This goal is going to take much longer than I intended. But as Confucius says, “Roads were made for journeys not destinations.” (Seems particularly fitting and poignant since I’m literally running on roads to reach my destination).

Iowa was achieved in a roundabout way. My sister suggested the I-35 challenge. Two half marathons, in two days, in two neighboring states. You could also do two full marathons but I have not yet achieved that level of insanity. When she comes up with these suggestions, they always seem like a good idea at the time, and I usually say yes.

We started out at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon (technically in Missouri). I have already checked Missouri off my list but if I did this one as well as Iowa, I GOT THREE MEDALS! And really, extra bling is always appealing. So it got done. I actually really love visiting Kansas City. There is so much to do, and so much Spin Pizza to eat. If you’ve never eaten at Spin Pizza, I highly recommend that you do so ASAP.

The morning of the race we got up and waited for the race bus. Well, the bus that showed up was more like an extended conversion van that could only fit a dozen or so people at a time. It became evident that we weren’t going to get there via bus, so we promptly became friends with another runner who had a husband with a truck that was headed to the start line. We were a little flustered but we made it in time so no harm, no foul.

The course had rolling hills. Which basically means giant hills that are painful and challenging. We ran it together though and at the end, I was greeted by Ted Lasso with my medal. (Not the real Ted Lasso, but a fun surprise nonetheless).

We got back to the hotel, showered, packed, and headed to Des Moines. We got there, went to the expo to get our stuff, then did what any serious runner does before a big race…walked another several miles around the mall.

The next morning we headed down to the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon which luckily was within walking distance. I was asked by a man in the elevator if I was from Florida (I was wearing a hoody that said Pensacola). I replied that I wasn’t and we hopped off the elevator. My sister then informed me that I had in fact been talking to Jeff Galloway who is famous for his run-walk coaching method. I was too embarrassed to ask for a photo so instead I took a creepy picture of his backside.

I enjoyed this race quite a bit. The course was very flat and the weather was beautiful. There was also great crowd support. It was so wonderful to be back in a big race environment again. I was able to run it faster than the one the day before so I was happy with my performance. I was honestly proud of my body in general. I had been in London just before leaving for these races so was jet-lagged and undertrained, but still able to get the job done. The human body is an instrument, not an ornament, and capable of some pretty amazing things. The after-party was fun, with lots of great food and drinks. We were able to refuel and relax a bit before heading back. Overall it was a wonderful weekend with the seester and I got another state checked off the to-do list. Now to plan the next…