RMC Podcast

Larry was initially featured in the 'Runner's World' issue from November 25th, 2018. His story can prove to all of us skeptics that being a gracefully aging runner is possible. He had turned seventy years old the year of the article and had chosen to run a mile for each year he had lived on his birthday. Not only was the attention brought to Larry's celebratory "ultra" distance run, but was also commending of the miles he ran being dedicated to charity. He elaborated during his interview with me, how having a higher purpose to the miles helped aid in keeping him accountable to them.

If anyone knows what running grit means, it's Bethany Praska! Bethany has a unique running history and evolution from being a D1 track athlete who found her running finesse in the 800 meter distance, went on to run post-collegiately as an elite runner who competed at the 2016 Olympic trials, and now runs 50 mile ultras.

Runner's GRIT Campaign and RMC Podcast Interview with Briana Steffens. Briana is a runner who has been growing her running GRIT since high school but recently reproved to herself how much running GRIT she was capable of by jumping straight from the 5k distance to the Marathon. She now trains her 12 year old son and teaches him how to grow and develop his own life's GRIT by training with him for his first 1/2 marathon.

This episode is Part 2 of a two part interview with Kelly Teeselink. Part includes Ep. 13 - Girls On the Run Interview with Kelly Teeselink and counterparts the Runnermomcoach.com blog post "How One Gritty Ultra Runner Gives Back thru Girls on the Run".

This amazing ultra runner and inspirational woman happened to be representing the Girls on the Run program, at the Iowa Running Company's Ladies Night, which I guest spoke at almost two weeks ago now. Her name is Kelly Teeselink and man oh man, is she the real deal!

I could’ve sat all afternoon and listened to Mike’s captivating voice and his unique stories!  Phenomenal stories collected from years of being a high school track and field and cross country coach at Columbus Junction, as well as the lead announcer for 16 years at the Drake Relays, and having a massive Iowa running culture presence.  In fact, Mike told me about his evolution from his time as a runner at Columbus Junction running under Coach Purdy and the irony of how he eventually came to coaching alongside Purdy and evolving into now having 16 years of being our Iowa Drake Relays announcer.  What might impress you the most is that Mike still remains a humble and gracious man, who still has a huge heart and undying passion for all things running.  Not only does it seem that he’s dedicated his life up to this point to keeping the fire burning for other runners, but hasn’t come up shy for new ways to pay it forward.  

Humble Roots

Mike’s stories are genuine and telltale supportive of his humble upbringing and the driving principles that his parents and own coaches drove into him.  Principles of “hard work” and just being “good people”.  The same principles that he describes during several stories of his own personal heroes found thru the relationships he’s developed with runners and the admiration that he finds and inspires to pay forward.  

A few stories of hard working good people that include a self-trained runner and neighbor of Mike’s who is now aspiring to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Marathon, and even an Olympic champion who returned to the Parapan Olympic games to selflessly help a blind 56-year-old woman go after goals of breaking seven minutes in the 1500 meter race.  These collections of memories and stories have fulfilled Mike over the years with inspiration and motivation for his announcing.  He claims that the “feel good” stories are the ones that stoke his passion.    

“It was such a feel good moment, above and beyond track and field!”

The Next Level Iowa

Proof of these principles is displayed with Mike and Jim Kirby’s co-creation and collaboration of the website The Next Level Iowa, which supports Iowa prep athletes.  Encompassed within our podcast recording session, Mike speaks towards some of the hugely impressive Iowa runners that have progressed onto the pro circuit such as Shelby Houlihan, Jenny Simpson, and a recent

A few weeks back our local Cedar Rapids running shoe store, Iowa Running Company, hosted a “Ladies Night” for 30 runners.  The evening included self-defense techniques by one of Cedar Rapids own CRPD, sports bra fittings with a Brooks representative, a few guest speakers like myself and some great swag for each of the attendees.  As part of the fun and educational evening, I held a drawing for one of the 30 women to be awarded an Iowa Runner Campaign highlight guest podcast and interview.  The recipient was local runner Emily Moffitt, who tells her own humble story in a relaxed “get to know ya” atmosphere at a local coffee shop.

Emily Moffitt

In chatting with Emily, I found several commonalities that she shares with so many of us runners.  She was honest in talking about the difficulty to find balance between parenting two children, working 12 hour shifts as a nurse, and her desire to run.  She aspires in running a spring 2019 half marathon and says that she’s always enjoyed the Des Moines Dam to Dam, Drake Relays 1/2 marathon and considers the new CRANDIC half marathon as one of three to put on her calendar. 

