McAllen Marathon - Take 3

The Reverse Flash

It's the the third year for the McAllen Marathon. It's been renamed in honor of the late city commissioner Scott Crane. He died after participating in last year's run. (Read more about it here.)

This year, organizers added a 5K. It was held after the kids' run, which is the day before the half-marathon and marathon. 

The 5K turnout was small compared to the main runs. If the race organizers copy the Run 'N' Roll remix challenge, maybe they can increase their numbers. The remix challenges participants to run two races - one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Runners get a a total of three medals. I know the bling compels me to run the challenge.

​It was a bit cold the weekend of the runs. It sprinkled a bit on Saturday and I even bought a poncho at Target, which is so convenient next to a start line. 

(Side note: Ignore the $16 ponchos in the front of the store. Head to the camping section and buy one for less than $2.)

The morning of the run, I debated carrying my pancho with me, since I thought it might rain. Then I heard someone say, "No, we'll be fine."

Because it was still early in the morning, it took my mind awhile to process this. It went something like this:

    "I know that voice..."
    "It's Alan.... "
     "... "
     "Alan is a meteorologist."
     "..."
     "He's NWA certified or something..."
     "Alan knows the weather..."
      ".... "
      "Listen to Alan. Forget the pancho."

I then got a breakdown about the incoming cold front. It was expected to hit in the middle of our run. The good news is we'd have the wind at our backs for the first half of the run. When the cold front comes in, we'd be heading south and the wind would still be at our backs. 

So... the only challenge is I have to beat the wind to the halfway point. That's all. I just have to beat the wind.

I actually made it in time. That was no thanks to Mile 4, which unofficially became my first mud run. The entire road was caked in it.

I'm sad to report my time stunk. The McAllen Marathon with its flat trail took me almost as long to complete as the San Antonio Rock 'N' Roll Half with its hills.

Ah, well. It was my fifth half-marathon in three months. I'm tired. As long as I finished, I'm okay. 

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