"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go"
T. S. Eliot

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Kewash Nature Trail Half Marathon

Kewash Nature Trail Half Marathon 2016
May 21, 2016
TIME: 1 hr 49 min 48 sec
Pace: 8:24 MPM
Garmin Connect: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1177723473

It's not exactly a road race nor a trail race. Kewash nature trail is very flat with soft land.This is the third year is organized by local Becky Harkema from Washington, Iowa. Half marathon started at 8:00 AM. First mile is road race in downtown Washington. Then, the course follows on the nature trail which is straight and very flat. There are several water and gatorade stops during the course. I also saw a porta-potty available close to the trail. A professional photographer takes pictures when runners are passing the famous bridge (that's in about mile three). There is a cone at the middle of the distance and we have to make a u-turn. It is fun to meet the runners ahead of you going to the cone and runners behind you after passing the cone!
The problem is when we get to Main Street. There is nobody there to tell you which is Main Street and which way to go and you are so tired it is easy to make the wrong turn. Everybody who finishes gets a medal and there is plenty of goodies to eat after the race. Awards are given to runners while slow runners are still arriving. Very informal award ceremony. Overall, a good race to run when preparing for a marathon!

Got up thinking I was not going to be able to run because of the pain on my left leg. Took a shower and started to feel better. Drove to Washington and got my bib number. Tried some walking and moving to get warmed up before the race. Race started at 8:00 AM.
I thought I was moving slow, but ran first mile in 8:23 min. Second mile was in 8:14 and third in 8:16 min. Tried to slow down a little bit, but I liked chasing runners.


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