On Sunday I ran the Route 66 Half Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma.   That makes it state #32.

On Saturday morning Jaime and I made our way to the expo.  Our plan was to meet Bart Yasso for a shakeout run at 10am but quickly changed our minds when we saw that it was raining.  The expo was GREAT!  So many vendors.  I bought some Balega socks and cute charms for my shoes from Shoe Frosting.

My traveling running buddy!  Jaime is also on a mission to run in the 50 states.  To date she has run in 44 states and might be done next year.

Bart Yasso.

One day I will run the Little Rock Marathon.

Half Fanatics!

Check out these beautiful cars!

Cute shirt!

On race day Jaime and I got ready and headed downstairs to have breakfast (free provided by the hotel).  I wasn’t too hungry but had coffee and a waffle.  Temperature was in the high 50s which makes it ideal running weather.  I took a long sleeve shirt just in case I got cold.  I wore it in the beginning but took it off before the 1 mile marker.  I had absolutely no time goal for this race but just to run by feel considering that I had not been training properly (or at all).  🙂

There was so much excitement around us.  And did I mention it was close to 60 degrees?  Finally it was time to run.  We were both in Corral B so we got to see twice the confetti show put on before the start of each corral.

I had NO idea how hilly this race was supposed to be.  I don’t check the course map prior to the race because I’d rather deal with it on race day.

This mascot made me laugh.

The course itself was beautiful.  I did like it except the hills.  However, the second half of the race was not as bad as the first half but there were a few hills that snuck up on me in the last few miles.  I felt good throughout the race.  The weather was just fantastic and at times there was a breeze that would cool me down.  I didn’t have any pain in my glutes but my quads and calves did get tight.

I took a grape jello shot because why not?

The Route 66 Bridge.

Almost done.

Around mile 12.5 is when the course separated for the marathon and half marathon runners.  That meant two more turns and I would be done.  However, it seemed like that last half mile felt longer.  Finally the last turn and I saw Bart Yasso.  We high-fived and I sprinted to the finish line.  Done.  Finish time is 2:42:17.  I am very impressed with my time considering that the course was hilly and I am definitely undertrained.

Love the medal.  When I crossed the finish line I got a different one but then exchanged it for a Half Fanatic themed medal.

I did not stick around to take advantage of the Half Fanatic VIP area as Jaime and I had to head back to the hotel, get ready, and head out to Oklahoma City because we both had flights departing from there.

Overall it was an awesome race and if you are planning to run in the 50 states then this is the race for you.  It was well organized, many great vendors at the expo, a lot of food at the finish line, plenty of water stations, and a beautiful course.

That was my last race for the year.  My plan now is to get back to running on a consistent basis. Since August, my runs have been mostly once a week on Saturdays.  I’ve struggled to got out for a run during the week but am hoping that will change.

I have not signed up for any races in 2015 but have a few in mind and can’t wait to race again.

On Sunday I ran in state #31 in New Jersey.  I’ve already written about what I did the day before the race.

On race day I got up at 5:20 am.  I slept OK that night but was still tired and had a headache.  I quickly made my coffee and got dressed.  The night before I had picked my clothes and decided to wear pants and a long sleeve underneath my Oiselle singlet.  I had two shirts to pick from depending on the weather.  That morning the weather forecast was 41 degrees which I figured was decent running weather. I picked the yellowish shirt.  Once I was done I went downstairs and then outside to check again the weather.  It was cold!  But I knew that I would warm up once I began running.  I waited for my Uber driver and in the meantime got a big plastic bag to keep me warm while I waited in line for the race to start.  I must remember to pack one in my suitcase just in case I need one again.

The driver dropped me off at 6:25.  I had plenty of time to wait.  Did I mention it was cold?  Oh and it was windy too.  I did not want to wait outside so I walked to a café place and waited there till about 6:55.  I then got in line and the race started a few minutes later.  I was surprised there was no singing of the National Anthem or maybe I missed it?  No time to fret about it cause it was time to run.

As usual my first mile was my fastest (10:18).  I was surprised at how good I was feeling.  I did warm up a little but still felt cold because the wind had a mind of its own.  The first few miles went by fast. We ran on the road and trail which helped break up the rhythm of just running on pavement.  Trail running is definitely more difficult.  It was nice not to deal with the wind.

There were hills.  Oh boy.  There was one before mile 6 and it felt like it was a mile long.  Surprisingly it took me almost 14 minutes to finish that mile.  I say surprisingly because it felt longer than 14 minutes.  I walked most of it because it was just so darn long!  My quads were burning and I felt some tightness in my left leg similar to my race in Des Moines but without the glutes pain.

I thought the last half of the course was prettier but more difficult.  We ran through the streets of Princeton.  Beautiful area with lovely homes.  But it definitely had more hills.  I was tired and in pain.  My new shoes gave me no trouble except for some chafing on my right foot near my bunion.  I’ve experienced similar chafing with other shoes so I know it wasn’t because of my new shoes.  I guess it is time to get that surgery I’ve put off.

See all of the hills?

There wasn’t much crowd support but the small amount that there was did help.  The volunteers were wonderful too.  As for the medal, well I am not too happy about it.  My nephew told me that I have nicer ones.

I am glad I did this race.  It was definitely challenging for me but still a pretty course.  I first thought of doing it last year but instead decided to run the Manchester Half Marathon.  And boy am I glad I did because I got to meet Kathrine Switzer!

If you plan to run this race in the future make sure to stay at the Nassau Inn in town or rent a car.  

Next race: Run Disney Wine and Dine in Florida.  It was be my last Disney race this year.