Strides for Rides 5K- Iowa City, IA- Saturday morning October 29, 2016

A local 5K that I decided to do totally last minute. It was a beautiful day to run, just a little warmer than I like. Ended up placing 1st in my age group.

Before the race.  Me, Amy and Russell

Shirt, Bib and medal.

Crossfit 4th Annual Sprint Triathlon - Oskaloosa, IA- Saturday, August 13, 2016

I found this outdoor triathlon and it was only 80 minutes away. The best part is it was in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  A great smaller town in Iowa.  It happens to be a town where some relatives of Amy's live.  Her Uncle Joe and Aunt Amy Larkin.  The best part of his triathlon is the swim is done in an outdoor pool!

Amy and I did our best considering the heat of a typical August day.  We placed 1st and 2nd in our age group and there were more than 2 in our age group.  After the race we went to lunch with Uncle Joe and Aunt Amy!  The bad part about this race is I lost a contact in the pool.  Weird and not sure how it happened, but when I took off my goggles after the swim it was gone, so it was probably stuck in my goggles, but I never found it.

Before the race began.

Not a great picture of my Garmin at the end of the race.  I actually swam with it.  This was for 500 meters in an outdoor pool, 12 mile bike and a 5K.  My final time was 1:35:24.  Not bad for a Sprint distance triathlon.

Right after Amy finished.  I was still beat red.  I had ran back to find her after I finished.

The race wanted a picture of everyone who placed. 

A finishing picture after getting cleaned up with our new shirts on!

Aunt Amy, Uncle Joe and Amy Larkin!

Tri in July - Super Sprint Triathlon - Sigourney, IA - Sunday, July 3, 2016

There is no way you could ever have more perfect weather in July for a triathlon. Today was just amazing. It started at around 58 degrees and just stayed in the low 60's with low humidity the entire race, with a nice breeze.

This race is a super sprint triathlon in a small town.  A fun race that you can sprint all out for the entire thing.  Only 300 yards swimminginan outdoor pool, so no openwater! Then almost 6 miles biking and a 2 mile run.  Perfect for a first time triathlete.

I talked my friend Chris into doing her first Tri.  She did great.

The shirt

A picture before the triathlon began.

My garmin time.  I beat my last time 4 years ago by 3 1/2 minutes.

Chris finishing her first triathlon.

The three of us after the Tri.  We all did great and were happy.

Chris placed in her age group!

By some miracle I also placed in my age group.

Water bottle in race packet.

Close up of my medal!!!

6K's of Summer- Iowa City, IA- Memorial Day Monday, May 30, 2016

A very hot Memorial Day May morning. The humidity was so high.  Most of the rooster team and 3 of my running friends decided to do this race.   Jason was the race director and did a great job.  There were some door prizes, food after the race, it was chip timed. $1,100 was donated to the Animal Shelter.

From left to right:  Me, Susan, Lorna and Chris

Chris won 2nd place in her age group.

Relay & Run for 21 7K and Half Marathon - March 20, 2016 - Clayton, Missouri

It was one of those mornings you won't forget and one of those mornings where you just can't trust the weather. 10 days out from this race and even a couple days before the weather said, "Cloudy, cold, small chance of rain" That morning things really changed. It was cold, the wind was blowing hard, it was snowing really hard and melting as soon as it touched the ground.  The flakes were huge and very wet. It was crazy.

I was signed up to do the half marathon (21K) however with the weather so bad and so very wet, I didn't have the proper clothing to be running in that for 2.5 hours. I didn't have rain gear to run in. So I did what I felt I should and switched last minute to the 7K.  That ended up to be great as I placed in my age group and I never expected to do that with the hills on this course, but I did and that was awesome.  Plus because of the last minute switch I was able to get back to the hotel just in time for breakfast before it ended.

Besides the course being full of hills, the race itself was put on very well.  The race director and team did an awesome job with food after the race, awards, shirts, finishing medals and more.  I was pleased and would do this race again IF I lived closer.

I just happened to be in St.Louis visiting Amy while she attended a Haunt convention.  We found this race to do before traveling back to Iowa.

 The results are HERE !

Amy Larkin, Me and Josh Sevcik after the race soaking wet.

Some of the goodies given to us after the race.

My bib with the finishing medal.

The finishing medal up close if you care.

