Juggling life and recollections of PF Chang's Rock and Roll Half Marathon

Well after coming off of my high of a PR at PF Chang's there was one funny thing about it all.  After I returned home from the race, the wife and I talked about all things going on in and around the event itself.  My wife then tells me she saw a runner in my race juggling, yes, juggling while they were running the half marathon.  I laughed and asked how far this runner was behind me, she laughed and said "behind you, heck they were in front of you, in fact I got a photo of them as they ran past the 9 mile mark."  Wow, I think how hard I ran, how hard I trained, how fast I thought I was in accomplishing a new PR less than 1:45 and all to be beat by a juggling runner.  Not depressing, but actually kind of funny.  I have two left feet, can't dance worth a lick and I must say, whoever this person is, I applaud you,  you indeed have a level of concentration and fitness that this runner will never approach.  Who would have thunk it, but there is indeed a following of this type of sport, it is called Joggling, wow, count me as now informed.  Check out this Joggler's website.  http://justyouraveragejoggler.com/ or how about this article Boston Marathon Juggling for 26.2 miles

A little recollection of the 2010 PF Chang's Rock and Roll event in Phoenix.  As mentioned before I had another wonderful year with this event.  The expo is huge and probably one of my favorites.  Running clothes, shoes, accessories, samples and the list goes on and on.  Scored some great deals on some "last year" model Sugoi running jacket and tech shirts.  Starting line big name celebrity was Senator John McCain whom I enjoyed seeing.  The course was lined with great bands and by far my favorite is always "Come Back Buddy".  These folks are great, there is nothing like hearing a band dressed up in 50s outfits and a up tempo, rockin, positive 50s tune belting out on the course to lift one's spirits.  Thank you Come Back Buddy for putting a smile on this runner's face.  Video below, or visit their website at Come Back Buddy

The festive atmosphere of this continued as the miles rolled by.  The volunteers were just outstanding, if there were someway I could thank each and every one of them I would.  When you are hot, panting, tired and worried you aren't going to PR, they were always there with a smile on their face handing you something to drink.  Lastly, one of the coolest things for this event, you can actually watch yourself cross the finish line post race.  Click here Replay and enter my bib number 23354 to watch me finish the race.  Overall, just an outstanding event.

Well my marathon training is now in GO mode.  I input some dates into the Runner's World Smart Coach and it spit out a 13 week training schedule.  I put in a slow, laid back 12 miler today but it boggles my mind when I look at the upcoming weeks, months where I'll be running 16, 18, 20 miles at a time.  Right now, I just can't picture it happening but then again, I never pictured myself running a half marathon in under 1:45.  I am going to try and post my workouts so stayed tuned.

Got a race this upcoming Sunday, my first double nickel, first a 5K race and then a 5 miler.  Have never done one and it should be interesting to see how it all pans out.  Well for now that's the latest, keep smiling and keep runnin.