State #33 Fargo, North Dakota

May 20th 2017

How far will we go? All the way to Fargo for marathon #69. At least there is no sickness for the trip just a bit overweight and out of shape. Boy, does it happen quickly. Sit too much and feed the face too much junk food and BAM...I am left wondering how did that happen! At fifty, there is no wiggle room for over-indulgence, it immediately goes right to the stomach and legs and let me tell you~fat hurts physically~while attempting to run. The speakers, the Fargodome and the Pub Crawl afterwards is what I look forward. The run is the part I dread coming into the trip.  The few runs the week before are painful and slow. On Wednesday my final five mile run turns into a three mile walk. Ready or not, what will be will be.

Time to suck it up and get the last scheduled marathon done before a nice a run break during the hot summer. The prospect for rain in Fargo is a real possibility while temperatures back home are forecast to be 100 degrees. We pack for cold weather and prepare for the heat upon our return home. Another night flight allows for a traffic free drive to the airport parking lot. Night flights are very popular it seems, as the traffic via the airport shuttle bus takes longer than usual to get to and from the terminal! However, we arrive at LAX with plenty of time to spare although Delta's new terminal location is a bit chaotic and we end up at the wrong gate. With no other passengers milling around we ask again and eventually find the correct gate.  Obviously, the kinks are still being worked out at the new terminal. Our flight is delayed and while we wait to board police officers are dealing with a belligerent passenger who limps away, after not being allowed to board the flight to Costa Rica, while three officers follow.

    

The flight itself is uneventful. The satellite TV and movie selections prevent us from getting even a wink of sleep, a tricky thing for me, but once we are in the rental car driving to Fargo my body wants to sleep.  After fighting to keep my eyes open, we stop at a rest area to nap before continuing on. We arrive at the motel early and they happily let us check-in to a top floor away from the elevator noise. 

Another nap and sandwich is necessary before heading to the expo.  We arrive just as the first speaker, a running coach is finishing. I love when marathons have inspirational speakers. We listen intently to Mike Reilly, "The Voice of the Ironman" tell stories of human grit, determination and perseverance. The last speaker is Dave McGillivray, race director for the Boston Marathon. Did you know~for the last 30 years~he runs the Boston Marathon course after all the runners are finished. He also ran across the country in 1978 for charity and proclaims he is the original "Forest Gump!"  He is endearing, funny and extremely passionate about everything he does. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers do it.  The powerful words, stories and experiences leave me feeling overwhelmed and inspired.

After getting fired up by stories of amazing human feats we make our way to the expo on the floor of the Fargodome. Running a marathon is nothing compared to running 50 miles everyday for 80 days to raise money for children battling cancer. Running a marathon is nothing compared to a lady losing her leg and being determined to complete an Ironman after being told she could never do it.  Her first attempt fails when she is unable to make the bike cutoff time, but she is undeterred trains for another year, returns to Ironman Hawaii and accomplishes her goal crossing the finish line to the sound of the iconic words, "Your are an Ironman."  Powerful stories motivate us to do more than we think we can. I came on the marathon trip with the mindset to get it done, cross off another state, but the inspirational stories compel me to give it my best effort and see what happens. I am determined to give a hard effort instead of just getting it done.

After the expo we fuel up with dinner before going back to the hotel. Lack of sleep seems to be the theme of our marathon trips so we go to bed early. After the traffic delays at the Garmin Marathon, my husband wants to get an early start to ensure we are not stuck in traffic with the alarm set for five we try to sleep. My husband is out like a light, but I struggle to sleep. There are no elevator noises, but the door slams as people come in and the refrigerator aggressively runs. Even the microwave light shines in my eyes. I turn the refrigerator off and use a band-aid to tape paper over the light to make sleep more conducive. I wait...dreading it will be another disastrous night of sleep with crying babies, barking dogs and loud voices in the hall. I refuse to look at the clock to avoid starting the mental calculations of how many hours are left to sleep. Miraculously, the alarm goes off and I wake up surprised and ecstatic to get five hours of quality sleep.

Parking at the dome is easy, the hardest part of the morning is trying to decide whether to run with or without a jacket. They have a bag drop and regular restrooms on race morning. We find empty bathrooms upstairs near where the guest speakers spoke the day before. Can you believe, no line for a bathroom not another soul inside the tucked away restroom. This alone~warmth and regular potties~is worthy of a five star rating for the Fargo Marathon. It is so warm inside the jacket gets dropped on the way to the start line corral. Its our first indoor start and we position ourselves near the start line. My husband says, "Are you

Crazy guys ran as crazy cat ladies

seriously going to start with the 7:30 pacer?" Yes, that is what we are going to do...run fast until we are outside the stadium and on the road. The race festivities  begins with the singing of "Oh Canada" followed by a rock guitar version of the National Anthem. 

These two look excited to run!

Starting fast is a good choice. Once outside the stadium the cold wind hits me hard in the face making the first turn. Regret about the jacket lasts for a quarter of a mile. By the first mile there is no second guessing the thin long sleeve shirt. My husband disappears instantly, we are running solo again, but there is no need to dodge runners thanks to the fast start. Running through downtown leads to beautiful tree lined residential streets and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the blessings running brings. 

