Back in 2008, good friend and Singer/Songwriter, Laura Marie along with her husband came to Phoenix to run this event's full marathon. I remember cheering them on from the same spot as I have for all the years except for last year when I decided to run the half marathon.
Laura Marie and her husband stayed with us and it was exciting to see how runners prepare for a race. Their enthusiasm and commitment was the spark that I needed to consider taking up running and finally losing weight.
This year, I was proud to stand and cheer on good friends, friends/mentors from running groups and brave souls running the full marathon. Every year it's just as exciting! After the runners passed, I walked block away back to my house and got ready to take the light rail down to Tempe.
Watching people cross the Finish Line is the best part!!! It's such a joy to see those that completed their first race and/or set a PR. I was set to run the Temecula Valley Half Marathon the day before this race but was canceled. All and all, I'm somewhat happy that it happened this way. If I hadn't, I would have missed out on great personal moments as friends crossed the Finish Line.
Taking Light Rail to and from Tempe was easy. Congestion filled with Runners & their medals on Mill Ave was awesome! As with any race, I still get the jitters before a race and always thankful and blessed to cross the Finish Line. This past weekend, I felt those same jitters for all the runners that ran. I've completed so many half marathons these past two years that maybe it's time to actually run this full marathon. The thought of passing my usual spot without me standing there would be such a great moment!
Thanks again PF Chang & RnR Series. Volunteers were awesome as always. Congrats to all those the Runners! Cheers***