DreamBig 2014 - #24 Arkansas

STATE #24 - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Hogeye Half Marathon
Finishers: 596

March 29, 2014
Cooper had flown in the night before to Atlanta because I had a companion pass to for a free flight so we figured if he could get to Atlanta, he could fly for free to the race for free with me. Our apartment was just all in boxes because we were moving the next weekend (okay, Gregg was moving...all of my stuff - cus he's the best)

We got up early on Saturday morning and drove down to the Atlanta to catch our flight to Springfield, Missouri. It was cheaper than flying into Arkansas and not that far of a drive. As always, we made friends with the rental car guy at the Springfield airport because we tend to attract attention with our out of state IDs and limited luggage. It was about a 2.5 hour drive to Fayetteville so we hopped in the car and headed on our way. I had found a random place for us to stop and get brunch called the Red Barn Cafe and Hen House Bakery. They are famous for their ginormous cinnamon buns but since I was with Mr. Fit I opted our of cardiac arrest from sugar.

We had our brunch and headed on our way. We hopped on I-49 going south and just started cruising. We stopped at the Arkansas/Missouri border so I could hop out and take a picture under the sign.

Welcome to Arkansas!

We had been going for an hour when we caught the red and blue police lights in our rearview mirror. My anxiety went a-wall like there was a warrant our for my arrest or something and of course Cooper played it as cool as a cucumber. The officer asked Cooper to step of the car and they went back in the cop car and I was still just shaking in my boots. Cooper came back after what felt like years with and explained that he had been going like 92 in a 70 which is a serious penalty. After explaining to the police officer that he drove an old pick up that barely went over 65mph and that he wasn't used to a speedy car, the officer lowered the penalty to say that Cooper had been cruising in the right lane too long which is against the law in some states. As always, Cooper works the southern charm and boom - we are on our way.

As we got closer to Fayetteville, we spotted a sign for Springdale, Arkansas which Cooper immediately recognized as the high school Coach Gus Malzahn had coached at for several state titles. We couldn't just drive by, so we detoured to take some photos outside the stadium. We continued on our way and stopped by the hotel to check in and pick up our race packets. It was super windy and we kept our fingers crossed the weather would cooperate for the race.

War Eagle, Gus!

After to dropped our stuff, we went out and wandered the University of Arkansas campus and went to visit the stadium. We also decided to drive the course which was great for the mile or so that you were on campus, but got a little boring in the neighborhoods and along the highway. Around Mile 8.75 there was a turnaround loop and then the last 4 miles was on a bike path so we couldn't drive that part so it would just be a surprise the next day.

Here Piggy Piggy!

Just another SEC school....

After driving the course, we went and found some postcard and then grabbed some Italian food and just chilled out the rest of the night. Gotta get that rest!

PIG SOUIEEEEEE

March 30, 2014

Wakey wakey, time to racey! Since my last race had been a crazy morning that ended up awesome, I wasn't sure what to expect but it always helps to have Cooper around for moral support (and to tell me to chill out). Based on the crowds in the lobby, it looked like it was probably pretty chilly out. I was glad I had opted for long sleeves because some of the grass was frosty when we stepped outside. Cooper - not so lucky to have the variety in apparel. We walked down to the start and tried to wiggle our way into the middle of the crowd to feed off everyone else's body heat. 

READY!

The race started and I was just ready to run to get warm. Cooper and I had decided before we ran, that if we could stay together - great - if not, we are both headed to the same finish line. The first part of the course went into campus down Maple Street and up a ginormous few hills. I had been training on hills so I took them by storm but lost Cooper by a few paces. I guess hills are a bit easier with 70 less pounds to carry. The course then started to head back into some neighborhoods on the west side of town. We passed a little table with Mimosas on it and retrospectively I wish I would have stopped - but I didn't (party pooper). Cooper caught up with me again around Mile 4 when we made a turn onto an outer road of the highway. There was a nice group who was handing out Jolly Ranchers so I grabbed one to entertain myself for the next few miles. 

I wasn't wearing a watch but could tell we were making good time. Around Mile 7 (my favorite mile) we turned on to Gregg Avenue (spelled correctly!) and I got excited even though my Jolly Rancher was running low. I still found a little burst of energy to keep the pace. Near Mile 8 I started cramping up (probably from eating Jolly Ranchers while running) and needed to stop for a bathroom break but we were about to head onto the bike path so I knew my chances of finding a port-o-potty were low. We had to slow down a little so I could get my mind right but kept at it. 

Magically, once we got on the Scull Creek bike path I spotted a pit-stop on the trail at Mile 10 and told Cooper to go ahead. Cooper had yet to run a sub 2 hour race and was on pace to hit the mark so I didn't want him to wait for me. After a quick stop, I got back out on the trail ready to run. Digging deep, I found that 5K high school energy and took off. Since the leaves hadn't yet come back out, and the trail was windy, I could see Cooper up ahead about 200-400m but was struggling to get to him but made that my goal. I finally caught him around Mile 12 as he was having knee issues (ACL surgery and recovery is no fun). I knew he was competitive enough to stay up with me long enough to make it in under 2 hours but finally he told me to go as we were getting to the last half mile. I raced like a little kid with far too much energy up the last few bunny hills and crossed the line in 1:57:51 with Cooper coming in close behind at 1:58:40 for a personal best!

PIGGY PIGGY

PIGGY PIGGY

Ginormous Medal

Sub 2 - AND the best my hair has ever looked after a race.

We were awarded with ginormous pig nose medals and plush pig noses as well.We had a long walk back to the hotel but found another fun spot to take pictures on the way.

Official Race Pic - 24 states down, 26 more to go! #DREAMBIG

After a quick clean up, we awarded ourselves with our own hog and then raced back to the Springfield airport to make our flight back home! Always a race within a race! But Arkansas was great and glad I had Cooper to tag along!

Oink Oink Oink + Cheese

24 states down, 26 more to go!

#DREAMBIG