PF Chang’s Rock n Roll Half Marathon 2016

It's here again! Rock N Roll Arizona Marathon weekend. Last year I participated in the 10k, this year I am attacking the 5k and half.

The Expo was just as fabulous as last year. Extremely big and appealing. I could have spent all day and my whole paycheck in there. Hubby stood in line for my in the 5k bib while I waiting in the half marathon line. Have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tech shirts this year. I was not too fond of the red ones from last year. I just felt they were more Arizona theme. The 5k t shirt was this bright yellow with a lizard on it. The half marathon shirt was even better. This great green colour with a dancing guitar playing guy on it. I have even worn them to work (which hardly ever happens) Sponsored by Brooks. The one thing I would have like to see though was actual fabric drawstring bags given out. The see through plastic bags are just a little cheap feeling. This isn't a cheap race or cheap weekend. People come internationally to these events.

Brooks had their own Run Happy Island area. There were events for kids to participate in. Running in spot to race your guy to the top of a volcano(think the price is right tv show), riding a big brooks shoe and then also a get your run stride analized. I won this cute visor that says Run Happy Island. I only wore it through the expo but I kept it in my souvenir chest.

There was everything one could possibly need at the expo. Shoes, compression sleeves, clif bloks, arm bands and much more. I did my best to avoid temptation but made off with a good bag of free samples.

The half marathon started at 7:50 AM in corals based off time near Tempe Beach park. I did good getting a parking spot that I didn't have to pay for. Which was a bonus because I had to pay for parking at the expo. I didn't want to pay 3 days in a row for parking. Hubby walked me halfway there and we parted ways. It was chilly standing in line waiting for my coral to be let loose. I was assigned coral 15 based off my estimated time. I always try to stay on the edge of the crowd. Surprisingly I get a bit claustrophobic.

And then we were off. Through the chute and past the music we went. I always bring my wireless LG tones with me. They don't bounce and are wireless. You couldn't go too fast if you wanted too. The crowd is just too big and people were tearing off their extra sweaters that was getting donated to the homeless. Dont tell my mother in law, but that's where last years christmas robe went. Both sides of the streets were lined up with people cheering on their runners. even though you don't know them, the running community always makes you feel like they are cheering for you.

Water stations were placed about every 2-3 miles. I had my camelbak, so I tried to avoid the water stations as much as possible. I also carried my own cliff blocks. never put anything in your tummy that you don't train with. They also had adequate porta potties. The lines were outrageously long for them. I did my best to avoid them till mile 5. Sadly I spent about 4 mins standing in line. The course at that point started to get a few rolling hills. For me that was a pleasure. I am a lover of the hills. Miles 3 through 8 were a bit of a bore scenery wise though. Streets with buildings. Come about mile 8 that's when we started to see the Arizona mountains and rock. I think it was about mile 9 when we hit the big out and back hill. I remember smiling the whole time kicking that hill. The frustrating part on the course though was the lack of running etiquette. If you are going to walk, move over please. Dont walk on the left hand side. I feel like i wasted time just weaving around people.

Then I saw the bridge. I remembered the bridge from last year. I felt like my time was doing good. I don't wear a watch when I run. I run naked I guess. I have a phone, but it's in my spibelt. My body felt good too. I gave the bridge my salutations as I ran over her and into the finishers line. The crowd was amazing cheering for people they don't know, and the best signs I can remember.

The volunteers awarded me with my medal and then I made my way down food aisle as I call it. You can not carry all the food and drinks they give you. Bananas, pretzels, fruit cups, water, gatorade, protein bars. As I am fumbling with my food I call my husband and we meet up. One of my friends had already crossed the line, and we were waiting on one more. I decided to check out the engraving station. It was $20.00 but this was only my 3rd half marathon so I figured why not. Then they told my time. I PR’d by about 5 mins. I was under the 2:30 mark. Oh ya! engrave that medal for me.

There was a merchandise tent like last year, some local companies advertising and then also the glorious beer tent. Everyone runs for a beer at the end right? It was about 11am at this point. So we stood and enjoyed the live music playing in the park by the water. I could still see the people running across the bridge above me. Randomly I would turn my head and cheer them on. I may not know them, but they all are friends and family.