In all the events I’ve attended, I’ve always been the runner. In several instances, there’s been folks along the course supporting me. Sometimes a friend jumps on at mile 18 with some gatorade and pretzels. Most of the time, it’s my husband running half the marathon alongside me to help me keep pace and carry my water belt. He’s the best.
As I said in my last Pace Per Mile race report, if you’ve ever appreciated the support on the course, you should try doing it yourself this year. So that’s what I did last weekend. I have run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona marathon twice and I do like this event. It isn’t a HUGE event like San Antonio or Las Vegas and I appreciate that. It’s well organized, great course support, and nearly always nice weather. This last weekend the weather was PERFECT. I kind of wished I HAD ran the event for myself….
Missy and Carrie are two Team In Training friends that had set out to finish their very first marathon at Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona. When Missy signed up for this months and months ago she asked some of us if we’d be willing to go out and do it with her. So JZ (another teammate and relay buddy) and I said we would run along as course support.
I have to say, I had a blast. No pressure on me because it wasn’t my race and I still got to see a lot of my teammates and experience the excitement of the event.
Warming up at Circle K
JZ and I got up early Sunday with Missy and Carrie as they headed to the start line, and then we loitered at a Circle K near mile 11 waiting to see our runners come to jump in with them. More than anything, JZ and I were there for the moral support that comes with being a friend who has done this before.
We had a good time. We sort of Flash Mobbed at mile 15 with some Teenage Dream on Carrie’s iPod and we cheered for others out on the course (we saw Running Joe!), enjoying the cheer squads and the bands. We caught a lot of photographers too, thanks to Marathonfoto.
Then, at around mile 17, I witnessed two opposite marathon experiences unfold that I’m very familiar with. Missy was feeling AMAZING and had this euphoric episode where everything was AMAZING! The oranges on the course were the best oranges she’d EVER tasted. That banana tasted AMAZING. Everything was just amazing and going her way and she had energy to spare! She and JZ took off and Missy finished strong, keeping her pace.
Carrie, on the other hand, was running through injuries and her ankle/shin/knee started to revolt. (Later there would be a toenail casualty as well.) She kept a brave face and a fairly upbeat attitude considering the pain she was in. I was glad to be able to keep her company and enjoy the course. It was a tough run and the 26 mile marker was a welcome sight! I knew it was a relief for her to know the end was near.
It is SO very cool to be there when your friend finishes their first 26.2. I remember that moment. It was emotional for me and I’m still proud of myself, and I’m proud of my friends for the races they ran last Sunday. Welcome to the marathon club, Missy and Carrie. You both bravely attacked the miles with strong hearts and determined minds. Wear your medals and limp proudly!
More Photos from the event:
First sighting - near mile 11
With Virginia
Carrie's mom and dad (on bike)
Carrie's brother snaps a photo at mile 16
The coach that talked her into this.
I volunteered for 2 races this year, one the RnR San Jose. It was great! My hubby ran and I got to give him his medal too. Glad you had a good experience.
Thank you! I love RNR San Jose – thank you for volunteering! I bet that would be a great experience – to be able to give the medal to your spouse at the finish line! I would like to volunteer at the finish line of an event this year. One of my goals. Cheering and congratulating runners gets me so pumped for my next race!