That escalated quickly

I am in my 6th week of being a student at Kansas State University. A dream that was 10 years in the making. I went from not having much to do to having a whole lot to do in a relatively short time frame. I am still trying to adjust. 12 credit hours is considered full time, and I am taking 8 at the current moment, so slightly over half time. The big thing I wasn't prepared for at all was the university structure.

Community college did not prepare me for university.

SO. MUCH. STUDYING.

I breezed through community college in 2 years with a 3.8 GPA. I was diligent about my work, I worked hard, and I did well. I know my naivety is really showing here, and I am ok with that. I knew university was going to be hard, but I didn't know it was going to be THIS hard. I am taking 2 classes, but with lectures, labs, studios, and exam nights, I am at school 5 days a week. Community college you just go to class, its the same format every time.

Toche!

About 3 weeks in I had a breakdown. One of those rough breakdowns where you cry and ball up your fists and grit your teeth and try to tear through the walls. I was just so overwhelmed, and angry, at myself. Angry at myself I didn't go to college sooner, angry at myself I didn't know how to manage my time better, even angry at myself that I pursued this at my age. I was on the verge of throwing in the towel, quitting, something that isn't "me" at all.

Trying to do this

Joel, and my friends, talked me off the ledge. The comment I received the most was "you have come too far to quit". I knew they were right, but it was hard to think through the tears. I looked back to that hot summer day in Georgia I decided to pursue this adventure. It was August, I was on a morning run, just like I did most morning because of the extreme summer heat in the afternoon, and I abruptly stopped running and paused my Garmin, looking around at the empty loneliness around me. At that moment I decided I was ready to have a career again, and I was finally ready to drop the bitter feelings about what happened with my first career. When I got accepted in to the University, we had a family celebration. Now we all bleed purple

He bleeds purple with me

As with anything new in life it will be an adjustment, but I have to see this through. I want this degree, I want this career. My husband Joel and my best friend Loraine have been nothing but supportive and helping me out with everything. From the start, when going to Kansas State was just an notion, Joel was on board to do whatever he had to for me to be successful. There are challenges with him being active duty Army, but he does everything he can within his power to help me pursue this. Having so many people on my side gives me the hope that I will be able to do this, and one day I will grace the graduation stage in a cap and gown.

Not giving up that easily

Triathlon training hasn't changed, but I can say in a training sense, with school, my training has been better and I get the most of the training time I do have. I have been training and racing triathlon for 5 years, it has been a real constant in my life. Since moving to the Midwest and experiencing winter, a lot of my training has been indoors.

A winter wonderland......all the time

The first triathlon of the year for me is on May 18th, and with Muncie 70.3 on July 11th, and Ironman Louisville on October 11th, I am having fun with my training. I am mixing up base building, tempo work, and speed work in all 3 sports. I love swimming at the Kansas State pool. Its 25 meters and competition cold, I can swim 2000 meters there and still feel fresh because of the cold water.

Pool at Kansas State

I ran a 5k on Valentine's Day, but it wasn't a race to "love". A hilly course, strong 21 mph winds, and below freezing temperatures made for a tough day for a quick run, so I was thrilled with my 23:43 that morning. I placed 3rd in my age group (W30-39). Despite the miserable conditions, we were all happy to be there.

Fun small town 5k

When its bearable to run outside here I really enjoy it. The terrain varies so much and I can really find  perfect routes for my specific goal of that run. I've adapted enough to where high 30s I can now wear capris and long sleeves instead of tights and compression top. I ran 8 hilly miles on Saturday at a 8:23 pace and felt great and feel ready to put in the work for Muncie 70.3 and Ironman Louisville.

Was nice to let my legs breath! Well, lower legs

Here's my biggest tri news, I got a new bike!!!! After 3 years of trying to make the Cervelo P2 work for me, spending 100s on fits and stems, we (Joel and I) decide the best next step to take would be buying a bike with a more compatible frame for my body. We found a 2012 Cannondale Slice 105 that a shop had still in the box for an amazing price so we bought it. My fitting is on Thursday, and yes, the seat post and aerobars need to be trimmed with a saw, I know it looks silly in this pic, but I am so excited about the miles about to be put on this bike.

My new whip!

