Bringing Home the Bling in 2025

 

2025 was a year to remember.

Although there weren’t as many races as in years past, the ones I ran were great experiences. There some great courses. There were a few favorites. And there were even a few nice age group placings. 

Each race, much like every run, came with lessons learned, fun to be had, and many great memories made...

Here’s the highlights, showcased by the bling:  

Groundhog Grind 10K

This was a 10K trail race, sponsored by the Altoona Running Club (my running club!). Although I spent the cold (but sunny) February morning volunteering, many of us ran the route a week prior, under even colder conditions (thus earning our event medals).   

Fight for Air Climb (recap HERE), March 30th

This was my 12th time taking it to the stairs, raising funds for the American Lung Association. What did I learn? Those 80+ stairways never get easier, but I have gotten more strategic in my training. My legs still feel trashed by the time I finish, and my breathing is pretty heavy at the finish line…but I am honored to climb for those who cannot.

Drake Road Races 10K (recap HERE), April 19th

I’ve returned to the Drake University campus, in Des Moines, many times to take part in the Road Races. Affiliated with the famous Drake Relays, the half marathon has been my event of choice, but I ran the 10K this year. All races (there’s also a 5K) end with a lap around the Blue Oval in Drake Stadium.

Grand Blue Mile (recap HERE), April 22nd

An extension of the Drake Road races is the Grand Blue Mile, which happened three days later. It’s a fast and furious sprint, on Grand Avenue, in downtown Des Moines. I am not a natural born sprinter, so this is a big time comfort zone violation, and almost more of a mental challenge than a physical one. This was my fifth time taking part in not only the Grand Blue Mile, but also the Bull Dog Double (designated “honors” to those who have also done one on the Road Races three days prior). I’ve brought home three 3rd place AG’s in years past, but 2025 saw my first 2nd place AG! 

DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon (recap HERE), May 31st

My favorite race every year, D2D never disappoints! This was my 18th time, and I am already registered for 2026 (I actually registered a few days after crossing the 2025 finish line). The route is a point-to-point adventure that starts on a dam, traipses through the countryside, goes through residential neighborhoods, hits a couple of paved trails, and ends downtown Des Moines. Similar to 2024, I opted to focus on the fun race course and not worry about finish time…and, just like in 2024, that strategy was a success. Although I wasn’t even close to a PR, I finished much faster than anticipated (2:07:44), and had a sweet dose of finish line endorphins as a result. 

Rail-to-Trails 10K (recap HERE), June 7th

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a local race, even if it’s a mere week following a half marathon. This was in my own backyard, quite literally, on the very trail I run, walk, and bike on frequently. It wasn’t anything fancy, and it was a rather small event (due to this being its first year), but it was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. A bonus? I walked to the start line.

Midnight Madness 5K (recap HERE), July 19th

Another favorite event I keep going back to, this was my seventh time hitting the streets of Ames on a hot (and humid) summer evening. In years past, there was the option to run both a 5K and 10K (hence, a 15K total distance for the evening), but in recent years only a 5K has been offered. It’s no secret the sweet summer heat is my sweet spot, and that was the case on the Midnight Madness race course. After bringing home numerous bronze AG medals, and a couple of recent golds, this year I brought home a pretty silver with my 26:32 finish time. A huge bonus was having my dear friend Barb running with me!

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (recap HERE), October 19th

I’ve run this race numerous times since 2008. I procrastinated something terrible in registering this year, and paid upwards of $150. Coincidentally, I had been battling a battered toe and grumpy hip…but I was “fully vested” with that high registration, so I wasn’t DNS’ing for anything, LOL. It was another race with the simple strategy to run strong but not stupidly, and simply celebrate just being there. Seriously, I must really be on to something, because I was able to run the entire race with no zero walk breaks (other than the water station walk-throughs). While my finish time of 2:20 (and change) was a good 15 minutes off of my usual 2:05ish half marathon time, I was ecstatic at the finish line, and in the days following. Running 13.1 miles with compromised body parts, and feeling great afterwards, had me giddy. 

 

Des Moines Turkey Trot 5-Miler (recap HERE), November 27th

My grand finale of 2025 racing happened on Thanksgiving Day. This was my second time running the Des Moines Turkey Trot, and it was a fun endeavor. The morning was cold, but sunny. The crowds of runners and walkers were insane, but the camaraderie was intense. The swag stocking hats were a popular item on most of the trotters. And, I have zero regrets!

Although my racing numbers are down, I’m not dwelling on it. While I still enjoy racing immensely, I don’t feel that compulsion to hit-up a race at every opportune weekend any more. I guess I’m just being more selective. I’m also keeping quite active on the bike (in warmer weather), so my racing availability is a little more compromised. Again, no regrets.  

How was 2025 for you in terms of races? Any sweet bling brought home?

I’m linking this with Jenny and Jenn for the TuesdayTopics Linkup. 

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