Sunday, March 8, 2015

ARMY Marathon, Killeen TX


ARMY Marathon, Killeen TX

I have now completed another military service marathon.  The Navy and Coast Guard are the only ones left to complete.  This was also marathon #20 for me.
It seems every race I do has a significant event...this race would be no different, except it didn't happen during the race but before.  You see I embarked on this journey to Killeen Texas with 4 fellow runners.  We were all in great spirits on Friday 27 Feb 15 as we left Whiteman AFB bound for Killeen Texas.  We knew it would be about a 12 hour drive, what we did not know is it would actually take us 19 1/2 hours.  When I travel out of town for races I always watch the weather closely.  This time would be no different.  We had been discussing the weather the week leading up to departing.  We knew the forecast was for some snow etc. on the drive, but as the day progressed on Friday the weather got much worse than anticipated.  We made it to Oklahoma City for a quick pit-stop to see my son at the University of Oklahoma and that is where the fun began.  It was snowing lightly upon our arrival, but after lunch and some quick time with the Boy the snow got heavier.  As we left Oklahoma City, the snow was coming down and it did not get much better as we entered the border with Texas.  We hit bumper to bumper traffic and at times we were at a standstill.  It did create a lot of fun in the car, from jokes to one of the runners actually leaving the vehicle to create a snow angel after a triple dog dare!  Yes, the trip was long but we made it to Killeen safely.  I never thought a hotel room would feel so nice. 
Saturday arrived and we headed to the expo.  For a race expo with only 3 years under its belt, I was impressed.  It was well organized.  It was small compared to other races I have attended, but again after only 3 years I give them credit.  Our pasta dinner meal of choice came to us courtesy of The Olive Garden.  The never-ending pasta bowl was not in the cards this time, but I did partake in some really good pasta, salad and bread sticks.  After that we headed back to the hotel for final preparations and some much needed sleep.
Sunday...race day.  Weather was grim.  Below freezing, drizzle and wind at the start line.  I was remembering the Oklahoma City marathon from 2010 (Yep, same weather, but worse).  In all the races I do I try to capture the funs outfits for you to read about, this race I have none to report.  I didn't see a single outfit that had me do a double-take or ask WOW.  The Water/Gatorade stations were plentiful and we even encountered the local Junior ROTC Marines.  We received plenty of shout outs to the Air Force!  The group of us were scattered throughout at different starting points.  One of our runners did the half marathon and actually started in a different location.  We started the race in Killeen but finished in Temple TX (Same finish as the half).
I ran with another runner from the base, it was her first full marathon.  We ran a good steady pace through 16 miles, but then as we all encounter "The Wall" hit and then the run across the "Dam" (yep physical) at mile 17-18.  If it was any other day, it would have been beautiful to catch the sights, but we were running thru rain, wind and cold.  The next several miles were a blur really, then when we passed the Mile 26 marker, we ran in full stride to the finish line.  Good news, despite the weather we all finished the race!  Goal met. 
So there it is...the Army Marathon!  

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