So that is my life at this current moment in time: school, triathlete, wife, mom, friend. In no particular order, Training is important to me, I make it a priority, but never a priority before my family and friends. The finish line means nothing to me without them there cheering me on, even if they can't be there in person. Honestly I still haven't figured out where school falls in here, but I suppose I will find out. I have yet to miss a homework assignment or fail a test.

Thanks for reading, happy training!

The Lonely Life of a Triathlete

Now that it is 2015 I am embarking on my fifth year of triathlon. I train a lot. Recently on a training run a stark realization occurred to me. It was a cold day, the wind chill was 14 degree. I was dressed appropriately. I paused briefly and stopped my Garmin, I had to put my buff over the sides of my face as the wind was picking up and I was getting that now familiar feeling of the cold just chomping at my face. I looked around, saw the tall grass swaying in the wind, the leaves on the trees still trying desperately to cling to the branches. I could hear the gentle sound of the winds blowing. Not another soul in sight, only me.

Cold day in the Midwest

Its lonely out here. As it has always been.

For the past five years, the majority of my training has been solo. Over the years I have been fortunate to have training partners for brief periods of time in running and swimming. The periods of time I have had training partners are memories I cherish. In addition to that, my husband and my best friend have taken turns riding alongside me on bicycles on long runs (anything over 12 miles) for support. I have always thanked them tremendously, but I don't think they realize just how grateful I have been for this.

It gets lonely. Miles and miles on the road, lap after lap in the pool. I don't particularity enjoy the alone time, its just the way it is, and the way its always been. Driven by my goals, I get out there day after day, alone.

Yar!

Bike rides are probably the worst. Long course triathlon requires hours and hours on the road, and listening to music on the road is too dangerous. Quiet loneliness.

Time to roll

So why I am writing this? My writing is usually positive and upbeat. Its the start of the new year, shouldn't I be writing something encouraging? I'm going somewhere with this.

In the end, it will all be worth it

This is my fifth year of triathlon, and I will be racing my 7th half ironman and 3rd ironman. With the turn of the new year I have noticed an influx in folks registering for ironmans and half ironmans. I love this, the feeling of finishing either distance is an amazing feeling, and I have never quite been able to find the words to describe what it is like to finish an ironman.

It will be lonely, there will be solo long runs, bike rides, and swims. There will be days where the hours of loneliness will make you not even want to bother with it. There will be days where the hours of lonely training will drive you mad. There will be days when you will be training alone and question why you are doing this. In training for long course triathlon, you will discover you are much stronger than you thought you were. Overcoming the loneliness is one of the aspects of mental fitness in triathlon. You can do this.

It won't be easy, but I promise you, it will be worth it

The moment I have no words for

Race Report-Alternate Chili 10 Miler

I had been looking for a race that would be an adventure. My husband Joel treats his training as an adventure, when he heads out on his bike he goes exploring and takes neat pictures, and excitedly tells me about his adventure when he gets back home. Inspired and encouraged by him I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and go on my own adventure. I found the Alternate Chili 10 miler in Kansas City, a trail race on a hilly and technical bridal trail, was just the adventure I was looking for. 

The drive to the race site went by quick, the speed limit here in Kansas is 75 so the long rides on the highway don't seem as monotonous. Joel was accompanying me to the race. An almost two hour drive and we were there at the state park. The race didn't start until 9 a.m. so we didn't have to wake up as ridiculously early. Temperature was in the low 30, but it didn't seem too bad, I must be getting used to the cold. After running in single digit and teen temperatures, 30s is manageable. Picked up my race packet and was given a Sweatvac cold weather cap, and a coffee mug with the race production company's logo on it, great swag!

It had rained all day prior to the race, so rumor had it the course was to be very muddy. I was concerned about this only because I am a total klutz and I was worried I might seriously hurt myself falling down, or rip my clothes, this cold weather running gear isn't cheap. From doing my research I knew how challenging this course was and I knew it would most likely take me over 2 hours to finish. On the road I can run 10 miles in around 1:18, but today it wasn't about going fast or PRs, today was about going on an adventure.

Lined up for the start of the race a few minutes before 9 a.m. and had no idea what to expect. Air horn sounds and we were off.

