PF Chang 2007 pre trip info
For those of you coming to Arizona for PF Chang's marathon or half mary; for the first time or again here is some good info from a local.
The Weather. Its all about the weather right? Historically this has always been a very good running weather race. Every year it has been cold (40's) pre race and then mid 60's during the race. It was mid 70's the first year and it was brutal for the marathoners (thank you very little).
This weekend has a long look forecast of rain or at least a cold front from the NW. Based on listening to this same forecast every Sunday and Monday night for the last two months, a 20% chance of rain means a 10% chance of that happening and its rarely overcast all day here in Phoenix. You can expect to run in shorts and a technical top and be comfortable. Bring some tights or long sleeve just in case. The current forecast is a high around 60 degrees but sunny or minimal overcast.
The Expo. This is a HUGE expo. Each year I spend close to two hours walking around the center which is downtown Phoenix. Don't get sucked into buying the cold weather stuff unless you plan on wearing it back home. The shirt you get for the race is a basic but nice cotton, in the merchandise area you can choose from about two dozen nicer shirts. If your a previous finisher you can buy a finisher shirt without the year on it.
There are lots of booths for other races and such which I generally pass by but I would recommend walking through the Scottsdale Running Company booth if they are there, they have great logo gear and Scottsdale is a upscale name to recognize on your clothing. Reebok usually has a big spot. There is also a nondescript company that has a big set up on each side of the expo. They sell all kinds of shorts and shirts and jackets on double stacked hanging racks, lots of cartoon socks and stuff. Also tables of gels, runner gear of all sorts. Spend some time in here if you recognize it. I would pick up some of their 26.2 or 13.1 running socks. I get a pair every year. Also lots of stickers.
Regardless there are lots of booths and I noticed last year most cater to women now, whom I believe make up the majority of runners. If you listen they will give you the stats right before the race starts. At the expo last year John Bingham, The Penquin, gave several talks, he is a writer for Runners World. If you get a chance sit in, he is eminently funny. I do each year.
Race morning. Traffic will suck. Leave earlier than what you currently plan on. You drive to the finish line and get on a bus to the start. 30,000 people will be on the road going to the same parking lot. Not a lot of options to get there. Be early and be patient.
Wear cold weather gear before the race, comfy jacket and sweats. You will have a gear drop courtesy of UPS. When you are ready to drop your bag just find the truck based on your last name. Its pretty easy to do. Once you get to the finish line all the trucks will be there. I have never had a problem with putting my keys in the bag...or a beer.
Find your corral number before it gets too crowded and use the porta pottys right away. There should be plenty of time to walk around but as it get fuller, its harder to find your spot. If you and a friend are in different corrals its not too difficult to switch around.
The course. The course is pretty damn flat. I'm not saying there won't be rises and dips, on the half, McDowell has a range of Red Rocks that you cross over and that about it. On the full, Indian School is a gradual incline for couple miles but not hard. Other than that its a great run.
If you have run with a iPod or MP3 in training and are comfortable with it, bring it with you. There is a lot of music on the course but its only appreciated by the fact that there is a lot of dead space along the course. For music not spectators, lots of those. The cheer squads don't really do anything for me, I appreciate the effort and thank them but I am not motivated by them.
Either race distance is a really loose affair. Lots of groups and couples running together which is a pain to maneuver around at times but the sense of camaraderie is very nice. Bring music if you want constant motivation, you can always turn it down for the bands.
The aid stations are long, so don't feel you have to get a drink at the front of it, your better off waiting a few yards before cutting over. Stay to the middle of the road to avoid runners jumping in and out of the area.
Finish Line. This is a huge place. Unless you have cell phone contact with your people, do use the family coordination area. Cross the line, get your medal, check its for the right distance, try to grab at least one bottle of water since they tend to run out fast and its hard to find in the finish area. Get your picture taken then grab your special needs bag from UPS. Pack a clean shirt and flip flops in the bag since most racers hang out there afterwards like a big party, which it is. I think Trimama, Taconite Boy and myself hung out for two hours afterwards.
Try to find some food. Keep your space blanket to sit on later if you plan to stick around. Last year they had a beer garden and you got TWO FREE BEERS. That was nice but I parked one in my UPS bag as well.
Post Race. The concert is nice later at night, but generally you just want to rest and not go out. If you plan on getting a bite right after the race, there is plenty of options just off Mill Ave which is just west of the finish line. Lots of places to choose from but within walking distance...ummm no not really, mostly based on the crowds and the race course.
Have Fun.
