Date : 17 Feb 2013 (Sun) | Location : Verrado (Buckeye)-Goodyear-Pebble Creek-Avondale-Litchfield Park-Phoenix-Glendale |Distance : 42.6km | Time : 4:47 | Pace : 6:44’/km | Condition : a slightly warmer 7degC at startup (vs Arizona RnR) but the last 10-12km, still running under noon direct sunlight | Route : mostly flat (love the changing scenes and landscapes) | Satisfaction level : 4.5/5
First of all, this is a last minute race entry. I only signed up a day before the closing date after it became apparent that I will be in town during the long President Day holiday weekend. That was originally allocated for Las Vegas trip but since we pulled-in to CNY, that makes it possible for me to take part. Was toying with the idea of Lost Dutchmen and this IMA Arizona… But decided on this in view of an easier route and more readily accessible drive to the pick-up point.
Woke up at 4am on race day, took some quick bites, then drove to pick-up point at Westgate @ Glendale. Boarded the Full Marathon school bus and took us !30mins to reach Buckeye, Verrado. Managed to catch some naps during the bus trip. We were promised a warm preparation @ starting point and was not disappointed. The Verrado Tower Center was opened to us for use to keep warm while waiting for the 7am start. Managed to make full use of the toilet 3 times before walking to the start point with 5mins to spare ! Alas, and I forgot to turn on my Garmin watch until during the count-down.. That explains why I missed ~first 900m of the race tracking. The race took us through some nice neighborhood @ Verrado, I would say some of them are luxurious. The first 7 miles or so were through Goodyear, wide open space, nothing much to savor. Once we hit Pebble Creek, we were greeted by residents who enthusiastically waited to greet the runners.. Some even said “ Thank you for running”.. Love the Pebble Creek area with its multiple golf courses and serene neighborhood. Things were doing OK then and I was able to run without much problem, though I am always worried of the return of the dreaded cramps.
I hit the half 21km @ 2:00 flat, a PB for my Full run. But things did not go well after that. My left knees started to feel sharp pain. After a few KMs, my right knee to feel one kind. I decided to take it easy and did some jog-walk-run after that. I am trying to avoid aggravating or cause any injury as my next run is 2 weeks away ! Did some photo taking with my iPhone along the route. Target was 4:15, and soon the 4:15 and 4:30 pacers passed me. The next target was to end the race with ~4:45. I did almost just that with a 4:45. The last 101-12km was running under the hot sun, so the bandana face mask came in handy to protect my neck.
Overall, a very scenic race, very well organized with lots and lots of drinks. Volunteers were superb – better than Arizona RnR, we do have cyclists who frequently ride past to ensure runners are in good shape. The mile by mile marker was a blessing as I used that to gauge my speed. Started with ~9mins/mile, then slowed to 10-10:30 before ending the last few miles with ~13mins/mile !
Now, some rest and a busy week to taper into my 3rd and last full (for now) @ Phoenix Marathon @ Mesa.
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| At the start point in Verrado. Race starts at 7am. |
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| 3mins before start. Alas, I was slow in starting up my Garmin.Missed around 900m of tracking |
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| 25th mile marker |
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| 22nd mile marker |
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| Finish point @ Glendale |
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| Towards the finish point |
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| University of Phoenix Stadium |
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| The Monster Hill - our own version of Heartbreak Hill |
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| Hot and lonely towards the 25th km !! |
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| Medals |
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| Combo picture of my run - didn't buy. 1 CD of all pictures cist $49.99. |
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| Results published |
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