This was our first Ultra-marathon. We started one hour before the Phoenix Rock and Roll marathon, and ran 4.8 miles. We had a short break until the (regular) marathon started about 15 minutes later. I walked to the back of the marathon to start with the slower runners. Drew stayed at the front with the elite runners; he wanted to watch John McCain fire the starting gun. That's how I ended up beating Drew in the Ultra, even though we crossed the finish line together! It's a technicality, but I'll take the win. My GPS indicated 31.8 miles. The weather was nice and warm, and the crowds cheering us along the course were very enthusiastic. Bands along the route were great; I heard many of the singers encouraging runners between songs. The best band was after the finish line. Everclear was the headliner band, and our Ultra finish allowed us VIP stage access. I think most Ultra finishers were too tired to dance, because there were only eight of us against the stage (there were 148 total Ultra finishers). I was never a big fan of Everclear's "poppy" music, but they put on a great live show which I really enjoyed.
The Barrett Jackson Car Auction always amazes with the number and quality of automobiles. Unfortunately it rained this year. Although the cars were parked under big tents, rain still blew in the sides and dampened the vehicles. When walking around looking at the cars, the rain poured down the sides of the tents in sheets. If you attempted to view the fronts of the vehicles, you'd be standing directly in the downpour. Not only was I getting wet, but the cars on display were becoming splattered and dirty. It was so sad to see the pristine vehicles getting wet; I'm sure most of them have never been in the rain (especially after their restoration). A few days after we left Arizona, the storm intensified. Another car auction in the area had a tent blow down and caused serious damage to many vehicles.
I'm thrilled I finished my
first Ultra, but there is a lot of room for improvement. I'll be trying in
two months for a much quicker pace on Antelope Island.
Click a picture to see a larger view
and explanation.
Start of Ultra
