Sunday morning, marathon morning.

Over the past few months, I’ve met a lotta marathoners.  As a result, my FB newsfeed lights up on the weekends.  Today I’m sharing the day with Rock n Roll Denver runners – crazy, I haven’t yet marathoned in my own home state.  Strategy’s been to bang out an even mix of East Coast/West Coast races – based on ease of travel, cost & time away from work.

Not sure if Colorado will be my 50^th, but keeping the possibility open.  ALSO thinking NYC or maybe Hawaii.  Wherever the location – it’s gonna be a party!  50 State Goal – 2016!

Arrived downtown early to secure parking, then slept like a bum in the rental until half past 7.  Des Moines races 10,000+ strong – that’s a lotta runners, one of my largest marathon fields to date.

Long sleeves, gloves, a 2^nd t-shirt – all geared up after last weekend’s chill in Rhode Island.  Lesson learned.

Des Moines’ race route would be a mirror opposite of Newport.  Lotta rolling hills over the first 17 miles, then flat to the finish.  I felt strong today – despite marathoning only 8 days ago.

LOVE every marathon start.  LOVE the excitement, the buzz, the music.  LOVE our national anthem.

Hung close to the 3:40 pace group.  Last weekend I went out fast for 15 miles before dropping back.  This Sunday: same tactic, same result.  But dang I was strong up the hills – unfortunately, no gas left in the tank for the flat finish.

Another ugly form finish but timed within 4 minutes of last weekend’s race.  Sweet!

Mentally I’m getting stronger.  Heading home with a Plan to improve nutrition, increase core & sub-4 in 2015 (Duluth won’t be a one-time wonder).  Consistency is the key.

Lucky #13 marathon FINISHER!  Woo-hoo!

Indy in 2 weeks, then another 3 races in 2014 (Vegas, Tulsa & Rehoboth Beach, Delaware).  I’ll end 2014 at 17 states – that’s roughly a third complete.  Heavy race schedule planned Jan-June 2015 (minimum 2 marathons a month), then taking off the summer.  It’s 14er season in Colorado plus ya’ll know I’m not a fan of running in hot weather.

Missing Ro – will be good to be home.  I miss Colorado 🙂

bib       place    name                  location                     time

1975    781      K R Haga        Louisville, CO     4:21:28