My legs are fresher than anticipated pushing past any soreness in my hips and legs caused by rapid weight gain. By mile six I feel stronger and much better than the previous three marathons. My watch did not connect to the GPS satellite inside the stadium and is virtually useless, but it doesn't matter with no goal time. I can only estimate my pace. Mile marker signs are exciting to see signally another completed mile. Mental math is the only way to estimate my finish time. 

The course is fantastic in my opinion. The rain holds off and the abundance of turns and changes in terrain with bands and music keeps even the hardened marathon runner entertained.

The two trail sections allow for some peaceful reflections before being pumped up again by youthful exuberant college students as runners traipse through two college campuses. When I tell two young college students I like their hats they say, "We tip our cobs to you!"

After completing the college sections, we run back through more residential areas with two singing "Elvis's" who provide a chuckle, one in the first half and the other in the second half. Families and kids line the street with one group chanting while the other does "the wave." All the encouragement is uplifting and empowering even for tired runners! The last six miles are definitely the hardest part but aren't they always? I tag team with two ladies who are running strong. When they finally pass me for the final time, I work to keep them in my sights to the finish. As long as I don't let them go...it will be a sub four hour marathon. Can the last three miles be completed in forty minutes? It's a fight to hang on as we head back through the streets of downtown Fargo.

When the Fargodome comes into sight, the overwhelming feeling of joy floods my body as another run is almost over. Finish lines are  extra sweet when we get the best out of ourselves.

The blast of cold air when leaving the stadium is now a blast of hot air upon returning. The inside finish line is a unique experience made even better with a surprising time of 3:51:56. The extremely flat course, cool conditions and inspirational speaks all contribute to my race efforts.

The volunteers, aid stations and finish line food are excellent. Runners are rewarded with chocolate milk, hot pizza, nut butter cookies, donut holes and cookie dough. Can't say it's surprising when my husband has some of everything. I stick with pizza and cookies making my chubby self quite happy. After enjoying the treats in the warm stadium we clean up  for~the 27th mile~Pub Crawl Challenge. In past years participates visit ten bars, but luckily it is only five.

We are not big drinker, but indulge with a beer after some states. My husband switches to diet coke after two beers, but I manage to drink all five. The crawl starts at the Pickled Parrot, followed by Rooters, Forte Noks, The Sports Bar and finally The Old Broadway where each crawler earns a "pub crawl medal." The rain holds off for a perfect marathon day, but rains as we go from bar to bar. It is fun to be out and about joining in on the collective celebration with other runners. The city of Fargo has a week long series of runs and activities for the city and the community support and enthusiasm is evident.  

Several Maniacs are out pub crawling and we run into Dan Ruiz at the final bar where a concert takes place. Once we sober up and have dinner the hotel is magically quiet. Whatever the reason perhaps it's the beer, but sleep comes! 

The Fargo Marathon is an excellent event from start to finish in my book. It lands in my top five favorites and the hoodie shirt is one of my favorite race shirts with the super soft fabric and made in the USA, what can be better than that. My run through Fargo is magical. Although always a work in progress my run through Fargo motivates me to continue training for the next state.

Lake Nakomis

Minnehaha Falls

An extra day in Minneapolis allows us to explore a few of the  lakes and trails. After a stroll  to a waterfall, we sit on the dock  and reflect on the 33 states completed...and look forward to many experiences yet to come. The water is ice cold, just what achy ankles need after carrying a heavy body through another 26 miles. Travel, takes us out of our comfort zone, it's an opportunity to see our flaws and imperfections while experiencing new cities. Anytime we step outside of our normal daily lives, it is a chance to learn about other places while analyzing our inner spaces. There is still so much to learn and improve in myself before my time is done. Travel makes me appreciate new experiences and also cherish coming home to a sweet little creature whose only job is to provide comfort to our days.

 

State #32 Olathe, Kansas

April 29th 2017

"Let me get this straight, you come home from Rhode Island and Boston on Wednesday at three in the morning and now you are leaving Friday morning for Kansas?"  I 'm sure this is what my cat is thinking...does she even know how sick I am on the plane coming home with the countless trips to the bathroom carrying my barf bag with me. I manage to keep soup down on Wednesday and mistakenly make homemade burgers on Thursday...what am I thinking! It is too much for a weak stomach and leaves me nauseous. Friday morning my husband says, "Let's just stay home!" Staying home is out of the question. At least my husband can run and I will wait and see how I feel Saturday morning. We usually share the driving, not this time. Unfortunately he drove home from the airport and now he has to drive back, but it is the only way the trip will happen!

He thinks he is safe if he stands behind the witch...

We luck out with an easy drive to LAX and a non-stop flight to Kansas. The airport is actually in Missouri, but only forty minutes to Olathe, Kansas. Upon landing, we go straight to packet pick-up to get our bibs and take a quick picture before making our way to the hotel. We dine at a not so great Mexican place across from the hotel, but the chips and salsa are delicious. I  can't eat much anyway.  After staying at a less than desirable~overpriced dump~or The Holiday Inn in Boston we are thrilled with the nice and quiet Marriott in Shawnee with a heavenly bed for less than a hundred bucks. A good night of sleep and a banana is all it takes to feel surprisingly better.

