Recap of the PHX10K and Half Marathon Event

The Phoenix 10K and Half Marathon took place on Sunday November 4, 2012 in downtown Phoenix. I was drawn to this event because of the Cause. Funds raised go to the Mollen Foundation, a non-profit who works to empower, encourage and motivate children to live active and healthier lifestyles. Great cause that I highly support.   The event was awesome. My favorite thus far.

The Phoenix 10K was consisted of several activities; 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, Half Marathon, 5K Team Challenge, Wheelchair 10K, Kids 50 Yard Dash, 1 Mile Run for Kids and much more.

So…. at the last minute I changed my mind and rather than doing the 10K as planned, I did the 5K.  This has taught me a few things and actually extends further into my life and outside of running. I need to challenge myself more. I end up taking familiar routes out of fear of not excelling. That’s a separate topic,  BUT I’ve recognized this and I’m working towards breaking down this barrier.

My dad, his wife Rosa and my niece Cianna were coming along. My dad and Cianna were thinking about doing the walk, and Rosa was doing the 5K with me.  I so loved the fact they were coming, and that my niece was attending her first race event.

The morning of the race, I had pumpkin steel cut oats for breakfast and some coffee (along with water). I felt satisfied but not full.

In addition to being Cianna and my Dads’ first race, it was also their first Light Rail experience.   I told them we had to take a shoe shot. lol. Check out my dad’s  suede Hush Puppies.

The event wasn’t too packed. There were tons of people, but everything was pretty spread out. My niece got her face painted, then she and my dad went straight to the pizza vendor while Rosa and I got warmed up.  

I was hoping my niece would want to do the the kids’ race, but I think she was being shy. She said she’d come next year and try it out.

As we wait at the Starting Line, listening to speakers and doing warm-ups, I notice someone get right in front and me and say, “Michelle ?”. It took me about 10 seconds to realize it was an old friend that I hadn’t seen in 14 years! Wow. We hugged, exchanged phone numbers, wished each other luck. Then the race started.

I started at a pretty moderate pace. It was still nice and crisp outside and the sun was warm but refreshing. A perfect late 60’s temperature. Right away, Rosa and I lose each other. It was each woman for her own. 🙂  This pic is northbound on Central Ave just as we go over the bridge.

As I hit the half way mark my right shoe unties. Darnit! I stopped to tie the lace and was speed walking for about 30 seconds. After that I kept a steady pace, but knew I could kick it up a notch so I did, trying to catch up to the all the people who passed me while I was tying my shoe. When I turned the last corner and was about a quarter mile from the Finish Line is when I really picked up the speed.  That last quarter mile tends to be pretty magical. You see  & hear the crowds, the music, photographers snapping pics and your hoping your family is there see you cross that line. Is it just me?

Here’s my finish line pic as captured by the event photographers.

I finished the race at 26:26. Heck Yes! My best race time yet.    
I caught up with my Dad and he was there to see me cross the finish line. Cianna gave me a high-five we watched for Rosa to cross.   She came in just over 32 minutes, her best race time as well.

After our Gatorade fix, we enjoyed the entertainment, freebies and photo booths. Radio Disney was there airing and playing games with the kids. They got Cianna’s attention, and she jumped right in to play and WON the Musical Squares dance game.  It was cool to watch her interact and get involved.

Here she goes playing the Musical Squares game, then a group pic of all the kids who played. So funny, that she was the one kid not registered for either kids’ race, but she got the lime light. haha.

Check her out (blue shirt), all Happy-Go-Lucky, just about to win the Musical Squares games

The Grim Nancies were rocking the stage with cover songs, old and new. They were good! Check’m out.  I liked many things about this event/race.  First and foremost, the fact that I was there with my family was very cool. Everyone enjoyed themselves is making plans to do the race next year.

My favorite race day freebie was…..the photo booths!

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Recap of 5K – 2012 Race for the Cure

I guess this race has become a tradition. I’ve been doing it for a few years and what the heck, might as well keep it up. This  year I  ran the 5K  with my step-mom.

I set a goal of finishing in 30 minutes, and I actually finished right at 30 minutes. Could be better. I definitely want to be quicker, so I need to practice more.  And I think more outside runs too. As with most races this large, the first 1-2 minutes your walking. But still..

