The Deadwood end of the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Deadwood in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Hill City in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Deer in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Sights from Custer State Park in South Dakota on May 30, 2014

Me before and after the Apple Blossom Half Marathon on May 18, 2014

Apple Blossom Half Marathon
Hastings, Minnesota
Sunday, May 18, 2014

On Sunday, May 18, 2014 I race walked the Apple Blossom Half Marathon in Hastings, Minnesota. The weather was wonderful as the temperature varied from 48 to 65 degrees with sunny skies and little wind. The course was very hilly and challenging with 10.5 miles of paved roads and the rest gravel roads. The roads were open to traffic and the participants were expected to use the side of the roads facing traffic on the rural roadways. The cooperation between the traffic and the participants was outstanding. There were four intersections where the participants had to cross the main road to enter a side road that were controlled by police officers. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every 1.5 to 2 miles and were created by families that lived along the course who not only provided volunteers but also the liquid. There were only 119 finishers in the half marathon. The associated other events attracted 350 other participants. The event has existed for over 20 years and is a well-organized, friendly, enjoyable, and challenging event. I am glad I did this event even though I did not get to see any apple blossoms due to the extremely cold long winter season that this area of Minnesota experienced. Perhaps I brought some of my nice Key West weather with me as this weekend was the first spring like weather that this area has experienced in 2014.

Advertisement for the Apple Blossom Half Marathon which will be held on May 18, 2014, starting at the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and finishing at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center.