2016 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon Weekend

January 16-17

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First race of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series for 2016, and my 50th lifetime officially recorded Half Marathon (44th barefoot). Remix weekend, and bonus for completing Las Vegas would net me 4 medals to take home.

Friday Fly

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Late afternoon flight at 5:40 pm got me to Phoenix at 8 pm, too late for the Expo which closed at 7 pm. I enjoyed my stay last year, and was impressed with the public transportation. The PHX Sky Train connects the terminals with the parking lot, and terminates at the Valley Metro Light Rail Station. Being later in the evening, there were not as many people around. I exited the 44th Street platform and passed the Crowne Plaza hotel which is located in front of the station. Twice the price of where I stayed at the Howard Johnson, but a higher quality hotel. A short (less than ½mile) walk through the Airport Business Park parking lot. Pretty empty since it was after business hours, there was one guy cleaning up the office buildings, but otherwise no one in sight. My main reason for the hotel selection was the proximity to the light rail station, and the noon check out time. Most of the other cheap motels had a check out at 11 am. I had a late lunch before I left San Diego, so I just ate a few energy bars before sleeping. The motel where I was staying (E Van Buren) had absolutely no places close to eat, anyway.

Saturday 5k

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Continental breakfast began serving at 4 am, and I headed down around 4:30. Not much there, but there was a waffle maker. The bread and pastries did not look great, so waffles with orange juice to start my day. A small cup of coffee to get my GI tract going, and I was able to head to the light rail station around 6 am. There was a thermometer near the station that registered 35°F. I was dressed in my Elvis costume with no extra layers. No wind, so I was comfortable. The race started at 8 am, but I had to get there early to get my bib and shirt. Packet pickup opened at 6:30, and the start was only 3.5 miles away in Tempe(about 10 minute of rail travel). Of course with public transportation, you spend most of your time waiting. We arrived at the Mill Ave & 3rd St station around 6:30. Several other runners on board, so I just followed the group for the short ¼mile walk to the start area.

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The start and finish area are close to each other. The finish was also used tomorrow for the 10K/Half/Full. I brought my cheap gloves, so I would not have to worry about losing them. Only problem is they are not touch device sensitive, so I had to remove them to use my phone. Nice to see some familiar runners from last year's RnR Tour. After checking in my gear (flip flops), my feet got pretty cold waiting for the start. Actually they were slight numb. I didn't carry my Xero Sandals, since this was such a short run. My favorite race announcer (Ann Wessling) was there at the start, and I went over to greet her. Lots of CGI media photographers, as this was the kick off race of 2016. I didn't actually review the course, but from my experience last year, I didn't think there would be any road surface that would be that bad. Just before mile 2, the course headed on a concrete path along the river, and the sun was shining on the surface. My feet numbness finally went away, and I was able to feel the ground better. Last bit of the course goes across a bridge over the Salt River, which is the finish route for tomorrow. Did not go very hard, since I knew I had another race tomorrow. 5K finish in 35:43 (11:30 min/mile pace). The kids race started at 10 am, but I didn't hang around. I packed a change of clothes, but only brought shorts. It was still cold (50s), and I was comfortable in my Elvis costume, so no need to change.

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The train ride to the Expo at the Downtown Phoenix Convention Center from Tempe would take me past the airport (and my motel stop), but that would mean I would have to walk an additional mile. I really didn't sweat much, and some of the other runners were headed to the expo as well. Since I attend the Expo as Elvis, and I'm already Elvis, I would save some time. I was happy to see the group Elvi picture still being used at the entrance to the Expo. The food samples at the Expo would provide me with a little nutrition so that I could eat lunch later. The Toyota Rock 'n' Roll Ride and Drive was going on again this year, so I was able to get another $10 gift certificate.

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I headed back to the motel (east) still as Elvis, and when I got off, people were asking which way to the Expo (obviously I just came from there). Temperature at noon only 60°F. After my shower, I changed into shorts with a T-shirt, but brought a long sleeve top to keep warm if I decided to stay out late. First I went to the start area (east) of the Half, so that I would get a better idea of which station to exit tomorrow morning. Lunch in downtown Tempe, then back on the light rail. The hotels along the light rail line are ideal for race day. There were not a lot of hotels right near the race start/finish in Tempe, but anything along the rail is just as convenient. The eastern part of the light rail heads to Mesa. Along East Apache Blvd, there were Thrift stores, Liquor stores, Auto repair shops, Diners, and other businesses. Not really classy places, but many low cost motels, and the area looked clean. I had considered staying in this area, but was not sure of the neighborhood. Plenty of close places to eat, unlike where I was staying. I'm sure the area is quite active throughout the day and night, since there are plenty of places there that cater to people. End of the line at Mesa, and I got back on the other side to wait to head west.

The west bound train went pass my motel, then to downtown Phoenix. I kept passing the Tovrea Castle which sit prominently on a hill. Perhaps someday I will visit. I stopped in downtown Phoenix to look around, and stopped at the ASU University Center to use the Restroom, then stayed for a bit to charge up my phone. As the sun set, the temperature dropped quickly. I found my long sleeve shirt was not enough to keep me warm. A quick dinner at Five Guys, then back to the motel to retire for the night. In addition to the 3 mile run, 9 miles of walking, a bit more than I wanted, but I wasn't too tired.