Only part of the course not covered in mud

Time for the adventure to start

Less than a mile in and already we hit some deep mud. Everyone was sliding all over the place, this mud was slick! Not even a mile in and my shoes we already caked in mud and heavy. I can confess that at this moment I thought about turning around and taking a DNF, I was having that tough of a time in the mud and we were barely 10 minutes in to the race. I was getting frustrated already. The course approached a steep climb that was un-runable for me because of the mud so I has a moment to walk up it and collect my thoughts. I told myself to be patient and give it time, the race just started, and I wasn't the only one having a tough time in the mud, that everyone at this race had to the same course and everyone else was probably struggling in the same way I was.

Somewhere in the first mile

At the top of this climb it was flat so I was able to pick it up to a run again. Because of the mud and my short legs I was running with high knees, this allowed me to stay upright. A brief stream crossing I wasn't careful enough on completely submerged my right foot, but since I was wearing my trail shoes, my Newton BOCO ATs, my foot didn't get that wet. Around mile 2.5 we got a break, a section of the course where the mud wasn't as thick. It was still muddy, but it was packed mud and not as gunky. This section of the course was very technical, a mile of twists and turns, and lots of downed trees to jump or climb over. On this section I was having a lot of fun. Without the thick slippery mud, for the first time all day I got a chance to look around and take in the beauty of being in the woods, so far this was turning in to more of an adventure than I expected.

At the aid station at mile 3.3, I drank some full strength Gatorade for electrolytes and calories. I was wearing my 2 liter Nathan Hydration vest filled up so I was covered water wise. I stepped aside before taking back off to send Joel a text. At this point I was 45 minutes in to the race. In the text I wrote "3.3 miles in, the s**t is hard".

Heading back on to the course, I was once again in the thick slippery mud. Joel responded to my text "You got this babe, I love you". Going downhill was scary, so many times I almost fell, it was a real balancing act. Some of the downhills I didn't even run or walk, I just honed my skateboarding and surfing skills from my youth and slid down them. Going up the hills was difficult and required some problem solving skills. On some hills I would start to go up, only to slide backwards back down them. At times all I could do was laugh. I slipped and fell somewhere around mile 4.4. Not even halfway through and I knew I was going to have lots of good stories to tell later.

Made it to the mile 5 aid station, and since I wasn't concerned about my time, I took a porta potty break so I could be comfortable the second half of the race. A few more cups of Gatorade and I headed back out on the course. I was already at the over an hour mark, my body felt tired, my feet and legs were heavy from being covered in mud, but I had the motivational spark I get from being halfway done with a race. The night before, I had received my purple Swim Bike Mom shirt with the mantra "Just Keep Moving Forward" across the chest. So many times during the race I looked down and took those words to heart. Sure the conditions were miserable and I was hurting, but I wanted an adventure, I was committed, and I was already halfway through, so all I could do was just keep moving forward.

Another muddy climb

Roughly around mile 5.7 we got another break on the course, more of the mud like the mud at mile 2.5. I was picking up a good rhythm and getting some time back on the course. I was mostly alone at this point, I saw an occasional fellow competitor, but for the most part I was alone and had time to think. I did the race music free, so it was just my breathing and the sounds of nature. The climbs in this section were un-runable for me so I hikes up those. Walking in the mud, I got flashbacks of being in Iraq in 2003-2004, walking around during the rainy season, deep sticky mud wearing an armored vest and carrying a machine gun, my boots and uniform pants getting covered in mud. This was much needed alone time in the woods to think, to think of my time in the Army, think about my family, my friends, the challenges that await me in the next year.

At this point, as rough of a time as I was having on this course, I was grateful I signed up for this race, not only did it give me alone time in a beautiful place to think, I was also having fun going up and down the hills. Two of the hills were so steep there were rope assists to help us get up them. This was like nothing I have ever ran on before. Around mile 7.2 I heard a loud, proud squawk and realized it was coming from an American Bald Eagle. The state of Kansas is full of Bald Eagles, especially around the lakes (for obvious reasons) and this was a one loop course around a lake. I slowed my paced so I could look up and see if I could spot the magnificent bird. I couldn't see it, but it was squawking continuously. I made a mental note to tell Joel about it.

