I've always loved Kansas City. Historic suburbs of Independence and Liberty, downtown's Hallmark Crown Center, Union Station with it's amazing gild-gold ceiling, and 2nd only to Tuscany, Italy in the number of city-wide fountains. Hence, the nickname, City of Fountains.
And so to be able to run a marathon there this past Saturday,(perfect marathon weather, 67 degrees,) running alongside many of those favorite fountains, was a real joy and sense of fulfillment. 26.2 miles on a very, very rolling hills urban coarse was challenging. But the views along the way? Simply sublime.
Running about mile 11 or so, in their amazingly unique Country Club Plaza district, was unlike anything I've ever done. Built decades ago as the country's first shopping district, the Plaza is of the Seville, Spain design: tiles, wrought iron, and of course... fountains of Spain. Summer had not yet ended so 30,000+ runners passed under scores of massive hanging flower baskets from magnificent ornate black & gold lighted posts in the middle of the boulevard. We ran next to wild roses for the length of these southern-Spain-like streets, as well as a wonderfully wide landscaped river-walk. Unlike other river-walks I so enjoy (San Antonio, Indianapolis, Pueblo, Hartford, and especially Providence), this one is deep and has cascading water, as well as....you guessed it: fountains. And like Rhode Island's, this one also has the occasional weekend multi-sensory music, water, and fire themed WaterFire nights. (google Country Club Plaza/WaterFire).
Some of the neighborhoods along the marathon course were equally beautiful. Whoever designed this marathon course not only opted for challenging hills, but sought to give the runner a view of beauty. They succeeded. On both counts.
Two of the best things I've ever done after a marathon were done here: 1) unabashedly and non-fearful of ridicule, I took off my shoes/socks, hitched up my running shorts, and stepped gingerly into the cold water pool of a fountain in front of Hallmark's Crown Center. I show a photo of that very small, but wonderfully cold water in this blog. I attribute this therapy to my being able to walk later that day over 5 miles in the Plaza district. 2) stopping by The Cheese Cake Factory and rewarding myself with a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake, while sitting near their unique fountain was likewise very wise. Does anyone know how to replicate this cheesecake? Maybe CopyCatRecipes.com, it was to die for!
I beat my previous marathon record by 9 minutes; something I was not expecting, given mile after mile of hills. And more hills. I had a really decent pace going most of the race, having great fun... until mile 23. My right knee began to lock. I slowed, walked a bit, but sadly realized somewhere in between 23 & 25 that I would not break the 4 hour marathon mark. However, beginning at mile 25, with only 1.2 miles left, I suddenly loosened up, and finished the race with a nice gait and pace, clocking in at a respectable 4 hours, 13 minutes. Great race. Great city.
Does anyone want to run it with me next year?
Be Well. Do Good.
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