Wyvern Running

The Lost Dutchman Marathon, Apache Junction (near Phoenix) Feb 18, 2007

There’s a new venue for the expo in the Multi Generational center in Apache Junction. Thank’s again to our Portland Fit and Galloway friends for stopping by!

The weather in the Southwest was unseasonably warm – Ok, well it’s always warm, but it was WARMer than it usually is in mid-february. The lows were in the upper 60’s and Saturday’s high was 85 so we were pretty concerned how we’d fare in the heat on Sunday. We did the half marathon. Thankfully we woke up to clouds and wind that was a bit chilly, but as we got going the wind seemed to die down.

The full marathon here is highly recommended. It’s fairly small, and the beginning is wonderful. Ok, back to the half. It’s an out and back course. (again, it’s a hilly place, don’t expect a flat run!) I liked the changes of footing, part asphalt, part dirt road. We ran through the desert, and through some neighborhoods. I really enjoy the varied architechture, and the desert scenery as the sun comes up is breathtaking. The race has an army of volunteers and a race director who is very competent and a very sweet person. Apparently someone made a course mistake that lead the front of the pack (half marathon only) off in the wrong direction, and that was unfortunate, but what can you do? This is a race director’s worst nightmare come true and she truly felt horrible about it, and offered what compensation was available to her. Don’t let this discourage you from trying this race! I am sure next year everything will be corrected!

And there’s lots of pictures!

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Mercedes Marathon, Birmingham, AL Feb 11

First a big THANK YOU to the folks from Portland Fit and our Friends from Jeff Galloway’s camps for your support stopping by our booth at the expo!

Birmingham’s Mercedes Marathon is a well run race and a well run expo. As you know, it’s always much better to Pre-register, and Mercedes is no exception. The weather was cool this year. I am sure the locals thought it was FREEZING, but I was quite comfortable in a light long sleeve tech shirt, vest and shorts. Birmingham is a hilly city (much like Portland is) and the course does take advantage of this fact. I did the half marathon and there is a very long steep hill that really takes the stuffing out of you, but soon you’re having to come back down and it’s fun to see the Birmingham sky line in the distance as you’re running toward the finish! Don’t forget, finish in the time limits, and you get a free entry to win a Mercedes Benz car! After the finish is a great barbeque where you have your choice of beef, pork or chicken and beer or soda. This race has a nice crowd of folks and is really enjoyable. Here are the pictures!

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