So the first mile was decent,  just getting warmed up and filtering through the non-running crowds. Oh, I must say – these non competitive races are definitely competitive. Lol.  The second mile was decent, I was getting bored but picking up and dropping speed every now and then. Right at the 3 mile mark, it hit  me. It’s for that very moment that I love to run. My senses were heightened and I felt freakin fantastic.  I was taking in the fresh 78 degree breeze, the warm sun, hearing teams of students cheer runners on. It was great.

All in all, the race was good. It was nice to do something fun and health related with my step mom. And for a good cause, raising funds for the Komen foundation.  The crowd didn’t feel too heavy as in previous years. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, took place near downtown Phoenix at the Arizona State Capitol, Wesley Bolin Plaza. View a slideshow of the event photos by visiting their Flickr page.

My favorite race day freebie was….drum roll…..a whistle! wooo wooo

Recap of SkirtChasers 5K

Last weekend, my friends and I ran a 5k at an event called SkirtChasers. It began as a group of 7, but the day of the event we were rolling 5 strong.

One of the things that attracted us to the event was that it was marketed as a Singles event…lol. Whatever motivates you right?! The idea was, ladies start the race first and 3 minutes later the men start. It then appears as if all the men are chasing the women. The race ends at a Block Party featuring food, entertainment and bar. Niiiice one.   Singles are encouraged to wear stickers implying whether they are single or attached..etc etc.

The event took place at Tempe Beach Park, great location in downtown Tempe.  The temperature was a high of 77 degrees, but sure felt like it was in the mid 80’s.  Gotta love the weather in February. (Febrero es loco).

Thankfully we got there right before the crowds hit. So we were able to check in, get our packets and people watch for an hour. The diversity was quite interesting.   The event being called SkirtChasers and the idea was women wearing skirts, none of us wore skirts.  Many other people did though..including men.  There were people dressed up, almost in costumes, with wigs, tutus etc. and other just had tees or tank tops with notes such as “Catch Me if You Can“, “Call me for a good time“, some guys had their phone numbers written on their back, etc.

The Course

The course was flat as advertised, but there was quite an incline during the first half.

We all started the race together, but immediately took to our own speeds, finishing sporadically.  Below is a pic of all of us after the race. It was so hot, or at least it felt like it. I remember getting to halfway mark where volunteers were handing out water. I took one sip then threw the rest of the water over my head and chest.

The pic below is the two Michelle’s.  (myself and my friend Michelle) She finished in 27 minutes and I was behind her at 29.24. Both of us were happy with our times. Michelle did great..it was her first race and she did it in 27 minutes – Go Michelle!  My goal was to stay under 30minutes and I just made it.  

My goal for the next 5k is 27 minutes and some seconds.

The event registration came with 2 drink tickets and 1 meal ticket. The beer garden had Four Peaks beer, Barefoot Wine and food from Macayos.  I forget exactly which beer I got, but it was goooood. Oh my gosh, so good. It was a light beer and just perfect.  The meal ticket included a chimichanga with chips n salsa.  On a scale of 1-10, ten being good, the food was a 2.5.  I don’t have much to say about the food. I’m not a fan of Macayo’s as it is, but I do think they could’ve done something other than a chimichanga. The beer line was long as expected, but it wasn’t too bad as it gave another opportunity for people watching. After we used our drink tickets we were ready to bounce. Looking at the bar line and  feeling the heat from the sun made us realize we just wanted to go an actual bar and sit down. We walked down Mill Ave a few blocks to a place called Canteen.  We hung out there until about 8pm before calling it a night.

All in all, I’d say it was a great day. We didn’t meet any hot single guys, but after talking to everyone, all the girls said they had a good time. If I had to choose my favorite part of the day, it would be (okay, I have three favorite parts) (1.) the drive to the race chatting with the girls (2.) the last 20 seconds of the race when the finish line is right in front of you and you gain that extra ounce of energy to finish strong and (3.) hanging out at the bar afterwards.

For some of us, we were trying to beat an existing race time, or stay consistent with current running pace, or it was a first race. Each of us committed, followed through, and even pushed ourselves within our own limits...and we had fun. To me, that is what matters most.

Night Hiking at Squaw (Piestewa) Peak

Check out this view
 Being atop any mountain is wonderful.  At night it’s twice as nice.

