Saturday September 26 2020
I had originally scheduled a 20K trail race for Arkansas, and had reserved a room at an historic plantation house for accommodation – but panic struck, and those plans were nixed. However, I spotted Jonesboro’s Heart and Sole Half Marathon was still taking place, so I signed up and off we went.
We left Charlotte Friday afternoon, now as a Gold status AA member…and touched down in Little Rock around 1600. We got straight on the road in the rental and headed north to Jonesboro (not to be confused with Jonestown). We arrived at the Marriott around 1800 and headed out for a nice BBQ meal, and to buy Becca some swim wear from Target for tomorrow’s trip to Hot Springs! I prepped for next day’s race and tried to get an early night.
The race started at the Baptist Hospital, which was literally across the street, so, adorned in my new pink VaporFlys, I headed over 10 minutes or so prior to the 0700 start gun.
There actually wasn’t a start gun, just an overweight woman in a golf cart shouting at us then driving off, but the race was off. A strong lead pack of five or so guys lead out following the lead car, and I paced in slightly behind. The shoes felt good. The first two miles were at 6.30, a sub 20 5K pace, so I relaxed into the middle miles. It was just me, and the green Arkansas fields stretching far into the distance. The course was hilly, nothing too steep but just rolling, all the time, especially around the golf club. I was surprised the elevation came in at 600’ because it felt like even more.
The race was well marshaled and there were lots of aid stations. There were even volunteers holding aloft every mile marker sign, encouraging you on. I had a Maurten gel at 4.5 miles and then after 9. Psychologically, it was tough having no one to chase down or pace against, but the last half mile or so of the course took us around the hospital grounds itself, so there were some 5Kers to chase and pass. I came in at 1.30.24, but with the course running a little long (13.23), it was at 6.50 pace, which is a 1.29.35 half. So, although, I didn’t feel particularly inspired, upon reflection I was happy – to be finished…and to have run a good time, on a grueling course, without much company. I placed 8th overall, 2nd in age group.
Becca met me at the end and we headed back across the street to shower at the hotel. We drove two hours to Little Rock, visited the Central High School historical site, then enjoyed a very nice brunch at South On Main. Following signs to Texarkana, we then drove an hour through the thick wooded Ozarks on our way to Hot Springs AR – a beautiful place that emerged like an old world town from another time, nestled in the North Mountain foothills. We drove high up into the National Park to see the view, then experienced the naturally heated pools at Quapaw in the bustling town centre – the pools were very relaxing, and soothing on the muscles. We headed on an hour until we got to our motel – in Glenwood, and had a tasty Mexican tea at El Diamante.
I woke early Sunday morning, and did a recovery 7 miles out and back in the mist down the main road. We then packed up and drove an hour to Diamond Crater State Park. Here, visitors can search for their very own precious gems. I bought Becca some screens to help her soil panning, and we found lots of stones we thought might be diamonds…but alas, we ended up with no life-changing discovery, and made the two hour drive back to the airport for our flight home.
A week or two off racing now, so this should allow me to relax, but keep pushing away at the 2020 in 2020 challenge. Next state planned, Milwaukee. It’s been cancelled before, twice, so let’s hope ‘third time’s a charm’…
Racing Americana 