Race Report: Gilbert Half Marathon

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Last Saturday, 11/22, I ran the first ever Gilbert Half Marathon.  Taking place on the same morning as the Gilbert Days Parade (actually, we kicked off the parade, which was kind of fun), the run started just north of Warner on Gilbert Road, made a 13.1 mile square, and finished up at the Gilbert Civic Center, just south of Warner on Gilbert Road.


Standing in the port o potty line before the start.


The field, lined up and ready to run!

While I ran the half marathon for this event, there was also a 10K, which ran on the back half of the half marathon course.  The 10K started about 30 minutes after the half marathon, which cleared out the roads nicely by the time I came through; I'm sure the super fast half marathoners had to battle through some of the 10Kers, but overall, it worked out fine.


There I am, in the middle of the shot, waving at Chris.
Time to run!

When you sign up for the inaugural run of an event, you never quite know what to expect, as the race organizers haven't always worked out all the kinks yet.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by this race; everything was well run, the distance markers were among the most accurate I've ever seen on a race, the aid stations were well stocked, and the volunteers were amazing.  Generally, race volunteers are great, but these guys made huge signs to encourage runners and scattered themselves along the race course to cheer us all on; this was far and above what most races do, and it was greatly appreciated.


Coming in hot, around mile 6ish.

In addition to the race support, I had an amazing support team of my own.  Of course, Chris was there, which as always, is outstanding.  But, I had even more support this time.  Our friends Tara and Ryan met Chris at the halfway point to cheer me on, even though they still had company in town and richly deserved to stay in their nice, warm beds at this early hour, as they were only 6 days post completing the Ironman Arizona race.


Here's Ryan, crossing the IMAZ finish line...


...and here's Tara!

They even brought a cowbell!  I've never had a cowbell cheering section at a race before!

After I pushed through the halfway point, my crew hopped in their cars and headed to just before the finish line, around mile 12.5 on Gilbert Road.  Hopefully, they didn't have too long to wait to see me run by again and grab these shots:


"Hi guys!" 


High five for the disembodied arm on the right!
(That's actually Chris)

Overall, my race went well.  I was aiming to hit 8:40 miles the entire time, and I did, having an overall time of 1:52:58 and a per mile average of 8:39.  My running was pretty even throughout the event, but I had a few side cramps that made me powerwalk for about 10-15 second intervals in the last few miles (my side was sore for around 3 days afterward).  Coach trained me well!


Happy about setting a new PR!

After getting cleaned up and wishing Tara and Ryan a fond farewell, Chris and I headed to brunch at Mother Bunch Brewery, a new spot downtown for eats and drinks.  We've been wanting to try it for awhile, and even though they didn't have any of their own beer on tap, everything was wonderful.


This is why I run.
No, really.

If the Gilbert Marathon folks are able to put on the full event in 2015, I would love to participate, and if anyone is looking for a great run, check them out.  Hope to see you on the course!

Later!

Amy



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