UPCOMING ELECTIONS!

In accordance with the Capital Striders Club by-laws, we officially announce the 2024 Board of Directors election. Our 2024 Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, March 22. You must be a current Capital Striders member to vote and your membership number will be required.

There are two open positions on the Board of Directors - and we offer up our sincere appreciation to Mel Urick and David Puller for their service to the club as they leave their official roles on the Board.

We asked our new candidates a few questions to help you learn a little about each of them. (Candidates are listed in no particular order.) Here are their answers:

Vanessa Gray -

What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? Some examples are:  membership, scholarship, equipment, club races, newsletter/social media, merchandise, social functions, bookkeeping/financials, volunteer coordination, training runs, etc.

I’m open to everything, but sponsorships would not be a strength. I can’t sell running shoes to a runner.

What special skills or experience would you bring to the Board?

I have heard from people who used to run with the Striders but no longer do so because “the people were unfriendly.” This makes me sad because I have had a positive experience with the Capital Striders. There is an opportunity to change that perception and invite those people back to the club.

I would also like to foster engagement with other sports clubs. For example, several Capital Striders members are also involved in triathlons. There is an opportunity here for cross-training between club members.

Finally, the average age of the club members is becoming more “experienced in life.” I’d love to invite and engage some high school and young adult runners with the Capital Striders.

How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

I moved to Des Moines in 2010 and started running with the Capital Striders. I’m unsure of the year when I became a member.

Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I live in Adel, Iowa, with my husband (Jeff), two dogs (Chester and Olive), and a cat (Willow). In September, I will be a first-time grandma. I enjoy visiting breweries, reading, playing games and puzzles, and working in my garden.

For work, I am the Director of Continuing Medical Education at Des Moines University. I have been there for almost 14 years. 

My running journey began in junior high because my Dad couldn’t pick me up when school ended. To occupy my time, he recommended that I join the track team. I continued to run track and cross country in junior and high school. In college, I was a Division 1 cross country and track athlete at the University of Utah.

Since 2018, my husband and I are triathletes. We enjoy the multi-sport and do several triathlons every year. Last year, I did my first (and second) Ultra.

What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to? 

Now that I’m in my 40s, my biggest motivation is general health. But I genuinely enjoy running. There is satisfaction in completing a run. My favorite time to run is when the sun rises in the morning. Running and triathlon training also gives me the chance to listen to a lot of books (196 books in 2023) and podcasts (How I Built This is my favorite).

Tim Schott

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? Some examples are:  membership, scholarship, equipment, club races, newsletter/social media, merchandise, social functions, bookkeeping/financials, volunteer coordination, training runs, etc.

Happy to help with membership and certainly to support training runs and races.   

2.  What special skills or experience would you bring to the Board?

No special skills.  Just been running myself and chasing my 3 daughters around this city for the past 30 years.  But, I have been involved with Des Moines Public Schools in multiple roles over the years and definitely have a connection there if engaging the youth and their families is helpful. 

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

Joined off and on for many years before figuring out how to become a sustaining member.  Ran races here and there, joined some Saturday runs and did about 5 years of Thursday workouts at Roosevelt but not much, actively, besides appreciating that Striders existed and cheering on the club from a distance.  

4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

Have worked as a teacher, principal, and district leader in Des Moines Public Schools and been running the streets and trails of DSM since we moved here in the early 90's.  Raised 3 runner daughters with my spouse, Kathy. Highlight runs have been marathon mentoring a high school student through KidStriders, Relay Iowa, Market to Market, a few Dam to Dams, some Grand Blue Miles, and absolutely every run with my daughters, their friends, and their coaches.    

5.  What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to?

Running has always served as the "balance" in my life.  I feel better and show up for those I love if I keep churning the miles. 

Vanessa Gray

Tim Schott

2024 Scholarship Applications Now Open!

2024 Capital Striders Scholarship Application

For 2024 Graduating Seniors ONLY

The Capital Striders award five scholarships to Polk County student-athletes within cross country and/or track and field as they enter the next phase of their lives. The scholarships are $1,200 each and are named after the following donors and pivotal members of the Des Moines running community: Dave Hurd, Chuck Jipp, Stan Smith, Kinetic Edge, and the Bobenhouse-Lavender Foundation. Additional information about the scholarship inspirations can be found at CapitalStriders.org. The selection committee uses the stories from these individuals and groups to select each scholarship winner to honor the memory and vision of the scholarship for which it is named after. The committee is led by Capital Striders Board of Directors members. The five scholarship winners will be publicly announced on Friday May 10th, 2024, with email notification in the week prior.

Applications are due April 4!

Loop the Lake

Registration opens February 1, 2024! Come join us for a great run around Gray’s Lake!

UPCOMING ELECTIONS - New Board Members

The Capital Striders have two open board member seats. Board members will be voted on in March, and announced at the annual dinner on March 22, 2024.

If you are interested in participating please email: directors@capitalstriders.org

Board Members participate in monthly meetings, assist with water stations for Saturday long runs, and volunteer at races hosted by Capital Striders. If you are a current member and are looking to get more involved, please reach out!

next event: annual dinner!

ANNUAL CAPITAL STRIDERS DINNER - 2024

The Capital Striders are hosting their annual dinner again on March 22, 2024! It will be held at The Destination Grille in Johnston, Iowa.

We are honored to have Olympian Lisa Uhl join us. She will be speaking about her experience running in college and the Olympics.

We will also go over our year as an organization, share good food, and announce our newest board members.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS

In accordance with the Capital Striders Club by-laws, we officially announce the 2023 Board of Directors election. Our 2023 Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, March 24. Voting for this year’s election will be by electronic ballot on April 3-9. You must be a current Capital Striders member to vote and your membership number will be required.

There are three open positions on the Board of Directors - and we offer up our sincere appreciation to Dave Caris and Rachael Baethke for their service to the club as they leave their official roles on the Board. The third open position is a previously-vacated role.

We also have four current Board members (Steve Bobenhouse, Susanne Kennedy, Mike Tiedens, and Lindsey Andrews) who are up for re-election.

We asked our new candidates a few questions to help you learn a little about each of them. (Candidates are listed in no particular order.) Here are their answers:

Sandra Kromminga

1. What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?

   I would like to focus on growing the membership of Capital Striders. I’d also like to focus on social functions. I want to focus on growing the membership of Capital Striders, as I have been coming to Capital Strider runs with my dad since I was in high school, and I know that over the past several years membership levels have gone up and down. I’d specifically like to focus on growing the membership of younger runners in our community, especially those runners who’ve just graduated from college. I have not seen a lot of “younger” runners at most of the strider’s runs, and I think that having those younger runs can be very beneficial to the club. I believe that once we have a few more committed younger runners, that’ll allow us to continue growing. I’d also like to focus on the social functions of the club. I personally love getting together with other runners to hear about how their running is going, but I’ve also found that I am able to connect with runners on many different levels. It is very easy to get to know someone through running but being able to connect with each other outside of running will greatly strengthen our club, because we get to know each other on a running level as well as a more personal level.

2. What special skills or experience would you bring to the Board?

   I am currently a practicing attorney in Des Moines. I graduated from Drake Law School in May of 2022. I think that being an attorney makes me a great candidate to be on this board as I am excellent at communicating, very organized, and very practical in how I approach things. I am also very eager to get involved in the Des Moines community. In addition, I am used to working in a collaborative environment, and I think that this is a great and very valuable skill for any board member to have.

3. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

   The most that I have been involved in Capital Striders in the past is attending training runs. I have not volunteered for races or attended many Strider’s events, however, now that I am out of school I am hoping to put more into the club.

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

   I have been running since the age of 12. My sister and I wanted to join middle school cross county, so the summer before my dad suggested that we both start running so that we’d be in good shape by the time that practice came around. My dad, John, had already been running for several years so he graciously agreed to show us the basics of running. The first few runs did not go well! My sister and I had both never run before, we had little discipline, and we really just had no idea what we were getting into. However, those summer training runs really paid off, and we were both decent runners in middle school. By the time we both got to high school we were varsity hopefuls! During our freshman and sophomore years, we began winning and placing in the top 10 of our races. By sophomore year I was on varsity, and Sarah was the first alternate. I ran at state my sophomore year, where we won state as Johnston Dragons. We continued to place well the final few years of our high school career. In college, I did not plan to continue my running career as I was planning to attend the University of Iowa. However, once I got to Iowa I continued to run, and eventually found the Iowa Track and Field Club. My times with the track club were some of my best times in college, and that club made my college experience one to remember. I left college being in the best shape of my life, and with strong friendships and lasting memories. Once I left college I continued to run with my sister and my dad, and with the Striders. I’ve made many new friends attending Strider’s runs throughout the years. Other than running, I love spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy reading in my free time, and baking. I currently live in West Des Moines with my boyfriend Mark, and our greyhound Owen.

5. What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to?

   My biggest motivation for getting out the door on days that I don’t want to run is the feeling that I have after a run. I have never finished a run and thought, “wow, I wish I hadn’t done that!” Even if my body is tired after a run, the run didn’t go well, the weather was horrible, or it was dark outside, I have never once regretted going for a run. That’s what keeps me coming back.

Chuck snyder

1. What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?

   Ideally I would like to help with training runs and would be glad to help in partnering with local running stores and with communication efforts. Trail running is my favorite activity and would like to help incorporate more group trail running opportunities.

2. What special skills or experience would you bring to the Board?

   I have a master in communication and strategic leadership. I produced graduate work on increasing trail usage through partnering with local running stores and using social media in Northwest Florida. In addition, I have lived in several places and participated in running clubs and groups in Pensacola, FL, Bellingham, WA and Dublin Ireland. I have been a middle and front of the pack runner and believe I can bring an understanding of the differing motivations of the club participant. 

3. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

   I moved here in August of 2022 and joined the Capital Striders immediately. I participated in the group trail runs in September and have been running with the Saturday morning group this year. 

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

   I am employed by Unitypoint Health Des Moines as a fundraising researcher, a job I have been doing for various organizations for 27 years. I help the organizations find and connect with individuals and organizations with the capacity and inclination to make a major philanthropic gift.  I moved here in August from Dublin, Ireland where I worked for a university and enjoyed hill and fell running.

   I have a diverse blended family household of 7. My wife enjoys walking and the family is active but I am the only runner in the house. We are all very happy with Des Moines and the running community played a large factor in my choice to move to the city. We are looking forward to many years of living in DSM. 

   I have been a runner since the age of 7, running my first 10K after I started running with my father, himself started running to lose weight. I ran my first 2 marathons at 13 and 14 years old and ran track and cross county for my high school and university. After college I built my family and moved around the US but always centered my recreation around trail and wilderness running. I fell in love with trail running after seeing the Western States 100 profiled on the Wide World of Sports. I have been lucky enough to run on all the major mountain ranges in the US and have a goal of running in every state in the US. 

   I am a firm believer in the minimalist shoe movement and that strength work makes the runner. I am not a fan of racing although I would like to run a sub 3 hour marathon before I give up racing altogether. 

   I am currently on the board of my professional organization and have done a lot of work over the years to advance the field of fundraising research. I look forward to the opportunity to do the same for the running community.

5. What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to?

   On the day’s I just don’t want to run, I don’t. I spent 9 years with a coach and 5 years doing 2 to 3-a-day workouts and now run when I want to. I enjoy running and working out. I enjoy cycling, kayaking, hiking, weightlifting and many other physical activities. To reach a goal, I focus on important workouts and purposeful workouts. This helps me prevent burnout. 

   This said, recently there have been Saturdays where the weather, lack of sleep or body aches nag me to stay in bed and the knowledge that I get to run with a group (cap striders at the cafe) have motivated me to get up, dressed and out. I also find running fast is much easier with a group. Alone I often settle into a slow pace when the schedule calls for something faster. These are times when the group can spur me both out the door and to up the pace. 

Lindsey BURTON

1. What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?

   I’m pretty open on the areas and happy to help on anything! Currently I think I could assist with the following- Membership, equipment, newsletter/social media, merchandise, volunteer coordination, training runs.
   
   

2. What special skills or experience would you bring to the Board?

   I may not be the most outgoing individual but I like to encourage others in the running community! When it comes to events or committees, I like to help out where I can and I consider myself an organized individual. 
   
   

3. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

   I think I originally became aware of Capital Striders when I was college and Brad recruited the cross country team to help with the DSM marathon water stop. I have run several of the races throughout the years. Last year I attended many of the training runs. 

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

   I have run throughout high school and college. My husband and I have lived in Des Moines for about 5 years now. We have two young Vizslas. Over the past year and a half, I’ve started to get into trail and ultra running - I have some big plans for 2023!
   
   

5. What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to?

   I would say that I’m a goal oriented person. My race plans for this year have been a big motivation for when I don’t want to go out and I usually have a good change in attitude as soon as I get going too. 

Capital Striders Board to update club bylaws

Thank you for being a Capital Striders member and/or supporter! As a board, we are currently reviewing proposed changes to our Club Bylaws - which will be going to a board vote for approval at our next meeting on Monday, January 16. We encourage you to review the proposed changes and connect with us by email if you have any questions. Board meetings are open to our membership, and there will be time dedicated to discuss your comments on the record at our upcoming meeting.

Changes include: 

1. Amend 1.2 which updates our P.O. Box / club change of address

2. Amend Directors (6.1) to include board responsibilities overview

3. Amend 6.2 to include 1 year between board terms (i.e., after 6-year term ends)

4. Amend 6.3 to require board nominees be members for 3 months (90 days) instead of 1 year

5. Amend 6.8 to include attendance requirement of 50% of meetings in 1 year

6. Amend 7.7 to remove “Director of Operations” language (the club does not have/does not intend to have this position)

7. Amend 8.3 to clarify independent financial review language & removal of 5-year rotation/audit language

You may review a copy of the proposed Bylaws with highlighted amendments here.

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS

In accordance with the Capital Striders Club by-laws, we officially announce the 2022 Board of Directors election. Our 2022 Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, April 22. Voting for this year’s election will be by electronic ballot on April 15-22. You must be a current Capital Striders member to vote and your membership number will be required.

There are three open positions on the Board of Directors - and we offer up our sincere appreciation to Jason Kenyon and Jeff Wamser for their service to the club as they leave their official roles on the Board. The third open position is a previously-vacated role.

We also have two current Board members (Melinda Urick and David Pullara) who are up for re-election.

We asked our new candidates a few questions to help you learn a little about each of them. (Candidates are listed in no particular order.) Here are their answers:

Paul Grinvalds

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? Some of the examples are:  membership, scholarship, equipment, club races, newsletter/social media, merchandise, social functions, bookkeeping/financials, volunteer coordination, training runs, etc.

As a former actuary, the bookkeeping and financials sound fun!  But, I would be willing to contribute to whatever needs the club has.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board?

