Lost Dutchman 8k Race Report and Arizona Pics

I returned last night from an amazing little trip to Phoenix. I planned this trip a couple months ago to visit my best friend Inga. I looked online to see if there were any fun races to do that weekend and found the Lost Dutchman Marathon. I registered for the marathon but my training was sidelined by a strained rib muscle. I switched to the 8k trail run with no problem at the expo.

My friend Inga and my Aunt Carol both registered for the 2 mile fun run. They are both occasional/aspiring runners and were excited for the challenge. We all headed out to Apache Junction bright and early. It was cloudy and cool which was perfect for the race. I jogged up to the starting area and used the porto potty. The 10k and 2 mile fun run were also starting around the same time (Half Marathon and Marathon started earlier) so I was trying to figure out where to line up. I asked someone and they informed me that the 8k trail run was changed- the trail had been washed out by heavy rains the day before and the run would now just be held on the road with the other races. Lame!! I was really looking forward to running through the desert. Also, I was NOT looking forward to a full-out road racing effort. What are ya gonna do?

The 8k and 10k runners lined up together and the gun went off right at 8:00. The race was chipped timed but it wasn’t a big field so I was only a couple seconds behind the starting line.

I didn’t have any strategy for this race. I was hoping to running sub 8:00 pace on the trail, but didn’t know how fast I could run on the flat road. My 10k pace is around 7:35 but I’m certainly not in that kind of shape. Basically I just ran my ass of the whole time. I felt OK but had that knot in my stomach that I get when I am running at the red line. I also had a tiny side cramp at one point and was just generally working hard.

At the 8k turn around I counted the women in front of me and was surprised to see I was 6th. On the way back I could see the 3 ladies ahead of me but didn’t have the gas to pass them. I didn’t get passed by any girls though so that was good. I saw the finish line ahead of me and gave it all I had. Inga and Carol cheered me as I crossed the finish line!

Splits:

1- 7:30
2- 7:53
3- 7:57
4- 7:41
5- 7:32 (.98 miles = 7:43 pace)

Official Results: 38:31 (7:45 pace)

6/288 Female

1/32 Age Group (30-34)

A volunteer gave me a medal (a surprise for an 8k!). I grabbed a drink and tried not to throw up. Inga and Carol and I wandered around the finisher’s area and had some food. They were displaying the results already on screens and I was SO excited to see that I was first in my AG! We stuck around a while and I got a really nice medal. We went out for breakfast at this great place in Gilbert and just had a really fun time.

The rest of the weekend was so fun. The sun finally came out and Inga and I had tons of fun visiting and doing fun stuff around Phoenix. I flew home and was greeted by Maritza who is in town for the week for work!! I’m so spoiled.

Lots of other updates coming soon about the house, running, and climbing, but will make a separate post for that. Thanks so much for reading everyone!! :)