As I mentioned
previously, I have been in a general funk lately, brought on by the unrelenting
winter we are experiencing here in Michigan. It is almost April, and we are
celebrating any day that gets above freezing. I have been avoiding anything
that involves going outside to run, which is seriously cutting into the race
reports for the year.
Luckily, I have friends
who a) can travel to interesting races and b )don’t mind writing about them for
the blog. Our favorite guest blogger, Leslie, of Mango Madness race report fame
(and my partner in crime for many running adventures) has been kicking around the desert of Arizona
with her daughter Christi at the Lost Dutchman Half Marathon. Here is her race
report.
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| Leslie and Christi |
It’s great to be back as a guest blogger! This year I’ve set the somewhat crazy goal of
completing 13 half marathons in 2013.
Crazy mostly because I set the goal while in an air cast for a stress
fracture, and really wasn’t sure what the year would bring. Perhaps I wasn’t thinking clearly, but that’s
what makes racing fun. Sign up, think about it later!
In February I traveled to Phoenix to spend a fun-filled
week with my granddaughter (while mommy & daddy vacationed in Mexico). I’m not one to go anywhere without checking
for races, and twisting a few arms, if need be, to fit one in. As luck would have it, there were 2 half
marathons in the Phoenix area that fit my schedule. With a little persuasion, my daughter agreed
to race with me, and we settled on the Lost Dutchman Half Marathon, in Apache Junction, AZ. This was a
perfect opportunity for us to race together, since she was also coming off an
injury and unable to run at her usual zippy pace.
The race is set in the shadow of Superstition Mountain. The half marathon is an out and back
course, while the marathon is point to point.
There is also a 10K, Trail 8K and 2 Mile option. Something for everyone! The half is advertised as flat. I guess flat is a relative term. It was not flat compared to where I train in
Michigan, but I suppose it is to those that normally train on 2 mile long inclines. I consider a race that has what is
affectionately called “the wall” to have a bit of an elevation change.
It did, but certainly wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle!
We skipped the race expo in Apache Junction, and opted to
pick up our packets at Roadrunner Sports. an ideal option for us. [Leslie never misses a chance to shop!] Packet
pickup was also available the morning of the race for everyone but the marathon
runners. If you do this race, it’s a
great option. There is plenty of
parking in the park, and it’s only a short walk to the expo area. Bring money! The vendors are also onsite throughout the
race. One of my favorites was a local
company called Gypsy Runner. Lots of fun and creative items for runners
and triathletes.
On race morning we were up at o’dark o’clock for our
drive to Apache Junction. The race is
easy to find, the parking is plentiful, as are the port-a-potties. Lines were never more than 3 deep. This alone makes this race a winner, in my
book! When we arrived, it was still
dark, and cold. Yes, it is cold in the
desert at night, especially in the winter, even for a Michigander like me. Thank goodness for a toasty car to wait
in, since we arrived more than an hour before race time! Cold temps aside, race temps are generally
ideal for this race, and 2013 was no exception. Chilly at the start, abundant sunshine (wear
sunscreen), and around 60 at the finish.
Ideal in my book!
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| Sunrise Start |
The race started at 7:15 am, just as the sun was rising
from behind Superstition Mountain.
After a flat stretch out of the Prospector Park, there is a slight climb
before turning towards Superstition Mountain, the sun, and a very nice downhill
(note to self.......we come back this way).
The route is not only beautiful, but offers a freshly graded shoulder
for those that prefer dirt to pavement.
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| Wide Dirt Shoulder |
What more could you ask for, eh?
The route is rolling to the turnaround with ample aid stations. Superstition Mountain gets closer with each
step, there are beautiful desert views, plentiful saguaro cacti, and an
occasional hawk or prairie dog.
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| Beautiful Scenery! |
With
something new to discover with each step, the miles zip by as you reach the
turnaround.
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| The Wall |
Ah, the turnaround!
Up and down rollers, and then “The Wall”! A fun climb from approximately mile 10.5
through 12.5. Funny it seems like more
of a climb in this direction than a downhill in the other direction. The race directors have a sense of humor,
and place a “wall” to go through in the middle of the road. Be sure to take advantage of the photo
opportunities, but don’t be fooled!
You aren’t close to the top!
Give it another mile or so, and don’t take too much stock in those
elevation charts! My legs were toast
by the time I did reach the top, so I wasn’t able to fully enjoy that downhill
towards the finish. Still, I finished
strong, only 2 minutes off of a PR. Not
bad for 7 weeks training out of the boot!
Overall, it’s a fast course.
Lost Dutchman had some of the best post-race food. Besides the usual bananas, cookies and
bagels, they offered yogurt with granola or breakfast burritos. Yum!!!!!
Also, a lot of fun photo opportunities with the prospector and his donkey and array of crazy critters!
The medals are original and fun too.
Each race has its own medal.
None of that full/half share a medal thing at Lost Dutchman!
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| Photo Opps |
Would I recommend this race? Absolutely! Lost Dutchman is a small race that is well
organized. It’s a nice bonus to have a
road race that isn’t run through a city.
For trail runners, no it isn’t a trail, but the gravel/dirt shoulder is
a nice option if a trail race isn’t available.
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| The Finishers and Their Bling! |
