38 - Garmin Marathon, In the Land of Oz - Olathe, Kansas

My 38th state marathon was the Garmin Marathon: In the Land of Oz, which was held in Olathe, Kansas. For those of you like me who didn't grow up in the Land of Oz, Olathe is pronounced "oh-lay-thuh," with the emphasis on "lay" —it is a Shawnee Indian word for "beautiful."   

Carol, a good friend from NYC, had been thinking about running her first marathon and choose this one.  It was a blast to share this experience with Carol, who did great!

We arrived in the "magical land of Oz" on Friday afternoon, rented a car, checked into our hotel, had lunch, picked-up our race numbers, and took a nap before dinner.  We partook in the customary pre-race pasta dinner offered by the marathon, which turned out to be one of the best pasta dinners that I've ever had! The dinner was held at a hotel next door to where we were staying, and I believe that the restaurant in the hotel, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, was the culprit behind this delicious dinner. Scott Jurek, an American ultra runner gave a brief pep talk during the pasta dinner. Then it was early to bed to rest up for our 26.2 mile adventure along the yellow brick road.

Saturday morning was a sunny, chilly morning — perfect conditions to run a marathon. Getting to the start was hassle-free. Course support was impressive, despite the small running field; there were only 686 finishers.  There were "lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my!" It was the fastest four and a half hours of my life - I remember the starting gun, and then the next thing I knew we were crossing the finish line.  We had a "wicked good time" each step of the way.

Carol was a trooper, as she expressed only positive emotions during the 26.2 miles.  Carol's heart, brain, and courage were with her long before we arrived in Oz.  After we finished, people asked her about her first marathon experience and all she said was: "It was so much fun!  Notice the smile on her face in each of these photos!

Alicia, Carol's friend from high school who lives in Kansas City, was at the Emerald City

finish line to cheer us in.

The rest of our stay was chock-full of naps and eating...

Jimmy John's... pre -pre-race pasta dinner, lunch -  Friday.
Steak 'n Shake...immediate post-marathon burger and shake - Saturday.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse... post-marathon celebration dinner - Saturday.
Mom's Kitchen...post-marathon celebration breakfast - Sunday.
Rozzelle Court Restaurant at The Nelison-Atkins Museum of Art... post-marathon celebration lunch -  Sunday.
McCoy's Public House...post-marathon celebration, re-carbo loading - Sunday afternoon.
Port Fonda...post-marathon celebration dinner - Sunday.  This place had recently been written up in the NY Times.
The Q Hotel & Spa ... post-marathon celebration napping and sleeping  - Sunday night.
Blue Bird Bistro... post-marathon celebration breakfast - Monday.

Thank you Alicia for all the great restaurant recommendations!  Thank you Carol for a fun, memorable Kansas marathon!