It all comes rushing back now. My Tulsa based lawyer and running pal Jim said he thought the Hogeye Marathon course was boring… and I think he may have undersold it.
To be fair, after the 40th anniversary race last year they moved the start out of Fayetteville and into Springdale, AR, so it’s a new route.
That said, billed as a flat course, it wasn’t… at least not for this Florida Man. And Arkansan (or is it Arkansawyer?) Andre, bib number 73 who I ran with off and on along the lonely course, agreed. His comment was anyone who said it was a flat course should have to run it. The hills were rolling and occasionally “not insignificant” and wouldn’t have been a problem if my brain had been mentally prepared to tackle them. But it wasn’t and I wasn’t and instead it just was kinda a drag.
I don’t know how many folks ran the race today but it felt like a light turnout, both in runner and spectator categories. But those that were there were as supportive as could be.
The Zajics, who I’ve met at a few previous races such as NOLA, were there and I got a real energy boost at mile 9 when I heard a shout of, “Kevin Hanna!” So thanks team Zajic! And way to go David on yet another sub-4 finish! There’s apparently a photo of David and me sporting our victory pig snouts (!!) but I haven’t gotten a copy yet.
Here’s a few stray shots from the course… I kinda stopped snapping as I was just… bored. But I finished, a bit slower than I’d have liked especially since I felt pretty non-injured. Maybe psychologically my body was saving for the Hippity Hop race tomorrow in Arizona. We’ll see how that goes.
Meanwhile…
By the dawn’s early light…
Why did the chicken cross the road? To honor our country and start the race (Tyson is a big player in town and was a sponsor of the race). I really, really, RIDICULOUSLY really wanted a photo with that mother clucking chicken but never got a chance. There were grilled chicken sandwiches at the finish. Makes you wonder…
Settle in, it’s about to get good and boring in here…
I ran through this mister and didn’t feel all that different. Mainly just a little wet.
I was grossly disappointed in the lack of arms and legs pelting me from above.
I am the Pig Man.
You are the Walker.
Goo goo g’joob… 
***
And now I sit once more in the Tulsa airport, waiting to board a plane to Phoenix and the Hippity Hop Marathon running tomorrow morning.
The taper continues…