The Weather. Its all about the weather right? Historically this has always been a very good running weather race. Every year it has been cold (40's) pre race and then mid 60's during the race. It was mid 70's the first year and it was brutal for the marathoners (thank you very little).
This weekend has a long look forecast of rain or at least a cold front from the NW. Based on listening to this same forecast every Sunday and Monday night for the last two months, a 20% chance of rain means a 10% chance of that happening and its rarely overcast all day here in Phoenix. You can expect to run in shorts and a technical top and be comfortable. Bring some tights or long sleeve just in case. The current forecast is a high around 60 degrees but sunny or minimal overcast.
The Expo. This is a HUGE expo. Each year I spend close to two hours walking around the center which is downtown Phoenix. Don't get sucked into buying the cold weather stuff unless you plan on wearing it back home. The shirt you get for the race is a basic but nice cotton, in the merchandise area you can choose from about two dozen nicer shirts. If your a previous finisher you can buy a finisher shirt without the year on it.
There are lots of booths for other races and such which I generally pass by but I would recommend walking through the Scottsdale Running Company booth if they are there, they have great logo gear and Scottsdale is a upscale name to recognize on your clothing. Reebok usually has a big spot. There is also a nondescript company that has a big set up on each side of the expo. They sell all kinds of shorts and shirts and jackets on double stacked hanging racks, lots of cartoon socks and stuff. Also tables of gels, runner gear of all sorts. Spend some time in here if you recognize it. I would pick up some of their 26.2 or 13.1 running socks. I get a pair every year. Also lots of stickers.
Regardless there are lots of booths and I noticed last year most cater to women now, whom I believe make up the majority of runners. If you listen they will give you the stats right before the race starts. At the expo last year John Bingham, The Penquin, gave several talks, he is a writer for Runners World. If you get a chance sit in, he is eminently funny. I do each year.
Race morning. Traffic will suck. Leave earlier than what you currently plan on. You drive to the finish line and get on a bus to the start. 30,000 people will be on the road going to the same parking lot. Not a lot of options to get there. Be early and be patient.
Wear cold weather gear before the race, comfy jacket and sweats. You will have a gear drop courtesy of UPS. When you are ready to drop your bag just find the truck based on your last name. Its pretty easy to do. Once you get to the finish line all the trucks will be there. I have never had a problem with putting my keys in the bag...or a beer.
Find your corral number before it gets too crowded and use the porta pottys right away. There should be plenty of time to walk around but as it get fuller, its harder to find your spot. If you and a friend are in different corrals its not too difficult to switch around.
The course. The course is pretty damn flat. I'm not saying there won't be rises and dips, on the half, McDowell has a range of Red Rocks that you cross over and that about it. On the full, Indian School is a gradual incline for couple miles but not hard. Other than that its a great run.
If you have run with a iPod or MP3 in training and are comfortable with it, bring it with you. There is a lot of music on the course but its only appreciated by the fact that there is a lot of dead space along the course. For music not spectators, lots of those. The cheer squads don't really do anything for me, I appreciate the effort and thank them but I am not motivated by them.
Either race distance is a really loose affair. Lots of groups and couples running together which is a pain to maneuver around at times but the sense of camaraderie is very nice. Bring music if you want constant motivation, you can always turn it down for the bands.
The aid stations are long, so don't feel you have to get a drink at the front of it, your better off waiting a few yards before cutting over. Stay to the middle of the road to avoid runners jumping in and out of the area.
Finish Line. This is a huge place. Unless you have cell phone contact with your people, do use the family coordination area. Cross the line, get your medal, check its for the right distance, try to grab at least one bottle of water since they tend to run out fast and its hard to find in the finish area. Get your picture taken then grab your special needs bag from UPS. Pack a clean shirt and flip flops in the bag since most racers hang out there afterwards like a big party, which it is. I think Trimama, Taconite Boy and myself hung out for two hours afterwards.
Try to find some food. Keep your space blanket to sit on later if you plan to stick around. Last year they had a beer garden and you got TWO FREE BEERS. That was nice but I parked one in my UPS bag as well.
Post Race. The concert is nice later at night, but generally you just want to rest and not go out. If you plan on getting a bite right after the race, there is plenty of options just off Mill Ave which is just west of the finish line. Lots of places to choose from but within walking distance...ummm no not really, mostly based on the crowds and the race course.
Have Fun.
posted by Comm's @ 12:51 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
You give great advice. I am sure PF Chang runners will appreciate it.
I love that you put beer in your gear bag. You crack me up.
my brothah from another mothah!
me and my credit card needs me some Commodore to rock that expo propah -- you inz?
great post, despite my 6.17 miles of base training, i now feel ready!
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