TX/NM Challenge Race Recap

Sorry folks it has taken me a few days to get this race recap to you all.  But, better late then never.

Me and the running bud JL  headed to Hobbs New Mexico, Friday April 22 to run in the First Annual TX/NM Challenge Half Marathon held on Saturday.  We drove the 4 1/2 hours and it was an adventure.  Since there would be no running expot we decided that we would have to find some shopping and pretend we were at an expot,  we found some great sales and saved the hubby's some money....



at state line

 Lovington New Mexico is where we signed in and picked up our race packets and swag bags.  For the $15.00 entry we received a great brooks tech shirt and some nifty items in our bags.  Along with a pasta dinner.  We were starving by the time we got there.  Bring on the food!

At packet pickup we found out that there were a total of 350 runners registered for the 5k, 10k, half and full.  113 would be running the Half Marathon and 61 the Full Marathon.  

We finished eating and went to check into our hotel in Hobbs NM, 10 miles away.  After we got settled in, we decided to go check out where we would be starting the race and see if we could find the route.  Luckily it was right across the street from our hotel.  We can walk!  Only thing,  they had the start time 9am.  hmmmm   The Marathon started at 7am.  Wonder why we would not be starting at the same time.

Along the running route, we found a casino. Have to go and check it out.  It was all slots, and it was packed.  Walked out with an extra $100.00.  WooHoo!

Back at the hotel we got sucked into a Marathon of "Say Yes To The Dress"  I love that show!  Randy is my Favorite...

When the alarm went off I was feeling really good I was actually ready to run!  Went down and had a bagel with peanut butter and some coffee.  I knew this was just going to be a fun run.  No PR expected...



me and JL pre race

 As we headed to the start, the temp was 70 degrees with 15 mph wind.  The high for the day said 90 with 15 mph wind.  O dear, please tell me this is not so.  As we stretched we were actually baking.. It was HOT!  And the day was only going to get HOTTER!!!

The race started 40 minutes late.  5k, 10k and Half runners all started at the same time.  Strange!  We decided to keep our plan of 5min run 1min walk.  As we all headed out the path turned narrow and it was tough to run.  Finally at the turning point for the 5k and 10k it thinned out and we were on our way.   

5:1 was working pretty good,  at about mile 5 the heat was setting in and was zapping my energy.  My face looked like a tomato.. Thank goodness we were carrying water.  The water stations were about every 2 miles and the water/gatorade was warm.   We had to switch to a 4:2 because the wind and heat was getting worse.  I did not train for this weather and I was getting frustrated.  We even stopped sweating, is that possible...

The foot was doing good until I passed mile 7 then it was letting me know it was there.  I was trying to enjoy this experience but this dang weather threw me a curve ball.  Thank goodness for JL she is AWESOME, she stayed with me the whole race pushing me and giving me encouragement.   We had to walk 2 miles straight and she was there with me.  I can not thank her enough...  The goal was to Finish! 

And finish we did.  In 2 hours and 50 minutes... Another State Checked Off!  We brought home some Bling and a really nice sunburn....

Shower, Beer, Food!



This was the best tasting beer




slider, egg roll, chicken, chipolte shrimp


I can honestly say We Ran Half Crazy