My Profile

@mbjohn411

Mesa, AZ Raving since 2019 Active 1 year, 6 months ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Running For Brews; East Valley Runners Club

  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:

    Boston Marathon

  • I run because:

    it proves that I’m still a BADASS!

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (6)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Mesa, AZ Feb 8, 2020 5:26:59
Half Marathon Glendale, AZ Dec 22, 2019 2:15:57
15K Queen Creek, AZ Mar 30, 2019 1:44:18
10K Phoenix, AZ Nov 3, 2019 1:01:42
6K Gilbert, AZ Dec 9, 2017 39:01
5K Plymouth, NH Mar 14, 2020 30:30

Future Races (7)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Half Marathon Teec Nos Pos, AZ TBD
Half Marathon Glendale, AZ TBD
Half Marathon Page, AZ TBD
Marathon Mt Lemmon, AZ TBD
Half Marathon Denver, CO TBD
Half Marathon Nashville, TN TBD
Half Marathon Gloucester, MA TBD

Past Races (31)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
10K Boston, MA Nov 22, 2020
Half Marathon Las Vegas, NV Nov 14, 2020
10K Phoenix, AZ Sep 20, 2020
5K Plymouth, NH Mar 14, 2020 30:30
Marathon Mesa, AZ Feb 8, 2020 5:26:59
Half Marathon Glendale, AZ Dec 22, 2019 2:15:57
Half Marathon Gilbert, AZ Nov 23, 2019 2:18:00
10K Phoenix, AZ Nov 3, 2019 1:01:42
Half Marathon Peoria, AZ Oct 27, 2019 2:24:45
5K Phoenix, AZ Oct 5, 2019 31:24
5K Scottsdale, AZ Sep 28, 2019 33:43
10K Phoenix, AZ Sep 22, 2019 1:08:20
10K Peoria, AZ Apr 20, 2019 1:14:21
15K Queen Creek, AZ Mar 30, 2019 1:44:18
10K Apache Junction, AZ Feb 17, 2019 1:09:36
Half Marathon Phoenix, AZ Jan 20, 2019 2:43:22
10K Scottsdale, AZ 2019 1:07:19
5K Phoenix, AZ Dec 31, 2018 36:56
5K Phoenix, AZ Dec 2, 2018 35:40
Half Marathon San Diego, CA Jun 3, 2018 2:46:39
10K Apache Junction, AZ Feb 18, 2018 1:07:56
10K Peoria, AZ Jan 28, 2018 1:09:27
10K Scottsdale, AZ 2018 1:09:34
6K Gilbert, AZ Dec 9, 2017 39:01
10K Phoenix, AZ Nov 5, 2017 1:19:55
Half Marathon Phoenix, AZ Jan 17, 2017 2:51:17
5K Scottsdale, AZ 2017 36:50
10K Scottsdale, AZ 2017 1:10:48
5K Tempe, AZ May 15, 2016 36:44
Half Marathon Phoenix, AZ Jan 17, 2016 3:18:32
5K Scottsdale, AZ 2016 55:01

My Raves

According to my Fitbit watch, Speare's Shamrock Shuffle is my fastest 5K (under 30 mins). But I don't trust my Fitbit so I'm not claiming the time. The race is … MORE

According to my Fitbit watch, Speare’s Shamrock Shuffle is my fastest 5K (under 30 mins). But I don’t trust my Fitbit so I’m not claiming the time. The race is a fun, family-friendly race that runs through a hilly neighborhood. Many of the runners knew each other. There were less than 100 people in attendance and it took place right before the Corona Virus took over our lives. Participants were given a bib, shirt and bling. But the race is untimed which is a little disappointing for those who like to race against the clock.

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I embarked on crossing the finish line of my first full marathon and the Mesa Marathon was it. I had been intimidated by the 26.2-mile challenge but I took a … MORE

I embarked on crossing the finish line of my first full marathon and the Mesa Marathon was it. I had been intimidated by the 26.2-mile challenge but I took a leap of faith in 2020 to concur it (hence, it’s a leap year). Whatever the apprehension that I may have had at the starting line, the fireworks bursting in the darkness in the middle of the desert propelled me towards a strong finish. Along the road, the aid stations were super encouraging, runners leaned on each other for moral support as the miles felt endless, and at the finish line, I was met with cheering spectators. This was a personal victory and an automatic PR. Key Advice: Get to the bus on time. There was no signage to find the right bus for the marathon. Each race had its own bus to the starting line. It felt like I ran a 5K before I got to the right one. Great warm-up, though.

