Center of the Nation Series Half Marathon – Colorado
September 19, 2015
2:32:59
Temp: 40s at the start, high 50s by the finish
What I wore: hat, Wonder Woman tank top, Brooks jacket, Skirt Sports Happy Girl Skirt(this is an affiliate link), compression socks, and Altra Running One 2.5 (affiliate link).
I was venturing into new territory here – I’d done 5 half marathons in a row before, but this was #6. All things considered, I felt pretty good (in large part thanks to massages.) My plan was to leave it all out on the course. And I did. But mostly because I really did not have that much left in me. The course was mostly a dirt path in the woods – much easier on my body than concrete and less likely to trip me than the trail of the previous day.
Unfortunately, it was hilly. They weren’t awful hills, but on legs that had run a lot of miles, sometimes they felt like mountains.
Luckily, it was super hero day, so everyone was in a fun mood and the support on the course was amazing! I just took it slow and easy, ran with friends when I could, and managed to not walk at all except at the aid station.
In the end, I finished with a big grin on my face and an amazing massage. A wonderful end to a wonderful series!
The good:
- It was the last day and everyone was supportive.
- The rice krispy treats.
- My feet appreciated the softer course.
- My costume just made me happy.
- Finishing this course on the run meant I *ran* every single mile of all the races. I only walked through the aid stations. This was pretty huge for me.
- I was able to go to the hotel and change and then see a bunch of my friends complete their full marathons.
The bad:
- The hills were not my favorite.
The ugly:
- The big hill just before the turnaround. I hated that hill with every fiber of my being.
I still can’t believe it’s over! Read about the first five races: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. And don’t worry! I already have another series on the radar: New England series next spring. The big question is whether I will do all 7!
Now I need to focus on Marine Corps. That is, if I ever kick this cough…
YOU HAD ME AT THE TOP.
I need to get the wonder woman top.
for every damn day <3
CARLA recently posted…What comes out when youre squeezed?
Totally!
That wonder woman top was the perfect piece to wear for this 6th half marathon of the series. Way to rock all those halves in a row!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 3
Thanks! It was a lot of fun!
You are Wonder Woman! Great job on the entire series. My legs hurt just reading these race recaps!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Marathon week 10: Run this Town
My feet were hating me by the end, but the rest of me felt pretty good. Thank goodness for a few massages!
My feet were hating me by the end, but the rest of me felt pretty good. Thankful for the massages on a couple of the days!
seriously impressive and with a smile on your face the whole time. Nice!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Southwestern Spaghetti Squash Boats
It was fun!
that outfit is everything. love it! i think you’ll find that you fare way better than you expect at mcm!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Clarendon Day 10K Race Recap
I hope so. I’m feeling horribly undertrained at this point.
I love that you’re always smiling in your race photos!
I really appreciate all the recaps — I absolutely know it’s not for me, but I’m so in awe of you. You’re a running machine (or superwoman?).
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Spotlight on testing my limits & racing: 9/21-27 Weekly Wrap
A few of those smiles may have been faked. (Not many on the last day as I was truly happy to be out there.)
You are amazing!!
Darlene recently posted…Monday Running Update
Thanks!
I love the costume! Congrats on the race!
Betsy recently posted…Weekend Recap: Time Traveling And Superheroes
Thanks!
Way to go!
Hills are an awful beast – I just don’t think they are something I will ever welcome on a race rouse.
The scenery looks gorgeous and you did a great job!
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 9.20 â 9.26
It was beautiful out there, just hilly LOL.
Congratulations! This is so impressive. I’m glad you were able to have fun, even when conditions weren’t always the greatest. You have to post a picture of the whole medal chain now!
Alison recently posted…Fall Recipes
I know – I was just realizing I hadn’t take a picture yet LOL.
Congratulations! I love your outfit. I am a big fan of Wonder Woman!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Notes: “Like Water for Chocolate” 6 Bad Habits Fitness Instructors Want Students to Drop NOw
Thanks! Me too.
Loved the outfit! Congratulations on finishing, hope you are enjoying some R and R this week.
Becki S recently posted…Product Review: Journal Menu and Giveaway
I’ve been a total slug – which is absolutely not going to help with my upcoming marathon. Oops.
I don’t care what anyone says – hills are nobody’s friends.
Char recently posted…Saturday’s Run
So true!
Great job! I love your costume. I’ve been trying to stick to softer surfaces too. My hamstring seems to like it better. Love your finisher smile!
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream recently posted…Jogging Strollers Freedom And Fresh Air
Softer is good! And thanks!
You rock. I love your Wonder Woman outfit! Great job with all 5, and running them all, that is impressive!
Christy@ My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted…#MotivateMe Monday Deciding What’s Next
Thanks – I was pretty proud of myself for doing as well as I did.
Love the Wonder Woman getup! Very fitting for day 6. Congrats!
Marcia recently posted…Taper Violations and a Miracle…Maybe
Thanks! I had fun!
you are my SHE-RO! Wonder Woman indeed. Congrats 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Training Week 4
Crazy girl! It was a lot of fun.
Great costume! Congrats on getting through this series – amazing!
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap Up: Mostly great, a little not-so-great
Oh my gosh I just love your race outfit, so CUTE!!!!!
Hills can be a beast, but they can also be a lot of fun:) Sounds like you took them like a pro, and had a great race! Love all the photo’s, Congrats!!!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Bitten, Progress, Weddings and Changes, Oh My…
Thanks! It was surprisingly comfortable. The hills, on the other hand, sucked.
Wow. what an accomplishment! congrats 🙂
Cristina recently posted…Review: PUMA IgniteXT and Gear
Thank you!
Wow, way to rock these races out! You accomplished something awesome and should be very proud. I love this WW costume too, definitely a lot of fun.
Shannon @GirlsGotSole recently posted…Having Faith
Thanks! I had so much fun!
So….what series in New England are you talking? You know I AM From there….I may be convinced? LOL
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training REcap–Week 12 & #BOSUChallenge Week 3
It’s the Mainly Marathons New England Series. It starts in Maine and finishes in New York.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So inspiring! I love the outfit, too – so fitting 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Wow congrats! You are amazing, love your outfit!
Toni recently posted…Running with Hemp Heart Bites #HHBites
LOVE your outfit! Even more so, love the details with the matching socks 🙂
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #31
Six half marathons in a row! You ARE Superwoman! Love the costume 😀 I hope you get to enjoy some rest now!
Ariana recently posted…Review of Vima Running App
I ended the race with a smile and a massage. Best thing ever!
jill conyers recently posted…Nourishing Nut & Seed Bars
I love the top!! Where did you get it? Also, 6 half marathons?? That is so awesome. I have not even done 6 in my lifetime yet 🙂 Way to go!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…When I Feel Most Confident