Tucson Marathon Recap

We have often spoken of the benefit of having a running or workout buddy. It is harder to stay in bed and skip the workout when you know that you are going to have to answer to your workout partner and don't have an excuse that is going to stand up to the look you are going to get for being a no-show.

So for a year that began with no real running goals other than to stay consistent, it sure turned out to be full of running adventures thanks to my running buddy.  Just try saying no to Katie.  I am not so sure if she really is that persuasive or if she is just so full of words, that it is easier to give in than to object.  Anyways, our latest (and LAST) running adventure for the year was the Tucson marathon.  I told her that I am absolutely, positively, in recovery mode now so if she has any other great running ideas one of you Warriors is going to have to step up to the plate.
  



Need a line on porta potty rental in Oracle, Arizona? We've got you covered! Good pre-race planning involves driving the course beforehand so you know what to expect and can mentally prepare.  Driving to the starting line and seeing only two porta potties for 1000 runners with pre-race jitters is enough to change your mind about running so seeing lots of  these the day before the race put huge smiles on our faces.

The race began just outside of Oracle at an elevation of about 4800 feet.  There wasn't much of anything up there but cows and they didn't seem too interested in joining the run.  That's okay...  but if they aren't paying the race entry fee, they can't use the porta potties.

The recovery after the run from Flagstaff to Sedona seemed to be going really well until someone had the idea of running the Tucson Marathon and we did a couple more 20 milers.  Then the feet decided to talk back.  So I brought my Epsom salts and was all ready to soak my feet in the tub in the hotel room until I discovered there was no tub. 

I am not going to score any Metabolic Warrior bonus points for posting this picture but that's okay.  She posted a picture of me with my feet in the bathroom sink and we all know that you can't cash those bonus points in for anything but push ups anyways.  So I am not sure if that is her game face, or her "get out of my face" look.  Either way, I wouldn't mess with her.

Two cups of tea and an hour later make a world of difference.  Ready to take it on!

Remember we mentioned that the race started just outside of Oracle at about 4800 feet?  That means COLD and dark at 6:00 am when the buses drop you off.  The challenge is to stay warm when the temperature is in the 30s and the wind is gusting.  That is where "throw-away clothes" come in.  The idea is to wear something until right before the start of the race and then you take it off and throw it to the side of the road.  Most races donate the throw-aways to charities or homeless shelters. So we went to Walmart.com and bought us each a lovely teal pantsuit.  We were standing in line at the porta potties when another runner came up to us laughing and asked us if we got our sweats at Walmart.  She had a matching outfit in black.  We thought the teal was much more flattering!

Game on!  She ditched those teal togs and ran her heart out.  Once we got moving it was perfect running weather...  temps in the 40s and overcast.  Just a little wind and a few snowflakes and raindrops.  Tucson is a net downhill course, but don't let that fool you.  There are uphill sections and running many miles downhill shreds your quadriceps.

Marathon number 21 for me. Remember the foot soak?  I was having problems with plantar fasciitis for the last 3 weeks before the race and had been taping my feet.  I taped them again for the marathon and knew at about an hour in that I was in for some trouble.  I could tell my feet were blistering and by mile 18 I wanted to quit.  What kept me going?  Many things, but one was the inspiration that I get from seeing each of you Warriors push through challenges that may not be marathons but in their own way are just as significant. 

Success!  Katie's "pie-in-the-sky" goal was a sub 4:00 and she exceeded that with a 3:56!  Little did she know that puts her close to a BQ (Boston Qualifier).  Now I have been chastised for putting that carrot out in front of her.  She likes carrots :-)

My goal at age 52 was to come as close to matching my age-graded time as possible from when I was younger.  My 3:25 comes out to an age-graded 2:49 which is only a couple of minutes off my PR so I was more than satisfied with my run.  But it came with a big price tag...  if you are squeamish don't scroll down to the next picture...

Ouch!  Surprised that someone didn't call 911 at the hotel because I couldn't help screaming in the shower.  But it was worth it.  BUT NO MORE RUNNING ADVENTURES (til next year...  way later next year).