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Santa came to town and we hustled through the parking lot, the canal and street ways to catch up with him! The production was on point. The holiday festivities were … MORE

Santa came to town and we hustled through the parking lot, the canal and street ways to catch up with him! The production was on point. The holiday festivities were in the air. Holiday music blasting in the background. Packet pick up was smooth. You get your bib and head to another tent to pick up your swag. The Startline and Finish were at the same location. There was plenty of parking since it’s at the mall. I like the fact that some of the streets were closed off. But I dare say that running through the parking lot for the first 1/2 mile did not sit well with me. It’s a road race. As a runner, I feel cheated when I have to cut through a parking lot because scenery is crucial to keep the runner’s mind engaged. Also, cookies were being handed out less than a quarter-mile after the start. Wait a minute…I’m just not quite ready to munch on cookies when my breathing is not even steady yet. The route is not the most scenic. We ran the canal twice. First, we pushed our way to mile 9 and then we run it back to the finish line. Oh, expect hills, hills, hills! There’s a couple each way. They don’t look intimidating but you feel them. The finish line threw me off because I did not see the medal handlers ahead. So, for a quick second, I felt like I was going the wrong way.
Your medal is handed to you after you crossed the finish line and walk around to the outside of the course. Overall, it’s a good race packed with holiday spirit-filled runners. It’s worth it to run it at least one time. So, go do the hustle!

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The last quarter mile of the race leads into the Gilbert Parade. It was my first time running this half and I didn't expect the WHOLE town to come out … MORE

The last quarter mile of the race leads into the Gilbert Parade. It was my first time running this half and I didn’t expect the WHOLE town to come out to this shing-ding. The Gilbert Half has the most electrifying finish. The crowd gave me an extra boost of energy to finish with gusto. This race is very, very organized and runners are supported with enthusiasm from the first to the last mile. The starting line and finish are in two different locations. And they have buses loading runners back to their cars at the starting point and it was a smooth process. It’s definitely a must-do. The expo was a bit crowded but full of fun things to check out.

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The last time I ran this race was in 2017. Last year, I had a schedule conflict and couldn't make it and I was so bummed! But I got it … MORE

The last time I ran this race was in 2017. Last year, I had a schedule conflict and couldn’t make it and I was so bummed! But I got it on the books for 2019. It is one of the best races in AZ and I get to run in my city. The course is flat even though some of the streets have a lot of cracks so you have to watch your feet a lot. There are bands along the way, a few vendors to check out and you can print out your results at the computer station. That was really neat if you’re forgetful like me. I can’t wait for 2020!

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The best thing about this race was my Wicked fast PR time for a half-marathon! The race was fairly large. Though runners were encouraged to dress up for the Halloween … MORE

The best thing about this race was my Wicked fast PR time for a half-marathon! The race was fairly large. Though runners were encouraged to dress up for the Halloween theme, not a whole lot of people followed suit. A few people were brave enough to run in costume. I didn’t cause I like to run light. The race took place at a very large park and runners shared the road with bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. The route is not very scenic. But there were plenty of snacks and a few vendors. And I’m glad we weren’t given a goodie bag. You just check-in, grab your shirt, pin your bib, and run. The medal is a cool bat. The race was very organized and it’s a good one to check off your race list.

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The Pink in Action race is a fairly small race that runs along the Arizona Falls canal and back. So, the course was not very scenic and runners had to … MORE

The Pink in Action race is a fairly small race that runs along the Arizona Falls canal and back. So, the course was not very scenic and runners had to share it with bicyclists. It is a family-friendly race that is jam-packed with giveaways. The prizes kept the runners excited and hanging around long after the race ended. I was a two-time winner: I came in third for my age group and I won a cool visor. It was quite fun. And a run for Pink is perfect on a Saturday morning.

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St. Jude was the first fundraising race for me and I was thrilled to have raised a significant amount of money to make an impact in the search for a … MORE

St. Jude was the first fundraising race for me and I was thrilled to have raised a significant amount of money to make an impact in the search for a cure. Running to save children got me speeding through the course as it turned out to be my fastest 5K yet! I love the cause, the perks, and the crowd. But I can’t say the same for the course because it was set up at a large park, and we ran around an unpaved and rocky track. Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun, food, drinks, and goodies to take home. Fundraising is hard work and it was a privilege to run for a great cause.

