Dam to Dam Lessons Learned

Posted on 03. Jun, 2009 by in Ramblings

The 30th Anniversary of Dam to Dam – Iowa’s Distance Classic was run this past Saturday.  I felt it was my duty as a proud Iowan and former high school distance runner to celebrate this anniversary and participate in the 20k run.

The race starts at Saylorville Dam and winds it’s way into downtown Des Moines, where apparently there is another dam, hence the name Dam to Dam.  I still haven’t quite figured out where this other dam is.  I like to imagine that it is humble structure erected by a beaver.

I didn’t properly train for this race.  A couple months ago I started out with noble intentions to work up to 12.4 miles and then taper off  to be in tip top shape.  Life got in the way and my longest run was a whopping 6 miles, after which I had four blisters and an aching knee.

After not running for two weeks I wasn’t sure that it was such a great idea to put myself through a demanding distance race, but figured I would regret the decision to opt out of the run.  So on Friday, I went to packet pick-up and signed myself up.

Here are the things I learned at the 30th running of Dam to Dam.

  • Running in spandex is incredibly fun
  • Public urination laws are not enforced during road races
  • Register ahead of time – you end up paying almost twice as much if you wait until the last minute
  • A sports bra is an economical alternative to one of those fancy $40 iPod arm bands
  • Don’t “carb load” on beer the night before
  • Walk through the water stops
  • Don’t let your kids play in the reflecting puddle at Nolen Plaza after thousands of sweaty runners have soaked their blistered feet in the same water
  • Using deodorant on your bikini line prevents chaffing (I didn’t try this personally, but my friend swears by it)
  • Frozen vegetables make great ice packs
  • Even Smirnoff Ice tastes good after a 12.4 mile run

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  • Amber

    You are so wise! Your comments will be taken in stride for my next race!

  • http://ginnyray.wordpress.com Ginny Ray

    Damn good lessons!
    I think the second dam is on the other side of Sec Taylor – by that bridge we sometimes run over. Wouldn’t it make more sense to end Dam to Dam at Sec Taylor? But I guess that might turn it into a half marathon instead of 20k.
    We have all summer to taper off to tip-top shape!
    Running was fun. But receiving the cool medal is almost MORE fun.

    I’m so proud of you for running it and not *really* having trained. I knew you could do it!!!

  • Kurt

    I learned…female runners are not afraid to poop in bushes.

    Band-Aids work as excellent nipple protectors.

    After 12.4 miles, I have enough salt on my face to coat a margarita glass.

    At mile 6, I had no idea where the hell we were.

    While waiting for the race to begin, people like to fake stretch. Just grabbing your foot is not a stretch…you have to pull on it (That’s What She Said!)

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