Deadwood Mickelson SD-State 44 June 5, 2022

Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon and Half Marathon is a walker friendly point to point race along the scenic and infamous Mickelson Trail system that runs through the mountains and streams of Western South Dakota. The half marathon is a continuous downhill course with one long incline midway. 

But before we get to the race, lets talk about how beautiful South Dakota is! After already driving across its neighboring state of North Dakota, I was shocked at how different the two actually are! 

Flying into Rapid City, I took the opportunity to add in Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park before heading to Deadwood for the race. If you have never been to SD, this would be the route I would highly recommend if you are planning this race! And of course, there is never enough time! I would have loved to have stayed longer to see the SD Badlands and do some hiking in Spearfish. 

My first stop was Under Canvas Mt Rushmore. If you have been following me, you know Ive already experienced Under Canvas Yellowstone and Moab. All 3 I highly recommend! But Rushmore caught me off guard as you can actually SEE the heads from camp!! Being secluded down a dirt road from the touristy part of town, you are immersed in nature, even with deer mingling throughout camp. This location had a kitchen on site and awesome lobby lounge to relax, inside and out on a huge porch overlooking the monument. There were bonfires with FREE smores and they even had live music! 

Mt Rushmore has a night program which I opted for as I was enjoying the Under Canvas property so much during the day. Driving over to the park, I found out you drive right by the heads without even entering the park! I arrived right after sunset (fyi, the sun sets behind the heads, so not the best picture opportunity). so I still got to see the heads up close in daylight and then in pitch black all lit up. They do a pretty good history lesson video before the lighting and have veterans come on stage after. 

After enjoying a restful morning at Under Canvas, I sadly left but had a full day ahead. I decided to take the long route and drive thru Custer State Park Needles Highway before heading north to Deadwood. This very narrow but scenic road leaves you a little white knuckling (especially driving an SUV for the 2nd time in my life) but man was it beautiful! It reminded me of Bryce Canyon but grey not red. There were lots of pull offs to stop and take pictures. No time to take hike this time but the drive alone was worth it. 

Next up was Crazy Horse Monument. This was actually more impressive than i thought. After i arrived i found out they had a walk/hike event that day all the way to the top. If i knew about it sooner, i probably would have participated! On regular days they have a shuttle that takes u to the top, but not during this event. Just seeing it from the bottom and visiting the museum was enough for me being the day before the race!

After I left the park, a hail storm came just in time for me to pull over and have lunch at a winery with a brewery next door! I made sure to arrive Deadwood in time for the Expo and spaghetti dinner at the Lodge of Deadwood, and pre party at the Celebrity hotel in town. 

I was disappointed the 'Expo' only included 2 vendors. One being a race I was already signed up for! (Nebraska Monument) No shopping here. They barely even had Gu to buy (1 flavor). I was also disappointed the spaghetti dinner was a little awkward being right smack in the middle of the packet pick up. For $15 you were only allowed 1 plate of basic salad and plain spaghetti and a glass of water or coffee. I ate and moved over to the historic downtown Celebrity hotel rooftop who sponsored the 'pre party.' Free beer and music on their small rooftop overlooking the strip. Historic Deadwood is lined with casino after casino (or i guess saloons) and some small gift shops. They have a town square with a stage where the race after party would be held. I had my drink and decided I would explore after the race.  It was time to rest my feet in the hot tub back at the Airbnb. I ended up staying at the local Terry Peak ski resort only 15min away. 

Severe storms were on and off all day with lightning and hail and they lingered all the way to race time. Thankfully it ended up being just perfect weather for me. About 50 degrees, overcast, and 2 quick rain showers that passed thru. 

Being a point to point race, everyone had to be shuttled to both the half and full marathon starts. Parking and shuttles were seamless. Arriving at the start, there were plenty of porta potties and a bag check and then you started on your own whenever you wanted. No mass start as they were still trying to space out the runners. 

If you followed my Washington race last month, you know Ive been having foot issues, which ended up being diagnosed as a neuroma (nerve damage which causes sharp pain in the ball of your foot and into toes). The doctor gave me a cortisone shot but I was still having feeling leading up to race day. With all the exploring I did the two days before, I tried to keep icing my foot, and hot tub massaging it. I had not run once since Washington as i was trying to heal (although neuroma is irreversible) so I was extremely nervous walking up to the Start line. I took Advil and CBD hoping to limit inflammation for the 13 miles. I had bought new shoe inserts, toe socks, and toe brace. I said a quick prayer to my breast cancer angel friends and went on my way. I was hoping the mostly downhill on the soft gravel would help as well. 