Joel had asked me to text him once I reached mile 8 so he could be ready. I made it to mile 8 feeling great since I just went through 2 miles in manageable mud, but shortly after that, we were back to the thick, deep, slippery mud. I waited until I got to another hill and texted Joel to let him know where I was on the course. Another long, winding muddy climb and I got the excitement that the end was in sight. Mile 9, almost there. I had been at a 13-14 minute pace thus far the entire race, so where I typically tell myself in the last mile of say, a half marathon, that I just have to hang on for 8 more minutes, I had to tell myself to just keep moving forward instead of putting a time stamp on it.

The last difficult climb

Just keep moving forward

Around mile 9.3 there was one last climb, at the top of the climb I could hear the music coming from the finish line. That was the last hill and my Garmin read 1739 feet of climbing for the whole 10 miles. Down the hill I emerged from the woods and crossed the finish line.

The finish arch right out of the woods was neat

Finishing time was 2:15:20

Got my finisher's medal and oval sticker, I have to say, this is now one of my favorite finisher's medals

Sweet bling

What an adventure!

Joel was right there and I got my congratulations hug and kiss. Then we looked down at my legs and feet, it was quite a sight.

Took a lot of scrubbing to get these clean again

I am writing this 2 days later. My shoes came clean and none of my winter running clothes were ripped. I smiled several times typing this because the memories I have from this race are great. Joel and I have been together almost 10 years, and have been in this lifestyle together the past 4 years. Listening to his perspectives of training and how he picks races he wants to do inspired me to try something new. My heart is still in triathlon and I will continue working hard to meet my goals of getting faster, but it was fun to step outside my comfort zone and do a race "Joel style". I have an even greater understanding and appreciation of what he gets out of this lifestyle.

Official Stats:
Finishing time: 2:15:20
Overall place 98/165
Gender place 13/46
Age Group 3/15

Garmin file

Thanks for reading!

Race Report- Longview Half Marathon Kansas City

Saturday I ran my first half marathon in over a year. Literally, my last half marathon was the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll in November 2013. September I did the Konquer the Konza 25k, but I definatly don't count that as one in the same as a road half marathon, KtK25 was all trail with nearly 1200 feet of elevation gain, I mostly did it as a fun challenge and to see what running on the Konza prairie would be like. This was my 12th half marathon, first one since moving to Kansas.

The Longview half was advertised as hilly, but not ridiculously hilly, so roughly a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. Since we move to Northeast Kansas at the beginning of September, I had a solid two months of training on the hills to prepare for this race. All my 10 mile runs in training had roughly 500 feet of elevation gain so I felt confident going in to the race. I knew it would hurt, but I knew I could do it. Most notably was at mile 2 of the race there was to be a 1 mile climb. On all my 10 milers, I started them with a 2 mile climb so once again, nothing I couldn't handle, but I knew it would hurt.

Joel came with me for support, since the race didn't start until 8 we drove in on race morning, a nice 2.5 hour drive alone just the two of us.

Winter started early here in Northeast Kansas, and on race day the air temperature was 25 with a windchill of 18. Fortunately a few days prior all the remaining cold weather gear I ordered came and I would be all set for the freezing temperatures. I nailed it, I dressed perfectly and was comfortable the whole race. Even though it was cloudy, I wore my glasses. I switched out the smoky lenses for the amber ones so I could see. I learned from my training runs in the cold, you eyes will water nonstop if their not covered.

Ninja style

Cuddling for warmth before the race

My goal for the race was sub 2 hours, maybe sub 1:55 if I was having a good day. I felt I didn't have the fitness for a sub 1:50, and I knew I didn't have the fitness for a new PR (current PR 1:44). My emergency surgery in January really set me back endurance wise so on this day all I could do was run my race and see how I felt along the way.

Among good company, despite the cold everyone was happy to be there

About 1500 people were running the race so when the gun went of it was fairly easy to find some space. My first mile ended up being my slowest at 8:40. I wanted to start slow because I couldn't feel my feet, and I knew that monster hill was at the start of mile 2.