My name on the computer screen showing the results.  I was beyond shocked that I had placed in my age group.  There were so many people.   On the screen I was 2nd in my age group so I was given the 2nd place award.  Found out later that the 1st person in my age group had actually placed overall top 3 women so she was taken out of age group ratings.  Then I was bumped up to 1st in my age group.  Pretty dang awesome.

My watch showing my time and distance.

The amazing plaque I received for being 1st.  I couldn't believe it. 

Performance Indoor Dri Tri - North Liberty, Iowa - Saturday February 27, 2016

I wasn't going to sign up for this because I never use the rowing machine. But Susan encouraged me to try this new type of Triathlon. My only thing was I had a 15 mile run to do with Juli before it so I wasn't sure how it would go or if I would even have any energy left at all to compete.  Susan, Amy and I decided to do this race and be in the same wave time.

You had to row for 10 minutes on a rowing machine, then bike 30 minutes on a stationary bike, then run 20 minutes on a treadmill.  Easy right?  NO, not when you've already ran 15 miles and not when you are going FULL out effort to compete.  But for some reason I had TONS of energy.  I felt fantastic when I started the competition.

I gave it my best and tried hard to just do my best with each event.  Taking one event at a time and not worrying about the entire competition.  The first event was rowing and it went okay.  I didn't row as far as I thought I could go, but it went well.  The biking went amazing.  I biked super fast and felt great.  I had the 2nd longest distance for females biking and I'm not sure how, but I did.  Ok I do know how.  I pushed on that bike harder than I've ever biked in my life.  It paid off.  When I got to the 3rd event of running I was sure that I wouldn't be able to run given how much I pushed in the 2nd event, but to my surprise I felt so awesome, so incredibly great.  So I pushed on the running and ran 2 miles in the 20 minutes which may not seem like much or fast or anything to you, but I've now done at least 7 indoor triathlons and I've NEVER ran more than 1.80 in an indoor tri.

After all the distances were added I actually won my age group, that surprised me.  I figured I'd place with such a huge distance on the bike, but to win my age group was fantastic.  Awards were only given for overall winners and #1 in each age group.  I won a $25.00 gift card to Performance which I can use on smoothies.  Below are some pictures and then I copied all the results below that if you care.

A picture of just the people in our wave.

The first event:  Rowing on a rowing machine.  You can see Amy in the yellow jersey and I'm next to her.  

Here we are in the 2nd event Biking on an indoor spin bike.  I may not look like I'm working hard cause I was laughing and goofing off, but I was pushing that bike like crazy.

The third event, Running.  I felt strong and ran well.  Amy and Susan are beside me.

The cool certificate I received for winning my age group.

The amazing dri fit shirt that I love.  It fits great and I have worn it several times since the event.

