First marathon post injury is finally done!
I was feeling anxious, and I actually even had a lot of doubts leading up to the week of the race.  I thought I wasn’t ready, that I would re-injure my foot, and that I would have to sit out a couple more months again….but I just went with my gut and decided to go through with the race! I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Phoenix marathon, so I was excited.  I LOVE small races.  Boston was an amazing experience, but it was just a little bit crowded for me! The Phoenix marathon was a little tricky.  If you look at the elevation chart, it looks like you will just cruise through the whole course.  BUT, there are a good amount of rolling hills in there! The first half of the race, I felt GREAT! Then came mile 15. My foot began to hurt A LOT.  I honestly thought I re-tore my tendon and I would have to drop out (something that I’ve never done, but I guess there is  first for everything)! I kept running though, and when I got to mile 21, I knew I just had to cross that finish line. I believe my finish time 4:01:53.  FAR from a PR, but I was ecstatic that I finished! After crossing the finish line, they had THE best booths set up! LOTS of food.  Out of all the races that I have ran, the Phoenix marathon definitely had the best after race party! They were also handing out the most amazing french toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe! I usually don’t feel like eating after a long run, but one bite of that french toast, and I was sold! It was SO good! If you live near a Kneader’s, you definitely need to try the french toast!  I also tried muscle milk for the first time, and I actually liked it! Maybe I will start using this as my post run recovery fuel.
Japanese ramen before leaving was a must!
The views and sunsets in Arizona are breathtaking! Nature always reminds me how amazing God is.  Honestly, the past two weeks has been an emotional roller coaster for me, but being around nature and running with an amazing view was healing. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of the sunset.  Maybe I’ll have to take another trip down there!
Not to go off on a tangent, but all I have to say is that the highlight to this past weekend were these:
Samoas are a MUST.  The s’mores one were pretty good too! Make sure you grab a couple boxes before they stop selling them!!! I haven’t ran since last weekend (I’m really try to watch my foot).  I did get up extra early this morning though and walked 18 miles on the treadmill.  Crazy, I know, but I needed it.  Lots of time to think.  Hopefully I’ll be able to get 3 or 4 miles of running in tomorrow! Some chill songs to end the week!