I enjoy running this race so much and was sad that I have missed the past two years, (bed rest forced me to skip out two years ago and last year I was just too busy raising the three little ones to train). Months of training, early morning or late evening runs, and long Saturday morning runs can be draining, but all worth it when race day comes.
Packet pick up was Friday afternoon and was located in a new location this year-Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. I love how runners are spoiled with free food and drink at packet pick up: pizza, beer, sub sandwiches, chips. cookies, cookie bars, Powerade, and donut holes. Definitely not ideal pre-race food, but I was sure to stock up on the peanut M and M's on my way out.
Mom and I went to bed early Friday night as the next morning started at 4:45. We had to catch the bus to Saylorville Dam from Merle Hay Mall and the last bus left at 5:45 and we didn't want to be cutting it close. I always enjoy my annual school bus ride to Saylorville Dam full of anxious runners. We arrived at the dam with about an hour to spare so we sipped on our water, did some people watching, and made our way to the kybos before getting our muscles warmed up for the race.
With 15 minutes prior to race time we said our goodbyes and good lucks and headed to line up for the race. I love looking south while standing on the bridge that goes over the Dam and seeing the top of the 801 Grand building. It looks so far away, and it's hard to imagine that in less than two hours I will run the distance from point A to point B.
After the national anthem, we were off. The beginning of the race starts in the country, running along cornfields and horse stables. The middle section of the race takes you through some of the older neighborhoods of Des Moines, where there are always lots of spectators. Finally, the end of the race brings you along the Des Moines River, across the Center Street bridge and into downtown. The ever changing atmosphere keeps your mind focused.
People have asked me before, "what do you think of when you are running for that long?" Like most runners, I try to keep my mind off the race, and focus on other things to help pass the time, but without fail your mind usually moseys back to the race. I often think about seeing my family at the finish line cheering me on and that is enough motivation to keep going. Near the end of the race, I scope out other female runners ahead of me who I think are beatable, and make strides to pass them. The last mile is usually the longest, where you are literally focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, swinging your arms in sync and keeping your breathing in check. Seeing the spectators lining the last few blocks to the finish line is an awesome sight and helps you finish the race in fashion.
After receiving your medal runners head to the water/powerade station and then keep walking towards the beer and food: BBQ sandwiches, nachos, ice cream, kettle corn, fruit, chocolate milk and cookies. After running 13 miles, you have free reign to eat whatever your heart desires.
After reuniting with Justin and the little ones, who were busy playing in the water near the library, we went to watch for my mom to finish. Unfortunately a certain someone wanted more kettle corn so I headed back for that and missed my mom finishing. I'm so proud of her for walking/running 13 miles even when her podiatrist told her it wasn't a great idea :). After watching the little ones play in the water for a little longer it was time for AJ's race.
At the last second during packet pick up the day before, I decided to sign her up for the Kids Fun Run. She was really excited about it and again I was impressed with how well organized it was. They had the children line up by age and each age group got to run towards the finish line, receiving a ribbon at the end. She wanted me to run with her, even though her friend Gavin was running too, so I lagged behind videotaping while she ran toward the finish. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty impressed with her form and speed. Let's hope she wants to continue running!
As we were getting ready to leave the area, a woman was just finishing the half marathon race, 5 hours after it had started. Her husband came up to us, telling us how amazing his wife was for not quitting and finishing the race. Two police officers on bikes rode along beside her and although they offered to give her a ride to the finish line, she refused. That put everything back into perspective: Whether you are an avid runner or doing your first 5K, it's all about the experience. No I didn't PR this year, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back again next year. I'd love to see all three kids run next year, and hope to make this a family tradition.
Mom and I went to bed early Friday night as the next morning started at 4:45. We had to catch the bus to Saylorville Dam from Merle Hay Mall and the last bus left at 5:45 and we didn't want to be cutting it close. I always enjoy my annual school bus ride to Saylorville Dam full of anxious runners. We arrived at the dam with about an hour to spare so we sipped on our water, did some people watching, and made our way to the kybos before getting our muscles warmed up for the race.
With 15 minutes prior to race time we said our goodbyes and good lucks and headed to line up for the race. I love looking south while standing on the bridge that goes over the Dam and seeing the top of the 801 Grand building. It looks so far away, and it's hard to imagine that in less than two hours I will run the distance from point A to point B.
After the national anthem, we were off. The beginning of the race starts in the country, running along cornfields and horse stables. The middle section of the race takes you through some of the older neighborhoods of Des Moines, where there are always lots of spectators. Finally, the end of the race brings you along the Des Moines River, across the Center Street bridge and into downtown. The ever changing atmosphere keeps your mind focused.
People have asked me before, "what do you think of when you are running for that long?" Like most runners, I try to keep my mind off the race, and focus on other things to help pass the time, but without fail your mind usually moseys back to the race. I often think about seeing my family at the finish line cheering me on and that is enough motivation to keep going. Near the end of the race, I scope out other female runners ahead of me who I think are beatable, and make strides to pass them. The last mile is usually the longest, where you are literally focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, swinging your arms in sync and keeping your breathing in check. Seeing the spectators lining the last few blocks to the finish line is an awesome sight and helps you finish the race in fashion.
After receiving your medal runners head to the water/powerade station and then keep walking towards the beer and food: BBQ sandwiches, nachos, ice cream, kettle corn, fruit, chocolate milk and cookies. After running 13 miles, you have free reign to eat whatever your heart desires.
After reuniting with Justin and the little ones, who were busy playing in the water near the library, we went to watch for my mom to finish. Unfortunately a certain someone wanted more kettle corn so I headed back for that and missed my mom finishing. I'm so proud of her for walking/running 13 miles even when her podiatrist told her it wasn't a great idea :). After watching the little ones play in the water for a little longer it was time for AJ's race.
At the last second during packet pick up the day before, I decided to sign her up for the Kids Fun Run. She was really excited about it and again I was impressed with how well organized it was. They had the children line up by age and each age group got to run towards the finish line, receiving a ribbon at the end. She wanted me to run with her, even though her friend Gavin was running too, so I lagged behind videotaping while she ran toward the finish. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty impressed with her form and speed. Let's hope she wants to continue running!
As we were getting ready to leave the area, a woman was just finishing the half marathon race, 5 hours after it had started. Her husband came up to us, telling us how amazing his wife was for not quitting and finishing the race. Two police officers on bikes rode along beside her and although they offered to give her a ride to the finish line, she refused. That put everything back into perspective: Whether you are an avid runner or doing your first 5K, it's all about the experience. No I didn't PR this year, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back again next year. I'd love to see all three kids run next year, and hope to make this a family tradition.
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| This was the twins's favorite part of Dam to Dam |
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