Quick shower at the Cow Palace in Lamar.  2 hour drive ‘cross the Oklahoma Panhandle, diner dinner in New Mexico.  Big thanks to my co-pilot Dave – talk about Sports Trivia…today I chauffeured the King.  Completely took my mind off the blowing snow.

2 days, 2 states, 2 marathons — my first DOUBLE!

Met up with Dave’s friend, Cindy, another Colorado 50 Stater – unloaded, snapped a few pics, then diner dined at the Rabbit Ear Cafe (it was this or Pizza Hut – HA!)  Our small group of Dust Bowl runners were greeted by the local Chamber of Commerce – super nice – yep, we’re kinda a big deal in Clayton.  Ya’ll know that’s how I roll.  LOL>

Head hit the pillow early – although tomorrow’s marathon day…so was today 🙂

Doubled our drive time next morning – no more snow but woke to a quarter-inch of ice.  Inched down curvy canyon roads into Clayton Lake State Park, no drama…took it slow & easy.

18 degrees. Coldest start of my New Mexico marathons (3^rd run this year).  Borrowed layers for the Start – had packed short-sleeves & shorts this day.

My legs woke slow – still stiff from Saturday’s marathon…but my head was a go.  Cold temps, snow on the ground & SUNSHINE.  Days like this, I run with a perma-smile.

AND the view – WOW!  Take poor little Lamar Colorado & up the panorama 10x.  Course hugged scenic Lake Clayton.  Proudly collected 9 rubber bands today – 5 on my left arm, 4 on my right.

Only one small stretch on pavement…all coated in ice.  Down to a crawl, still landed on my backside. Luckily sensed it was happening & went down pretty graceful.

Received good advice from a fellow marathoner on running my first DOUBLE.  Took my first 2 laps at a slow 12-minute slog.  AND she was right!  6-7 miles in the day’s run, my body DID adjust.  Warmed up, legs moving, did another 2 laps with Greg & Barbara, a couple from Ames Iowa…then picked up pace – goal to lap them by loop 7 or 8 & finish last lap(s) together.

Trail turned to sloppy thick mud in sections.  Not my first rodeo – jumped in both feet & tread thru the middle.  No real avoiding it…best to embrace & enjoy the experience.  Sunshine, antelope grazed nearby.  Temps topped 40, turned into a beautiful day.

Today was about the journey – and training my body to marathon multiple days.  3 miles to go, legs stiffened again, struggled with left knee pain.  Different from runner’s wall – today wasn’t mental, first time pushing my body 50+ miles over 2 days.  Walked the next mile with a lady from Vegas.  Karen, a cancer survivor, had lived a wild early life.  Awesome stories – good therapy, body & soul.

Greg & Barbara tagged me as I slipped on rubber band #9 – one short loop ‘round the Dam to go.  No concern ‘bout finish time so the 3 of us took a short detour to view the lake’s infamous dinosaur tracks.  Far-out experience DURING a marathon 🙂

Marathon/ultra #59.  FINISHED an hour slower than yesterday’s 26.2 urban-trail in Lamar – but no regrets.  My first ever DOUBLE – two marathons, two days, two different states.  FAAANNNTASTIC!

2016 Dust Bowl Day 5 – Full Marathon – March 27, 2016 – Clayton, NM
KR Haga   Louisville CO    06:06:15

free State Park shower (AWESOME), then schlepped 6 ½ hours home.  Weekend over?  Heck no – it’s Easter.

Easter Sunday in March caught me by surprise (honestly, would have never scheduled a marathon run).  Barreled home to share holiday tradition with Ash & Tom – our 3^rd Easter pilgrimage to Casa Alegre.  Mexican fiesta, olé!   LOL>

Happy Easter 2016!