I have been the race director for the Taste of Hope 5K for about 15 years and was on the IMT Des Moines Marathon committee for several years.  I have run over 200 races ranging from 50 meters to 50 miles so I have a lot of race experience from different aspects.  I also coached kids sports for several years; mostly soccer but also some baseball and football.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?  

I am a long time member of the Capital Striders.  I have run several Capital Strider races and volunteered for some.  I frequently run with the group on Saturday mornings as well as attend some of the social events.

4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know. 

I have been retired from Farm Bureau Financial Services for a few years.  I have an actuarial background but over the years I had quite a variety of different positions.

I have been running since 8th grade more or less continuously.  I had my right hip replaced a couple of years ago so I have cut back on running from six days a week to three days a week but now am biking a lot more than in the past to maintain fitness levels.

Of my five kids, one of my sons ran track at Iowa State for a couple of years and another one of my sons recently ran a 2:51:28 marathon so it seems I did something right with respect to running!

5.  What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to?

I suppose the best explanation is that I have running goals and the only way to achieve those goals is to do my running and biking workouts as planned.

Jason Hahn

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?   

I’d be happy to focus on any area of need.  I’d have particular interest in scholarship, races, training runs and based on my professional experience I believe I could be helpful with bookkeeping and financials.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board? 

I am currently Managing Director of High Yield Research at Principal Financial Group and have spent my entire career in finance and investments and as such have a strong understanding of accounting and financial management.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? 

I am not exactly sure when I first became a member, but believe it was some time in the early 2000’s and have been a member ever since.  My involvement has been through participating in the Striders races (I think I’ve done them all at least once) and through the Saturday training runs and occasionally at the Wednesday track workouts.

4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know. 

I ran track and cross country in high school and my freshman year in college.  After taking a decade off, I started running again in 2000 and recently celebrated my 22nd year back running.  I’ve done 9 marathons, 1 ultra and ran 50 miles on my 50th birthday.  I also enjoy shorter races and have participated in all comers / master’s track meets.  Married with three kids – all of whom are runners.  Professional – as mentioned currently the Managing Director of High Yield Research at Principal Financial Group where I have worked since 2004.

5.  What is your biggest motivation to get out the door for a run, on the days you just don’t want to? 

I enjoy running and there aren’t many days that I really don’t want to run.  I do make myself take one day off every week and typically cross-train 1-2 days per week.  For me running is relaxing and I don’t quite feel right if I miss a run, so that is probably the biggest motivation.  I believe consistency is important to running, but as I’ve gotten a little older I’ve learned that if I really don’t feel like running my body is probably telling me something and its likely better to take a day off than end up getting injured and miss a month – which is infinitely more annoying.

James Laughlin

1: If I was to be selected as a board member where would I focus my energy? As a long term goal I would like to see programming geared towards the next generation of runners. Specifically, I would like to introduce a youth trail running program. Additionally, I could leverage my profession as a physical therapist assistant specializing in running injuries to write a column for the newsletter. Finally, I have always been interested in hosting a race so I would be happy to assist with one of the Striders races.

2: What strengths/skills would I bring to the Board? I am a former board member of the Alumni Association at Mercy College. I have been a Big Brother in the Big Brother and Big Sister program. I have been a clinic director. These roles have taught me leadership, humility, partnership, and when to be a challenger. Personally, I think my optimism and “get things done” attitude would be an asset in a Board environment. I enjoy collaboration, planning and execution of the plan.

3: My current involvement with the Striders has been as a consumer. I have participated in several of the recurring Strider’s events. As a PTA at Kinetic Edge, I have assisted with hosting Saturday morning training runs in both Des Moines and Waukee. I have also used Kinetic Edge social media to support races and events put on by the Striders.

4: I live in Ankeny with my partner of six years Sally. We have two kids Tacoree 7 and Reagan 9. We have three dogs Greta, Madge and Sully. Sully is three months old and is keeping us on our toes. We also have two Dwarf African frogs Chase and Bolt. Our kids are very active. Tacoree plays Rush soccer and many of the intramural sports. He completed his 1st 5K this year. Reagan swims with the North Side Swim Team, the Otters, and plays Softball with Ankeny Extreme.

Professionally I work at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy where I am a physical therapist assistant. My job is my vocation combining my passions running and helping others return to activity.

I started running in high school to stay fit for wrestling. I took a few years off in college and focused on weightlifting but found myself gravitating back to running during my junior year. Recently I’ve found myself running longer and longer distances. I have completed at least five ultra-distance races. I train road but prefer trail running when I have the time. I enjoy running with groups or on my own. I’m one of those “no headphone” guys. I like the opportunity to disconnect, or reconnect with nature, and not be distracted by technology.

I joined the striders for a sense of community engagement. I appreciate how helpful and supportive the community has been. I chose to run for the open Board position to not only give back to the community but also to help build on the successes. As a trail runner I could see myself promoting this sport to beginners and youth interested in the benefits of running and community. I personally have been a Big Brother and volunteered as a youth sports coach. I enjoy working with youth and feel that running can be a great way to teach and learn about many of the pillars we often hear about in the community.

5: How do I get motivated to run? Seize the day! I am rarely not motivated to run. Having goals and stacking habits are two keys’ to maintaining motivation and “getting out the door”.

WINTER/SPRING SATURDAY MORNING TRAINING GROUP

Ready to start your training journey for a Spring race? We’re here to help you get to that race day finish line!

The Capital Striders Winter & Spring Training Group is designed to prepare runners of all skill levels for the Spring/early Summer racing season. Whether you’re training for a half or full marathon, running shorter distances, maintaining a base, or just want to meet fellow runners, this training group is for you. All paces are welcome, encouraged, and will be supported along the route. Water on the course is provided at all of our training runs, thanks to the support of RunnerStuff.com and Fitness Sports.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Saturday mornings at 7:30am - we’ll switch to a 7:00am start time on March 19

ROUTES AND DISTANCES?

The distance and elevation changes of the routes will gradually increase from week to week to assist you in your preparation for a fall marathon or half marathon distance.

The routes/maps are posted each week in our weekly email newsletter. You can see the full training schedule here. Sign up for our weekly emails here.

Our starting location every week during winter/spring training will be from Drake University, Meredith Hall. Please note that masks are required within all buildings of Drake University, and our use of the facilities is subject to this mandate.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Capital Striders’ membership is encouraged, but not required to participate in the training group. We do ask that everyone sign a 2022 Waiver. You can print/sign and bring it with you, or sign one at the start (we'll have copies).

Your Capital Striders membership helps cover the cost of water, Gatorade and other expenses required to host these activities. See our club memberships options!

QUESTIONS?

Send us an email!

2021 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

We are pleased to announce the 2021 Capital Striders Scholarship winners – again this year, presenting five $1200.00 scholarships. Since 1999, the Capital Striders have awarded scholarships to Polk County students who are leaders and letter winners on their high school cross country or track teams.

The David Hurd Scholarship is awarded to Alayna Wallace. Alayna graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School. This scholarship is named in honor of Dave Hurd who was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa.

The Chuck Jipp Scholarship is awarded to Kathryn Vortherms. Kathryn graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School and will be attend the University of Iowa this fall. This scholarship is given in honor of Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000. He was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.

The Stan Smith Scholarship is awarded to Abbie McLaren. Abbie graduated from Johnston High School and will also attend the University of Iowa. Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

The Kinetic Edge Scholarship is awarded to Rachel Currant. Rachel graduated from Bondurant Farrar High School and will attend Iowa State University this fall. We thank Kinetic Edge for the fourth year in a row, to have donated additional scholarship funds. Special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Striders member.

