Sometimes I get really fabulous ideas and usually, they involve entry fees and training, as my +1 has quickly learned. 
I decided that since I turn 40 this year, I wanted to “run” the Pikes Peak Ascent in August. Only there was a small problem…I didn’t have a qualifying time. It used to be that you could just sign up and do the race, but not anymore. Now, you have to have a qualifying run and for me that meant I needed a half-marathon under 2 hours and 25 minutes. So what did I do? I looked for the flattest, closest half marathon I could find and stumbled upon the Cowtown Half Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cowtown Half Marathon
The Cowtown (as I heard it being called more than once) is a pretty awesome race. I’m pretty sure I could have ran in my cowboy boots and no one would have looked twice at me. From a kids 5K to an ultramarathon, there was a distance for everyone.
I found my name on the list!
Now, I have been known to be a bit Type A and I’ll admit, I made a detailed itinerary that listed the amount of time we should spend on each activity. For packet pickup I allocated 2 hours because rumor had it there were 29,000 runners registered for the races. Thankfully about 28,500 had already picked up their packets by the time we arrived at the Expo. We were in and out in 30 minutes and that included time to park and walk to the convention hall.
Shuttle Service
After getting our packets, seeing some of the sites and sampling the local food (more on that later), we crashed fairly early since we needed to drive to a shuttle station. If you ever register for an out-of-town race, do the smart thing and immediately book the closest hotel to the starting line (or one that has shuttle service) you can find. Many of the race hotels were sold out so we ended up staying at the Residence Inn in the Cultural District and driving downtown to catch the shuttle. I’ve run a lot of races and I will say this was the best shuttle service I ever had both going to AND leaving the race. The buses were on time and not crowded. Not having to stress about whether we would make it to the starting line in time made for a much more relaxing race.
The Course
Remember that I picked this course because it was flat? Well, it was until mile 8. Mile 8 was a long rolling hill. The kind that doesn’t look that intimidating but when you get to the top, you realize your quads will be feeling it the next day.
I’m not good at reading maps, in fact, some would say I’m directionally challenged but I can promise you if this course map would have said “long rolling hill on mile 8,” it would have been on my mind the entire time. So, I’m glad I didn’t know and for those of you who read this and didn’t want to know either, I guess it’s too late to say *spoiler alert.*
In addition to that long, rolling hill (I can’t let it go, can I), there were plenty of fluid stations (every 1.5 miles) and supporters out there offering words of encouragement. I wish I had my camera because some of the signs were awesome with lines such as, “your pace or mine” and “run like someone called you a jogger.”
The Most Awesome Medal Ever
Once you cross the finish line, this amazing thing happens. Someone you don’t know gives you a huge smile, high five and puts the most awesome medal ever around your neck. Seriously, this is an awesome medal. The spur even spins! The only thing that would have made it better was a place to engrave my name and time but I’ll take a spinning spur over that any day.
Not only did we get medals, we received finisher dry-fit shirts (which you pick up in the expo hall post race where all the food and other goodies are). Gone are the days with the standard sized white cotton t-shirts with the race name on the front and sponsors on the back. Now, races actually give out shirts that you can actually wear….running!
Yeah, I just noticed I’m holding my medal backwards….
I have to boast and say I’m pretty proud of our results. This was Kurt’s first half marathon and he stayed with me stride for stride. We didn’t train as diligently as we should have but ultimately, we accomplished what we set out to do: quality for Pikes Peak and finished under our goal time of 2 hours. This turning 40 thing is going to be a piece of cake.
About Sarah
Sarah is a healthcare administrator, mother of one spunky 6-year old daughter and a travel blogger living in Wichita, Kansas. Join her as she tackles life in the midwest one to-do list at a time.
hmmm, this actually has me considering doing this with you next year! I kind of want that medal
I wouldn’t keep pace with you though. The only hiccup is the time of year and training. Training in winter is not ideal and I don’t want to even consider running on a treadmill for 9 miles.
We need to run a race together! Who cares if we don’t exactly run the entire thing together. When you cross the finish line, I’ll have a huge “run Emily run” sign.
I did an 8 week, 3x a week training program. There were some times I ran 8-9 miles on the indoor track and at 8 laps per mile, that was a lot of counting.
Get it Sarah, I’m so proud of you!
Thanks Raijean!
You are awesome! The idea of doing a marathon seems impossible in my mind. I always get so inspired when I see people who are getting out there and DOING IT.
Also, I refuse to believe you are turning 40. You have a light and a youthful glow and don’t look more than 27. I’ve seen you in person, too, so I know it’s not just flattering photos!
Crissy, I you are now my favorite commenter!
That is a very cool medal!
I want to wear it around my neck everyday but I think that might be a bit much…lol.
What a fun theme for a half marathon. Congrats on finishing within your goal!
Thank you! I’m glad I get to take a little break before training again.
I used to love to run but since having 2 kids back to back I just don’t have the time. I can occasionally get out and do a quick run but not enough to train for a marathon. Looks like fun though.
Running is definitely my therapy. I get a bit addicted to it at times but totally understand the time commitment. One of the reasons I only did a 3 day training program.
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I can’t wait to turn 40 if this is the kind of energy I’m going to have
Congrats on finishing within your goal!
Haha, I wonder what happens when you turn 50….
That is awesome! I am not a runner, but it is on my bucket list to do a marathon one of these days! I just need to train a lifetime ahead of time!
You so rocked this race!! And I love that medal.
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I am so not a runner but this is an awesome goal. And I don’t want to think about 40, which is reeeaally close.