It’s been almost two months since my third half marathon in North Carolina. The last several weeks, my attention has been focused on training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, so I haven’t been thinking too much about what my fourth state will be… until now.
I’m heading to Dallas at the end of August to visit a cousin who recently had a baby. I figure I might as well kill two birds with one stone and run a half while I’m over there. I mean, how often do I go to Texas? Considering this will be my first time in the Lone Star State, I’d say hardly ever. So, I’m doing it. I’m running my fourth half in the Texas heat… in a race called The Hottest Hot.
Just shoot me now.
I was on the fence about this one for a while. Do I really want to participate in something called The Hottest Half? Ehh… not really. But if I’m going to be in Texas, I really should just run and cross the state off my list. Economically, it makes sense.
The race is on Sunday, Aug. 24. It begins and ends at the Community Beer Company near downtown Dallas in the Design District. The course runs through the Trinity Trails and Trinity River, and consists of asphalt and concrete surfaces.
The average high for Dallas during late-August is 96 degrees; the average low is 76. I’m guessing the race time temperature will be in the mid-80s. I’m hoping it won’t be so bad since I’ve spent the last few weeks training in some serious humidity here in Maryland/DC — a 90 degree day can feel like 110 — I feel like my body should be used to the heat by now.
I’m looking forward to this trip. I’ll be in Dallas for about a week. I fly in Saturday and the race is on Sunday, so I’m getting it out of the way early, and will spend the rest of my time hanging out with family and exploring the city. What do Texans eat? Barbeque and brisket? Chicken fried steak? I may have to go on a few extra runs to account for all this heavy food I’m planning on eating.
Running the States 