And the Capital Striders Scholarship is awarded to Olivia (Livi) Ovrom. Livi is a graduate of Roosevelt High School and has plans to attend Iowa State University.

Summer/Fall Saturday Morning Training Group

Ready to start your training journey for a Fall race? We’re here to help you get to that race day finish line!

The Capital Striders Summer and Fall Training Group is designed to prepare runners of all skill levels for the Fall racing season. Whether you’re training for the IMT Des Moines Marathon or Half Marathon, running shorter distances, maintaining a base, or just want to meet fellow runners, this training group is for you. All paces are welcome, encouraged and will be supported along the route.

When and Where?

Saturday mornings at 7:00am, starting June 12, 2021

Routes and Distances?

The distance and elevation changes of the routes will gradually increase from week to week to assist you in your preparation for a fall marathon or half marathon distance.

The routes/maps are posted each week in our weekly email newsletter. Get signed up for that email here.

While Water Works Park is our home base, the starting locations each week will vary. You can see the full training schedule here.

Who Can Participate?

Capital Striders’ membership is encouraged, but not required to participate in the training group. We do ask that everyone sign a 2021 waiver. You can print/sign and bring it with you, or sign one at the start (we'll have copies).

(Your Capital Striders membership helps cover the cost of water, Gatorade and other expenses required to host these activities.)

Burrito Breakfast!

Saturday June 26, 2021 will be our Annual Burrito Breakfast! We call it our official summer kick-off celebration and provide breakfast burritos, chocolate milk and bananas for everyone to enjoy after the run! Bring a friend and join us!

Questions?

Send us an email!

Register for the IMT Des Moines Marathon races here.

Additional Resources from the IMT Des Moines Marathon here.

2021 Board of Directors Elections

In accordance with the Capital Striders Club by-laws, we officially announce the 2021 Board of Directors election. As the status of an in-person 2021 Annual Meeting is not yet known, voting for this years election will be by electronic ballot on April 16-18. You must be a current Capital Strider’s member to vote and your membership number will be required.

There are three open positions on the Board of Directors - and we offer up our sincere appreciation to Dana Kramer, Kristy Cain and Kristin Adkins for their service to the club as they leave their official roles on the Board.

We also have two current Board members (Steve Bobenhouse and Susanne Kennedy) who are up for re-election.

This year we have three candidates running to fill the three open Board positions. We asked them to answer a few questions to help you learn a little about each of them. (Candidates are listed in no particular order.) Here are their answers:

BRUCE HUCKFELDT

1. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? Officially, I haven’t done much because I joined shortly before the COVID-19 madness. I have competed in a handful of races that are under the Capital Striders umbrella. I also did the November 100 miles two years ago. I would like to volunteer for a lot more future events when I am not running.

2. What area(s) of the club most interest you as a Board Member? Some of the examples are: membership, scholarship, equipment, club races, newsletter/social media, merchandise, social functions, bookkeeping/financials, volunteer coordination, training runs, etc… This window is wide open. I am a team player and always looking forward to helping any way I can. I have minimal to no experience in the field because I didn’t run or race in high school or college and have never put on any races. I would love to help in setting up and planning future races, I think that would be a lot of fun. I already do some social media work for my job and a lot of social media work for the charity events and fundraisers I do so I could definitely help in that field as well. I also recently took "Introduction to Non-Profit Management" online class recently so I could learn more about it. It was awesome for you to reach out to me! It was fate!

3. What special skills would you bring to the Board? I have 20+ years in the service industry field so my customer service skills are top notch. I always strive to be the best in whatever I do. Just last week, I was announced the best bartender in Des Moines for the second year in a row. I work hard and am always focused on big goals! In the last 5 years, I’ve created events and fundraisers that have raised over $10,000.00. In my entire adult life, I've never called into work or arrived late. My punctuality is extremely important, so if I say I'll be there - I'll be there.

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know. I've been with my wife Kaylee for coming up on 13 years. We have two fantastic children - Vienna (9) and Hudson (4) and have lived in Waukee for almost 10 years. We are building our forever home right now and hoping to move in the middle of May or early June. Up until Covid, I was trying to compete in any event possible. From 1-mile to Ultramarathon, triathlon, Obstacle Course Racing. I hope to reach my 100th event this year, but with so few events planned, I don't know if I'll quite make it there. I first started running about 10 years ago when some friends asked me to join them for the Race for the Cure (on about 24 hours notice) and I ended up beating everyone I went with. I realized that if I did some training, I might actually be okay. Now I'm 40 and have 7 first place finishes under my belt out of 80 events along with 22 top 3 finishes. Considering I never ran until my 30s, I'm happy with it and LOVE to get out there and compete. In November of 2018, I did a charity event where I ran every city street front to back in Waukee while carrying an American Flag to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. It was over 200 miles and I finished it on day 28. I've done some other small events, but am currently doing a shoe drive to benefit the Dallas County Closet and Waukee Community Schools and a fundraiser to support Mission 22. I will be running the #4x4x48 (4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours) in March - It was a challenge thrown out by legend David Goggins. Once that event is completed, I've set a goal to run 1 mile in every city in Iowa. Thats over 900 cities! I've been a bartender for almost 13 years so working at night allows me to train during the day when I'm not spending time with my family.

5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why? I would be Rocky Road. The long road to adventure is kind of how I love my life. I’m always training for something from a mile to ultra, triathlon to OCR, a pull-up contest to kayaking!

6. What is your favorite post race food, and why? For many years, my family and I go to the Iowa Machine Shed after any race. I always start with a massive veggie filled omelette and 3 or 4 Pepsi’s to get my body back to new! Of course, on a hot Summer day, I love an ice cold beer too.

7. If you could go for a run with anyone (dead or alive) who would you choose? Camille Herron. She’s an ultra runner who goes out there and crushes everyone - including the men. During her ultras, she eats tacos and drinks beer. As a longtime bartender and a diehard taco fanatic, I couldn’t find a better role model if I tried.

LINDSEY ANDREWS

1. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? As the co-owner of Heartland Soles Running & Walking Stores, I have had the privilege of being involved with the Striders for almost 5 years! Through the store’s sponsorship of the club, I’ve had opportunities to host group runs and packet pickups, be involved with races, and have been involved personally with club events and runs.

2. What area(s) of the club most interest you as a Board Member? The areas of the club that would most interest me as a part of the Board would be the scholarship, club races, training runs, and social functions. I work with tons of high school students all year long through the store, so I think I would bring a new perspective into the scholarship discussions. I also have a lot of experience with putting on races, training runs, and social functions but would love to have the opportunity to learn from others on the Board and maybe bring a few ideas of my own in too!

3. What special skills would you bring to the Board? I have years of experience in planning races and have worked as the head race director for multiple races. I also have a great deal of experience in planning group runs and social events for runners, sometimes events that are a mix of both! I am a full-time mother, a full-time business owner in run specialty, and a collegiate XCTF coach, so I think I’ll bring a unique perspective that can be relatable to many different members of the Striders!

