Palo Duro Canyon 50 miler and the Duke City Marathon: Another great weekend of running madness.....

One of the best things about being a military spouse is getting to run all the different races in the various parts of the country you end up moving to every two to four years. Now that we currently live in the southwest, I am able to run more races in Texas.

I love going to Texas for ultras! I can't wait to cross the New Mexico border just to see the Texas Rangers wearing their cowboy hats while out on patrol. And without exception, every race I have run in Texas has been well organized, generous, and friendly. The Palo Duro 50 miler on the 18th was no exception. With their well stocked aid stations, and well marked course, and with the much appreciated help of my husband Tim who crewed for me from start to finish, I was able to take second place woman in this very scenic race. If you are looking for a good first time 50 miler, or just a fun, safe, end of the year race, I highly recommend the Palo Duro Canyon 50!

The following day I ran the Duke City Marathon in Albuquerque, NM. Although it wasn't a PR race, perfect fall weather made for another solid marathon finish.

11th at Arkansas Traveler 100!!!!

OK. 11th to last, that is. Severe chafing problems almost forced me to drop, but either out of stubborness or pure stupidity, I duked it out, and made a very painful, bowlegged finish.

Despite getting my ass handed to me, I really had a great time. I met up with old friends, made some new friends, and finished a very challenging 100 with no crew or pacer. Fortunately, the volunteers at this race went above and beyond in their efforts to encourage me to finish. And a big thank you to Robin for her humor and company going up that mountain with all the bear poop at night, although what is shared on the trails, stays on the trails, for sure!

Here I am with some of New Mexico''s finest ultrarunners at the pre-race meeting. Thanks Ian for the great shirts!

Off to Arkansas Traveler 100!!!!

Tommorow I leave for the great state of Arkansas, to run the Arkansas Traveler 100 for the first time. Hopefully, all the training and races I have done this month, (four marathons and one 50 miler, the scenic but very challenging Run Rabbit Run in Steamboat Springs, CO) will pay off.......

Oh, did I mention I have the most beautiful, cute, adorable cat in the world??