Monday, January 20, 2014

Rock n Roll Arizona Half Marathon

A group of us decided to go to Arizona for some fun in the sun. Who can argue with 75 and sunny?

Originally when we planned the trip I was not going to run. A buddy told me to sign up for Boulder 70.3 in June. Once I committed to that race, I had to sign up to run the half marathon.

I wasn't sure how my Achilles would feel about training for a race. It was still healing from last spring. My plan started 10 weeks ago. I wanted to run 5-7 times a week. The Achilles told me that was not going to work. I found that 4 runs a week was the magic number. I also swam 3 times a week 2000-3500 yard workouts.

The plan each week was 2 easy/short runs, 1 tempo or hill workout and one longer workout. Every once in awhile I threw in one extra run and kept it very easy. Some of the training was done with Lucas in the stroller as long as he was willing. He slept or looked at the scenery around. I had to cut 2 of the workouts short because Lucas had enough.

Race morning we headed out the door at 6:15AM. Traffic got crazy 1 mile from the site. We ended up parking in front of a Thai restaurant that opened at noon. It was only a 1/2 mile to the start, so we walked the rest of the way. I got in a short 10 minute jog and lined up in the first corral.

It took me almost 30 seconds to cross the start line once the race began. I passed a lot of people in the first mile. My plan was cruise the first 5k and progressively build my speed. I felt strong thru 7 miles. I started to have a rough patch miles 8-10. I had a hot spot on each foot. I knew they were turning into blisters miles 11 to finish. If I walked it would take me longer, so I powered thru to the finish. I finished 11th in my age group, 112th overall out of 13,000+ with a 1:26.08.

Once we got back to the house I checked out my feet. Just as I suspected, a blister on each foot a little bigger than a quarter. JOY!!!

The best part of the day was watching the Seahawks pull out the win. It was a good day!