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know. I have owned Heartland Soles Running & Walking Stores for almost 5 years, and prior to that worked in locally owned run specialty shops in other areas of the country! I love running shoe technology and working with runners and walkers of all kinds to help them reach their goals and potential! I myself have a great deal of experience as a runner. I began running at age 11 and ran throughout high school and college. I was a 6-time All-American in distance events and was a member of the 2015 NCAA Div I National Champion Cross Country team for the New Mexico Lobos. I have continued to train throughout my post-collegiate years and am getting back into elite-level racing this year! I am married to my best friend, Jordan, who was my high school sweetheart. In fact, we met on our high school cross country team and ran together in college. We have two beautiful children together, Layla Jo (3) and Kauffman (2). One of my favorite memories of our family is Jordan pushing them in the double stroller at the 2019 Capital Pursuit, then Layla running in the kids race after with the biggest smile on her face! Jordan and I get to coach Cross Country and Track & Field at Grand View University together which is incredibly fun, challenging, and rewarding. I also have a side business called Swift Splits, a private online coaching service for runners of all ages and abilities! When we aren’t with our Grand View team, Jordan often bikes pulling our kiddos while I run, which is such a neat time for all four of us to spend together! Jordan and I love owning the stores and find it a privilege to work closely with runners of all kinds throughout Iowa in many different capacities! I pretty much live, eat, and breathe running, so I think it would be a huge honor to get to be a part of the Capital Striders Board of Directors!

5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why? If I were an ice cream flavor, I think I would be cookies and cream! The base is vanilla, a classic flavor, but it has delicious Oreos mixed in. I think I am a traditional person like vanilla ice cream, but have fun little unique qualities swirled in!

6. What is your favorite post race food, and why? If you’re talking about immediately after a race, I like some nice cold chocolate milk! I don’t normally like to eat much “real” food for a little while after a race. But as far as post-race food goes, an hour or two after a big race my favorite thing to eat is a big, juicy cheeseburger with all the fixin’s!

7. If you could go for a run with anyone (dead or alive) who would you choose? I have always been very inspired by Shalane Flanagan. I actually had a giant poster of her in my apartment in college! I just love her perspective on life and running, her holistic training approach, and, well, she is SO FAST! My best friend Courtney runs for the Nike Bowerman Track Club, so Shalane is one of her coaches and a mentor/friend to her, and I go totally fan girl every time she mentions working with her - haha! I hope to go visit Courtney in the next year or two and hope I’ll get the chance to meet (and run with?!) Shalane!

MIKE TIEDENS

1. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? Actually very little, but I'm looking to grow. I've been a member for a few years and I've run a few events put on by the club (Capital Pursuit and Loop the Lake). But I've run a lot of other races in central Iowa and I'm looking to contribute more.

2. What area(s) of the club most interest you as a Board Member? I get very excited about youth running and providing opportunities for kids and teens. So I suppose scholarship and equipment would fall into that passion. But for the most part, I'm wide open and I'd love to learn about all of the areas and help out where needed.

3. What special skills would you bring to the Board? In my professional life, I work with purchasing and contracts, but I don't know how beneficial that would be to the Board. But I'm organized, communicate well and I have time to dedicate to the Board.

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know. I work for DART and I've been employed there for almost 8 years. I'm married with 2 adult children and we live downtown. I'm originally from Central Iowa and have lived here for most of my life. I've been running all my life, but really I've only consistently been doing it for about the last 10 years. My running experience consists of mostly half marathons, but I've run 5k's, 10k's, marathon, and even an obstacle race. I used to live in Beaverdale and I served on the neighborhood association board there in various roles (Treasure, VP, President).

5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why? Ben & Jerrys has a flavor called Milk & Cookies, which to me says calm, boring and steady. That describes my work style as well as my running pace.

6. What is your favorite post race food, and why? Definitely pizza and a cold beer.

7. If you could go for a run with anyone (dead or alive) who would you choose? Steve Prefontaine, but I'm sure he would leave me looking at the bottom of his shoes.

2020 Scholarships Announced!

Since 1999, the Capital Striders have awarded up to five $1200 scholarships to students in Polk County who are leaders and letter winners on their high school cross country or track teams and have been accepted at a college or university. This year we are pleased to again present five $1200.00 scholarships.

The David Hurd Scholarship is awarded to Hannah Nelson. Hannah will graduate from Ankeny Centennial High School and plans to attend Iowa State University this fall. This scholarship is named in honor of Dave Hurd who was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa.

The Chuck Jipp Scholarship is awarded to Jeanne Peters. Jeanne is a student at Ankeny Centennial High School and will be attending Gannon University this fall. This scholarship is given in honor of Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000. He was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.

The Stan Smith Scholarship is awarded to Paxson Picken. Paxson will graduate from Johnston High School and has not yet decided which college he will attend. Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

The Kinetic Edge Scholarship is awarded to Molly Wright. Molly will graduate from Valley High School and has not yet decided which college she will attend. We thank Kinetic Edge for the fourth year in a row, to have donated additional scholarship funds. Special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Striders member.

And the Capital Striders Scholarship is awarded to Rowen Abbas. Rowen will graduate from Roosevelt High School and has not yet decided which college he will attend.

Winter / Spring Training Group Returns

After our usual two month hiatus, it's time for the Saturday Morning Training Run series to begin again! Time not just to run, but to run with a community -- the Capital Striders community.

Our Saturday Morning Training Run series includes water provided along the route each week and the company of fellow runners to keep you going, swap stories, and share advice. This training group is designed to prepare runners of all skill levels for the Spring racing season. Whether you’re training for Drake, Dam to DSM or a Spring Marathon, maintaining a base or just want to meet fellow runners, this training group is for you. All paces are welcome, encouraged and will be supported along the route.

All runs will start at Meredith Hall on the Drake University Campus. The building is usually open so we can wait inside and use the restrooms - and stretch/cool down inside after you run. (Please be courteous if any classes or other events are taking place in the building.)

Runs beginning promptly at 7:30am - changing to a 7:00am start time in March. Try to arrive a little early to sign a 2020 waiver. Parking is available in the large lot in front of the building, free of charge. Maps of each weeks routes will be posted in advance in the Capital Striders weekly email newsletter, and copies provided at the start.

Special thanks to Fitness Sports for sponsoring and supporting the Winter/Spring Training Series!

Join the email list here.

See the 2020 Saturday Morning Training Run series schedule here.

Download the 2020 Winter / Spring Training guide here.

2019 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Capital Striders scholarship program for high school cross-country athletes in Polk county began in 1999 with one $500 award. The number of awards and the amount per scholarship has grow since then and this year, we were able to again present five $1200.00 scholarships.

Three of these scholarships are named after supporters of Capital Striders:

1. Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa.

2. Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.

3. Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

For the third year in a row we have been able to offer an additional scholarship, named for Kinetic Edge, for donated additional scholarship funds. Special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Striders member.

The 2019 Capital Striders Scholarship Winners are:

Dave Hurd Scholarship: Kate Snodgrass, Valley High School. College, undetermined.

Chuck Jipp Scholarship: Helen Gould, Valley High School. Planning to attend the University of South Dakota.

Stan Smith Scholarship: Noah Mable, Urbandale High School. Planning to attend Iowa State University.

"Kinetic Edge" Scholarship: Paige Blackford, Southeast Polk High School. Planning to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Capital Striders Scholarship: Ben Russell, Roosevelt High School. Planning to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Board of Directors Election 2019

As we approach the 2019 Capital Striders Annual Meeting and Dinner (March 22), we will have three open positions on the Board of Directors. We also have three current Board members (Rajesh Chalamalasetti, Kristy Cain, and Kristin Adkins) who are up for re-election. Voting this year will be held at the meeting.  You must be a current Capital Strider’s member to vote and your membership number will be required.

