Monument (Half) Marathon-NE-Sep 24 2022

 

This was the 11th Annual Monument Marathon (and Half Marathon). They claim "Nebraskas most beautiful race;" the reason it has been on my 'states' list since before I broke my ankle. But I didnt realize I was 'that' excited to run it until I showed up to the Expo and found out I was registered Twice! Oops. 

All I knew about Nebraska was corn fields. I didn't quite realize how desolate it was until I flew into Denver and drove 3 hours through nothing but deserted prairie lands, desert mountains, and corn fields to Scottsbluff NE. The town is a very small industrial farming town, home of Kelley Beans and Western Sugar. We even got a bag of beans in our race packet! 

The expo had a handful of local companies but not really much to shop. They did offer a pasta dinner, but we opted to check out the 'town.' After our exploring I would recommend Flyover Brewery for the best food. They also ended up being the sponsor of the 'after party' which gave you a free beer and some live music. I also found a hidden gem in the cornfields- Papa Moon Cidery. They have an amazing outdoor setting to enjoy drinks and small bites as well as enjoying the sunset and weather. They host events as well; while we were there it was a comedy show, but we were too exhausted to stay. 

The race committee was one of the most organized races I have ever experienced out of 101 half marathons I have completed now! They had a welcome packet printed out in great detail, even warning you about a possibility of rattle snakes on the course (twice!) Thankfully (but at the same time disappointedly) I did not run into one. These warnings are also at the surrounding Chimney Rock. 

They even contacted me and a few other runners for an interview about the 50 states mission! A small race of about 500 runners combined for the marathon, half marathon, relay, and 5k made things simple. Parking was right next to Start/Finish which was held at the 5 Rocks Amphitheater. (Marathon was shuttled to a different start.) 

We ran down the Oregon Trail straight up the slight, but very long incline to the Monument, which ended up being much more expansive than I thought. We ran through and circled around the bluffs with the first portion being on the pavement, 2nd section on hard dirt (but bumpy) trail, and last stretch back on the road with a couple of gravel parts, including the final finish chute. 

My friend decided to meet me for the race. She flew into Rapid City which was equal driving distance as Denver to Scottsbluff. Both are great destinations if you are looking to piggyback on trips. Since I was just coming from Wyoming the week prior, this was just a short visit and Denver had the nonstop flight for me. The area does have some recommended hiking within driving distance (Wildcat Hills, Agate Fossils, Toadstool, and even Fort Robinson) but alas I needed more rest this trip than anything.

We stayed at an Airbnb off of Lake Minatare, home to one of the only inland lake lighthouses. The lake ended up being much larger than I thought, with ample camping, even on the sand beach! Unfortunately, I found out it is an irrigation lake and with the drought, it was a lot lower than expected when I jumped in after the race! 

After the first incline my friend and I separated into our own paces and I ended up playing leapfrog with a lady for a bit in which we chatted about my 50 states and then her doing this race every year and usually her dad is at the Finish Line waiting but sadly he recently passed away. You could hear how fresh it still was weighing on her heart. She said she was still out there doing this race to stay active so life doesn't escape her. It's one of the biggest reminders in life, to keep moving. I witnessed firsthand watching my Dad lose his motion due to spinal stenosis. Always believing he would die young, he lost his motivation and gave up on physical therapy as no doctor could tell him exactly why he was feeling this pain even with the drugs until it was too late. I watched as his body literally turned to stone from not leaving his chair, not walking, and then not leaving the bed. It's something that stays on my mind, especially as this 50 state mission is wrapping up and I'm trying to figure out what my next life chapter will hold for me to stay motivated mentally and physically. 

Towards the last couple of miles we ran through a cemetery where I saw her stop, take a picture, and then yell out 'love you Dad!' It is amazing how much we do because of others. One of my Dads last wishes was for me to finish these 50 states. Dad had only made it to 48 states himself. I could have given up a long time ago when I broke my ankle, but his voice has stayed in my head telling me to Stay Strong. 

Scottsbluff sits at about 4,000ft in elevation. I felt pretty good for the first half but was pretty beat with the frequent small inclines. (Yes even after 101 half marathons, this Florida gal still struggles on inclines). However, every single mile was just gorgeous as we circled the park. Also every single volunteer seemed to be extra cheerful which helped to keep a smile on your face. There were even prairie dogs around M10. The water/fuel stations were stocked well and even offered gels, but I still carried my own water, just coming from Wyoming, I had a feeling the dry air (and elevation) would get to me faster. 

