50 State Challenge Map

50 State Challenge Map
States completed

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Iowa race day

It was a great morning for a marathon (or half in my case).  At 7 am it was cool with temps in the low 40s.  The sun was just starting to come out and would soon end up being a very sunny day.

The course was flat and the residents of Des Moines came out in abundance.  I managed to cross the finish line in 1:41:32.  I'm happy with that time considering I have not trained for a couple weeks due to a hectic work schedule.  Indianapolis is up in a couple weeks and I'll try to get that time back to the 1:30s.

Enjoy the pics.

Up next:  Indiana


Ready to go

Finish line shot for #38


The obligatory post race Bloody Mary shot




Iowa arrival

I landed in Des Moines a bit late on Friday so held off on most of my sightseeing for the following day.

Saturday consisted of picking up my race packet followed by a nice tour of the city.  I went to see the State Capitol Building (a beautiful building), took a stroll through East Village, walked the Riverwalk, crossed the Women of Achievement Bridge, and visited the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Des Moines is a very nice city and the weather cooperated nicely with what started as a pretty cloudy day.

I ended the day with a nice Italian dinner at Cosi Cucina Italian Grill.  I don't know if I was just really hungry but that meal was one of the best meals I've had on my many trips.  Absolutely delicious.  I snapped a nice pic to show it off.

Enjoy.


En route to Des Moines


View of downtown Des Moines from my hotel


Delicious ham and cheese skillet at Waveland Cafe



A walk though East Village




State 'Capitol Building



Riverwalk



Women of Achievement Bridge







Pappajohn Sculpture Park



Bliss