Night Run for Julee

Scottsdale, Arizona
Today held 2 firsts for us in the racing world. Today, my son Christian and I did a double header. We did a race in the morning and a race in the evening. The other first is that this is the first time we have raced at night. That is something I didn’t think through when I brought my thumps. I wore them anyway and was able to see ok. I gotta have my music. This race had a great course with fantastic food. They had pizza, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches etc. Most importantly this race went to benefit Julee Patterson who is a Scottsdale Police Officer who was diagnosed with breast cancer. All the sponsors did a great job and it was great to see all the support for Julee. Several of the valley's mascots were there in support. Big Red, Sparky, and Hairy were all there. Hairy is quite the character.

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Ride for the Children

Paradise Valley, Arizona
This course is gorgeous. My son and I did the 25 mile course and it was great. The organizers did a great job with this event. Great weather. Great event. That said, can I just make an observation. I don't mind hanging out with the swimming crowd. Runners are nice people too. Triathletes are pretty decent company for the most part. But every time I go to a cycling only event, I come away with the same impression. I love cycling, but I really don't care for the cycling crowd and “bike people”. They are by far the least desirable of the multi-sport world in my book.

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Splash & Dash

Tempe, Arizona
This event was cancelled. Once again Tempe Town Lake is un-swimmable. This lake is killing a lot of Multi-sport events. Christian hasn’t been able to use the wetsuit he got for Christmas and we are almost in May now.

Pat's Run

Tempe, Arizona

Other than a marathon event, this is the biggest run I have ever seen. There were almost 30,000 people doing this run. The highlight of the race is definitely running into Sun Devil Stadium and finishing on the 42 yard line.

Marquee Triathlon

Tempe, Arizona

Because of rain, this Olmypic triathlon turned into an Olympic Duathlon. Apparently the recent rains washed too much debris and dirt into Tempe Town lake for officials to give the green light for human swimming. Since the swim is my strongest discipline that did not make me happy. Also, since I am still in recovery mode from Ironman 70.3 California a week ago, the additional 3.1 miles of running was not exactly exciting good news for me either. I didn’t want to miss this triathlon because the bike course follows the same exact course as Ironman Arizona and I wanted to check it out. When I signed up, I thought it might be pushing it, but I could handle a 10k after a week of recovering. The 6.2 miles became two runs and a total of 9.3 miles. The first run went well. I cranked the bike course because that is why I was there. I held a 20+ mile and hour average which is good for me. It is a great course built for my biking strengths. The second run was difficult and painful. My left butt cheek cramped about 2 miles into the run and caused some of the worst pain I have suffered running. I did not stop however and it actually let up at about 5 miles. I was running slow however. Normally I would say this would be a good run course for me however. The run course closely mirrors Ironman Arizona also. I need some rest for more poor legs. They have been through a lot in the past week. My son Christian continues to amaze by placing 2nd place in the age category of 1-19. Red Rock Company puts on an excellent race.

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Ironkids

Tucson, Arizona

Christian placed fourth and qualified for Nationals. I don't know what it is about Ironkids, but both Ironkids Tucson and San Diego have been the coldest races we have ever attended.

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Carlsbad 5000

Carlsbad, California

I know it is a bit much to sign up for a 5k the day after and competing in an Ironman event, but the temptation of the Super Bowl of 5k’s where so many U.S. an World records have been set was just too tempting to resist. Plus it was only 10 minutes from our hotel. There were various 5K races throughout the day. I signed Christian and I up for the walk. I did walk most of it. I just wanted to go through the course. It is a beautiful course right through a section of outdoor cafés and then along the gorgeous beach front. Gorgeous day and this has got to be one of the most beautiful 5K courses we have seen. Christian and I also got a pair of Newton’s each at the expo for 50 bucks brand new. You can sign up to do 5 X 5K’s throughout the day for a total of 25K also. Competitor does a nice job with this race.