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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Heartland Series-Mainly Marathons-St Cloud MN July 15 2022

Dont let the name fool you, "Mainly Marathons" is a welcoming group of runners and walkers of every distance! Their series events across the country include distances from 5k to 50k in which you can participate in one or all of the races in each series which cover several states. The coolest part besides feeling so welcome no matter what your speed?...the bling! 

If you have been following me through the years, you know I've had a setback on completing these 50 states breaking my ankle, then other foot, then covid happened and shut the world of races down. I started this goal back in 2011 and was set for a 10year mission. With all that has happened, it has been beyond time for me to wrap this up! As races started becoming popular again this year, I scrambled to grab my last 9 states! And the stars aligned perfectly as I was able to plan then all, including ones I had been following for years! Minnesota was a one off, not sure what to run but that is when I came across Mainly Marathons and it fit perfectly for my summer race! 

The series was called Heartland and the medal was a deer. Absolute perfection as my Dad who passed away a couple years ago was originally from Minnesota and we had spread his ashes up there at his deer hunting stand. 

The race was number seven of the series so most of the participates had been running/walking all week in the surrounding states. It was held on a Friday in central Minnesota near St Cloud in a park called Quarry Park. This is where granite mining used to take place. The quarries are now filled with water and two are swimmable. One being over 100ft deep making it quite refreshing on a hot Summer day!

It was a very quick trip for me and I opted for a farm stay with Airbnb on one of the 10 thousand lakes Minnesota is known for. It was a little bit of a drive to/from the race, but my heart desired the Minnesota farm life experience as Dad grew up on a farm. It was quite relaxing, quiet, peaceful, everything I needed for a little rest, with hammocks, beautiful sunsets, a friendly pup, and sweet hosts. Oh and the infamous Summertime state bird-the mosquito, which also showed up to the start line but thankfully didnt bother you as you ran!

Race start was simple, just a gathering, announcing of some rules, and celebrating some runners-one of which was completing her 50th state! The course was a repeated out and back, where you grabbed rubber bands each loop so you wouldn't lose count, and then a ringing of a bell to announce your finish line time. We would pass 2 quarries; one swimmable, and a real bathroom. Each loop was about 2miles and you had the spread of fuel goodies and your water/drinks available as you grabbed your next rubber band. 

I showed up with my brand new orthotics. Yes, I know, not smart, but I didn't have much of a choice. I had just been diagnosed with neuroma less than a month ago. I was given a cortisone shot but also went with custom orthotics as well to help slow the progression. As the miles added up, I could tell a blister was forming on my arch. By mile 6, I decided it would be better to run without it, so I took it out. 

Also early in the race, I could tell something wasn't right with my stomach. Every runner knows you only have a good race if you get a good 'go' out before starting. For whatever reason, it never happened for me that morning. I stopped at that bathroom 3 times thinking something would happen and it never did. Unfortunately, the stomach cramps remained most of the race. Thankfully the entire course was in shade (except for a moving bridge). The heat started to rise quickly, and I was getting worn down. 

The insanity of doing the repeated course, lapping the same people over and over really started to play a toll on me mentally. Most people were friendly and tried to still make you smile or wave/nod as passing by. But I really had a breakdown around M10 realizing these people had been running all week, most of them even older than me (was announced average age was 50), and they were still having fun, looking strong, and doing it! I felt weak, embarrassed just doing 1 race, out of shape, and the tears and panic came. It is still a struggle for me to not compare myself now to how I was before I broke my ankle. But then I gave myself a pep talk and turned my perspective around. I shouldn't be jealous of these people stronger than me even though they are older than me. They should be my Motivation! No, I am not as strong of a runner as I used to be, but that doesn't mean I gave up and quit. It doesn't mean that I won't be fast(er) again someday. And even if I never get as fast as I was, just the ability to run/walk long distance is something that a lot of people can't even do! And here I am doing it for the 99th time! Having to be in a wheelchair twice, I know firsthand! This race was actually amazing. So many levels of runners all together, supporting each other, and supporting a healthy lifestyle, because we can! 

The course was going to be a little long, so I made my own loops to make my 13.1 finish at the swimmable quarry and jumped straight in to celebrate! State 45/Half Marathon 99 complete! If only ever race could get with a jump in a nice cold piece of water!

The smorgasbord of goodies was still available at the finish line but knowing runners were still out there running longer distances, it was hard to take much. Hot dogs were served though which definitely hit the spot before the long drive back to the farm! 

I'd still like to come back to Minnesota to run again if my feet allow it in the future...Duluth and Ely are just a couple. I also am keeping Mainly Marathon's in my back pocket for future short distances if my feet do not allow much in the future. ...maybe a 5k in each of the 50 states will be my next goal....

13.1-2:56

State 45

Half Marathon 99

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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.