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The Global Energy Run is the best race to kick-off the running season. It's a global effort and the energy among the runners is just so palpable. You feel so … MORE

The Global Energy Run is the best race to kick-off the running season. It’s a global effort and the energy among the runners is just so palpable. You feel so energetic that you take off running with a start! This course is scenic and it does have some hills that you will feel. It has earned its way to become one of my staple races.

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I signed up to run the Half marathon at the Hippity Hop. Morning of the race I got dropped off at the wrong location. And I found out the race … MORE

I signed up to run the Half marathon at the Hippity Hop. Morning of the race I got dropped off at the wrong location. And I found out the race was 3 miles away from where I was standing. My ride was long gone. So, what’s a runner to do? Run to the starting line of course! By the time I got to the right location, the Half was already 30 minutes in progress. The 10k shotgun went off 10 minutes prior to my arrival and the 5K runners were getting ready to take off. So, once again, what’s a runner to do? I choose the middle of the road answer and ran the 10K. To my surprise, I crossed the finish line at a decent time and got placed third in my age group. My first race award ever! Hip Hip, Hooray! The race was a lot of fun. There was a decent size group of runners present, the weather was heavenly and the atmosphere was friendly. Runners had to share the road with non-runners (which I don’t really like). But it’s definitely on my list for next year and I intend to run the Half this time (now that I know where the starting line is located).

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The 15K distance was missing on my race list. I have run-up to a Half but skipped the 15K somehow. So, I signed up for the QC5. By this time … MORE

The 15K distance was missing on my race list. I have run-up to a Half but skipped the 15K somehow. So, I signed up for the QC5. By this time in my running career, I know what I like and don’t enjoy so much as a runner. When I showed up the morning of this race, there weren’t that many people around. I almost thought that I was in the wrong place because I was looking for a rather large group of people. But I didn’t see many. And when the race started, there still weren’t too many runners at the starting line. Come to find out, it was a really small race. Altogether 50 or so runners. Though it was a good race and the course was quite scenic, I think I would have enjoyed it more if there were more people. I just like races with a bigger crowd, that’s all. To me, they are just more fun!

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The first time I ran the Lost Dutchman, I knew I would be back for another. Seeing the firing glow of the sun peaking behind the mountains that early in … MORE

The first time I ran the Lost Dutchman, I knew I would be back for another. Seeing the firing glow of the sun peaking behind the mountains that early in the morning was enough reason. Despite the running crowd, you can feel “lost” from just the great view alone. It’s one of those races that have found a permanent place on my running list year after year. It’s made up of all the best race ingredients: great weather, flat course, fun-filled and well-managed.

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The first time I volunteered at the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, I was at the Finish Line handing out medals. And that's when I got to see the faces of Triumph, True … MORE

The first time I volunteered at the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, I was at the Finish Line handing out medals. And that’s when I got to see the faces of Triumph, True grit, and Toughness. I’ve run Half-Marathons but the idea of running a full marathon intimidated me. But I was moved by each marathoner that I encountered at the finish line. That alone compelled me to return for a second time as a volunteer, but this time the marathoners inspired to take on the 26.2 challenge. So, in the year 2020, my feet will grace the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon race as a first-time full marathoner.

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This race is one of two 5K races. You run one before the old year retires and one to begin the New Year with a start. Hence, Midnight Madness. It's … MORE

This race is one of two 5K races. You run one before the old year retires and one to begin the New Year with a start. Hence, Midnight Madness. It’s a novel way to commemorate the beginning and the end of time. It is worth checking this race off your list. You must know that at that hour, it is dark and cold. It’s a fairly small race for runners who aren’t faint of heart. The energy is upbeat and runners are ready to turn over a new leaf. Ready to commit to run stronger, harder, and smarter. “Bubbly” is served at midnight and the bling is super cool.

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I have heard so many fun things about the Hot Chocolate run that I finally registered to run it last year. It was a good race but I was sorely … MORE

I have heard so many fun things about the Hot Chocolate run that I finally registered to run it last year. It was a good race but I was sorely disappointed that the 5K race did not receive medals. You know we do it for the bling. No? Okay. The race was super crowded because it had gotten very popular over the years. The corals went on forever and I felt like I was standing and waiting for the horn to blow for a long time. When I finally took off running, I had to maneuver around runners not just at the beginning but throughout the race. It’s cool that so many people come out for this race but perhaps the venue needs to change. I like hot chocolate but not this kind.

