Iowa Games

For fun, we decided to sign Alena up for the Iowa Games.  It was originally Justin's idea and it sounded like a good idea.  Plus, since we are living in Ames, it was very convenient.

Alena has never ran in any organized event.  Nor were we sure she could even run 100 meters. A month or so before the race, we headed to Ames High for a couple practice runs on the track.  Walking onto that track brought back many wonderful memories. I loved running track, especially hurdles and had such a positive experience at Ames High.  

She didn't seem to have any difficulty completing 100 meters but we decided not to push it to 200 meters.  When I was signing her up, I also decided to sign her up for the long jump, just for fun.

The morning of the games, we drove out to the Cyclone Sports Complex.  We noticed people walking in with canopies, coolers, camping chairs, etc.  All we had were a couple bottles of water and some sunscreen.  It was obvious we were Iowa Games virgins but none the less we had a great time and a good first experience.

The long jump was first and since Alena was in the 6 and under group she got to jump first.  Luckily we had enough time to do a few practice runs because she had NEVER done this before.  She's a quick learner and caught on right away.  I was pleased when she didn't scratch her first jump so she would at least get a jump that would count.  She ended up completing all 4 jumps without any scratches and won 2nd place. She was thrilled!  

Her long jump medal

Next up were the 8-10 year old girls. I was surprised at the number of girls wearing track spikes and in track uniforms!  Apparently, there are numerous track clubs around the state that athletes can be a part of.  I had no idea.  Either this wasn't available when I was in school, or I didn't know anyone who was a part of them.  That just seems too young to me.  One particular girl even had a USA tank top she wore for the meet!  I have a feeling as my children continue to participate in activities, many things will surprise me!  

We then sat in the stands to watch a few of the running events before Alena's 100 meter dash.  While getting checked in for the race, we watched the 100 meter hurdles and 110 meter hurdles.  Alena was scared of the starting gun, and nearly had a break down while lining up for her race. Justin was already down near the finish line, planning to video tape her run.  I had to think fast to get her to calm down. I told her she could cover her ears, lined up her in lane 5, and then I headed halfway down the home stretch so I could cheer her on.  

As she waited for the gun to go off she stood there just as I said:  With her hands over her ears. Needless to say she didn't have the best start but then took off.  Although she looked around and behind her nearly the entire race, she ended up winning the race.  Her smile was huge and we were all so proud of her.

She had a fun time and it was very well organized.  I definitely think we will do this again.  I may even look into running something...

We finished the weekend with a trip to Polk City's town festival, a movie at the theater (I highly recommend Inside Out), and two trips to the pool.  My nieces were in town so it was a crowded house but a lot of fun!

I've had lots of fun seeing old high school classmates and teachers while in Ames.  One afternoon after swimming at the indoor pool Alena and I took a trip into the high school gymnasium, and I took her down memory lane:

State champion shuttle hurdle team-Sophomore year

The year Ames won the team championship-Freshman year

We won the pentathlon championship two years in a row

The only school record of mine that still remains

This sort of makes me feel like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite: "Back in '82 I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter of a mile."  Honestly, it's been years since I've thought of these accomplishments and they are pretty small compared to what many other classmates did.  It's still fun to look back at these memories.