At the mile 2 hill, there was a timing mat at the bottom and the top of the hill. The were doing a race within the race for King/Queen of the mountain for this hill. Top 15 times on this hill for males and females got a special award. Tempting, but I decided to run my race pace normal for the hill so I wouldn't risk burning all my matches. This hill was an out and back and then the race continued on the main road. The mile up the hill I ran an 8:23. There was a U-turn at the top of the hill where we headed back down the same hill. The only advantage I have ever found in running with having short legs is downhill running. I was holding back a lot on the downhill trying not to trip and I still made it the mile down in 7:57

Mile 5 I took my gloves off and stuck them in my tights. Then I noticed it, having my gloves in there, it looked like I had a bulge. Not wanting any race pictures I might regret later, I took them out of my tights and held on to them. I knew Joel was going to be at mile 7 so I would just carry them until I could hand them off to him. A small gradual climb to mile 7 and there he was, literally, standing next to the mile 7 marker. Cheering and shouting, I knew he had to be freezing, I was so happy he was out here. I handed him my gloves. He told me I looked great, I wondered if he noticed all the snot dripping down my face.

Love you, can you take my gloves?

A quick glace to my Garmin and I noticed I was a few minutes under a hour at the 7 mile mark. The was the first moment in the race I felt I had a realistic shot at sub 1:50. The worst climb was over and done with. I knew there was one more steeper climb at mile 11, but it was only about 50 feet or so. The next 3 miles I stayed at an 8:17 pace, steady enough for me that I knew I would have something left for the hill at mile 11. 

Professional photographer at mile 11

Mile 11 came and I knew the hill was coming. I leaned forward, looked at the ground, and got it done. I made a point not to look at my watch going up the hill, I didn't want it to mentally mess me up. At this point I was determined to get my sub 1:50. Everything that has happened since my last half marathon, getting a sub 1:50 would prove to myself that I have made a full recovery from my ordeal in January, as 1:47-1:51 was my average half marathon finishing time before that. Mile 12 my Garmin read 1:40, I had 9 minutes to run 1.1 miles to reach my new goal that seemed so far fetched on this day I had shoved the thought out of my mind originally. I turned the last corner to head to the finish line, I was going to make it. It hurt, I ran the last mile with my heart. I crossed the finish line and heard the MC announce my name. Official finishing time was 1:48:30

Finished!!!

Even after all that running, the cold air still hurts

In the finishing chute I received the nicest (and heaviest) finisher's medal I have ever been given.

Awesome medal

Joel was right there at the finish line, I actually went to him first and got a hug and kiss before getting my medal. I was on the verge of tears. I have never had such an overwhelming emotional feeling after a half marathon, not even after my first half marathon. 

So trilled over what just happened

About 15 minutes after I finished it started snowing, my first time seeing snow in years. Joel and I stopped in town and had lunch at Jack in the Box, we had been planning that for weeks, us both being kids from California. We hadn't been to Jack in the Box since 2007.

It was a great race, and a great reminded of why the half marathon has always been my favorite running race distance.

Thanks for reading!

I gave it everything I had to give that day

Third Time's a Charm?

Last week I registered for Ironman Louisville. My third Ironman, third time at Louisville.

The chance came up to do this race a third time, and I took it. I vowed after the second time I finished this race that I would do another Ironman before coming back to this one. My second Ironman Louisville left me a broken woman weeping in the shoulder of my best friend. 

After finishing in 2013, in so much pain

The first time I did Ironman Louisville in 2011, I had that beginner's naivety. I had finished my first sprint triathlon only 11 months prior, and Ironman Louisville was my 8th triathlon ever. No tears at that first Ironman, I was in complete shock I finished, I crossed the finish line in 14:17.

On the bike in 2011

On the run in 2011

crossing the finish line in 2011, in total shock

2011, wondering if this really just happened

When I returned for a second time in 2013, I had a different kind of naivety. I thought my fitness I had built up since my first Ironman would bring me to the 13 hour mark I was aiming for. Still living in the vast flat-ness of Coastal Georgia as my training ground, I trained hard but was still missing a vital part of what is necessary for a good training cycle for Ironman Louisville, hills.

At 2013's Ironman Louisville, I burnt all my matches on the bike. I still didn't know gearing for hills and I did too many tough climbs in the big ring. I wasn't patient and I took too many risks. I did the bike portion 30 minutes faster than in 2011, but I payed for it on the run, oh, did I ever pay for it on the run. My legs were done, toasted. The run was a complete suffer fest. Indescribable pain. My heart and will to finish go me through it. I crossed the finish line in 14:16, feeling completely broken, I couldn't even crack a smile for the finish line camera, I tried but it looked more like a grimace.

on the bike in 2013

On the run in 2013, feeling like death

Finish line in 2013, I really did attempt to smile, but the pain.......

