Racing with Caution - IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2025 recap

Oops, I did it again.

Actually, I did a lot of things (again) that I’d done before, at this year’s IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. 

This is an event I’ve run many times prior. Fortunately, as in many years past, I got to enjoy ample sunshine. Also, as in many times prior, I had to deal with colder-than-ideal temps (in my opinion), as well a very wicked wind. And, although I had logged several long runs, I really hadn’t followed a focused 13.1 training plan. Sound familiar? 

The 2025 edition of this favorite race was different, though. There was the usual rush of endorphins at the finish line, but they were more overwhelming than usual. This time, those sweet feel-good vibes weren’t from running (and finishing) an especially fast race. Instead, I was almost overcome by the ironic strength  I’d felt while persevering through a heavy dose of doubt, all while babying a few compromised body parts… 

Let’s Rock the Recovery

Recovery:101

Yes, indeed, it was a solid seven days of disciplined recovery in my world this week. Well, technically it was active recovery, because I’m not that disciplined to sit still, LOL.

I did stay out of the running shoes, though, and did more stretching and massage gun therapy than usual. That’s a huge win for me!   

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon - 2024 race recap

There’s plenty to say about the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. 

It’s a race I’ve now done 10 times, and it never disappoints. I can’t say the same about my finish times, LOL, but it’s still a race I look forward to every year.

The 2024 edition was no exception…

Can you say Recovery?

Recovery? That was this week’s reality.

The ‘Fessions are Falling

 

So, here we are.  More than a month (officially) into the fall season.

The thing is, it’s been feeling more like late summer than fall, and it’s been rather nice! While I’m in no hurry for the true fall to arrive, I do know it’s inevitable. Sigh…

Alas, it’s also time for another gathering ‘round the ‘Fessional as we prepare for another month’s arrival. As always, I have a few ‘fessions to bring forward.

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon - 2023 recap

Maybe it was the intrigue of redemption. 

Or, it could have been a long-standing loyalty. 

Perhaps a little of both?

Whatever the reason, The IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend is one that I cannot stay away from.  

My Fall Preview for '22

How can it be racing season. Already???

It really snuck up on me this year. I don't have answers, but I suspect it's because this was the first summer, in nine years, that I wasn't training for a full marathon. Of course, it's been three years since I've actually run a marathon (thank you, Covid)...but I did train through the the past two summers until those marathons were either postponed or outright cancelled.

Alas, here we are with the '22 fall season (almost) underway. Care to hear what I have on the roster?

Read on...

Back on Pace - 2021 IMT Des Moines Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received a race registration for the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend  as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), and check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.

Well, this race never disappoints!

When it comes to repeat racing, I'm guilty. The IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend has entertained me 14 different times (since 2008), and this year was especially significant.

It was significant because it had been two years since the last time I had run this race course (#Covid), but this year I also was seeking a bit of redemption for my less-than-ideal finish at the DAM to DSM 20K (back on August 28th)...oh, and did I mention I also was running the MercyOne 5-Mile Run the day prior?

So, how did that work for me?

IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend: Why I'm So Giddy

 

Disclaimer: I received a race registration for the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon. Oh how I love thee.

Well, it's not just the marathon, but ALL of the events affiliated with race weekend.

Even though race weekend is six months out (October 16th -17th), I'm already feeling pretty giddy. There are many reasons why I'm totally pumped for this weekend. Care to hear a few? How about five?

Gimme A (coffee) Break

If there ever was a coffee date I've been needing, it would be this one.

Actually, I'd be savoring a chai latte. As much as I love the aroma of coffee, I've never acquired a taste for the stuff. I do adore the quaint atmosphere of a coffee shop, though. And if there are a few friends, gathered around an intimate table...well, all the better.

I'm not a stress-filled, anxiety-consumed person...usually. Things have been a little out-of-the-ordinary in recent weeks, though, and I'm eagerly waiting for a break in the action, so to speak. There's a lot to be said for things returning back to their original positions.

So.....Now WHAT?

So...anyone else looking at a big question mark for the Summer of 2020?

You probably heard that my marathon has been cancelled. Yes, I'm bummed, but I'm not heart-broken. Don't worry, I will not be hanging up the running shoes or giving up on my fitness. Things are going to be different from what I've come to know for the past 12 years, though.

Honestly, this is going to be way out of my comfort zone. I'm not afraid of all the unknowns or lack of schedule. But with no big Fall race on the calendar, I feel like I'm embarking on a journey into the great unknown.

It's both exciting and a bit eerie, but it is what it is.

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2019 Race Recap

Confession: I have a lot of favorite races.

Another confession: I'm SO guilty of going back, year after year, to these favorite races.

The thing is, I feel ZERO remorse is doing so. These races never get old, but still offer a comfy "been there-done-that" nuance.

One such race is the IMT Des Moines Marathon.  Now in its 18th year, it was in full force this past weekend in Iowa's capital city. This was my 10th time making an appearance for the weekend's festivities, and my 8th time running the half marathon.