Racing Heart

January 1st Commitment Day 5k; Urbandale, IA;  Register Resolution Run; West Des Moines, IA;  register January 16th Frostbite Foot Race 5k; Eldridge, IA;  register January 17th Triple D Endurance Race; Dubuque, IA;  register January 23rd Amana Colonies Freezer 5k Run; Amana, IA;  register January 31st Iowa Games 5k; Dubuque, IA;  register

Turkey Trot 2015 https://www.holyfamilydbq.org/wchs/turkey-trot November 26th, 2015 Dubuque, IA 2.5 or 5 miles Not of me, but here's the start line! This was the third year I ran this race, and again it was one of the toughest races I think I have ever ran. The course, although short (I ran the 2.5 mile), is brutal. I think I mentioned it last year, but those of you who do not know the hills of Dubuque, Iowa, do not run this race without at least driving the course. The main hill of the race is a steep incline, Im not too sure of the degree, but it sucks. The course does have a lot of runners for being a local race in November, which do help pull you along the course. I will say the biggest problem is that there is no sorting of runners and walkers at the start line. There also is a problem with walkers or people who begin walking during the race who do not move over to either side. I had a couple instances where a person would be running in front of me an...

****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.*** Nike Structure 19 Category: Stability Fit: Roomy in the forefoot, but definitely a snug, glove like fit in the midfoot.  Cushioning: Soft, just like last time, there was not much of a change from the last model. Heel to toe drop: 10 mm Weight: 9 oz Price: $120 Comparable shoes: Asics 2000, Brooks Adrenaline Company says: From the Flymesh upper to the triple-density foam midsole, the Nike Air Zoom Structure 19 Women's Running Shoe offers plenty of support and the response you need for a smooth, stable ride that feels ultra fast. I say: The new Structure 19 is very similar model compared to its predecessor. The major change that Nike made in this shoe is the inner arch. The S...

December 3rd Frosty 5k and Merry Mile; Rock Valley, IA;  register December 4th Jingle Jog; Ames, IA;  register December 5th Quad Cities Jingle Bell Run; Davenport, IA;  register Hitchcock Hundred; Honey Creek, IA;  register Sycamore 8 Trail Run; Johnson, IA;  register Springville Extreme Light Run; Springville, IA;  Info December 6th Jingle Bell Rock n' Run; Des Moines, IA;  register Tour De Lights; Vinton, IA;  register December 12th Santa's Snow Shuffle; Cedar Falls, IA;  register Jingle Bell Run; Des Moines, IA;  register The Ugly Sweater 5k Fun Run; Dubuque, IA;  Register December 31st Running Wild Ugly Sweater Run; Coralville, IA;  Info

****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 Guide 9 Category: Stability Fit: Roomy throughout, a little more snug in midfoot, but very similar fit compared to the last model.  Cushioning: Softer! The addition of the EVERUN makes the feeling much more softer than the earlier model and gives it a lighter feel. Heel to toe drop: 8 mm Weight: 8.2 oz Price: $120 Comparable shoes: Asics 2000, Brooks Ravenna Company says: The Guide 9 is back at it again, delivering a plush and supportive ride to take you all the way to the finish line, and beyond. It features EVERUN, the latest in cushioning construction and material innovation. EVERUN takes a dramatically more lively and responsive foam cushioning material and brings it close...

****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 Triumph ISO 2 Category: Neutral, High Cushioning Fit: Roomy toebox with a glove-like fit in midfoot. Not too snug through that area though, just a little bit of a hold around your foot.  Cushioning: Stiffer than previously. The new EVERUN technology is below the sockliner and in the heel of this shoe, which is said to give a higher energy return, however, for Saucony, the cushioning is firmer. It would be interesting to see how this shoe feels 5 miles into a run.   Heel to toe drop: 8 mm Weight: 8.6 oz Price: $150 Comparable shoes: Asics Nimbus, Brooks Glycerin Company says: The Triumph ISO 2 is going to rock your running world. It features EVERUN, the latest in cushioning cons...

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,...