Phoenix Marathon Group Training Run

This morning I got up early and I got my run in so I could go support some of the people I coach on a 16 mile training run for the Phoenix Marathon. The course is point to point and has a lot of downhill so I drove everyone to the start and they ran back down to their cars where we parked at 16 miles into the course. It is very important to know the course you are running especially if it's a marathon and best case scenario is that you run it a few times. It's a great time to practice race preparation, fueling, and race speed over the specific terrain.

We met at 6:30 and were able to start just after 7 in what was freezing temperatures for Arizona.  I was proud of everyone for getting up early and pushing themselves. It was cool to see so many runners out on the course. I'm the guy who gets pumped up when I see people out running so I was feeling very inspired. Nothing better than seeing people out there pushing themselves to reach their goals!  I pointed out how my whole group was doing the Lunge Matrix without me saying anything.  One of them joked that it was their first time doing it and they had watched the video on the way to the run.  Haha! I stopped every couple of miles in my car and was able to direct people where to go, yell a few times (only positive), and take clothes as people warmed up and stripped down. Everyone did really well and gained confidence from the run. I got to see Octavio and Johanna run which was great because they live on the other side of town and I don't get to see them. They were super strong this morning. My neighbor Ami ran her first 16 mile run ever and Dana had her second 16 miler ever. Julie Swanson continues to impress Allison and I and she crushed the run. It was a good day.

I also met Kyle from Triplex Training and his group that had the same idea that we did. They were all very nice (and fast) and were extremely appreciative that I was able to guide them along the course. It was awesome to see such a good size group at the meet up spot today.

All in all it was a great morning and I continue to learn that the more I give to running the more I get back. I love helping people but they don't even realize that they inspire me as well. I can't wait for the next one on January 26.

"First Time" doing the Lunge Matrix

Early, cold, and smiling before a 16 miler. Love it!