IMT Des Moines Iowa Marathon: Des Moines, Iowa, October 16, 2022 – Marathon #3
This marathon was a real test of endurance for me, on several levels. First off, the last time I ran a marathon was in April of that year, and it had been a tough one. I had just undergone a major pelvic floor reconstruction and a secondary abdominal wound repair, so my body was still recovering. To say that marathon was difficult would be an understatement. I struggled every step of the way, and by the end, I felt completely defeated. For a moment, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to continue my marathon journey. But that feeling didn’t last long. I knew I needed to get back at it, and this marathon was part of my recovery and preparation for the Dopey Challenge in January.
So, here I was in Des Moines, Iowa, gearing up for marathon number four. But there was a catch. The day before, I had just run the Kansas City Half-Marathon—yep, you read that right. I completed a half-marathon the day before my marathon, which wasn’t exactly the typical race prep. My training schedule doesn’t mirror a typical marathoner’s either, so I had a lot of doubts about whether I could do this, but I was determined to give it my best shot.
I arrived in Iowa in the afternoon, checked into my hotel, and tried to get some sleep. I won’t lie—sleeping before a marathon is always tough, and this time was no exception. I was nervous about how my body would hold up after running a half the day before and what the course had in store for me. But the excitement of earning an extra medal after completing this race helped calm my nerves. (Who doesn’t love some extra bling?)
The Race: Hills and Heart
Race day came, and the weather was perfect for running. The Iowa Marathon is known for being a scenic course, and I was excited to experience it. I’d heard there were plenty of hills—just like Kansas City—and they did not disappoint. Despite being hilly, the course was beautiful, and the neighborhood support was amazing. The crowds were loud and supportive, cheering us on nearly every mile. For someone who often runs solo and out of state, that kind of support is so appreciated. It’s a reminder that no matter where you’re from, there’s a whole community behind you.
I really enjoyed the race itself. As challenging as it was, especially with my training being a little unconventional, I was surprised at how good I felt. I was definitely feeling the effects of running a half the day before, but my body held up better than I expected. It wasn’t until I made my first gas stop on the drive home that I really felt the burn. That was painful! Every time I got out of the car, my legs screamed at me. But even with that post-race pain, the sense of accomplishment was worth it.
Endurance and Reflection
Crossing the finish line in Des Moines felt fantastic. It was my fourth marathon, and as soon as I finished, I knew I had pushed myself in ways I hadn’t expected. The extra medal I received as part of completing the back-to-back races made it all the sweeter.
By the time I got back to my hotel, I was already thinking about the next race. The Tulsa Marathon was less than a month away, and I was looking forward to that challenge. This marathon gave me the confidence I needed to push forward and tackle the upcoming races with renewed determination.
Marathon number four was in the books, and with it came a sense of accomplishment. I didn’t just survive this race—I thrived in it, despite the unconventional prep. Every race brings new challenges and lessons, and this one showed me that with a little extra grit and some support along the way, I can keep pushing forward, one marathon at a time.