Flagstaff Half-Marathon

Both Shannon and I suffered injuries during our training for the Flagstaff Half-Marathon. However, thanks to our various physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and plenty of Tylenol and Advil, September 22 found us ready to run.  Our goals were to finish at all, and to finish together. 

Shannon's husband Jim had also registered for the half-marathon, but his own medical challenges caused him not to be able to train at all.  He was able to walk, and chose to walk the 10K part of this event. 

This is the 7th year the Flagstaff Marathon has been run.  It includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 10K.  Participation is limited to 350 registrants.   It's well organized, well marked, with lots of water stations with enthusiastic volunteers.  This table is pre-race snacks.






The Flagstaff Marathon is held at the Flagstaff Nordic Center, which, as the name implies, is a cross country ski and snowshoe area in the winter. It's very beautiful, with ponderosa, fir, aspen, and various wildflowers and grasses. Events are held at the facility year round, including conferences, weddings, camping, biking events, and running events. They also rent yurts year round. Here's the summer version. In winter, this frame is covered with felt and canvas and has a heater inside. 

It was cool when we arrive, but by the 8:00 start time, it was comfortable for top and shorts.  Here's where we started and finished:

 

 

The course through the trees was all trail, both single track and old forest roads.  There was a bit of a rush at the start, to be expected.  Everyone soon spread out, and the remainder of the race  was quiet, with no feeling of running with 348 other people.  Shannon and I trained for  run/walk intervals of 2 min run/1 min walk.  As we progressed, we took walk breaks as necessary.  In the end, it was more a walk/run.  Everything about it was wonderful-the setting, the weather, the friendliness of the runners.  Shannon and I enjoyed chatting with each other and briefly with other runners.  The last few miles we were joined walking by Michael, a friendly and hurting Sedona fireman who'd pulled something behind his left knee and was limping badly.  We last saw him getting on the massage table after the race. 

 

 The post-race food was provided by a favorite local restaurant, Big Foot BBQ. Yummy pulled pork and beef sandwiches, potato salad, and mashed sweet potatoes were enjoyed by all finishers.

 

Jim, Shannon and I were pleased to make our goals.  Here we are with our finishers medals.  I enjoyed this event so much, it's already on my to-do list for next year!