2013, happy it was over

After that race I told Joel and Loraine (my best friend) that I would not do that race again until I lived somewhere where I could realistically train on hills. Well out of the blue in June, we found out we would be moving back to Northeast Kansas ,which is the hilly part of Kansas. Shortly after that Ironman made the announcement that Ironman Louisville would take place in October instead of August. I was really starting to consider the race.

We arrived to Kansas in early September. After realizing that a 25 mile bike ride gives me about 1400 feet of elevation gain, I realized that training for Ironman Louisville here would be very realistic. The 50 meter pool at the natatorium on post just adds to that.

I feel like I have everything I need to achieve my goal for this race. Everything fell in to place. Mentally I feel like I need to conquer Ironman Louisville before I can move on to another Ironman. Joel is behind me, he wanted me to go for Ironman #3 next year. My new doctor here gave me her blessing, and all my lab work I had to do for being five years post op gastirc bypass came back normal with no deficiencies. Several of my teammates from the Swim Bike Mom 2015 Ambassador Team are doing the race as well. Its going to be epic.

Sub 14 is the goal

Thanks for reading!

Changing Winter Focus

Bike lean at our new home

We have been in Kansas a little over a month now. I recovered from Konquer the Konza 25k fairly quickly. Which was a surprise to me since it was unlike anything I have ever done. Since I felt so good after the race I briefly considered signing up for a marathon. I have not done a marathon since December 2011, aside from Ironman, which I don't really count since you run a stand-alone marathon completely different from the way you do the run in an Ironman. The only thing I have done close to a marathon since then was the 50k I did in January. 

I really did want a big exciting winter race. The 50k was that race for me last winter, and it got me out the door every day for four months in preparation for it.

The month I have been riding my bike here has been a reality check. I'm not as good of a cyclist as I thought I was. This is not in a negative way whatsoever, I am just getting real and admitting to myself I have a lot of work to do. For four years I rode on flat roads and learned how to ride on such terrain, in the aero hammering away. I learned on my first ride here I can't ride like that on hills. It feels like I am starting over, but I am up to the challenge.

This climb was never ending

I was thinking things over and going over my goals for the winter. I decided that, with living in a new area of the country, as well as being selected for a triathlon team for 2015's triathlon season and wanting to be the best athlete I can be for my team, that I will focus on cycling this winter. No running races longer than a half marathon all winter, since the half marathon is a very manageable distance and the training will keep me from getting completely burned out on cycling.

I have all the gear, so the only time I will be on the fluid trainer is when there is snow on the ground. If there is no snow on the ground, I'll be on the road, going up and down the hills. My climbing and descending (going down steep downhills still scares me) needs work, and there is no shortage of hills here. My last ride with Joel, we rode 26 miles and got 1200 feet of elevation gain on our Garmin 910xts.

I do realize I need to swim too, I have access to a 50 meter pool at the aquatic center.

The off season is long here. The last races of the season are mid September, and it starts up again early May, so I have enough time to become a decent cyclist on this terrain. I am doing a road half marathon on November 15, described as a challenging, hilly course. Looking forward to it so I can see how my time compares to my flat course half marathon time.

Already looking forward to seeing what next year's triathlon season has in store!

Thanks for reading!

Been riding with hubby a lot, feels like a date!

Race Report- Konquer the Konza 25k

Back in June when we found out we were moving to Kansas in early September, I was still registered for Augusta 70.3. I tried to make it work, and went through several scenarios in my head on how to make it work. In the end I came to the conclusion that moving halfway across the country three weeks before race day was just too big of an obstacle to overcome. After I gave myself some time to be bummed out about it, I began looking for another race around the same time frame in my new home. At first I decided on the Kansas City Marathon in mid October, but four weeks into marathon training, I knew my heart just wasn't in it. The search continued. I wanted to do something big, epic, something that symbolized living in my new home. Browsing the races on the local running store's website, I found the prefect race, Konquer the Konza 25k. A trail 25k taking runners up and down the tallgrass prairie across part of the Flint Hills. The description was a challenging course u and down hills with beer and pizza at the finish line, I found my race. Race day was exactly two weeks after our arrival to Kansas.

