Kansas race day

A tough race today.  And I'm not saying the route was challenging with rocky paths and steep hills.  It was actually pretty nice in that it was relatively flat and hilly in a few spots. But, this morning saw me struggle around mile 8 and a stop around mile 11 to walk for about five minutes.

It all comes down to me and putting in more time during the week for my training runs.  It's as simple as that.  So yes I'm a little pissed at myself.  I'll be looking at my training schedule (that I altered a bit last month) to see where adjustments can be made.

I finished in 1:52.  It's not a time to scoff at but it is a bit far the 1:40s I like to see.  St. Louis is up next so this and next month will see more time dedicated to hitting that 1:40 mark again.

The course was nice.  A majority of it ran alongside the Wichita River providing some nice running views.  A few hills throughout, but again nothing crazy like past races.  It finished with some fresh pancakes (which was awesome because she tossed them onto your plate) and a band playing for finishing runners.  A nicely organized race.

This now completes half marathon/state 24.  I'll be flying to St. Louis the weekend of Oct. 25 to officially complete the half way mark of this challenge.  I spoke to my good friend Bill after the race and there's a possibility he'll be meeting me there.  I also have my friend Jon who lives in St. Louis so there will be no lacking of the fun factor.  Anyone reading this who knows Jon knows what I'm talking about.

So it's shaping into a good weekend with friends to kick off the half way mark marathon.

More updates as we approach Oct. 25.

Band setting up

Runners setting up

Running to the finish line

Taxis, Old Town, dinosaurs, mummies, and Wizard of Oz

Today was an interesting day.  It started with a slight miscalculation as to how far I'd have to commute to pick up my packet.  The venue was 13 miles from my hotel.  I guess I'm used to the venue for packet pick up being not that much further from where the race will be taking place ... so this was a bit different.

I picked up my packet at Johnston's Clothiers (the sponsor of this Half Marathon) which again was a first considering this was a retailer that sold men's suits.  I've never picked up a race packet next to the tie section.

From there I went back downtown to check out the Old Town Marketplace and grab some lunch.  It was a nice day in Wichita so that made for a nice walking tour.  An observation I've made now two days in a row is how quiet downtown Wichita is.  I was around the Old Town area (a popular neighborhood) from 12 - 4 and didn't see the midday crowds I expected.  I thought that a bit interesting.

I also happened to bump into a museum during my walk.  I decided to check it out.  There I saw dinosaurs, mummies, a hall of Presidents, and some Wizard of Oz memorabilia.  You really can't come to Kansas without seeing something Wizard of Oz.

At that point it was time to return to the hotel to relax.  Race starts at 8 am.  I'm grabbing the shuttle from the hotel early to snap some pics.

More to come tomorrow.

A little bit of Wichita history

The corner

Old Town

I really like this wall

Lunch time

Time for some more history

The museum named this T Rex "Ivan"

Mummies

"Braided Mary"

Abraham Lincoln's cane

You can't come to Kansas and not get some Wizard of Oz time in

Kansas arrival

Arrived in Wichita last night.  It was a long day as my earlier flight was canceled due to weather.  So it was nice to finally get here and get settled in.

After I checked in to my hotel I ventured downtown to the Old Town neighborhood to check things out.  Downtown was quieter than I expected.  But, I only saw a little bit of it and looking forward to seeing more day.

I stumbled upon the Brickyard for some outdoor dining and a little live music.  It was nice.  I kept the evening early to get some time in today to see the sites and pick up my packet.

More to come later.

Walking through Old Town

A nice way to end the day

24 and 25 ready to go

I'm flying to Wichita next weekend to start chipping away at the heartland and knock out Kansas.  That will complete marathon # 24.  Airfare and hotel set.

Yesterday I booked my hotel for St. Louis.  I will be there next month to take out Missouri.  And once I cross the finish line I will officially be half way through this challenge.  That will complete marathon/state # 25. 

That's going to be a very big day. More to come soon from Wichita.