The Phoenix 10K and Half Marathon took place on Sunday November 4, 2012 in downtown Phoenix. I was drawn to this event because of the Cause. Funds raised go to the Mollen Foundation, a non-profit who works to empower, encourage and motivate children to live active and healthier lifestyles. Great cause that I highly support. The event was awesome. My favorite thus far.
The Phoenix 10K was consisted of several activities; 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, Half Marathon, 5K Team Challenge, Wheelchair 10K, Kids 50 Yard Dash, 1 Mile Run for Kids and much more.
So…. at the last minute I changed my mind and rather than doing the 10K as planned, I did the 5K. This has taught me a few things and actually extends further into my life and outside of running. I need to challenge myself more. I end up taking familiar routes out of fear of not excelling. That’s a separate topic, BUT I’ve recognized this and I’m working towards breaking down this barrier.
My dad, his wife Rosa and my niece Cianna were coming along. My dad and Cianna were thinking about doing the walk, and Rosa was doing the 5K with me. I so loved the fact they were coming, and that my niece was attending her first race event.
The morning of the race, I had pumpkin steel cut oats for breakfast and some coffee (along with water). I felt satisfied but not full.
In addition to being Cianna and my Dads’ first race, it was also their first Light Rail experience. I told them we had to take a shoe shot. lol. Check out my dad’s suede Hush Puppies.
The event wasn’t too packed. There were tons of people, but everything was pretty spread out. My niece got her face painted, then she and my dad went straight to the pizza vendor while Rosa and I got warmed up. 
I was hoping my niece would want to do the the kids’ race, but I think she was being shy. She said she’d come next year and try it out.
As we wait at the Starting Line, listening to speakers and doing warm-ups, I notice someone get right in front and me and say, “Michelle ?”. It took me about 10 seconds to realize it was an old friend that I hadn’t seen in 14 years! Wow. We hugged, exchanged phone numbers, wished each other luck. Then the race started.
I started at a pretty moderate pace. It was still nice and crisp outside and the sun was warm but refreshing. A perfect late 60′s temperature. Right away, Rosa and I lose each other. It was each woman for her own. 
This pic is northbound on Central Ave just as we go over the bridge.
As I hit the half way mark my right shoe unties. Darnit! I stopped to tie the lace and was speed walking for about 30 seconds. After that I kept a steady pace, but knew I could kick it up a notch so I did, trying to catch up to the all the people who passed me while I was tying my shoe. When I turned the last corner and was about a quarter mile from the Finish Line is when I really picked up the speed. That last quarter mile tends to be pretty magical. You see & hear the crowds, the music, photographers snapping pics and your hoping your family is there see you cross that line. Is it just me?
Here’s my finish line pic as captured by the event photographers.
I finished the race at 26:26. Heck Yes! My best race time yet. 
I caught up with my Dad and he was there to see me cross the finish line. Cianna gave me a high-five we watched for Rosa to cross. She came in just over 32 minutes, her best race time as well.
After our Gatorade fix, we enjoyed the entertainment, freebies and photo booths. Radio Disney was there airing and playing games with the kids. They got Cianna’s attention, and she jumped right in to play and WON the Musical Squares dance game. It was cool to watch her interact and get involved.
Here she goes playing the Musical Squares game, then a group pic of all the kids who played. So funny, that she was the one kid not registered for either kids’ race, but she got the lime light. haha.
Check her out (blue shirt), all Happy-Go-Lucky, just about to win the Musical Squares games
The Grim Nancies were rocking the stage with cover songs, old and new. They were good! Check’m out. I liked many things about this event/race. First and foremost, the fact that I was there with my family was very cool. Everyone enjoyed themselves is making plans to do the race next year.
My favorite race day freebie was…..the photo booths!
