I have ran the Night Run (formerly Night Run for the Arts) for several years in its previous Scottsdale location, but was very excited for this new Tempe location, closer to home. I received a free entry through my running group, RunEatTweetAZ. Several of my fellow club members were doing the race. Even a large group from my women’s only running group came. They offered packet pickup the day prior, but it was not conveniently located for me. Instead I arrived early, and parking was a breeze. However, packet pickup/expo was about a ½ mile walk from the parking garage. I was able to pick up my packet pretty easily and walked back to the car. We were given glow wristbands, which were kind of fun. We were treated to a stunning sunset while we waited for the race to start. I hadn’t really studied the course, but thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. The start was so crowded I never even heard a horn or anyone say Go! The first 2 miles were very straightforward but once we crossed the bridge over the lake, things started to get confusing. There were 2 different distances – a 5k and an 8k. I was running the 8k. Once I crossed the bridge I was expecting to split off from the 5kers so I kept checking to make sure I hadn’t missed a turn. The actual split was confusing, especially since it was so dark. I had to turn my music way down and pay attention. I thought it would get less congested once I passed the 5k split/finish. Wrong. We had to do one more loop over the bridge, and at this point were were merging with 5k walkers/stroller pushers who were only on their first lap. I came to a complete standstill. These people were 3-4 across on a very narrow bridge with their strollers and I couldn’t pass. I almost fell 2 times since I was actually trying to run fast and pass them. It was very frustrating. Once I made it to the finish, I was relieved. However, it was SUPER dark. Very poorly lit. I couldn’t figure out where to go or how to get out of there. I was looking for a results screen to check my time/place but couldn’t find one. I never even realized I could scan my bib for results. Duh! Then the unthinkable happened…I actually FORGOT to get my medal! This has truly never happened before. No one handed me a medal when I crossed the line. I never even saw a medal area until 10 or so min later after I had been wandering around. I literally bumped into the medal table. I later heard that they ran out of medals. Hard to believe since they were so hard to find, but it seemed like they were being given out freely, no one was checking to see if they were actual participants. My GPS showed the course to be a little long, I ended up with 5.09 miles. That may have been due to going out of my way to dodge some slower people. I finished 6th in my age group out of 50. If I hadn’t stopped to text back my babysitter, I just might have made it!
If I do this race again next year, I would only run the 5k. That way I wouldn’t have to deal with the cluster of people on the 2nd loop of the 8k run. I like that everyone gets a medal, I like the cool shirts and running at night. The location is great. I think the organizers have a few things to work on for the future, but this is a very unique event for the Phoenix area and I hope it continues to do well #runeattweetaz.
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Calling all runners! If you're a runner with a social media problem, BibRave wants YOU! BibRave is accepting applications for new ambassadors! Earlier this year, I was fortunate to have been accepted as a BibRave Pro. Basically, I'm an ambassador for Bibrave, helping to spread the word about this awesome resource for runners. If you do a lot of races, and like to share your experiences, this could be the opportunity for you! BibRave Pros are a very interactive, engaging, energetic community of runners. We have a weekly #Bibchat on Twitter, and there are many opportunities for race entries and product reviews as an ambassador. Here is some of the criteria: 1. Must have at least 3 reviews on BibRave.com 2. Must not have more than 3 other ambassadorships 3. Strong social following, blog highly encouraged, 4. Must genuinely LOVE BibRave and what we're about. 5. Areas of Focus - Colorado - esp Denver, California - esp southern, New Mexico Ready to apply? Visit http://bibravepro.tumblr.com/ Growing up, I had a good relationship with my mom (not a “Hallmark” mother-daughter relationship, but a decent one). We had some shared interests but also many differences. This December will mark 7 years since she passed away. If you are lucky enough to still have your mom in your life, consider yourselves very lucky! I always took the idea of having children for granted. In my 20’s it was not on my radar. I just assumed I would have kids someday, and it took me a long time to find my husband. I was 35 when I got married. Thankfully once we started trying, we were immediately successful in getting pregnant. I had a picture-perfect pregnancy and thoroughly enjoyed the experience…up until delivery day. My son was born 5 days late via emergency c-section. And not the “emergency c-sections” that people refer to when basically they had a routine c-section where they were awake and their spouse was in the room with them. That is NOT what happened to me. I’ll spare you the details, but basically the baby was in major distress when I arrived at the hospital. A frantic team of nurses swarmed around me, I heard them call the doctor, mention the word “crash” and they wisked me off to the ER. I was knocked out completely under general anesthesia and my husband was not allowed in. Our son Tyler was born quickly, but with complications. I didn’t get to see him or hold him until about 8 hours later. He ended up being transported to a DIFFERENT HOSPITAL than where I was staying. Talk about heartbreaking! He had to stay in the NICU for 8 days. We waited a year and started trying for another baby, and this time it did not happen quickly. I did end up getting pregnant…several times…but ended up with 4 miscarriages. That is why my son is an only child.
He’s a true miracle – from conception to birth to a sweet 9 year old boy with a recent life threatening heart condition diagnosis. Every day is a gift. I love being a mom, and I hope I’m able to be a mother to my son for a long time to come. I still remember the heartbreak in my mother's voice when I told her that I was moving from Chicago all the way out here to Arizona. Now I get it. Whether you are a mom to 1 child or 10, enjoy your special Mother’s Day and all the blessings in your life! |
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Hi, I'm Emily! I'm an avid runner in Arizona with a passion for travel and racing around the country! FOLLOW ME!
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