When I asked her how she fits her running into her life, like I ask so many others and am always intrigued by the different ways to skin the cat or balance running into normal life, she was very candid in saying that it’s become increasingly more of challenge.  Maybe you can relate to Emily’s lifestyle juggling?  She says she’s excited and grateful to have a new treadmill as her youngest daughter who is 3 1/2 no longer likes to ride along in her jogger stroller.  But still feels the strain to try and weasel a 40 min run into her schedule three to four times a week.

Many of you Mother runners out there, should take a listen to Emily podcast and how she describes taking her first running steps postpartum.  “Whoo, that first mile after was rough and I had forgotten how hard it is to start running again!”  Her comeback is  relatable and inspiring to hear her talk thru. 

Yet, now she finds that her son has followed into her footsteps and will ask frequently if he can go run with her.  In fact, the two just shared the running love by doing a recent Turkey Trot that his school run club prepped him for.  Emily may be passing the running bug baton onto the next Moffitt generation.  

Needing Sources of Inspiration

I always like to ask runner’s where they get their inspiration or find motivation to fulfill their passion.  And when I find or hear about something new, I like to pass it along to others.  Emily admitted that she really doesn’t have any current sources for motivation be it books, magazines, online blogs or websites, podcasts, etc.  So, we both came to the realization and conclusion that perhaps a great future blog post would be to share some.  Or even to request from all you other runners out there, to share what motivates you to get back out there. 

However, if you’re reading this blog post now perhaps you will continue to return to this website for future motivation and inspiration.  Or even better yet, share it with other friends and runners by clicking on the ‘SHARE’ button at the bottom of the post.  And please don’t feel shy!  Leave a comment or reply to this blog post thru the

Happy Hump Day Runners!  A few weeks back a former Prairie High School alumni, Morgan Russel,  had reached out to me to introduce herself and the Type 1 Diabetes Running Program that she is trying to establish here locally in Cedar Rapids.  I have to admit, it was the first time I’d heard of the global running program and figured that I wasn’t the only one that has never heard of it.  Thus today’s “Happy Runner’s Hump Day” blog post and podcast introduction to Ep. 9 Morgan Russell and our Local Chapter for Type One Run. 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Type One Run?

Type One Run is a global grassroots initiative to unite those that live life as a Type 1 Diabetic and communes those that also want to live a life which includes running.  Their presence is worldwide and even includes a Type One Run Strava training group that according to their website has already united almost 300 runners from across the globe.

Morgan Russell,  has chosen to volunteer and drive this program to establish local camaraderie, and posts group run announcements and other helpful information to  Type One Run – Cedar Rapids Facebook page.

Podcast Interview Morgan Russell Reveals More of Her Personal Story As a Type 1 Diabetic Runner

Morgan is honest is admitting that learning to run as a Diabetic runner can be a little scary.  She details her own personal runner’s lifestyle and how that lifestyle may look different for her as a diabetic runner.

Her own humble advice to others are to maintain and keep a journal or log to be able to document and recall what’s worked or not worked well for aspects relating to fueling and carbohydrate vs. insulin intake considerations.  She’s discovered that in order to maintain a safe healthy balance thru some of her long runs, she even requires setting an alarm clock to go off at 4:00 a.m. in order to eat and prep.

But these are the types of convos and information tidbits that runners being part of her Type One Run chapter would be able to all share with each other.  No different than perhaps a run club that you or I may be a part of, sharing training tricks of the trade or asking and bouncing questions off of each other for when or how to fuel say for a marathon.  Good stuff!!

Continuing Efforts to Unite Runners and Pay it Forward

Morgan and I seemingly share principles of wanting to just foster other runners and a positive running community.  In interviewing her for my RMC podcast, and learning about the Type One Run program and educating others thru this blog post, we are both hoping to support and foster enabling all kinds of runners.

Please consider liking and sharing this blog post via Facebook or other social media.  In addition, go check out Morgan’s Type One Run – Cedar Rapids Facebook page and follow her unique story and the group’s news.

Happy Hump Day Runners!! (podcast link below but also available thru iTunes, Spotify, & Google Play)

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The leaves on the trees have begun to change and radiate fall’s beauty thru it’s vibrant hues.  It’s this time of year that many runners revel in all the glory of the crisp air and sanctuary of the outdoors.  With much anticipation of training that will culminate towards fall marathons, trail runs and the community of runners enjoying this time of year together, I am happy to announce today’s blog post titled, Capital Strider’s Happenings and RMC Podcast Interviews.

