Racing Heart

One of the biggest things that I cannot stress enough is supporting local communities. In running, this means running the local races and understanding that no matter the cost, the money stays local and benefits those around you. One of the best examples of this is a race I ran in 2013, the Party In Pink in Vinton, IA. I ran this race because it sounded like fun and I had a friend who lived there. Showing up to the race, during the announcements, they pointed out that all the proceeds were going to the breast cancer hospital in the town, pointing to the hospital right behind us. We literally ran next to this hospital. We knew where the money went. Thats what makes me so mad about these gimmicky races that are going around. The Color Run, The Glow Run, The Inflatable 5k, you name it (sometimes local races will copy these races and have the race as a fundraiser for their organization or another organization). The director or creator of these races will take the race to different cites,

November 1st Gingerbread Run for Adoption; Ames, IA;  Register Halloween Hot Chocolate Run; Des Moines, IA;  Register Strides for Stripes; Des Moines, IA;  Register Governor's Run; Long Grove, IA;  Register November 6th Art After Dark 5k; Guttenburg, IA;  register November 7th Nippy Hippy 5k; Altoona, IA;  Register KSNA Turkey Trot; Cedar Rapids, IA;  register The Food Run 5k; Coralville, IA;  Register! Cocoa Fun Run; Creston, IA;  register! Des Moines Dirty Duathlon; Des Moines, IA;  register 9 to 5 Adventure Race; Des Moines, IA;  register RCC Run the Woods; Earlham, IA;  Register Fort Dodge Trisport Turkey Trot; Fort Dodge, IA;  info Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon & 10k; Indianola, IA;  register Run for Relief 5k; Iowa City, IA;  Register Patriots 5k Run; Marion, IA;  register! Run Into Fall; Newton, IA;  register! The Coke Cola Classic; Sioux City, IA;  register Lace up for Lending Hands 5k; Washington, IA;  register The Sullivan Brothers 5k &a

****DISCLAIMER: everyone's feet are shaped differently, and because I say that this shoe works or doesn't work for me, doesn't mean that it'll work for you. I intend on telling you about the structure and feel of the shoe and giving my opinion. Take it as you may.*** Mizuno Wave Rider 19 Category: Neutral Fit: Roomy toebox with a glove like fit around the midfoot and heel. Does hold fairly snug right around the base of ankle. Cushioning: Firm. A little cushier than past models, but still fairly firm. Heel to toe drop: 12 mm Weight: 8.1 oz Price: $120 Comparable shoes: Asics Cumulus, Brooks Ghost, Nike Pegasus Company says: We've taken the Wave Rider 19, our most popular running shoe, and made it even better. With an improved U4ic midsole and an upgraded premium sock liner, this women's neutral running shoe gives you improved cushioning, comfort, and flexibility in every step. I say: The new Mizuno Wave Rider 19 has stuck with

****DISCLAIMER: everyone's feet are shaped differently, and because I say that this shoe works or doesn't work for me, doesn't mean that it'll work for you. I intend on telling you about the structure and feel of the shoe and giving my opinion. Take it as you may.*** Saucony Echelon 5 Category: Neutral Fit: Roomy throughout, especially in the forefoot and midfoot. Built on a straight last platform Cushioning: Plush. Not too soft but not too firm either. Softer than the previous models though. Heel to toe drop: 8 mm Weight: 9.1 oz Price: $130 Comparable shoes: Brooks Dyad Company says: Built on our Foundation Platform, the Echelon 5 is our most supportive neutral shoe, providing an accommodating fit that is specifically crafted for orthotic wearers and runners. I say: The Saucony Echelon has been my go-to shoe for around 5 years now. With its straight last, it is super accommodating to people who, like me, have feet as flat as a board

Hello everyone. This post is going to be different than my normal posts, as there has been something that has been on my mind since this weekend. With this month being the largest month for marathons in the USA, I was able to  witness my mother run her very first one during the TC Marathon in the Twin Cities. Being on the spectator side of a race for the first time in a long time, I keep thinking about how awesome our sport of running is. So many people did something that, to most people, is physically insane. I told my mom before her race that running for 5 hours is completely ridiculous as I could drive over 250 miles in that time period. Now keep in mind, I am a half marathon nut and anything longer scares me. But it was so awesome seeing all the people running this race though. I have not been on the cheering section side of a race in a long time, with the last one being a 5k. It was so amazing seeing people push one another and helping each other work towards a common goal. Al