This year we have six fine candidates running to fill the three open Board positions. We asked them to answer a few questions to help you get to know them.   (Candidates are listed in no particular order.) Here are their answers:

Candidate 1: YURI FEDIRKO

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? 

I’d be interested in membership, club races, social functions, and bookkeeping/financials. Really, I'd be happy to help where there is need.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board? 

Professional experience: Accounting, Financial Analysis, Internal Audit, and Project Management. Foreign Languages: Fluent in German, Russian, and Ukrainian

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? 

I have been a Capital Striders member since late 2017. I participated in races, training runs and events organized by Capital Striders.


4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I grew up in Ukraine and immigrated to the U.S. in 2007. I work at John Deere Financial (JDF) in Johnston since January 2008. Most of this time I worked in the Accounting Department, interrupted by a 2.5-year stint in Internal Audit. In my current role, as an Oracle EPM system administrator I support monthly financial reporting and budgeting processes, lead system maintenance and system development projects.

I jogged and played soccer all my life, but I really discovered distance running for myself about 3 years ago, when I decided to explore my limits in the marathon. I love the sport and keep educating myself on it continuously.

My wife and I live in Des Moines, south of the Waterworks Park.

5.  If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

If I were an ice cream flavor, it would be a mix of hazelnuts, vanilla, and cherry. Strong nutty tones would certainly come as no surprise to people who know me well. I can put a very significant effort into things that I am really passionate about, to the point that some would only shake their heads. Vanilla is simple and universally popular, a "friendly" addition in almost every mix. This fits my nature when I find myself in social situations.  I like to meet people and listen to what they have to say. Finally, cherry - bright, tart and packed with antioxidants - underlines my personal quest for natural healthy choices in life, even in ice cream!

Candidate 2: SUSANNE KENNEDY

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? 

I would love to help out with training runs, track night and the social functions and would love to help with bookkeeping/financials and whatever else is needed.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board? 

 I am not sure if I have special skills but I think I can be helpful in many areas.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past? 

I have been a member for a while and participate in the Saturday morning runs, Track night and run with the Turkeys. I Have volunteered on many occasions and won the 2017 volunteer award.

4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

 I work in Insurance, its Des Moines, the insurance capital after all ;)   and actually like what I do even though I would love more time of to go run and travel. I have been running for about 8 years and have raced distances from 1 Mile to 50 Miles and enjoy both running on the roads and on the trails. I also love running while on vacation and hardly take a trip that doesn't include a race of some sort. I ran the Amsterdam Marathon in October and the Reykjavik Marathon in 2017. I live with my 2 cats and usually have some extra cats at my house that I foster for Furry Friends Refuge. I also volunteer for various other organizations in town.

5.  If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

 I took some quizzes and all came back with something different, I guess I will go with Vanilla, you get what you get, no surprises!

Candidate 3: STEVE BOBENHOUSE

1. What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?

I've done in the past - membership, scholarship, equipment, club races, newsletter/social media, social functions, training runs, etc...

2. What special skills would you bring to the Board?

See above, lots of experience

3. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

Helped put the club together

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I've been running since middle school, ran T&F in high school & college. Ran in the Drake relays. Ran marathons but hated it. Slow a molasses now. Been a race director for 35 years. Helped put on races for 40 years. Worked in design and development for Saucony. Consulted for Nike, Saucony, Adidas. Taught footwear class at DMU Podiatry school for 20 years. IOWA USA T&F XC Chair.

5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

Plain old vanilla. I can be mixed with most anything.

Candidate 4: SHANNON HAUS

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? 

I would like to focus on scholarship, club races and/or contribute to some group runs as long as they are out in the Ankeny, Iowa area.


2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board?

I have been in education for 13 years teaching all grades as well as college level.  I work well with people, promote a positive atmosphere, and encourage others to achieve to the best of their abilities given their often-busy schedules. I am a motivator by nature.  I have helped several people set up training schedules to fit their busy lifestyles. I have also coached middle school track in the past I have worked with students applying for scholarships where I teach and really enjoy watching younger people develop athletically as well as educationally. 

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

I have led many group runs for the CS Turkey group.  I also volunteer regularly at Booneville Backroads Ultra on behalf of the Turkeys.


4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I have been in education for 13 years, have managed a small business since 1997, have a wonderful wife and four kids ages 12-18, have a B.S. in Public Administration, a Masters in Public Administration, a State of Iowa teaching license to teach just about every subject in middle school and lower, have taught both special education and currently teach TAG kids, am currently working on a second Masters in School Counseling and live just outside of Ankeny, Iowa in the North Polk School District – whew! 

I am a mid-pack runner who is getting better all of the time.  I primarily run ultramarathons but occasionally will run a marathon.  Last year I finished my first 100 mile race at Kettle Moraine 100 in Wisconsin and completed a very difficult mountain 100K race called Never Summer in Colorado (13000 feet of elevation gain, hail, snow in the summer, etc. – 11, 500 max elevation – very little oxygen- tough race).  I have run Booneville 100K, Hawkeye 50K, Des Moines Marathon twice, and host of smaller 5K-50K distance races. I contribute many of my finishes to the help and advice of many Striders members. 


5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

If I were an ice cream flavor, I would be chocolate swirl.  I have learned through hard training cycles for 100 mile/ 100K races that neither training nor life travels in a straight line.  Training and life is seldom a straight line from point A to point B but rather, it swerves.  A training block may get side tracked because of a work issue or a sick kid, your long run may turn into a spring on a treadmill because of hazardous weather or a time crunch to get your children to an event, and you may have to do your training runs on little sleep because you want to spend your waking hours with your family so, your training runs occasionally may seem slow and sluggish.  Nevertheless, if you stick to it, rebound and continue forward you will reach your destination.  The way will not always be linear, but it will be sweet!

Candidate 5: S. DAVID PULLARA

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? 

I'd like to help organize training runs, especially for the Turkeys if that need hasn't already been met. I'd be happy to help organize volunteer coordination though it would be very helpful if I could work with/learn from someone with a lot of experience.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board?

I do my best to be helpful. I'm a good follower and enjoy collaboration. I think I'm a good leader too, however, my personal philosophy is to not "take control/command" -- maybe I'm not understanding leadership but it feels wrong to me assert one's will over others in that way. The best example that comes to mind is from an episode of Star Trek: TNG where the crew temporarily lost memory of their roles on the ship. I appreciated the way Captain Picard offered well-reasoned suggestions on their best course of action as opposed to Worf who was more dominant in trying to lead. IMHO, the best leaders lead by example.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

I've been a Striders member for 3 years and have participated in and volunteered at races.

4.  Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I came to Iowa from Massachusetts about 7 years ago to be with my better half, Kimberly Graham. By day I'm a software engineer, by night... I'm sleeping.

I work for Banno, a division of Jack Henry & Associates. It's a great company that truly lives by their guiding principles: Do the Right Thing, Do Whatever it Takes, Have Fun. I started running regularly just over 5 years ago and am continuing the journey to better health and fitness. I'm very thankful to the Capital Striders community, and particularly the Turkeys, for being such a welcoming group.

I'm not religious, yet I strongly believe in fairness and social justice. I try to help those less fortunate than myself though I know I can do more. Unfortunately, I make mistakes. I do my best to learn from them and do better.

5.  If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

Maple Walnut because I'm Canadian and a little nutty. Well, maybe more than a little.

Candidate 6: DAVE CARIS

1. What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?

I would be happy to serve the Striders Board and members in any capacity the Board sees fit. The areas that appeal most to me, and for which my experience lines up, would be bookkeeping/financials, social functions and club races.

