100 Never Looked So Good

While I've struggled a lot this year, I guess I can finally say I made it to 100 miles since I picked up running again back in April. However, my struggles still continued into 100 miles. I really haven't ran more than three or four times since I injured my knee at the end of June. The last few attempts have been feeble at best. I like to call it more of an interval walk-jog effort. And it's going to stay that way until I find a job and can afford physical therapy to properly rehab my knee back to jogging comfortably.

Lucky for me, my most recent "run" that put me over the 100-mark was pretty leisurely. Last Sunday (10-10-10), a couple of my friends from Arizona State talked me into participating in the Tour de Fat's 'Stache Dash. I was feeling up for some costume action, free food, the alleged two bottles of free beer at the end to all who participate and of course, the donation to fund cancer research.

J.D. and I jog-walked the entire 3.1 mile course around Tempe Town "Lake" -- read here to get more information on why I've quoted that. The rest of our group sported a soundtrack of 70s and 80s rock hits that blared out loud along the entire course. It was glorious. The only thing about the day that really sucked (besides my old lady knee) was the lack of beer at the finish line. Apparently the website said nothing about Tempe's inability to secure a permit for alcohol on the race day. Too bad... A vanilla milkshake at lunch lifted my spirits pretty high in the absence of beer.

I think we finished around the 38-minute mark. Keep in mind the last time I entered a 5K race, I set a PR of just over 22 minutes. Quite the difference haha. The race was ugly, and I'm not talking about our time!! There were mullets, mustache ride signs, jean shorts (jorts) on men, nasty stains in inappropriate places and skin tight Reno 911 cop costumes. My eyes are still burning.

My outfit was pretty tame. Originally I was going to do the 'stache on the finger trick, but I was promised a fake 'stache when I arrived. However, it was a 2 p.m. run in nearly 100 degree heat -- a terrible idea if I you ask me! My faux facial hair didn't last very long. It got too sweaty and itchy and I'm pretty sure I inhaled some polyester fibers along the way.

Before

After, not a good look for me.

Ready at the starting line to get our 'stache dash on.

The race was actually the second time J.D. and I had explored Tempe Beach Park . The week prior, we made an appearance at Tempe Oktoberfest! It was kind of cheezy, but fun and we had some interesting food. And tasted some amazing beer, as would be expected.

Again we didn't stay too long due to the raging heat, but we were still able to enjoy the day's festivities. There was a cover band, midway with rides and games, German passport booth for the kiddies, large beer steins to be purchased and food and drinks galore.

A Belgian wheat, brat with sauerkraut and a really authentic.... ballpark pretzel.

J.D. enjoying his dog sans kraut. He also purchased a Sam Adam's Oktoberfest beer which we've been intent on finding in the grocery store to stock the fridge this month!

Eventually we couldn't take the heat, despite a cold beverage each. So we joined J.D.'s parents inside the air conditioned bar across the street, watched a little football and split a real authentic Bavarian seasonal beer for the low price of $2. If you ever find this at BevMo, purchase IMMEDIATELY:

We'd like to keep the German/beer theme going this month. Apparently in Glendale there is a restaurant very much like the Hofbräuhaus in Munich and Vegas -- both of which I have been to! It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and is having a seasonal festival this weekend and next weekend as well. I HAVE to check this place out!

Prost!!

leisurely