At the Finish line I headed straight to the complimentary massage tables as my hamstrings stayed tight the entire race after just running Wyoming the week prior! They then provided pizza and snacks as well as a free beer. (you could purchase more if you wanted.) They even had a food truck where they gave you a discount. The day started off cool, but the sun was bright, so it warmed up for a nice Fall Day. We headed up to the top of the Monument on our way home to see the overlook of the valley. 

I love that the medal is in the shape of the state! 

I highly recommend this race. The course was way more beautiful than I expected. Every single mile I was just staring in awe of the different landscape. They definitely held up their word! 

State 47

13.1-2:52

Course was over by .5m

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Buffalo Bill Cody Half Marathon-Sep 17 2022

Half Marathon 100?! What?! 😲

Wyoming was one of the difficult states to chose a race because I had already been to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole on vacation when I ran Idaho. Wanting to see something different, but also with limited races in the state already, I settled on Cody which has access to 'beyond' Yellowstone. It was good to see Wyoming is more than that a tourist factory! 

The race was much smaller than anticipated. So much so one would wonder why I chose it for such a lofty celebration🤔 But the small town friendly vibe and big views made up for it all! 

The race starts at the City Park in downtown Cody which basically just consists of a small strip of shops and restaurants and dont forget infamous Buffalo Bill's Irma hotel named after his daughter. If you dont know Buffalo Bill, you will after you leave Cody! Visiting Old Trail Town is highly recommended as a first stop on your Cody tour to get an understanding of the areas history. 

Anyways back to the race, a field of only about 50 doing the half and 50 doing the 10k, i was a little nervous lining up. Not only to be last, but to get lost on the open to traffic streets! But the support was top notch. They had people not only directing traffic but held flags to wave you in the right direction in case you missed the ground markings at the turns. 

The race does a loop of the city with distant views of the surrounding mountains. Cody sits at an elevation of about 5,000. There were a few hills to keep the race challenging enough. Right when this Florida gal was about to complain, i thought, 'who wants an Easy race for their 100th half marathon?!' 

The day started cool but warmed quickly, or maybe i just didnt run fast enough. My breath escaped me around halfway and I never fully recovered.

I had a good pace in the beginning, I even stayed ahead of this couple that I just knew were going to beat me, but in the moment they were my motivation to make sure I was giving it my all. We chatted a minute as they passed and asked about my 50 states, saying how beautiful Florida was and me saying how beautiful Cody was. He simply said 'I guess its all about perspective.' And Im not sure why but that hit hard because it is so true. Yall running has never been easy for me. Its just plain hard. 100 half marathons (and 9 full and many smaller) and amazingly its still hard! But every race I still get out there and try to find the best of each one. There is always something good in a race whether it be the views, the support, the comradery; and if you look hard enough, you will find life lessons in every race. Maybe thats why i continue to run. I could focus on the pain or i could smile at the beautiful opportunities I have been given to be able to endure such pain and come out stronger every time! 

As I approached the last hill which went on for what seemed a mile, a guy at the top said to me "no one said it would be easy!" I laughed out loud and said "Ive GOT this!" as I took his words to reference my entire 100 half marathon, 9 full marathon, and 46 state journey with the next 3 races coming up back to back! Nope, this hasnt been easy and I wouldnt change a damn thing! 

The last aid station with 1 mile left handed me bacon and beer-I took it for my 'victory lap' and headed to the Finish. 

The Finish consisted of a well enjoyed freshly made milkshake. They also had local beer and  couple of food trucks to purchase lunch. I cheered and congratulated the 2 guys who completed their 50th state and could only think how that is going to be me in just 4 more states! 

The night before the race I stayed at Cody Trout Ranch Camp in a tipi along the Shoshone River for a unique experience. The bonfire at night next to the water under the stars was amazing. After the race I headed to a spa Airbnb called Japanese Cabin at Heart Mountain that was on an organic farm; the Big Quiet. It was a magical experience and i got to recover with a soaking tub and sauna and a homemade Cowboy pancake breakfast with the farmers sausage. 

Ventures in the area included driving thru Buffalo Bill State Park to Waipiti Lodge for homemade meatloaf and live music with a sunset view, driving to Red Lodge MT for the Beartooth Hwy to Cooke City, and then Chief Joseph Hwy for Dead Indian Pass. All of this completed the circle around Heart Mountain which also has its own history lesson. Wyoming was a nice escape from reality to the peaceful Cowboy outdoor living.

Half Marathon 100

State 46

13.1-2:51 

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