Sunday Half

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Repeat of yesterday, since race start time is 7:50 am. Normally I eat my traditional PowerBar for breakfast, but because of the late start, I had some waffles, juice, and coffee. I decided to eat my PowerBar anyway, and was quite full when I left. The train was suppose to arrive at 5:59, and it was 5:48 when I left the motel. I ran over there to make sure I was not late. It may have come earlier, because the next train didn't arrive until 20 minutes later. Several other runners waiting as well. Marathon runners were west bound, Half/10K east bound. Temperature slightly warmer at 38°F, but still cold. Train was somewhat full already went it arrived, since many runners boarded in downtown Phoenix. A few people got off (this is the Airport station), so I was able to snag a seat.

Exited at the 3rd and Mill Street, which would allow me to pass the Gear check before heading to the start. The next exit is closer to the start, but then you would have to back track to get to the Gear check. With the later arrival, not much extra time to hang around. Just before the Gear Check, there was a large bank of Porta-Potties (about 100), which I used. I slipped into my Xero Sandals after checking in my Flip Flops. Headed up to the start area, but did not hear Ann's voice. I think she was at the start of the Marathon in Phoenix. A few photos at the start, then one more potty stop before the race starts. I choose to wait in the long line near the start, instead of heading back pass the Gear Check to the more numerous units. Last year, I started back in Corral 12, so the walk back wasn't so bad.

The national anthem began to play, and I was still in line. Maybe I should have walked back. By the time I was done, I managed to get into corral 4 (my assigned was 3), but that would mean that I missed a large group of runners. Normally I can start near the front, so everyone can get a view of Elvis. Having done the course last year, I knew to expect for a slight incline and rougher road surface later in the race. The cool temperature was just right for my costume. I spend more time this year looking around at all the sights. Interesting to see the Saguaro cactus lining the center median of the streets. I took advantage of the painted lines as often as I could. Although I used the potty before the race start, I stopped again around mile 5, when I saw a short line. The Half course shares the same route as the 10K until around mile 2.5, so potty lines are usually shorter after the split. I normally only drink the Gatorade at every other stop. Ideally, I like to finish a race without stopping, but that does not happen often. Saw another barefoot runner around mile 8, but not many costumes. Elvis had fun singing "You ain't nothing but a hound dog" when I saw a spectator with their dog. No requests to sing, and lots of Elvis shout outs.

This year there is a new energy gel company, Glukos. There were gels and gummies available just before mile 9 at the base of the hill up to the turn around, and I grabbed a packet of gummies, and a gel. As I opened the gel, I realized the contents did not have any viscosity, and nearly sprayed the contents on myself. The previous gel was made by GU, and was pretty thick. Glukos gel is more of a liquid. It did taste good, and the product will be used for the next 3 years at Rock 'n' Roll races, so I might as well get used to it. On the way back down the hill after the turn around, there was a table (across from the first) with some more gels, and I had another, but was more careful. Normally, I would grab several energy gels, and stash some for later. The Glukos gel packets are quite large, so this may not be an option at a future race. There would be Gatorade at other stations, so I could be able to survive without another gel. I did bring my own gels in case I really needed the energy.

Normally during any Half, after mile 10, my legs get pretty tired. During races, I run on the painted line, only because they are there. Smoother surface take less energy, so I take advantage any time I can. Splits 12:12, 11:50, 12:05, 12:54, 12:41, 13:48, 12:53, 13:28, 14:26, 14:45, 13:37, 13:48, 14:47. Last year, after mile 10, my splits were in the 15 to 16 min/mile. Nearing the finish, I heard Ann's voice, as she announced my name. I saw her on the right side, and gave her a high five before crossing the finish. The gun clock was just over 3 hours, so with my late start I knew I was under 3. Official finish 2:54:44 (13:20 min/mile pace), a new course PR (last year was 3:07:04)

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A reporter from the Phoenix New Times was taking pictures after the finish, and I there was a picture of me on their web article photo gallery. I always look out for people with cameras before and after the finish. The Gear Check was conveniently located just after the exit chute, so I was able to grab my flip flops without having to walk too far.

The best part of the weekend was all the bonus medals. In addition to the 5K, Half, and Remix, I got another bonus for doing both Las Vegas and Arizona. The Remix this year have also been re-designed. Arizona started a puzzle medal for the Half and Full last year. Now I have 2 of the 4 pieces. Looks like I'll be doing Arizona the next 2 years.

By the time I finished, it was slightly before 11 am. Although I did bring a change of clothes, it wasn't warm enough to justify changing. I headed over to the light rail station, to catch the train back to my hotel before the noon check out time. The train took a while to arrive, and by the time I got to my motel, it was just a few minutes before noon. Luckily the cleaning crew was still several rooms away, so I had some time to shower. Actual check out time was around 12:20 pm. I slowly made my way back to the light rail station, dragging my luggage. Since my flight did not leave until 6:25 pm, there was no need to rush. Knowing there wasn't any place close to eat, I decided to head to the airport terminal. There were lots of moving sidewalks, so I didn't have to walk much. Lunch at SmashBurger was reasonably priced. I ordered a double patty and some fries, and drank my race Gatorade and water. The NFL playoff games were on TV, so I was watching while eating. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations, with a nice comfy place to sit. I had planned to sightsee some more on the light rail, but it was already 2 pm. Instead, I was on social media, posting pictures from the weekend races. I had friends at other races this weekend, Carlsbad and Disneyland Star Wars, so the social media was very active. My lady Elvis friend was also in town, but we missed each other at the race. Turned out she was on the same flight back to San Diego, so we were able to fly back together. Flights are so much more enjoyable when you are sitting next to a fellow runner. Last year when I flew back from DC, I missed Mexican Food, so it's been a tradition to stop by El Indio Mexican Food when I get back to San Diego, since it was on the way home.

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