Last night was my first night hike and definitely won’t be my last. We went to Squaw or Piestewa Peak mountain, located off of 24th Street & Lincoln.  My friend Leanne hikes and goes on backpacking trips often, so when she asked me to come along I was so excited. I had my flashlight in tow, but I wore my running shoes and I freakin slipped three times when we were coming down. aaaah.

Other than that – the hike was fun, peaceful, beautiful and a good time. We were able to catch up and just hang out. This pic shows me to left and Leanne to the right.

We hiked the Summit trail, which is 1.2 miles to the top. The beginning of the trail is pretty simple  but the higher up you go the trail becomes thinner and steeper making it slightly difficult. Going up is always easier than going down. For me, at least.
So back to me slipping three times. Oh my gosh, I’m pretty positive that I manifested that whole episode. I was so worried about slipping and possibly becoming one of persons who had to be rescued by helicopter – that I was soley focused on that when we were coming back down. The shoes definitely played a factor, but I think if I wasn’t thinking about slipping that it may not have happened. I also scraped my arm. (sad face)

Squaw (Piestewa) Peak is a great mountain. The Summit trail (the most popular) is extremely steep but it’s a great workout. You can feel it in your glutes and quads.  I’ve noticed that weekends at Squaw Peak are very, very busy. Tons of people. (tons of shirtless guys too!)  I recommend this mountain to anyone. They have various trails with varying levels of difficulty.  Check it out. Even try a night hike if your up to it. I don’t recommend going alone. Please take a flashlight as it’s very dark.

October in Phoenix

It’s a happy day here in Phoenix. After last nights’ rain our temp is finally dropping. Low of 63 and a high of 83. Thank goodness. This summer was pretty gruesome and we’re all loving the cooler weather.

Turning off the AC in the house, driving with the windows down, the crispy feeling outside in the mornings, wanting the “good” blankets  night….ooohwee. Can’t wait!

This time of year for me is absolutely the best time. Temps drops, new foods pop up in the grocery aisles, kitchen inspiration hits, wardrobe changes, holiday decor begins to show its face at the stores.  It’s just great. We may not get the change of the seasons, but I’m definitely grateful that we can enjoy outside activities throughout the winter.

Yay for October.

Phoenix is one of the Best Hiking Cities

Phoenix is listed as one of the Best U.S. Hiking Cities by National Geographic.  See the story here. Cool! I can’t say that I’m surprised that Phoenix is in the top 15. I’ve always been grateful that I can drive 20 minutes any direction and the environment will completely change. You can go from middle of the city to the top of a mountain overlooking the city in no time.

I’m not a hardcore hiker, I wouldn’t even call myself an avid hiker. I just try to be outside as much as I can when the temperature is decent here.  They say hiking is good for you right? So why not get out there and do it. For me a major plus of hiking is the view when you get to the top.   Some people hike year round. My opinion – the best time to hike is October to early May.

I got this guide a few years ago and I love it. It’s called, Hiking Phoenix: Favorite Day Hikes, by Cosmic Ray. It’s a super  cute book with illustrations of the different mountains and trails.

Cosmic Ray (the author) ranks the trails by Easy, Moderate or Hard, offers hiking tips, lists driving and parking instructions etc. I found this guide to be pretty informative and a fun read. I revisit it every know and then and when I have a hard time deciding where to hike.

Hiking is fun! Do it.

Good Form Running

Last weekend I went to a local shoe store, Runner’s Den.

I attended the *free Good Form Running clinic, which is a class where you learn about good running form.  The title is kind of self-explanatory, I know. Anyway, this class was great and if there happens to be anything similar in your area I highly recommend it.

In the class the instructor  explained what Good Form Running is, then showed some clips of runners and making note of their form and foot strike. (I originally learned about foot strike in Chi Running, so it was great to hear something familiar). Then the class (limited to 12 people) went outside to run and be recorded. We took turns running a short distance, then ran the same distance barefoot.  We were introduced to a little gadget called a metronome that allowed us to hear a beat, then we ran a further distance along to that beat.  When we went back inside to watch the clips, the instructor was sure to stop at every second to make note of each runners’ form. Everything from our body lean, the shoulders, hands, hips, and of course the foot strike.  It’s very interesting to watch yourself run, nonetheless to be corrected. The class was not offending at all. It was very informative.  The purpose of good form running is to reduce strain, and finding an easier way to run to prevent injury.  I learned a lot! If you have an opportunity to be a part of a similar class – then do it.