RMC Podcast Interview with Capital Striders

Capital Striders representatives, Kristin Adkins, Amber Crews, and Jason Kenyon were all kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules organizing and hosting the upcoming fall trail races, Des Moines IMT Marathon Volunteer coordination, and the 100 mile November Challenge to let me ask them a few questions during a group interview.

Capital Striders is a running club group based in Des Moines, Iowa and is currently about 550 runners strong.  They offer a well-rounded amalgamation of various types of training runs, group runs and is heavily involved in the Des Moines area running community.  Listen to their interview thru the podcast link below that describes and talks more in details about some of their specific training runs thru out each week.

Upcoming Races and Fall Motivation

Amber Crews and Jason Kenyon tell us some of the race highlights of two of the upcoming trail races that the Capital Striders Club will host.

Fast approaching at the end of October (October 27th, to be exact) is the “To Grandmother’s House We Go” trail race.  Included here is a link for registration and race details.  http://www.capitalstriders.org/to-grandmothers-house-we-go.  The race distances of 5k, 10k and 15k offered are based on the 5k loop thru Brown’s Woods.  They even encourage and give prizes for those that are brave enough to come in costume and honor the Red Ridinghood them.

The other scenic trail race being held before the end of the year is the “Sycamore 8“.   This race travels along the Des Moines River and if you’re one of those cold weather runners, then mark your calendar for this year’s race to be held on December 1st.  Link for registration and race details here – http://www.capitalstriders.org/sycamore-8

Along with the weekly offerings of speed work on a track, hill runs for strength, and Saturday group runs, the club offers some more informal trail runs which you can find out about location announcements by following the ‘Capital Striders’ Turkeys‘ Facebook page.

In addition to the weekly group offerings, there is also what’s called the ‘100 Miles in November Challenge‘ spearheaded by Kristin Adkins.  With a couple years under its belt, the 100 Miles in November Challenge has been proud to collaborate prize offerings with Fleet Feet Sport and Heartland Soles to award a pair of new runnings kicks.  Local Hy-Vee dieticians have also contributed runner’s swag in the past like a new Fitbit watch.  If only I lived 2 hours closer,

Do you get paid to run?  Are you endorsed by running shoe companies to wear their shoes while running fast, with the hopes that it’ll influence watchers to go out and buy XYZ shoe brand so they can be fast too?  Do you get to include daily naps and massage and a dietician into your lives so that you can run and train all day every day at maximum ability? Do you have a nanny that comes and keeps watch over the children so that you can go log miles?  For the vast majority of you, this is NOT our reality or running way of life.  Today’s Holy Mother Runners from Iowa blog post features two “real” women from the Midwest and how they have kept running in their lives despite work, families, and the day to day chaos so many of us keep as a barometer of normalcy.  It may find you just as motivated if not more to put that next race on the calendar, once you hear how relatable and real these “mother runners” from Iowa are.

Response to the Holy “Mother Runner” Campaign

Last week after posting a contest for my Holy “Mother Runner” campaign, two local Moms won an RMC t-shirt and guest feature for my RMC podcast.  Ironically both mother’s who have daughters that run cross country at the school I coach at.  Their daughter’s have both participated in the program as 7th and 8th graders and will be entering their third year this coming fall season as incoming Freshman.

Holy “Mother Runner” Campaign

Iowa “Mother Runner” Suzie Johannes

Suzie has two teenage children both heavily involved and active in sports and activities.  She herself is a child physical therapist and has a service-oriented career.  I believe she may also assist her husband at times with his custom home building endeavors.  Needless to say Suzie lives a busy life but still tries her best to live an active life of fitness as well.

Suzie strives to teach her kids that being active and setting goals for themselves should be fun.  And to do what you can thru the process towards those goals so that you can “look back with no regrets”.  As a mom who understands the importance of the journey, she says she does all she can to offer support but let her kids somewhat define what that support looks like.  She offers to take splits for them during their races, and of course emphasizes the lifestyle of eating well, and helps them with the at home physical self-care that’s necessary to prevent injury.

First Time “Half”er Tami Flockhart

Tami had running seeds planted at an early age with her involvement in track and field as an short and middle distance track runner.  Since then, she’s continually defining her running life and returned to it after a bet with her husband that he’d take dance lessons.  Tami has recently trained and completed her first ever half marathon.  She chose to run the Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon as her first and says she may choose to do another this fall.

Tami also attests to the difficulty of how to manage work, kids, life and yet have enough ambition to complete long runs on the weekends.  She inspires for her daughter to follow suit and turn it into a life sport.   And of course takes the opportunities with her daughter to teach life lessons from her participation i...