Phoenix Marathon 2015
Friday after lunch, Blake and I headed to Phoenix. We stopped and picked up some new running shoes at the Sketchers Store, went and picked up our race bibs, and then checked into our hotel. Blakes wife and kids met us at the hotel and we then headed out to get some dinner at Sizzler where we ate plenty of carbs.
After maybe my best night's sleep before a marathon ever, we got up around 4am, got ready and went and caught the bus to the start. It was high 50s, cloudy and a real strong head wind. After the Star Spangle Banner which included some fireworks, we lined up for the race. My calf was feeling pretty good after all the rest over the last 2 weeks. I hadn't even tried to run for about 5 days, so I didn't know if I'd even be able to go once the gun went off. To my pleasant surprise, I started off pain free and settled into a real nice comfortable pace pretty quickly. I had settled in with a few other guys and a couple gals running my pace. We were runnning mostly single file since we were heading right into a strong wind much of the way. I had a really nice mental focus and rhythm going and was thinking how great it was that I was running so well and it was feeling so easy when I passed the 11 mile marker and BAM, might calf did it's thing. I stopped immediately getting a few looks from those I'd been running with, and I knew my day was over.
I didn't even attempt to run another step and I'm glad I didn't. I walked about 20 yards to the aid station that was right there and asked to see how I get picked up to be taken to the finish. No one had any idea, so I borrowed a voluteer shirt (mostly becasue I was getting really cold) and started cheering on the other runners. I made friends with some of the voluteers after about an hour and a half of cheering when one of them told me they had to leave and would give me a ride to the finish.
He was really nice and we had a nice conversation on the way. He lives near the Gilbert Temple and I was able to talke to him about the importance of temples and how families can be together forever because of the ordinances performed in the temple and other things that are a lot more important than me having finished the race.
I am greatful that I was able to run a marathon paced 11 miles. I averaged exactly 6:45 per mile for those 11 miles and felt great. I'm also greatful for the experience I had after stopping. I really feel like I am in shape to go sub 3 right now and I figure after a few weeks rest from running, I will be able to pick up this huge running base and fitness and pick right back up on my marathon training, so I signed up to run Utah Valley Marathon on June 13th, last night. I had a blast this weekend in Phoenix and I'm excited to head up to Provo to run in June.
Blake ran a 3:25 and change getting a 23 minute PR!!!!!!!!
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