2. What special skills would you bring to the Board?

I have extensive experience in running and racing that spans 40 years and am very familiar with the Capital Striders and the training runs and races they coordinate each year.

3. How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?

I first joined the Capital Striders about seven years ago after a long absence from running and racing. I have participated in countless training runs, many Striders races and several annual meetings and social functions during that period of time.

4. Tell us about yourself - work, family, running experience, civic activities - anything you would like people to know.

I am currently the CEO of the Community Bankers of Iowa Association. Prior to that I had a 30 year career with MidAmerican Energy Company serving as VP of government affairs and VP of corporate communications before retiring in 2016. I am married to Hallie Still-Caris, an attorney at the Nyemaster Law Firm, and have two grown children.

I lettered in track and cross country at Iowa State University in the late 80s and early 90s and ran five marathons during that period. After about a 30 year break from running and racing, the Capital Striders inspired me to make a comeback about seven years ago. Since that time I have competed in nine more marathons and countless half marathons and shorter races. Among my proudest accomplishments are qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon in 1980 and 36 years later in 2016.

I have chaired and/or served on the following boards: Greater Des Moines Partnership; Downtown Community Alliance (chair); Iowa Business Council Deputy Committee (chair); Junior Achievement of Central Iowa (chair); Salisbury House and Gardens, Riverfront Development Authority, Roosevelt High School Foundation (chair); Roosevelt High School Rider Club (chair); Iowa Taxpayers Association; Central Iowa Taxpayers Association; and, Wakonda Club.

I am passionate about running and know first-hand the significant benefits of running with groups such as the Capital Striders. There is no question that I could not have reached several goals (that seemed impossible) over the past several years without the Capital Striders! And, the best part is I developed many cherished friendships along the way that will last a lifetime!

5. If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be, and why?

Rocky Road. Getting and staying in shape can be a rocky road. Also, I prefer running on gravel to hard surfaces because it’s easier on the joints.

2018 Scholarship Winners

Capital Striders scholarship program for high school cross-country athletes in Polk county began in 1999 with one $500 award.  The number of awards and the amount per scholarship has grow since then and this year, we were able to again present five $1200.00 scholarships.

Three of these scholarships are named after supporters of Capital Striders:
1. Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa.
2. Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.
3. Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

For the second year in a row we have been able to offer an additional scholarship, named for Kinetic Edge, for donated additional scholarship funds.  Special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Striders member.

The 2018 Capital Striders Scholarship Winners are:

Alexandra (Alex) Robran - Kinetic Edge Scholarship
Duncan Kyhl - Stan Smith  Scholarship
Claire Wubben - Capital Striders Scholarship
Isabel Buchanan - David Hurd Scholarship
Kelsey Lyons - Chuck Jipp Scholarship

A few highlights about each student:

Alex Robran graduated from Ankeny High School and plans to attend University of Minnesota Duluth this fall.  While in high school she participated in cross country, track, marching band, student council, show choir and National Honor Society.

Duncan Kyhl graduated from Dowling Catholic and plans to attend Creighton University this fall.  While at Dowling he participated in cross country, hockey, lacrosse, track, choir and National Honor Society; and he was an Eagle Scout.

Claire Wubben graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School and plans to attend Baylor University this fall.  While in high school she participated in cross country, track, band, French club and National Honor Society.

Isabel Buchanan graduated from Roosevelt High School and plans to attend the University of Denver this fall.  While in high school she participated in cross country, track, soccer, Student Advisory Board, Iowa Youth Institute and 4H.

Kelsey Lyons graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School and plans to attend the University of Iowa this fall.  While in high school she participated in cross country, soccer, marching/jazz band, garden club, and Spanish club.

Board of Directors Election 2018

This Spring we have two fine candidates running for election to the Capital Striders Board of Directors.  They are Melinda Urick and Sandy Bowman.  We also have three current Board members (Jared Kroese, Brian Benjamin and Jason Kenyon) who are up for re-election. Voting this year will be by electronic ballot on April 20-23.  You must be a current Capital Strider’s member to vote and your membership number will be required.

We asked our two new candidates to answer a few questions to help you get to know them.   Here are their answers:
____________________

SANDY BOWMAN

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member? 
I would love to blend my expertise as a chiropractor with my decades of running experience to create educational programming that will benefit athletes and help them understand how running can be improved with taking care of their health.  Topics could range from nutrition, to injury prevention and recovery, to how to care for your body post-workout, among many others.  I think this is a great way to help club members hit their fitness goals and add value to the membership fee.  I would be very open to helping in any areas where I am needed.

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board?
I am a chiropractor and own my own private practice. As a business owner, I have developed a number of useful organizational and productivity related skills.  I am very goal-oriented and have intentionally developed my abilities in the areas of personal development, efficiency, team training, and communication.  I am a very open and warm person and I feel one of my greatest strengths is building strong interpersonal relationships. I am confident I can assist in the areas of planning and strategy as well as budget management and long-term vision of the Striders.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?
I have been a member for the past few years, although I think my membership lapsed when I was out with an injury.  I have participated in a few of the Saturday and Wednesday runs.  

4.  Tell us about yourself - anything you would like people to know.
I have always been athletic and have been running since I was 16 years old.  I joined the cross-country team, then ran one year in college before I got burned out and quit.  I was on and off for several years, but always went back to it.  I was always a shorter distance runner, averaging around three miles a few times per week.  When I moved to Iowa ten years ago, I saw Dam2Dam and decided to try it.  I was hooked and started running longer distances and doing triathlons.  I got into biking and someone on my RAGBRAI team said I should do a marathon.  My reaction was strongly negative that I decided I needed to do it!  I completed two and decided I prefer the half distances for several reasons, so I’m focused on that. Health and fitness are huge passions of mine, so I focus on living a balanced, healthy life-style. I work out at OrangeTheory Fitness three days per week, then run 6-10 miles with my running group of friends every Saturday.  
    I am originally from Louisiana, but after chiropractic college my wife, Angela, and I decided to move to Iowa to be close to our family. I have four nephews and a niece in Iowa, all between 2 and 12 years old, which keeps us very busy!  Angela and I do not have children of our own, so we focus on being great aunts, which is very fun.  We have two cats, two dogs, and a bird, our own little zoo that keeps life at home interesting for sure.  I opened my practice here in June of 2007 and absolutely love my work.  I love helping my patients understand the benefits to moving their body well and using less medications.  
    I am involved in a few groups within HealthSource, including serving on the Franchise Advisory Council and participating in an internal Master Mind, which focuses on both personal and professional development.  These are both great opportunities as they allow me to learn from highly successful people and also have an influence on how the franchise develops over time.  My Master Mind experience is particularly valuable to me because I have focused heavily on personal development over the past 10 years, which has helped me grow and develop into a person I would hardly have recognized 10 years ago!  
In the past, I volunteered as the Special Olympics coordinator at Parker College of Chiropractic, which was very rewarding.  I am looking forward to mentoring a young girl through the Girls on the Run program this year.  Our office does a lot of money donation, toy drives, back pack drives, coat drives, and that sort of thing, but I want to elevate my level of giving my giving my time to something I am passionate about. Volunteering is something I have identified as a gaping hole in my life, so I see working with the Striders as an opportunity to give back to the community.  

