It’s race week! Sunday will be my 21st marathon and my 8th time running the Cowtown Marathon. I love this race!
I first ran it in 2013, and have gone back every year. This course, even with all its hills, has my 2nd and 4th fastest marathon times. My dad has also participated in this race for several years, running the 5k, 10k, and his first and second half marathon.
Both of my parents are from Fort Worth, so there is some nostalgia. But I think a big part of why I keep going back is that it’s a big city race that doesn’t feel like it. I feel like the runners are valued, and when you come in to the finish there’s still a lot of activity and support. The race shirts are great – you get a short sleeve race shirt, and then a long sleeve finisher’s shirt. You can see a lot of past years’ shirts just scrolling through my Instagram feed, because they make up most of my winter running gear. 🙂
I’m feeling pretty good about my training this time around. I’ve done more hill work earlier in the training, and pushed myself on some long runs. Overall, my weekly mileage is higher than it was in the fall for the Fort Worth Marathon. It helps that this is my best weather to train in too. My longest run was 22 miles with 10 at marathon pace, and it went well. I know that’s a longer run than most people do or need, but it helps me with my mental wall on race day.
Then last week, I had my last hard workout with 800s, and I was happy to see that I still have some leg speed.
The hard work is done, and I have my race day plan. Now if the weather would cooperate, that would be great. I’m not letting that deter my goals though.