Wabash Trace Trail Half Marathon #9

Just when I thought I had experienced it all following my altitude race in August, I had a whole new experience at half marathon #9 and it was quite enjoyable.  This race took place on the Wabash Trace Trail in far southwest Iowa.  I met a new inspiring runner, had the pleasure of competing with Jason and almost ran a PR, something I never expected this year.  This is my favorite race so far this year (and maybe my favorite half marathon ever)!

It all started on a cool
morning in Imogene, IA.

We boarded a bus around 6:45 a.m. as this was a point-to-point race and we started farther up the trail in Imogene, IA.  The Wabash Trace Trail is 63 miles long and of course we ran just a small portion of it.  Jason and I got to the bus near the planned departure time and they were already pretty full.  We had to split up and I sat with an older gentleman.  I decided to strike up a conversation and learned that Don is 76 years old and that he’s been a runner for a long time.  He’s run several marathons and half marathons and even ran Boston in the 1980s.  He hadn’t run a race in 10 years but after volunteering at the Wabash Trace race last year, he said he decided to make a goal to run it this year.

WOW.  I find that rather amazing and really cool.  I told him that I hoped I was able to still run when I’m 76.  He said he had been training since the start of the year, running on gravel near his home.  About halfway there, he said he was nervous.  I told him I was pretty nervous too and that we must be true runners for caring about our race.  As we departed the bus, I wished him luck and went to warm up.

The majority of the trail
was lined with trees.

We arrived around 7:05 and the race was set to start at 8 a.m.  That’s a little long to stand around in my opinion so Jason and I took off walking to stay warm and help pass the time.  Race morning was beautiful!  It was around mid-50s at race start and it was partly cloudy (the sun peeked out a time or two).  I couldn’t wait to get started as I was tired of pondering if I’d have enough energy since we had to leave early.  Finally around 8 a.m. the race started and within about 20 yards, we went immediately up a hill.  We ran around two miles around Imogene, up and down several hills and then made our way onto the Wabash Trace.  The scenery and the serenity were amazing!  With cool temperatures, the feeling of fall in the air, lots of corn and soybeans dotting the trail and a nice compact gravel trail, it made for one fun run.

It wasn’t all fun and games though because after mile two, I realized I could turn it on and push my pace.  I think the cooler air really helped me because I started pulling in and passing probably a dozen racers.  My breathing was controlled and my heart rate right on track.  I pushed really hard since this was a mostly flat course (it’s an old rail line).  There was a gradual incline between miles six and seven but I kept pushing.  I took water or Gatorade at many of the stations.  This race did it absolutely right – there were water stations everywhere, especially as we got closer to the finish.  I didn’t need fluids at every stop because they were close and that’s exactly how every race should be!

Somewhere between miles nine and 10 I hit the wall.  I was concerned a few times during the race that I might start tiring because I was pushing hard. I felt my pace slow up.  Mentally I didn’t want to and I actually started chanting faster turnover legs, faster!  They wouldn’t respond though; they started tying up and I just had to work with what I had. At around 10.5 miles, we reached Shenandoah and had to run the last 2.5 miles through town.  I enjoyed the crushed gravel trail more than the concrete, but what also really stunk about the town run is that there were several hills.  Bike support crews rode with runners because not all of the streets were closed and they helped shelter the runners.  I was pretty much all alone so I got the one-on-one attention from the bike crew.  They shared motivational comments (You look great! You’re close to the finish!) but it was hard to respond because I was getting out of breath and tired.  I was still pushing as hard as my body would let me.

It was beautiful scenery for the
entire race!

As I rounded the last corner and could see the finish line in my sights, I could also see my time for the first time in the race.  I had purposely not looked at my watch the entire race but now I could see it.  I was just over 1:41 and the seconds were ticking down.  I wanted to finish before 1:42 so I pushed that last little extra bit that’s in the reserve tank and crossed at 1:41:38. That is less than a minute off of my PR.  I cannot believe I was running that fast!  I just didn’t think I could hit that mark this year so it was exciting to see.

That time also earned me a third place female finish at the race! That was super exciting!  The top two females were several minutes ahead and it wouldn’t have been possible to catch them so I was thrilled by the finish.  Jason finished tenth overall male and first in his age group! I’d say we both had a highly successful day!  We stuck around for the awards ceremony because they were going to do random drawings for prizes.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out we both received a prize for our placing. They handed out awards and prizes to the top three male and female finishers and all first place age group finishers.  Best of all, after the race I found Don, the 76 year old, new inspiration to me, and he finished in 2:12!  That is a very respectable time and he ran that at 76!  Again, I can only hope I still have good health and can walk and hopefully run.

A great day, a great race!

I’m really grateful for this whole experience of trying to run 13 halfs in

Jason and I both had
a good time!

2013. It has taught me a lot of lessons and most of those have nothing to do with running.  I expect to show up, run my race and head home strategizing for the next.  All of them have given me so much more.  This race felt particularly unique and I’m glad we happen to stumble upon this race a few months ago.  And I look forward to going back and covering more of the incredibly beautiful and fun Wabash Trace!

Miss FitGab