From step one, the course was beautiful. Green, lush forest among the grey overcast skies. We ran thru valleys and crossed several streams. With each mile running surprisingly with no pain, i found myself smiling most of the race. 

Aid stations had water and gatorade and some candies and bananas, but no Gu. There were just a handful of spectators along the different parking areas that access Mickelson trail but they were much appreciated. The course was mostly you and nature. The trail wasnt too narrow but it was still a trail so you were always passing or being passed by runners. 

It was still wet out from yesterdays storms but the trail was mostly gravel so it was not slick until mid way on the steepest decline of the course it was pure mud. I panicked and stopped dead in my tracks. I didnt even know if i could walk down it. I really considered sliding down on my butt! I had flashbacks of slipping and breaking my ankle. I almost started crying. I took my time on that snowy trail the day i broke my ankle and i still fell no matter how careful i was. How does one get over that thought every time there is a similar situation? I didnt have a choice. How would i even get off the trail if i quit now? I wish i had my walking sticks. I sucked it up, prayed once more, and made my way. I walked in every piece of grass i could find. It was a good stretch that was extremely muddy in that mile but it finally was done. 

Heading back into the city the rain started. It felt good to me. Much better than being hot. I dont think i even sweat this race. Just dont let it start hailing!

There was a group of runners wearing a shirt that said 'my best day ever.' Which it really was for me after being so concerned about my foot and surprisingly there wasnt any pain. Each mile i kept thinking, ok, next mile it will start hurting. And each mile came and went but nothing. I also ran for a while behind a girl that must have been afraid of heights because every time we crossed the several wood bridges, she covered the side of her face to hide her peripheral. I smiled as I witnessed someone so strong not let her fears take control of her goals. Being half marathon 98 and state 44 for me, and all that I have been through with my broken ankle, foot, and now neuroma, but still not giving up on this 50 state goal, I smiled. Her tunnel vision is like my journey. Its been a hell of a ride but all you need is focus to make it through. 

FREE race photos!

As we headed into the Finishers chute, the mayor was congratulating each runner! Small town, big charm!

We finished within Deadwood but still needed to take a shuttle back to the parking lot. The Finish line had chocolate milk (always my favorite recovery drink), beef jerkey (my new favorite post run snack)  as well as fruit and bars. Unfortunately no celebratory beer. The post race party at the Main Square wasnt to start until 2p. But they did have a massage tent which i headed straight to! After waiting a while for my turn, i learned they were actually charging per minute! Never seen that before at a race, but I wasnt leaving without! 

After a hot tub recovery back at the Airbnb, I headed back to town for the post race party. Thankfully i showed up just in time before they ran out of beer. They had a live band at the main square for the celebration. 

Mickelson Half Marathon-would I recommend? Yes! If not for the course itself being an easy downhill among beautiful country mountains, but for the effort that this director puts into this race to make this a weekend experience for every runner! Small town, big views! South Dakota was two thumbs up! 

13.1-2:49

State 44

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San Juan Island WA-State 43

San Juan island, a small island off the Northern coast of Washington, easily accessible by ferry from Anacortes which is a short hour and half drive from Seattle. This unique destination was what drew me to the San Juan Island Half managed by Orca Running. Small town, small race, big views. What also drew me in was their environmental respect. This would be a cupless race and even a race shirt option to decline a shirt and instead plant a tree.

Coming as the furthest race participant from Florida, I of course extended my stay in Washington to explore. The drive from Seattle was easy and there are several options to take tours off the route to Anacortes (Chateau St Michelle vineyard, Snoqualmie Falls, La Conner and Skagit Valley to name a few.) 

Anacortes, a very small coastal shipping town had its own charm-Secret Cove for dining with a view, small shops on the main strip, the Ship Harbor Interpretive Trail where you can keep an eye out for wildlife on the water and land! 

 I stayed at a wonderful small cabin Airbnb on the hosts property overlooking the Salish sea with amazing sunsets, constant hummingbirds, and even a view of the Olympic mountains in the far distance! 

https://abnb.me/rZcmmYogwqb

This was just a few minutes from the Deception Pass State Park which was easily accessible for short trails down to different beaches with views of the infamous bridge. And of course the option to walk the actual bridge which one wouldn’t think is a big deal, but let just say, my adrenaline was pumping! 

