Iowa & South Dakota Double 6/12/10 & 6/13/10

What a wild weekend this was. Our plan was to fly into Omaha, NE and drive to Storm Lake Iowa for the first race. Everything was on schedule until we had to do an air return back to Houston for mechanical issues. By the time we got back to Houston, swapped aircraft, and headed back out we were about 3 hours behind. Once we arrived into Omaha we picked up our car and started our 3 hour drive to Storm Lake. The drive was easy and all country side. As far as you can see in all directions were nothing but farms full of corn fields. Once we arrived in Storm Lake we went ahead and picked up the packet and had a pasta dinner which supported the local schools.

Over the last week Iowa, South Dakota, & Nebraska had been getting alot of rain and thunderstorms. Saturday morning before the race was no different. The race was scheduled to start at 6am but was delayed 1 1/2 hours due to the storms which bought lots of rain and lightning. This was a small race and the race director did an excellant job keeping everyone informed and he was very concerned and worked very hard to make the race happen for the 50 Staters. Finally once the storms moved through we were able to start the race. The course was just like the drive out there was nothing but corn fields and pig farms. The rain stayed away for most of the race and we even had a brief moment where the sun peaked through the clouds. The support at the aid stations was great just not alot of fan support. Wendy was with me so she was meeting me every couple of miles. Overall this was a great race and I am glad we were able to get it done and able to cross Iowa off the list.

After we were done in Iowa we headed out for a 3 hour drive to South Dakota. We were spending the night in Souix Falls but the race was about 35 miles south in a town called Viborg. Again the drive was easy and nothing but corn fields. When morning arrived we woke up to the same kind of weather, raining with alot of thunder and lightning. It felt like groundhogs day and I was hoping it was going to pass quickly. The race was scheduled to start at 6am so we left the hotel around 4:15am and as we were driving we could tell that the weather was staying north of us for the most part and that was good. When we arrived at the race we could tell it had been raining alot and from the sounds of it for the past several days. When I checked in to get my race bib we were told they had to modify the course because half of the marathon course was under water. They had us run the 1/2 marathon course twice so it turned into a double loop course. Most of the course was on dirt roads and due to all the rain it was very muddy. Most of it wasn't to bad but then it started raining again and it really made things fun. By the end of the race our legs were covered in mud. Overall this was a great race and alot of the Marathon Maniacs that ran Iowa the day before were here for this one as well. I even did something at this race that I have never done before. On the second loop I saw the same group of people that were cheering and having a liquid (beer) breakfast when I passed them on the first loop. I was starting to hurt a bit and they offered up a beer and I decided what the heck so I stopped and drank a quick beer, told them my story and I was on my way again. They thought that was great and now I have something to talk about. This is the best part of this adventure, just relaxing, meeting different people, seeing parts of this country that most people don't see, and really enjoying the runs.

Overall this was a great weekend and another double in the books. After doing 18 marathons in the past 8 months I am going to take 2 months off and enjoy some time with my granddaughter. I will pick things back up in the middle of August in Alaska. Until then hope everyone is doing well and is enjoying whatever they are doing.