NewBo 10K-ish Race Recap

 

It’s a wonderful thing when all goes well on race day.

What’s even better is when things go much better than anticipated

Case-in-point: The NewBo 10K-ish!

Although I’m no stranger to this event (I ran the half marathon back in 2018 and 2019), this was my first time tackling the 10K-ish distance. We had been pre-warned the 10K route would “run” a little long, and they weren’t exaggerating. As they say, fore-warned is fore-armed…  

Drake Road Races Half Marathon - 2026 Race Recap

 

There are a lot of favorite races that have me questioning my sanity.

Yet, I go back year-after-year. 

Now in its 58th year, the Drake Road Races offers a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. I’ve never run the 5K, but have run the 10K a few times. Prior to race day, I’d run the 13.1 eight times. The thing is, it’s not just the longer distance that makes this particular half marathon a tough one, it’s the hilly course that really keeps you humble.

Let’s Climb! Fight for Air Climb - 2026 recap

Yes, I did it again.

It’s not like I’m a glutton for punishment. I definitely have a zest for taking on challenges, though. You know, especially the ones that others may shy away from. 

Such was the case on Sunday, March 29th. I found myself back in downtown Des Moines, with 79 total flights of stairs awaiting my legs, heart, and lungs. 

Turkey Day Trotting - 2025 Des Moines Turkey Trot recap

Thanksgiving and Turkey Trotting go hand-in-hand these days.

I mean, what’s not to love? It’s a great chance to kickstart the Thanksgiving festivities. Trotting before the big meal (even if you’re not a runner) is a great way rev up the metabolism. There’s also the lure of camaraderie with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Not only are Turkey Trots are very family-friendly, most support local charities. 

Besides, what else are you gonna do once you get the bird situated in the oven?

Midnight Madness 5K - race recap

 

I’m all about returning to fun races, year after year. 

After all, can one have too many favorite races? The Midnight Madness races certainly fit that bill for me. 

It wasn’t until after the day following that I realized I had not raced a 5K since this very event last year  (Wow, seriously?) … so how did this play-out?

Read on…

Bacon, Bikes & Bliss - 2025 Baccoon Ride

I’m always up for a fun fitness adventure, and I’m grateful to have friends who share the same sentiment.

If there was an event that combined fitness (like cycling, for example), food (maybe bacon?) and a great venue (I’m thinking a favorite trail)…wouldn’t it be a grand time if a favorite friend joined you for the festivities? Add the camaraderie of fellow cycling enthusiasts (with plenty of sunscreen on standby) and you’d have the makings of a fabulous day…

Back to the DAM; 2025 DAM-to-DSM recap

There I went again….back to the DAM!

Little did I know, when I first crossed the Dam-to-Dam start line (in 2008), that I was embarking on a tradition that’s now 18 years long. It was my first long-distance event, and I was hooked within the first few miles on that epic day. 

And, I don’t plan to stop anytime soon…

Drake Road Races 10K - 2025 recap

There’s something to say about consistency.

Like returning to a favorite event, year after year, even if you switch-up the distance on occasion. Case in point, the Drake Road Races, and I made it a priority to be there again.

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…

Midnight Madness 5K - Digging Deep in the Heat

Is there anything greater than returning to a fun race, after a 1-year sabbatical of sorts? 

I think not (but I may be biased as a runner). 

Saturday evening had me toeing the start line of the Midnight Madness 5K (Ames, IA). I had been  registered for the 10K, but Momma N blessed us with extreme heat and humidity, so the 10K was cut in half and merged with the 5K. 

So yeah…

Recapping the Baccoon Ride

I’m always up for an adventure. 

Likewise, I’m thankful for friends who are always willing to join me in my adventurous endeavors. Whether it involves a long-distance race (in a faraway place), a late-at-night run (under the full moon), or a day-long bacon-enhanced ride (with no guarantee on favorable weather), it’s great to have such friends. 

Alas, the Baccoon Ride caught my attention and I simply had to check it out!

Market-to-Market Relay - 2024 Recap

Oops, we did it again!

The odds are really good we’ll do it again next year as well. Yes, it’s that fun!

What can I say? Eight run-loving gals, a fully-loaded van, a 15-ish hour day, and 77-ish miles of running to be had. How could it be anything but a grand time? 

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!

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.  

Kewash Trail Half Marathon race recap

Let's just say it was just meant to be. Finally.

Ever have a race that has been on your radar for years, only it never fit your schedule?

Well, finally the stars, moons, planets (and any other forces that be) all aligned. At long last, I was able to run the Kewash Trail Half Marathon.

Drake Road Races: Half Marathon 2023 recap

Some would call me a glutton for punishment.

I'm referring to my yearly return to the hilly race course of the Drake Road Races Half Marathon. While the route has changed a few times in the eight years I've been running it, it has ALWAYS been very hilly.

Given the time of year (ahem, #SpringInIowa),the weather has always been a wild card as well. I'm not bemoaning unseasonably hot weather either. Instead, it's usually unseasonably cold and crazy windy. Thankfully, the past couple years have blessed us with clear sunny skies, but there have been numerous years where it was cloudy, damp, rainy and gloomy.

And yet, I keep going back, year after year...

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...