 The Ferry to San Juan takes reservations for cars or you can walk on. I highly recommend renting a car to take to San Juan Island to explore the local farms and coast if it is off season (which the race was one week before in season started). Farms to visit include the alpaca farm, sheep farm, lavender farm, and of course the grape farm (vineyard!). And don’t forget to stop at Lime Kiln point to try and spot a whale where they frequent. Otherwise in the Summer a trolley circles around the island that you can buy a day pass for. On the ferry I spotted a couple of other runners chatting. They told me to look out for them on course as they would be dressing up as bugs and a few of them running their first half marathon ever. 

 I stayed at Snug Harbor which I would recommend to get away from the hustle and bustle of Friday Harbor. It was very peaceful waterfront property with bonfires and even fireplace inside the cabin. They even offer free kayak and bike rentals. 

 The packet pick up was at a local pizzeria, with unfortunately, nothing more than handing over your shirt and bib, which could have been done at the start line as well. The place was too small for runners to hang out, so it was an early night for me and the fireplace, but not until I had my local seafood at a Tiki Bar in Washington! 

 The sun rises early in Washington, but the race starts late! I actually got to sleep in being on East coast time! Parking was easy at the fairground and we took a shuttle to the start, which Snug Harbor was a short 15minutes to. The bus driver was very informative of the island on our drive in. The shuttle unfortunately drove most of the course, which I always prefer as a surprise. We did get to see a fox on the way into the beach. 

 It was a simple start of the race with the steepest start line hill I have ever seen! I laughed it off and decided to use it as my walking warm up. The race was a point to point along the coast in the beginning, and thru mostly farm land the rest of the way and finishing at another beach. Me and the bug girls were consistently the same pace in the beginning but as my toe started hurting and I walked more, they passed me. They kept me entertained as they were enjoying each other company. 

 Each station had water and Gatorade to fill your own bottles. The last station had some candies as extra fuel. It was a very quiet race which most of it I was alone. No spectators, not even locals line the streets here! It was me and the birds chirping. I was a little worried at one point as I had not seen any patrols to make sure the runners were okay and my foot was really bothering me. Ever since my Jones fracture on my left foot, my middle toe has gone numb and sometimes turns to pain. I blew it off for a couple years as I thought it was just healing/getting back in shape pain and it always stopped after I took my shoe off, or sometimes even just repositioning in my shoe. Well, this time the pain was excruciating at M10. I was scared I was breaking my foot. I even took my shoe off at M10 to see if walking barefoot would help but the road was too rocky. I pushed thru. 

It was at M11 I burst into tears as I looked up and saw two of the bug girls that had already finished were running back for their friends still running. My heart exploded with that love and compassion of friendship but also because they motivated me as well. I finished those last couple miles mostly walking and shuffling as my run. 

Then I burst out loud as I turned the last corner for the Finish Line to see it the steepest downhill of a Finish I had ever seen but my foot hurt so bad all I could do was walk it! I threw off my shoes and the pain did calm down for the most part, but there was still something not right for the next week between my toe and ball of foot. I would visit a podiatrist when I returned home. 

 The weather stayed nice and cool(er), the sun behind the clouds, and even a bit of a misting at one point, and some wind, especially at the Finish. Hot pizza was served as well as lots of snacks. But no celebratory beer. Thankfully my new bug friends had champagne they shared! 

 The race later shared free pictures on course! The medal was nice and unique being handmade, shaped like the island and showing the race course. The shirt was okay, thankfully I visited the lighthouse that it showed, as we did not run passed it on course. 

 Later in town, I ran into other runners in which they invited me to hang out and wine and dine the rest of the evening! Out of 43 states, this group made my Washington experience among the top! 

 Friends come in all varieties. Some friends may only come and go for a few minutes of your life. You may not even remember their name. But that friend made such an impact you will never forget that moment. Some friends stick around for months or a season. They are there to get you through that chapter. Other friends are there for years. They have your back and you can always turn to them. They all have their reason and impact they make on your life. Life is all about learning from these people who show up even when you don’t even realize you need them the most. 

 Overall I would recommend San Juan island half marathon if you like small races. The experience of visiting Washington, taking the ferry over and seeing the island made the experience. Oh and the new friends!

