With all the love I share about Iowa, I’m going to start this post about the thing I hate about Iowa: Gravel roads. Close second: “B” roads. And if you don’t know what THAT is, then you’re not from Iowa and I strongly advise you to NOT take that scenic route.

I hate driving on gravel roads.

I hate the dust that lingers after someone nearby has driven down a gravel road. Or the dust that’s flown in your direction when someone speeds past you.

I hate when my GPS thinks it’s a shortcut.

I hate that the speed limit on them is an ungodly 50+ mph.

And I 100% HATE running on gravel roads.

And gravel shoulders. And gravel trails.

Fuck me, why would I sign up for a race that includes gravel roads on its course?

Iowa, that’s why.

Or because I didn’t look at the course map beforehand. Choose your own adventure.

For what it’s worth, the view at the top was amazing in Vinton, Iowa. Word of advice: Look up race info should you ever get the motivation to run here. Swear at the dust and rocks a little. Wear a buff as a mask. And then look around you. Marvel at its quieted landscapes.

And then swear at yourself because you signed up for a race, dumbfounded, thinking that Iowa was flat. LOLZ, RIP YOUR QUADS. I’ve lived here three years and I still make up swear words at these hills.