Tasha Riggs - Entry #2

Training for the Sedona Marathon has been an interesting journey. It seems due to the illnesses of the season it has gotten the best of the whole crew who were making the journey next week. From Flu, Whooping Cough, and Colds we have all decided to postpone this amazing marathon until next year. BUT, have no fear as you know us well, we have decided to run 2 marathons in March...did you expect anything less???
SO, if any of you would like to join Myself ( Tasha) , Tony (our fearless leader) and Jim Lincoln to these events please let Tony or I  know. The first one is El Paso Marathon March 7th (Goto http://www.elpascomarathon.com/ early registration is Feb 16th). This is where Tony's father lives, so that is why it is on our list. Plus all of us who run in low oxygen should enjoy Texas!!!
The marathon I am MOST excited about is Bataan Memorial Death March March 21st (Goto http://www.bataanmarch.com/)
The reason why this one is so special is that it The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Its conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives. The GREEN route is the full 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March. Awards are presented to the top two finishers in each category. Those marching the 26.2 miles will be able to experience, in part, what soldiers endured during their long forced trek through the Philippines.
Last year Tony WON the race and NEEDS to go back to defend his title...OH And the best part....you HAVE to wear 35 pounds on your back...YES, I said 35 pounds on your back. Our military men and women train with 65 pounds; (I did this in ROTC) so this should be easy.
I am also going to Deadwood South Dakota (very beautiful) to run their marathon in June with my sister who has never ran before. Tony and Jim both said they are in...anyone else? (Goto
http://www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com/) It is called the best kept secret in marathoning....we shall find out!!
There are other fun events that I am planning and I will keep you posted. Next Blog....MIND GAMES...we all go through it as competitors and runners. I will share with you what my mind says to me as I run and train. Should be an interesting read!! LOL  See ya in training.