State 43

13.1- 2:55

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 -Update on foot-Podiatrist confirmed I have a neuroma. Nonreversible. Cortizone shot given but it doesn’t seem that it has worked for *all* the pain. But Im not sure that is how its supposed to work anyways. We will see after State 44 South Dakota and another visit to podiatrist.

Garmin Oz Run-Olathe, Kansas-State 42

The OZ Run was one of the races I had to cancel after I broke my ankle in 2018/2019. Then Covid happened and they went virtual only. Finally racing is back!  How can you not run OZ when running in Kansas? 

The race was set in Olathe in Southeast Kansas, home of the Garmin headquarters, and a quick drive from Kansas City airport 

I ended up staying at an Airbnb in Tonganoxie KS about 30minutes from Olathe for a nice country retreat. I wish there was more time to explore Olathe as I was seeing good advertising of a bbq trail and some wineries. Next time. With my limited 2 days, what I 'had' to do was visit the OZ Museum and Winery, being I just ran the OZ half marathon, right?! It was about an hour and half drive, but it was just enough to see that Kansas really is just farmland.

Packet Pick up was small with a handful of vendors, mostly local, so I didnt really have a chance to shop. BUT they did have Stretch Lab there, which is also local to Jacksonville. I got a well needed stretch to get ready to run. 

Start was at the Garmin headquarters which had a parking garage but they also offered a shuttle from where packet pick up was. It was a little weird they made the bus sit in the same garage traffic though. 

There was plenty of porta potties and the parking garage sheltered us from the whipping winds. 

Unfortunately I had been trying to fight off an allergy cold the past couple days so I went into the run knowing i just needed to take it easy and keep my breathing low so I wouldn't pull it into my chest. It was a little warmer than expected, starting 70 degrees but there was a distant storm lingering with head winds predicted up to 30-40mph which made it quite interesting a few times as I was pushed sideways running. Thankfully all the houses blocked most of the wind.

This Springtime slightly hilly course is mainly a neighborhood run beautifully filled with daffodils, tulips, and dandelions that lined the street like the yellow brick road! We even had a run through a forest with still bare trees on a paved trail that reminded me of the wicked woods from the movie. 

Each station had Wizard of Oz themed signs out. Even one had the flying monkeys (disappointed my camera didnt save that pic!) Stations were prepped except somehow the 2nd station was already out of water/gatorade and the 10k hadnt even started yet. I didnt quite understand at first, but then remembered, oh yea, this is what its like being the back of the pack! About m2.5 there was a turn around at a cone and when we hit the m3 sign shortly after, we realized someone messed up the markers. The rest of the course would be off by .3-.4. I couldnt help but laugh at that as the sponsor was Garmin after all!  On the other hand they did fantastic with every corner having a volunteer or city patrol helping with traffic and race flow.

I felt pretty good the entire course. My ankle still surprises me how well it has held up. I dontt even feel it anymore running.

I chatted with a woman who spotted my running the 50 states for breast cancer shirt and she continued to share with me she is currently going thru it herself. I tell her about The DONNA and she was aware of it as she works for Mayo Clinic! Small world! It has been so long since I've been able to chat and spread the word like this. Although it was short, it reminded me why I started this journey so many years ago! 

The last mile it started to sprinkle. Which I was fine with as it kept me cool. I made sure before I crossed the finish line, to turn around and run the extra mileage they mismarked. I found out later i wasnt the only crazy one to do that! Hey, if im going to check off a state, gotta make sure i hit that 13.1! 

Windy and rainy, I crossed the finish, grabbed my medal, and headed to the huge Garmin sign to take my picture! It wasnt until probably 30min later, I realized i missed the entire finish line chute where all the food was as well as entire cast of the Wizard of Oz! 96 half marathons and never had I done that before!! To my defense, the finish line was outside, and the 'chute' was in the garage. Thankfully they let me back in! They had burrito, chips, banana, local beer. But best of all they had FOUR different stretch/PT companies set up for free stretch/massag/etc! Of course I did two of them! 

There was a fantastic dj getting the crowd singing out loud and dancing and keeping us entertained!

There was also a Senior Walk which I found quite interesting and I ended up on the shuttle back with them! They were so great talking about still being able to be active and participate! We all agreed that we were all winners that day! 