The hotel is less than ten minutes from the start line, leaving at six a.m. for a 6:45 start.  We are zipping along on the freeway until we are no longer zipping and the cars are at a dead standstill. We still have a ways to go to the off-ramp.  After trying to be patient, we use the left lane and are able to make some progress. The Garmin Marathon has some work to do with the access to the venue. We are able to park and make it to the potty lines as they announce the marathon is delayed.  It is the right move to allow extra time for runners stuck in the freeway congestion and it gives us time to use the bathroom and return to the car~to retrieve my forgotten watch before finding the start line.  

We see a human dragon or ten people in a costume...trying to set a Genius Record.  I ask the guy at the end what if you have to go to the bathroom and he tells me,"You hold it!" Upon further observation, we move up closer to the actual start line.  The dragon passes me in the first few miles, but I am able to pass them at the turnaround point at mile 20 1/2.

It is an enjoyable course even with the hills.  I talk with several people along the way including Claire, a fellow Maniac, who is super nice and another young gal from New Jersey who only has a few states left to finish her fifty states in Honolulu at the end of the year.  I also meet Dan Ruiz who will be running Fargo in May. He encourages me to join him for the pub crawl after the marathon in Fargo, North Dakota. There is a cool medal to be earned, if we make it to all ten pubs...so that is yet to be determined!! I am told by a local that it rains every year and today will be no exception. I tote a clear plastic bag along with me for ten miles. Once it becomes apparent the rain chances are slim to none, I ditch the plastic to spare my fellow runners any further swooshing bag noises. The run is going much better than expected, my body and legs feel better than the slug fest in Boston days earlier.  I work myself into a solid pace and catch up to the 4:00 hour pacer, settling in with the group.  Everything is going smoothly until my stomach screams at me to stop at a porta-potty at mile 12.  My momentum is gone after the stop as a hill challenges the legs.  My chances of catching back up to the group are slim. 

I settle in for a nice run though the second half.  After a series of climbs through a residential section, the course turns onto a trail portion with flying monkeys in the trees. Out and backs are nice allowing for more encouragement between runners as we cross paths.  Wearing my Boston shirt from the week before many people yell,"Go Boston!" The positive reinforcement fuels me to run stronger in the late stages of the marathon.

Another good thing about an out and back course is you know what is coming on the return trip. A nice downhill descent on the outbound becomes a tough climb on the way back, but at least you know what to expect.    

In the final stretch of the race, we run into the wind. The wind really picks up as the day goes on!  Instead of pushing myself it is a coast to the finish as I get passed by a guy wearing sandals.

Finishing with a time of 4:11:59 I make my way to the food trough. With little food in the last few days my appetite returns.  Garmin does a great job with food and entertainment. I scarf down a freshly grilled chicken sandwich and a hot dog along with  margaritas and beer. 

A tented area is available for finishers to stay out of the wind with heat lamps.  It is a nice place to rest and recover and I sit near a lady I chatted with at the start line.  She wanted to finish in under four hours and she is ecstatic that she actually accomplishes her goal with a time of 3:57. Running can be so much fun and can bring people such joy! Usually its freezing once I stop running, but I am able to fuel up and drink several beverages while waiting for my husband. Eventually its back to the car to retrieve jackets and upon returning my husband is eating and relaxing in the tent. He suggests we go back for a printout of our finish times before we go.  

We walk back and when they give me my printout, I can't believe my eyes! It says first place in my age division. ~Keep in mind it's after a few alcoholic beverages, but I actually jump with joy in surprise! My husband walks with me to pick up the age award where again a little scream emanates as they hand me a cute Wizard of Oz themed trophy.  They direct me to stand on the podium for a picture. Wow, and to think I almost skipped the race. Everyday is a great day when we are able to run! Never take it for granted.

The trip back to the hotel is quick. We have a 2 p.m. check-out thanks to our Marriott Rewards membership and take our time showering and resting up before going back to the airport. We grab a drink from McDonald's and charge our phones before returning the car. Flying into the small MCI airport has worked out for several states with reasonable flight and rental car prices.  Once back at the airport its an uneventful flight home and that is a good thing with all the flight dramas we sometimes experience.  I feel good enough to drive home and almost make it the whole way, but just can't keep my eyes open . My husband drives the remaining forty minutes. ~Teamwork~makes the dream work!!

After a weekend and another week of rest, my daughter and I have a fun time running the OC  1/2 marathon together in Southern California!!

We run the 5k on Saturday afternoon and the 1/2 marathon Sunday morning in the pouring rain. My daughter worries all week about the rain and I keep telling her it will be fine. It is pouring buckets and even hails at the beginning of the race. It is fun to run in the rain anyway! At first it seems like a bummer, but then it just makes us shake our heads and laugh.  It adds to our badassness!

The best days are the days spent with my daughter!!  She is my sunshine!