Then we entered Scottsdale to find GREEN grass and palm trees! Here was the view from our hotel:
The race started and ended at Talking Stick Park where the AZ Diamondbacks and CO Rockies do their spring training. On Saturday we went to the park for race packet pick-up and Benji practiced his ball skills on the baby ball diamond...particularly that slide into home plate!
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| Safe! at home plate |
My friends and I got up before dawn this morning and drove together to the race. It was cold at first, but as the sun came up over the mountains it turned into the perfect morning for a run! With the lower elevation, I felt really good and ran faster than usual! (It probably helped that there was chocolate at the finish line, too...) :-)
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| We did it! |
At the post-race party we got hot chocolate and chocolate fondue with lots of things to dip in (banana, marshmallow, pretzels, etc.) Benji enjoyed dancing the Cupid Shuffle. And I went home with a super-soft zip-up hoodie. Best of all, we got to spend time with good friends! Let's just say it was the best race ever!
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| Post-race chocolate |
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| My faithful fans |
Before leaving Scottsdale, we had a delicious lunch at a vegetarian Indian restaurant...
...then made the drive home. Benji was really great in the car, and did well the entire weekend. I'm thankful for a good trip and safe arrival home!
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| Mogollon Rim overlook |