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The hills are Alive on this race-course!!! If you skipped hills in your training, think twice before signing up for this one. It's a rude awakening for feeble, untrained legs. … MORE

The hills are Alive on this race-course!!! If you skipped hills in your training, think twice before signing up for this one. It’s a rude awakening for feeble, untrained legs. And no matter how many miles you have behind you on the course, don’t believe anybody in the crowd when they call out, “Last hill. Last hill!” The hills are never-ending… you hear me?! Nonetheless, the scenic route is worth all the shuffling your tired legs go through. And the best part about reaching the top of the hill at mile-something is seeing the spread of runners below you and it just brings you such tangible happiness at that particular moment! Altogether the race is well-managed from start to finish. And the crowd makes it so much more fun. So many smiles to see, so many signs to read along the way.

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This marathon focuses on female runners even though men are welcome to run as well. They just don't get medals. It's a local race with a fairly large number of … MORE

This marathon focuses on female runners even though men are welcome to run as well. They just don’t get medals. It’s a local race with a fairly large number of participants. It’s definitely one to check off your running list. The course is not very scenic but the bling is cool.

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My family and I have been attending the 12K's of Christmas as part of our holiday tradition. And we bring our fur-babies with us and dressed up. We've even won … MORE

My family and I have been attending the 12K’s of Christmas as part of our holiday tradition. And we bring our fur-babies with us and dressed up. We’ve even won third place in the pet costume contest two years in a row. It’s a good time, a great way to support local animal organizations, adopt pets and buy some goodies. In 2017, I ran the 6K and the course was OK. It’s mainly a dirt path and we had to run across a couple of major streets. Since then, we just do the Sled Walk and enjoy the scenery. It’s quite an event for the community, animal lovers and runners.

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During my sophomore year of running, I registered for the Phoenix 10K and I became enamored with the race. There's something about running in the streets of the city that … MORE

During my sophomore year of running, I registered for the Phoenix 10K and I became enamored with the race. There’s something about running in the streets of the city that you live in. The feeling is just palpable. You get to explore it in a way that can’t be accomplished while driving or walking in it.
You’re freely running through it without the invasion of cars, traffic, and the hustle and bustle of daily city life. The city is shut down and is only alive with runners hitting the streets. This Phoenix 10K gave me a chance to feel my way through the city.

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The Rock-n-Roll AZ Marathon has become one of my staple races over the years. The best part is reaching mile 8 and passing the drummers by Papago Park and seeing … MORE

The Rock-n-Roll AZ Marathon has become one of my staple races over the years. The best part is reaching mile 8 and passing the drummers by Papago Park and seeing the layout of the city.

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The Hope Run was one of my first 5K's as a growing runner. I loved the cause but not the course. I was just not very fond of the park … MORE

The Hope Run was one of my first 5K’s as a growing runner. I loved the cause but not the course. I was just not very fond of the park venue. It was a small race, not a lot of people. It was family-friendly and fun. To me, the park felt small and it wasn’t scenic. So, it was then that I realized that I’m not a big fan of smaller races. And that’s okay!

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In 2016, I checked off my Bucket List the long-standing goal of running a marathon. A friend challenged me to run the Half Marathon and I accepted. We agreed to … MORE

In 2016, I checked off my Bucket List the long-standing goal of running a marathon. A friend challenged me to run the Half Marathon and I accepted. We agreed to do the Rock-n-Roll Marathon. We trained for two whole months, barely. The course was challenging but encouraging with all the fanfare and different types of bands playing cool sounds along the way. I just wanted to check a goal off my list and move on. But when I crossed that finish line, I caught the running bug! I haven’t stopped running since. The Rock-n-Roll is a great race for first-timers and one of the best to add on your list of staple marathons. I’ve run the Rock-n-Roll four times now and I plan on running them all including international. Go ‘head and add it to your Bucket List!

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The Scottsdale Airport shuts down so runners can take off on the runway. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind race. Some planes were left on the ground for participants to explore and … MORE

The Scottsdale Airport shuts down so runners can take off on the runway. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind race. Some planes were left on the ground for participants to explore and take pictures. The course is flat and fast, of course. There’s enough room on the course for runners to space out. It’s scenic because of the breathtaking views of the mountains. This race has become a staple on my running list.

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