The first-ever Nebraska Marathon was held on Sunday, October 18, 2015 where almost 900 runners took their mark at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing and crossed the finish line at the Lewis and Clark Landing.

That first year offered a Half, last year the event’s first FULL – this year a mix of running distances.  Omaha, new to marathoning?  Heck no, this town supports THREE separate marathons.

Ironically, today’s ‘Nebraska’ Marathon comprised more Iowa asphalt than Nebraskan.  Crossed the Missouri River before the Half, would cross back into Nebraska post-mile 25.

Chilly morning start – my first of the Fall season.  October can be a mixed bag for weather.  Thankful for cooler temps.  Not a lotta tree cover on America’s Great Plains – Nebraska or Iowa.

Late start with a BIG BANG – it’s the Midwest, no shortage of guns. LOL>  Combined Full/Half Start across from the host hotel.  GREAT location, GREAT digs – super hospitable!  Kudos Team Nebraska 🙂

First Half, scenic Half.  Marathon’d 7 days ago, no time goal today.  Ran with a Halfer from Columbus.  Good conversation, good pace.  Said our goodbyes at mile 12, finished my Half right at 2 hours.

Not a lotta natural trees in neighboring Council Bluffs, but miles & miles of maintained bike path.  Nice clean community.  Tidy parks, manicured ball fields.  Norman Rockwell America.

I’ve run all 50 States – 20 of them twice – would definitively say: Middle America, folks living on our Great Plains/America’s Heartland are the kindest/most visitor-friendly states.

Steady headwind 2^nd Half however didn’t lose our sun.  Small marathon field sparsely spaced along the course.  Miles 15 & the turnaround return to 22 were some of the loneliest.  Caught a lot of crosswind.

Sub-10 minute miles thru mile 19.  30K in 3 hours.  Dropped off soon after.  Strava stats recorded 12 & 13-minute pace, miles 22 to 25.  Crossed Bob Kerrey Bridge over the Missouri & back into Nebraska, finished a half-mile later at Lewis and Clark Landing.

Another medal, another marathon experience.  FAAANNNNTASTIC!

Last chemo- December 22^nd.  10 months & 22 marathons later, celebrating Historic #100 in Dublin IRELAND.  One month shy of 4 years, soooo many race memories.  Thankful for my family, great friends & our SUPPORTIVE INSPIRING run community.

My life 2^nd Half, absolutely no regrets.  Nothing left undone.

NEBRASKA MARATHON

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