Thought of the race as I was looking into the cornfields lining
either side of the course: “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much
corn.” I turned and started to comment on my amazement at the cornfields
to the runner next to me. Then I remembered I was in Iowa. A place
where cornfields are not uncommon. I realized that the runner next to me
was probably not as fascinated by a cornfield as I was.
On the way to an annual family vacation to northern Minnesota, I convinced my parents we could swing south to Lake Okoboji, Iowa, so that I could cross off another state.
The town of Lake Okoboji is what reminds me of an east coast beach town, complete with an amusement park and putt-putt course, on a lakeshore in the middle of cornfields. The University of Okoboji Half Marathon was part of an event that included a triathlon, marathon, and 10k (although it was the homecoming for a university that does not actually exist). The races started at various points around the lakes and began at staggered starting times, with the marathon beginning 2 hours before the half, which was one hour before the 10k. As the race progressed, it was fun to pass and pick up runners completing different distances.
I enjoyed the race, but was ready to hop in the car and head north for a week of relaxation. And kayaking, swimming, biking, and a little running.
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