Fast forward to race day, which was yesterday. My training had been lackluster leading up the this race. I did what I could while we still lived in Southeast Georgia, even though it is completely flat. My longest run was a 10 miler. The two weeks leading up to the race I had been running hills in Kansas, but I really had no choice. There are hills everywhere here, there is no way to avoid them. Even when I do a "less hilly" running route, it is still hilly compared to what I had been accustomed to the past four years. This wasn't the first time I had gone into a race completely undertrained, so I knew it would hurt, but that I'd be ok. This was, however, my first long running race since my emergency gastrointestinal surgery back in January, when I perforated an ulcer after my 50k.

Race morning Joel and I didn't have to wake up ridiculously early since the race site was only 25 minutes away from our house. I had my usual pre race fuel: a Monster Java Light, a Honey Stinger Waffle, and half a sleeve of Cliff Shot Bloks. My friend Mary was also doing the race. Mary has been one of my virtual running buddies for three years now, she lives in the next town over from me. So surreal to be in the presence of people you have only known through a computer, and then to be standing with them and talking and exchanging hugs in person. Met up with Mary before the race and chatted with her and Joel before the start of the race.

My biggest fan, love him so much

Start of the race

The weather was cool, in the mid 50s, when the starting gun went off. The first mile was a long, flattish, crushed limestone path. About 200 people started the race, most of us being in a large herd for that first mile on the narrow path. After that first mile, when the hills started, the crowd broke up. The hills came one after another, they were tough but I was happy to be out there, with the ability to even attempt this race. At the 3.5 mile mark I saw Joel at the top of a hill, I gave him a smile to let him know I was feeling good.

Top of a smaller climb

Happy to be back

I was really settling into a rhythm on the trail, my pace was good. I wasn't exerting too much energy on the hills, but 5.5 miles in, when I saw this, my jaw dropped.

Up and up

I climbed this like stairs, knowing that since this was a two loop course, I would have to climb it again, and I didn't want to burn all my matches when I still had 10 miles to go. Made it to the top and suddenly I was rewarded with the most beautiful, spectacular view of the Flint Hills. It was truly breathtaking. A few more small climbs and I realized we were running across the highest hilltop. As much as my legs were aching from going up the hills I was happy for the privilege to be running in such a beautiful place. Stopped at the aid station at mile 6.7 and filled up my handheld with water and ate a half sleeve of Shot Bloks. I had been running at a little over a 9 minute pace so I was on target for my sub 2:30 goal. Left the aid station, a few more small climbed and suddenly and almost mile-long downhill, it was a nice break.

Started the second lap still feeling good. Saw Joel again around mile 9

Woohoo, downhill!

Right before mile 11, I climbed the stairs up the hill again, happy that it was the last time I would have to climb it today, after that I knew the rest of the hills were manageable. Got to see the spectacular view again, in my mind trying to think of how I would describe all this to Joel, thinking how much he would love to see this. I stopped at the aid station at mile 12, filled up my handheld and ate another half sleeve of Shot Bloks, and before I left I thanked the volunteers for taking the time out of their weekend to be here for us. Up the few short climbs before the nice long downhill. Made the turn to the finish, a little over a mile to go on that same flattish, crushed limestone path. The path was empty now, me and a few onsies and twosies pushing our tired bodies to the finish line. As always, this last mile felt like the longest. Finally saw the orange finishing arch and crossed the finish line in 2:23:11.

Trilled to be finish

Was given this awesome looking finisher's medal, with a bison on it since the Konza Prairie is full of them

By far one of my coolest running race medals

Got my post race hug and kiss from Joel, then my legs got a little shaky. Sat down with my beer and pizza and told him about the race: the hills, the stairs, the spectacular views, everything. My Garmin 910xt read an elevation gain of 1155 feet for the 15.59 mile course.

Free beer!

About an hour later I walked half a mile down the course so I'd be able to run Mary in. This was a tough course, I was so happy to see her come into view knowing she would finish this race. I ran alongside her until right before the finish line arch.

This was the toughest, most challenging, most epic, and the most beautiful running race I have ever done. This race makes up for not being able to do Augusta 70.3. It was exactly the race I was looking for when I began searching back in June. It was Kansas's way of welcoming me to my new home.

StatsFinish time 2:23:11
Overall 53 out of 186
Female 16 out of 98
Age Group (F30-34) 4 out of 25

Thanks for reading!

The beautiful Konza Prairie