
And the post race suffering begins
Down and out of commission