If you are looking for a fast marathon in winter, I highly recommend considering Phoenix Marathon. Phoenix Marathon, which takes place in early February, is a net downhill course with a smooth course profile – all of the ups and downs are in the first half, and the second half is essentially flat.

Coming off my St. George Marathon (see the blog on that experience), I wanted a marathon on the calendar where I could focus on having fun. I’m a naturally competitive person with myself, but I was in need of a race that brought me joy. I accepted that my St. George and abortion recoveries could not be rushed, and so my training for Phoenix was definitely not ideal. In fact, I released myself from my usual structure, and chose everyday to be kind to myself. I’d say I finally began feeling like “me” again in early December. I was then sick in January for a good 3 weeks. So while I was mentally really ready for Phoenix, I knew physically I wasn’t going in as my best – and that was okay. [Read more…]