A Message from Performance Health & Fitness: Thanks for a great morning of racing!  Here are the results of the 2nd Annual DriTri. Your certificate and Gift Card will be at the front desk for you to pick up.  Have a great weekend! Top Overall Male & Female - John Martinek &Kelsey Morfitt Top Overall Team - Greg Lybeck, Evan Tepoel, Mike Ogoli Age Group Winners - 18-29 - Jim Vogt & Lyndsey Kent Age Group Winners 30-39 - Kelly Nelson & Erin Hill Age Group Winners 40-49 - Vito DiBeasi & Michelle Clark Age Group Winners 50-59 - Eric Wortman & Lizann Bolinger Age Group Winners 60+ - Vicki Siefers Part. Rowing Rowing Bike Bike Run Total Age Div # Participant Name (meters) (miles) (miles) (adjusted) (miles) Distance Wave 5 31 F 40 Kelsey Morfitt 2315 1.44 22.90 11.45 2.78 15.67 Wave 7 47 M 56 John Martinek 2632 1.64 21.60 10.8 2.71 15.15 Wave 7 51 M 60 Eric Wortman 2689 1.67 19.90 9.95 2.72 14.34 Wave 1 35 M 1 Kelly Nelson 2555 1.59 20.60 10.3 2.35 14.24 Wave 4 25 M 32 Jim Vogt 2632 1.64 19.10 9.55 2.52 13.71 Wave 6 36 M 50 Wes Hepker 2728 1.70 19.20 9.6 2.33 13.63 Wave 3 32 M 27 Jon Pippert 2277 1.41 19.70 9.85 2.36 13.62 Wave 3 T T 24, 25, 26 Greg/Evan/Mike 2683 1.67 18.70 9.35 2.5 13.52 Wave 3 38 F #VALUE! Erin Hill 2187 1.36 18.70 9.35 2.66 13.37 Wave 1 32 F 2 Stephanie Yoerger 2286 1.42 19.30 9.65 2.1 13.17 Wave 1 T T 6,7,8 Amanda/Alyssa/Ashley 2266 1.41 18.60 9.3 2.43 13.14 Wave 6 43 F 52 Michelle Clark 2030 1.26 19.60 9.8 2 13.06 Wave 7 T T 57, 58 Molly Brown/Jeremy Stephens 2460 1.53 18.10 9.05 2.43 13.01 Wave 6 39 F 49 Daniela Williams 2354 1.46 17.50 8.75 2.74 12.95 Wave 5 28 M 46 Nate Strabala 2718 1.69 16.80 8.4 2.61 12.70 Wave 5 26 M 47 Justin Strabala 2551 1.59 17.80 8.9 2.15 12.64 Wave 7 54 F 61 Lizann Bolinger 2170 1.35 18.40 9.2 2.05 12.60 Wave 3 41 F 62 Mary Abdel Malek 2433 1.51 17.50 8.75 2.2 12.46 Wave 5 60 F 41 Vicki Siefers 2163 1.34 19.40 9.7 1.41 12.45 Wave 4 24 F 31 Lyndsey Kent 2240 1.39 17.10 8.55 2.42 12.36 Wave 6 57 F 48 Susan Ludwig 2261 1.40 18.30 9.15 1.72 12.27 Wave 2 37 M 49 Lane McMullen 2784 1.73 16.20 8.1 2.34 12.17 Wave 5 27 M 45 Trenton Kos 2730 1.70 17.00 8.5 1.9 12.10 Wave 4 42 M 29 Vito DiBeasi 2267 1.41 17.60 8.8 1.87 12.08 Wave 1 44 M 9 Brian Tanner 2097 1.30 18.90 9.45 1.32 12.07 Wave 3 37 F 10 Amy Rickels 2285 1.42 17.40 8.7 1.92 12.04 Wave 6 45 M 54 Anthony Hargrove 2373 1.47 16.90 8.45 2.11 12.03 Wave 6 38 F 53 Andie Higgins 2329 1.45 17.40 8.7 1.84 11.99 Wave 1 56 M 3 Andrew Ruiz 2351 1.46 16.50 8.25 2.24 11.95 Wave 8 51 F 72 Wendy Trom 2099 1.30 17.40 8.7 1.82 11.82 Wave 4 37 F 36 Julie Stein 2129 1.32 15.60 7.8 2.42 11.54 Wave 3 46 F 37 Dawn Foss 2200 1.37 16.00 8 2.16 11.53 Wave 6 40 F 55 Amy Larkin 2156 1.34 17.20 8.6 1.54 11.48 Wave 5 46 F 39 Jody Rausch 2267 1.41 16.10 8.05 2 11.46 Wave 8 27 F 69 Carly Lewis 2355 1.46 16.10 8.05 1.9 11.41 Wave 5 T T 42, 43 Rae/Jason Mosier 2418 1.50 14.60 7.3 2.55 11.35 Wave 7 26 M 68 Tory Hackert 2196 1.36 15.80 7.9 2.08 11.34 Wave 1 62 F 4 Cheryl Reiff 1965 1.22 16.70 8.35 1.56 11.13 Wave 3 54 F 5 Krista Ockenfels 2292 1.42 15.50 7.75 1.9 11.07 Wave 4 40 F 37 Kris Mowatt 2070 1.29 15.90 7.95 1.54 10.78 Wave 1 61 F 5 Kristine Koser 2076 1.29 15.40 7.7 1.76 10.75 Wave 8 57 M 71 Bob Sangster 2307 1.43 14.80 7.4 1.9 10.73 Wave 7 T T 65, 66, 67 Kevin/Lisa/Matt 1903 1.18 14.30 7.15 2.34 10.67 Wave 4 40 F 38 Jennifer Kurka 2200 1.37 14.60 7.3 1.97 10.64 Wave 3 44 F 28 Lori Genkinger 2154 1.34 14.10 7.05 2.14 10.53 Wave 2 15 F 29 Abigail Arens 2104 1.31 14.60 7.3 1.89 10.50 Wave 2 18 F 30 Kylie Heisdorffer 2090 1.30 15.30 7.65 1.49 10.44 Wave 5 41 F 44 Carol Crabtree 2140 1.33 14.50 7.25 1.7 10.28 Wave 2 17 F 45 Megan Paulson 2260 1.40 13.60 6.8 1.78 9.98 Wave 4 T T 33, 34, 35 Ashley/Michelle/Jessica 1995 1.24 14.70 7.35 1.37 9.96 Wave 2 15 F #VALUE! Brooke Goodman 2120 1.32 12.90 6.45 1.69 9.46 Wave 7 36 F 59 Kelly Oelmann 1860 1.16 13.90 6.95 1.31 9.42 Wave 2 43 F 60 Amie Kelley 1680 1.04 14.50 7.25 1.12 9.41 Wave 2 43 F 61 Kris Arens 2050 1.27 13.20 6.6 1.54 9.41 Wave 4 41 F 30 Marisa DiBeasi 1825 1.13 13.10 6.55 1.56 9.24 Wave 2 47 F 31 Karla Brock 1726 1.07 12.70 6.35 1.06 8.48 Wave 7 T T 62, 63, 64 Becky/Gwen/Marci 2033 1.26 9.60 4.8 1.44 7.50

