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… 

Des Moines Turkey Trot race recap

 

The time had come.

After 12 years of organizing (and running in) the local turkey trot in my former town, I had my sights set on a new venture this Thanksgiving. You know the drill…new house, new town and a new trot. 

Wouldn’t you do the same?

RRC Run the Woods race recap

Talk about the down and dirty of trail running!

This race had everything… hills, mud, downed timber, mud, and cow pies. Oh, did I mention mud? 

Given the wet (and muddy) race day conditions, the RCC Run the Woods could have been called Run the Mud. It definitely called for digging deep into ones perseverance vault to withstand the rough, slippery and challenging terrain of the Goeldner Woods County Park.

All those factors made the finish line all that more sweet. At least that’s my glass-half-full perspective, LOL!

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…

Living History Farms 5-mile *Race Recap*

Well, this will go down (quite literally, LOL) as a race to remember.

Over the river (actually, a few creeks) and through the woods...to the finish line we go. Yes, such was the game plan for the Living History Farms Race.

Although this cross-country "off-road" race had long been on my radar, this past weekend was my first time actually taking part. Boy, oh boy, was it an adventure!

Spooky Sprint 10K: Race Recap

Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow...

Such was the case for my (almost) last-minute decision to run the Spooky Sprint 10K, in Des Moines, this past weekend. It proved to be a great lesson in making the best of any (less-than-ideal) situation and not stressing (much) over that which you have no control. Also, it was an opportune time to relish what we can do to make a frustrating situation much better. 

That being said, one of the many benefits of running, is that it serves us well as a stress-reliever, especially in the moment!

Fall Fitness '23: What's Happening?

Anyone else think it feels odd to be chatting about fall fitness endeavors...already?

Even though the calendar indicates otherwise, I'm still in a bit of a summer mindset. At least the weather still has a bit of summer-like feels, so there's that.

So, what's on tap for Fall 2023?

Principal 5K Road Race - 2022 recap

Have you ever, as a runner, had a last-minute change of course (literally)?

Well, this wasn't just a change of course, it also was a change of registration. Switching from the half marathon to the 5K not only shaved 10 miles off my race day, but also gave my recent bodily grievances a break. Oh, and there was that unexpected age group award...

Kickoff to Kinnick 2022 race recap

Seriously, is there anything better than returning to a fun race that benefits a great cause?

Such is the case with the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K. 

This past Saturday, I took to the streets of Iowa City and to the field in Kinnick Stadium. I donned the University of Iowa black and gold colors. I persevered through a long, tough climb. I put up with the unexpected damp weather. And I even waved to the kids in the Stead Family Children's Hospital.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Read on for a few more details...

MercyOne 5-Mile Run - 2021 Recap

 

I think it's pretty sweet when the stars, moon, planets (and a plethora of other forces that be) all align on race morning.

It had been a four year sabbatical. This was a race that I'd run twice before and I'd had some decent success with my performance. Even though I had a somewhat big half marathon the next day, why not give it a go? Go big or go home, am I right?

So, I went big, and didn't stay home.

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?

Kickoff to Kinnick 5K...a fun virtual endeavor

What happens when a favorite event, that benefits a great cause, is happening the same weekend you're out of town? 

Well, I don't know about you, but I opted to register anyways and run this event virtually. 

The irony? This event is affiliated with the University of Iowa, and I was in the University of Maryland area for the weekend...and there may have been a football game happening with these two Big 10 schools. 

Oh, and my team may have been the victors.

P.M.D.D. - Post Marathon Distress Disorder

Post Marathon Distress Disorder (or PMDD, for short). - I've got me a case of it.

It may not be an authentic, documented mental condition, but I can attest to its validity.

When a big race is on the agenda, you train for it. When it's a REALLY BIG race that's been at the top of your bucket list forever, you train even harder. You look forward to the big day and do everything in your power to ensure you're ready, physically and emotionally.

There's all kinds of early morning runs. There's shoe rotation. There's the fueling strategy. There's frequent weather-stalking. And there's plenty of race day stress, due to the aforementioned weather stalking.

But what happens after the finish line?

2019 Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon

Yes, there are hillbillies in Iowa. And some of them show up for races on cold mornings.

Let me set the scene....

Temps were cold (how does 32F grab you?), the trail was frosted over (and quite slick), and we had 13.1 miles between us and the finish line. It was a point-to-point endeavor, so there was no turning back. But, we were promised biscuits and gravy, chocolate milk and homemade pie at the finish line.

Sound intriguing?

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.

Autumn 2019: What's on Tap

Buckle up, Friends! It's gonna be a bumpy ride...

Things have started to get a little crazy and busy in my running world. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

I have an action-packed line-up of activities (fitness and otherwise) to keep me on my toes for the remainder of the autumn season. There's weekly races, family celebrations, and plenty of entertainment as well.

Care to hear a few of the details?

2019 Kickoff to Kinnick 5K - the race that went virtual

There's a first time for everything, right?

On Saturday, September 21, I got to experience my first-ever canceled race. The funny thing is, many of us took it upon ourselves to run the race anyways. Runners are stubborn like that.