Each year the race focuses on a different character of The Wizard of Oz. This year was the Wicked Witch. The Finishers shirt and medal are cute and kept with the theme.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the theme of the Oz Run even despite the distance mishap. I feel they could have the participants involved more leading up to race day (they even block posts online) and maybe even costume contest since it is afterall a theme run. But maybe things are still recovering from Covid. Or maybe it's just that small town feel. 

After recovering in the Airbnb hot tub, I headed to Wamego. The Oz Museum was actually quite interesting and had the movie playing as well as informative movies of the making and cast. Lots of collectables and artifacts. I would have stayed longer but there was a Tulip festival/vendors/food trucks and I wanted to visit the OZ Winery as well. Unfortunately because of the festival the winery wasnt doing their full tasting, but they were giving 2 free samples...which while chatting with the gal, she ended up hooking me up with more. It was entertaining enough to say you did it. Grapes are shipped in and they process on site. Shipments are available as well if you need a theme wine. 

That night back in Tonganoxie, a tornado warning came brewing thru! The storm ended up passing just outside of where i was staying. It was really cool to watch but thankfully I never saw word of a twister and it was just a strong storm with no damage. It was just enough to complete my Kansas experience! 

State 42

13.1-2:48

Half Marathon 96

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15th Annual Donna (Half) Marathon-2022

Ya! The race community is Back! 

Having so many races cancelled because of breaking my ankle, trying so hard to get back to the full marathon distance while also dealing with huge life changes of taking care of my ailing father, moving cities, becoming a first time home owner alone, breaking my other foot, losing my father and taking care of the affairs, then shortly after losing my pup of 15years, and starting over with a brand new puppy....needless to say it has been a very difficult  but tremendously exciting time in my life the past few years!! Running has just taken a back burner with all that has gone on. Thus, I once again downgraded to the half marathon.

The good news? My feet and ankle are great. It's a matter of my fitness catching back up! 2022 is gonna be my year! I have resigned up for the remaining 9 states for me to finish a half marathon in each of the 50 states! And it all starts with DONNA. 

A knee flare-up from overuse kept me sidelined the month prior to race day which had me full of nerves on race day, but thankfully i was surrounded my familiar faces! 

The unpredictable February Florida beach weather decised to play a game of a NorEaster. High winds and rain were in the forecast. I kinda was still okay with that though...at least its not hot!! ...until my umbrella at the start blew away! Lol

But lets back up a little. Expo was held downtown and a 15k was also available this year downtown. The expo was smaller than normal, other pre race fesrivities were still cancelled due to covid and the start/finish village was also scaled down. Racing was back but it was going to take time for it to get back to where it was befire. 

This year had a New Race Start/Finish at SeaWalk Pavillion in Jacksonville Beach....my old hometown the previous decade. I got into my truck to drive the 40minute drive and the Dont Stop Believing song was on!  

It felt good to be back at the beach. Parking was anywhere you could find a spot. I had no issue being an hour and half early. Weather wasn't the best to hang out at start and thankfully my friend was staying at the hotel right there so we stayed warm until last minute. 

Lineup seemed a little unorganized and pretty much a free for all, but I just went with the "it is what it is" attitude....from my knee, to the weather...to even everything that I have been thru the past few years...nothings gonna stop me. I look over and someone is passing a bottle of Fireball😲🤔...it is what it is!🤣

The half marathon course ran the 2nd half of the old full marathon course. Which felt very weird to me, as I have still not made it back to the 26mile distance. 

Spectators were still out in the rain cheering us on. I even hit a mimosa stand around m10

Surprisingly my knee held up great for the race. Last couple miles were difficult but mainly from being not in my best shape. The rain even held off except a little bout around this time as well. 

The Galloway pacers were out in full force as always and I just made sure the 3hour mark didn't pass me. There are so many memories on this course. I tried to just replay the 15years of running this course in my head. I even had a guy yelling out motivating me as I was grunting every walk break. But I did it! I finished with staying consistent with my run/walk the entire course.

Cora and hot soup was at the Finishers Village and I got a much needed stretch. I also got an invite into the VIP tent with my friend  where we had mimosas and Taco Lu tacos! We stayed and cheered on the final runners. To be able to stand there and tell so many runners "congratulations you did it!" was a whole other level feeling for me! I had made so much progress in my beginning years of running and then knocked all the way down having to start completely over, but just still not giving up I was needing those words too. I know what it feels like to work hard and make it and then also work hard and still not be there. Both deserve that congratulations. Both STILL DID IT!