Ponseti Races 5K - October 4, 2014 - Iowa City, IA- HUGE PERSONAL RECORDS BROKEN.

It was a very cold morning when we woke up. 38 degrees and LOTS of wind. I felt this morning that it would be the perfect weather for running without the wind.  When I stepped out of the car I was bitter cold and grabbed my cheap running gloves that I could throw if I got too hot.

I had read on the Ponseti website shown here. the night before that they were ONLY awarding awards for 1st in each age group.  I quickly looked up the stats for my age group from last year.  The girl that won 1st in my age group last year did it in 27:28 so I knew I had to run super fast to even try and be first.  However my PR (personal record) was currently 27:10 set in 2011 and I hadn't come even close to that in 3 years.  My last 5K I raced hard I got a 27:56 so I wasn't sure I could get close to being 1st. Plus you never know who will show up.   I dressed with a loose long sleeve shirt on so I could feel the cold whip my skin.  I had running capris on, so my ankles and legs felt cold.  I have been training hard to run fast, but wasn't sure if I could pull off a 27:28 or better.

I started running and felt awesome.  I started at a super fast pace of 7 minute mile, but obviously couldn't keep that pace.  I ended up doing my full first mile in 8:28.  2nd mile in 9:21, 3rd mile in 8:22 and the last tenth of a mile in .11.  Awesome for me.  Actually this is a miracle for me.  I haven't ever gone this fast.  I got a new personal record by 48 seconds.  Super awesome.  My hard work is paying off.

Scott also ran well.  It was his 2nd 5K ever and it had been a year since his last one.  He got a new record by 47 seconds.  So proud of him.

Good things about this race:
Bib for your scrapbook
Volunteers on the course telling you where to turn
chip timed for accurate results
Bib chip timing so there is no chip to return.
food after the race
instant results so you can see how you did.
door prizes
Medals for first place


Things that could be improved for this race:
Don't take us on the cross country course, it wasn't mowed well and there were holes in the ground which made it dangerous in spots.  Also there is one huge steep hill that isn't fun going out of the cross country course back to the pavement.
One water stop, but no one was there handing out water.
No one calling out splits.
There were only medals for 1st in each age group, which this time was lucky for me, but I feel every race should have 1-3rd place recognized in each age group.
The awards for Overall winners were the exact same as the age group winners, so that didn't make them special and I feel they should get something really nice.  Heck if I was ever lucky enough to get First through 3rd Female Overall then I would hope for a big trophy, plaque, huge gift certificate or something special.

Full results are HERE !!!!!! Pictures are below:

Jason took this picture of me running in for a finish.

Scott running in for a strong finish.

After the race, Jason got this picture of me with my new medal!

My race bib.  9 plus 4 is 13, so it was a LUCKY bib!

Scott's race bib.  He was super happy because his favorite number is 6.  He figured that 9 divided by 3 is 3, plus 3 is 6, so he was happy with this number and considered it lucky.

Running Wild race bucks!!! SWEET.  I won these for getting 1st place.  I will
use them on my next pair of shoes that I buy from that store.

Front of shirt.

A close up of the race medal I received for 1st in my age group!  It is a bit blurry but says "We race so one day all kids can run!

Scott and I modeling our new race shirts.