An old high school friend called me the other day to invite me to her wedding. The festivities will be in Phoenix, where she and her fiancé live.
I’m excited! It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, and I’m looking forward to catching up with her and a few other old high school friends that don’t live in the DC area anymore. It’ll also be my first time in Phoenix!
And since I haven’t done a race in Arizona yet, I figured maybe I’ll run if there are any races taking place in the area that weekend. Well, turns out there is one — the Phoenix Pride Run Half Marathon. It’s at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the wedding (April 2).
But… do I really want to run (at 6:30 a.m.!!) on the day of the wedding?? I’ll have to take it easy on the partying the night before, ha.
This week, I decided to sign up. I figured a race on the morning of the wedding is better than a race on the morning after the wedding!
The course looks like it runs mainly through downtown Phoenix, and is largely flat for the first nine miles. There are a couple of inclines at miles 10 and 11, and ends with a slight downhill slope. Doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe I can convince the bride to run with me. 🙂
Have you ever been to Phoenix? If so, I would love some recommendations on places to eat/things to do.
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Did you watch the Olympic Marathon trials yesterday? Big congrats to the qualifiers who will be representing USA in Rio this summer!
Men’s Marathon Qualifiers
Galen Rupp: 2:11:13
Meb Keflezighi: 2:12:21
Jared Ward: 2:13:00
Women’s Marathon Qualifers
Amy Cragg: 2:28:27
Desiree Linden: 2:29:00
Shalane Flanagan: 2:29:26
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And… Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all. I’ve never been big on this Hallmark holiday. It’s my little sister’s birthday, so I usually focus on that.
Also, it’s a good time to be thankful for all the love I have in my life… from family, friends, etc. Be thankful and cherish every moment you have with the people you love. Life moves fast. Time is limited.
Running the States 
Have fun in Phoenix – we lived in Tucson for a long while and actually went back in 2012 for my first ever marathon. The warm air is very dry so make sure you take on board extra fluids, but you travel and run a lot so I’m sure you’ll be prepared. I don’t know Phoenix too well but there are some really nice resorts and restaurants up the Scottsdale area and Tempe old town was fun to visit if I recall. Depending on how long you are staying Sedona is about 3 hours or so to the north and well worth a day trip or on overnight stay if you can fit it in. Really cool that you get to race on your visit!
Thx so much for the tips and suggestions, James! Would love to get in a short trip to Sedona if I can. I’ve heard great things, too. Will be sure to check out restaurants in Tempe and Scottsdale. 🙂 It’s going to be a packed schedule. But fun!
Nice that there is a half the day of the wedding (I would rather run it morning of vs. day after haha). Happy Birthday to V!
Yes, got lucky with the timing of the race in Arizona! Don’t think I could do day after the wedding. Haha. Will tell her you said HBD! 🙂