Mesa-Phoenix Marathon Race Weekend

Have you ever run a race and thought to yourself when you finished, “I’m never doing that again!”  For me, the marathon was that race.  In 2016 I ran the LA Marathon and it was not the experience I had hoped for—I was undertrained (completely my fault!), got injured during the race, had a bloody nose during the race and cried when it was over, not of joy but of frustration and disappointment.  I took some time off from running after that race until I started my Run Streak and during 2017 focused on distance and Ultras.  But it in the back of my mind, there was always that little voice telling me I needed to redeem myself in a marathon.  So a few months ago when my friend Justin asked me if I wanted to run the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, I said yes.

Friends make running more fun!

The race was on a Saturday so I decided that I would drive to Arizona on Friday morning, hit up the expo and hang out for the #WeRunSocial meet-up.  The weather in Southern California has been a bit odd this winter and I actually had snow on my drive through the mountains.  I made my way to Arizona in good time, checked into my hotel and headed over to the expo.  My only other marathon expo experience was the LA Marathon and that expo was huge! The expo for this race wasn’t that big, but I did see some of my favorite brands and even scored an awesome deal on a pair of Altra shoes.  After picking up my bib and shirt, I had some time before the meet-up so grabbed some lunch at a nearby restaurant.  As I was making my way back to the expo, I heard, “TwoPairDontCare and a We Run Social hat—you must be Jenn!”  This is how I met Elle—if you don’t follow her on social media, you should.  She’s so much fun!  

Elle!

We made our way to the meet-up—it’s always fun to catch up with people I only see at races and meet new people.  If there is ever a #WeRunSocial meet-up at a race you’re running, go!  It’s one of my favorite parts of race weekends. After the meet-up, it was time to head back to my hotel, put together my flat runner and get some sleep. 

 

#FlatJenn ready to run!

I woke up race morning ready to go—I’m an early bird so I arrived in plenty of time to find parking and catch the bus to the start line.  I had plans to meet some friends at the buses, but they both got stuck in race traffic so the plan shifted to meeting at the start line.  (parking and race morning traffic can be a bit of a cluster so if you ever run this race, I would definitely get there early)  The start line was up a mountain and despite my extra layers, it was cold!  Thank goodness for the bonfires and heaters they had set up for us.  I had worn a throw away sweatshirt and pants—I ditched the pants shortly before the 6:00am start but decided I would start with my sweatshirt on.  I’ve never started a race wearing a sweatshirt but it was definitely a smart decision—I ended up tossing it between miles one and two.



Always have fun!

One of the things I was most excited about for this race were the views, but with the 6:00am start, it was dark and once the sun came up, the views were residential areas and businesses.  I was also excited about the downhill aspect of this race—I love downhills.  There were definitely downhills, but not quite what I was expecting.  Overall, I would say this course is flat.  The course is a little boring and there weren’t a lot of spectators, but I was running with friends so that made it a good time.  The aide stations also seemed to get a little more sparse in the second half of the race which surprised me since that portion of the course saw both the full marathon and half marathon runners.  I was also surprised at what seemed to be the lack of medical support on the course—I did not see any medic tents or anything available at the aide stations.  (I also wasn’t looking for it, so maybe it was there, but usually that stuff is quite visible) There were a few fire trucks parked alone the course so maybe that was the medical support.  Overall, this race is pretty organized.  The pre-race communication was on point and the volunteers were amazing! (Have “traffic” control at the pre-race porta potties is a big plus for me! No confusion as to whose turn it is)  The medal is simple, but I like it.  (and kind of wish I had started this race two years ago so I could earn the star)  I think the race shirt is really basic, but do like that it’s a tank.  I would definitely do this race again and would encourage other people to do it.

 

 

I went into this race with one goal—do better than the LA Marathon.   My time was less than stellar there so I knew it was possible but I also know that I’m very much a mental runner and didn’t want to be over confident.  I ended up taking  98 minutes off my LA Marathon time!  I was stoked (and am still on my runner’s high as I type this!)  I run every day, but didn’t specifically train for this. I stopped a few times during the race for pictures and to talk to people.  I had a blast.  And better yet, I had the redemption I wanted.  And a renewed desire to see what I can do if I train and push myself a little harder.  This is the first race in a long time that I was truly happy with everything I did on race day and that is one of the best feelings!

After the race, the ProCompression ambassadors that were in town for the race met up for lunch and it was a blast!  ProCompression rocks my socks and I love being a part of this group—it was great to talk with everyone in person.  I can’t wait to do this again!



They rock my socks!

I also had a chance to meet Run Far founder CJ and his wife Mallory for dinner that night.  What I didn’t know is that Hannah, the first recipient of the Run Far Sergeant Sean Northcutt scholarship, would be there. (See Hannah’s story here)  And fellow Run Far Ambassador David joined us to!  So much inspiration at one table full of all the feels. I even got to "meet" Hannah's mom as she FaceTimed in.  It was the best way to end such a good day! I am grateful to be a part of such an awesome organization.



Run Far



 

Sunday morning I woke up early to head back to San Diego.  One of my favorite things about road trips is exploring so I made some stops, ran some trails, stopped for lunch at a cute little small town restaurant and took my time getting home. 

 

Never stop exploring!

The only bad thing about this race weekend is that it had to end.  It was such a good time full of good running, good people and good vibes.  I am so grateful to all the people who were a part of it, from those at the meet-ups to the people who sent me messages of encouragement and support.  I truly believe that the people are what makes running so amazing.

What makes running amazing for you?

Until next time, happy running!

Jenn13.1