Center of the Nation Series Half Marathon – South Dakota
September 16, 2015
2:21:20
Temp: Low 50s-low 60s and sunny
What I wore: hat, tank top, Skirt Sports Happy Girl Skirt(this is an affiliate link),
PROCompression socks, and Altra Running One^2 (affiliate link).
There was a lot to love about this day’s course. It was only 6 laps, but it had a long out and back and a short out and back. For some reason, the short out and back seemed really easy, so it felt like I’d barely begun running and I was halfway. It was a lovely day out and I finished before the wind picked up. The course had a only one real hill on it and it was actually a nice break for my legs. But the course was all concrete! While I had my fastest race of the series here, I ended the race feeling really beat up. I aggravated the side of my foot and wondered if I’d be able to run again the next day.
The good:
- I ran a large portion of the race with one of the marathoners.
- The temperature was a great.
- I felt incredibly strong the entire race.
- The awesome runners continued to amuse me (we counted laps with rubber bands…)
- I got to run with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador for a lap.
- Beer Geek got to have a massage while I ran.
The bad:
- I continued to be unable to eat during the race, which means I ran my 3rd half in a row on a few bites of rice krispy treats and some Gatorade.
- I also developed a cough that continued to bother me for the rest of the series – except when I was running.
The ugly:
- The concrete chewed me up and spit me out. I hurt in places I’ve never hurt before from running.
After the race, we headed out for a bunch of site seeing. On our way to Mt. Rushmore, we stumbled on a couple of brewpubs.
And then we, of course, had to get a Mt. Rushmore selfie.
We did a drive by of Crazy Horse, and then it was on to the next town for race #4!
Three down, three to go! Read about the first two races: Montana and North Dakota.


you SO SO SO AMAZE ME WITH ALL THIS.
and Im now off to search yer blog and see if the husband ever wrote a post for you about your racing??
if not Id love to read his perspective.
CARLA recently posted…G-d gives us opportunities
I am with Carla, I couldn’t do it! You are a tough cookie, and it is admirable. You should be proud, we are proud, and it says a lot that you were able to share so many good points with us after feeling that bad. That is admirable 🙂 Way to go!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Running on concrete for that long kills me too! I could never do half of what you did last week. Amazing and crazy! Congrats
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Freekeh Black Bean Burgers-Meatless Monday
Well done on your race!! Also CUTE race outfit… love the skirt and arm warmers!
loving this series! you look so happy!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Running Gear I’ve Been Lovin’ Lately
man alive – that’s impressive! love the Mt. Rushmore selfie 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Training Week 3
OMG I am so jealous. I would love to go to South Dakota. Looks like a beautiful place to be!
Margo recently posted…Bruno Mars Ride with Foos, Fitz, B.I.G, TLC, and More
Love the tank top and the skirt! Very cute!!
Congrats on the next half marathon!!
You are incredible!! Can’t wait to hear about the next one!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Thin Mint Ice Cream Sandwich (gluten/soy/lactose free) + Arctic Zero GIVEAWAY!
Awesome job and a wonderful view at the end! we all have rough race days but you did it!!
Kristin recently posted…The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Ugh – sucks about the cough but way to power through it!
Carmy recently posted…Fueling for the Scotiabank Half Marathon with Burnbrae
I’m exhausted just reading this. Yay for Mount Rushmore though. And a really cute outfit.
Marcia recently posted…Then There Were Two
Six in six days sounds so badass and awesome.
Can’t wait to read about the others 🙂
I have really enjoyed following you on this journey. Better you than me, I say! Although it would almost be worth it for the cute skirts you’ve been sporting!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Marathon training week 9: It’s Goin’ Down
Hope your body is starting to feel better! I am so impressed with you and enjoying following your adventure.
Becki S recently posted…Guest Post: Autumn Soup
This race series that you’re completing is quite impressive. I can’t wait to read the next installment! Way to go, rock star!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 2
What a cool concept for a series! I would love to be able to do something like this!
You rock!
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 9.13 – 9.19
Ouch, running on concrete has got to hurt for that long. You are amazing. I know I say that in every comment, but I seriously mean it! You rock!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap Week 11
Oh. The post race massage. Feels so good 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…Daily Habits That Increase Productivity
Ouch! Concrete. I hope your foot was OK later. I love your arm sleeves! And the selfie at Mt. Rushmore. Awesome job!
HoHo Runs recently posted…Weekly Wrap # 7
I am sorry you had a few ugly moments during yoru race… btu this DOES sounds like a super fun race series. Oh all the sights to see! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites {Review}
Nice job! This is so awesome you’re going to different states and running – that is what my mom and I Want to do but we have yet to get out of the tri-state area lol (well chicago in a few weeks will be our first time). I’d love to go to mt. rushmore!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 15