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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