5.  If you had to run a race in a costume, what costume would you choose? (And why.)
If I had to run a race in costume, I would run in a body suit that won’t cause me to chafe!  Maybe one of those cool outfits that shows all of the muscles – then I could educate runners as I pass them on what muscles help with given strides. Ideally, however, I wouldn’t normally dress in costume. I love dressing up for holidays and being silly in my office and with my patients, but I don’t love running in costume.  Well, to be honest, I can’t even say I don’t love it because the most I have ever done is wear a tutu!  It’s not necessarily that I’m opposed to running in costume, I think it could be a lot of fun, I’m just afraid of chafing and blisters!
___________

MELINDA URICK

1.  What area(s) of the club would you focus on as a Board Member?  
I'd like to help out with races (promotion/planning), newsletter and social media, and/or social functions. But happy to fill in where help is needed!

2.  What special skills would you bring to the Board?
I have professional (and volunteer/non-profit) experience with web copywriting, blogging, social media and newsletter/digital marketing. I also have experience promoting race events.

3.  How have you been involved with the Capital Striders in the past?
I've been a member of the club for 2 years (since moving to Iowa). I join for weekly Striders or Turkeys runs, and I participated in To Grandmother's House, Sycamore 8, and Capital Pursuit the last two years. This past summer, I also volunteered as a "trail buddy" with Des Moines Parks & Recreation trail run series partnership with the Turkeys.

4.  Tell us about yourself - anything you would like people to know.
I'm a full-time graduate student, working on my master's degree in sport psychology. I moved to Iowa two years ago with my husband and three cats. I run on both roads and trails. I love winter (and winter running)! I've completed 14 half marathons, 4 marathons, and 1 ultra (50k); I'm currently training for Drake half marathon. I'm about to start my first season coaching for Girls on the Run, and have previously volunteered with their organization as a running buddy. Fun fact: I played roller derby for 6 years.

5.  If you had to run a race in a costume, what costume would you choose? (And why.)
I ran a half marathon in Ohio where a guy was dressed as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. He was having so much fun and you couldn't help but laugh when you saw him. I get so much joy when racing is fun like that. It was a great stand-out costume - and I love marshmallows, so why not? :)

Thank you for the past 6 years!!!!!

There is a good chance I may get emotional while conveying this message, so it's probably best that I'm hiding behind the computer right now and that I didn't give this message during the 2018 Capital Striders dinner a couple of weeks ago. Here we go...

What an amazing ride the past 6 years has been for me. I'm not new to the Central Iowa running scene, but I became more aware of what the Striders were about 7 years ago from a co-worker who just happened to be on the Striders board. She told me that the club was looking for someone to work on coordinating the Saturday morning training runs and asked if I'd like to do it. I have a REALLY hard time saying no, so I took on the challenge. What I never thought about was how much that one task of setting up water was going to change my outlook on this community. 

As someone who didn't grow up as a runner, I didn't know the camaraderie that can be developed when spending hour after hour of putting one foot in front of the other together. My desire to run once I started losing weight, was for me to show how much of a badass I truly was. I was doing it all for me. I didn't understand the purpose of the club at first...let's just say I was naive and thought everyone was just a bunch of speedsters...but the people that I've been surrounded with have shown me grace, encouragement and friendship that I will never forget and made me realize that this club isn't just to help people be better runners, but to help the community around us to be a greater place to live.

A lot of people look at what we do as just beating ourselves up, but this club means so much more to the greater community. Being on the board has shown me that we need to take care of our community. During the past 6 years, we've done that and put ourselves into a position of making sure that we take care of this community for generations to come. From scholarships, to donating used shoes and clothing to the homeless shelters, to donating food, to donating funds to local track clubs, to paying for community betterment projects, to donating to take care of our dirt trail system, to creating an environment where kids as young as 5 can learn to appreciate the outdoors...I'm proud to have served this community. 

I don't have enough space to thank everyone who I've been able to work with on the board over the past 6 years. I have to thank Bobbi Snodgrass publicly for asking me to consider jumping on the board. That was a very stressful decision that I had to make, but I'm glad I made it. Thanks to Mike McGinn who was such a great mentor for me during my two years as President. Thanks to the board members from 2012 for trusting me enough to allow me to take on a race (Sycamore 8) that was on it's way to shutting down and giving me the chance to grow it to a nearly 300 runner race. I have formed some of the most amazing friendships on this board. I would thank all of you individually, but I'm not dying and I'll tell you in person :)

Most importantly, thank you to you as the community for embracing me. For allowing me to serve on your board of directors. This club isn't mine. It's the 700 others who pay their membership, donate their time to serving other runners, who show up to the races and spread the love of our events. Thanks to the parents who brought their kids out to the youth trail days. We are setting something up to where the club will be able to offer these clinics to keep kids on the trails. Of all of the things that I've done, this is where I hope my legacy lives. The trails mean so much to me. The solitude of being in the woods is amazing and I hope that we can continue to share this love with generations to come.

I can't begin to thank you enough for what you have all done for me and my family. I love you all and I know that we'll see each other all of the time. Even though my time on the board has come to an end, please continue to reach out to me. You all know how much I love to talk running....and talk about cutoff jean shorts :)

All the best in this upcoming year and I'll see you on the roads and trails

Stay Strong, Run Long

Brad Dains

Instagram | Twitter | My Personal Blog | Booneville Backroads

I am capable of anything.

As a child, I was never very athletic.  Always a bit chunky, typically picked last at any game in gym class.  I did have a brief time as an adult where I was more into fitness, but I let life get in the way.  I stopped going to the gym, going for walks or doing anything active.  That all changed January 6th, 2016.  My work place was having a weight loss competition, and I decided that would be the perfect motivation to get me started.  I stepped on the scale that morning and saw 315 pounds.  I wish I could say I was surprised, but I wasn’t.  I knew I had gotten big, I just didn’t realize exactly how big.  I vowed then and there on that scale that I would NEVER see a 3 in the beginning again.  
     I knew the basics of losing weight: eat less, move more.  So I did just that.  I changed my eating habits and started working out.  I started with the elliptical.  30 minutes at the easiest setting was enough to get a good sweat going.  After 2 months of elliptical training, I decided I wanted to give running a try.  
After some reading, I found the 5K101 Podcast and got started.  With all the snow on the ground, I was stuck indoors.  I hated the treadmill, still do.  Until the snow melted, I used the hallways at school.  A lovely short loop, 3 times a week.  Several weeks later, it was finally warm enough to melt the snow outside, so I laced up my shoes and took the podcast outside.
     My first race was the Run with the Police 5K.  I hardly remember the run, but I do remember the immense feeling of pride for finishing the race.  I did several more 5Ks throughout the year, getting faster each time.
    My longest race of 2016 was the Des Moines IMT Mercy Live up Loop.  The feeling of pride at the finish line is indescribable.  I decided my next goal: run the Des Moines IMT Half Marathon.
    I registered in April and began training shortly thereafter.  With some guidance from fellow runners (Thanks Sally and Brad!) I decided to follow the Marathoning for Mortals plan.  I knew there would be some weeks I would need to repeat and some weeks where life would get in the way, so I figured starting early couldn’t hurt.
    As I increased my distance, I began looking for longer races to keep my runs interesting.  I found the Run to Exile 10K and registered for it.  Who wouldn’t want a free beer at the end of a race??  A few weeks before the race, I looked at the previous year’s race results and noticed that the person who finished last the year before was a bit faster than my current pace.  It hit me: I am likely to finish last in this race.   I’ve always been at the back of the pack, but I’ve never been LAST.  The sense of panic grew in my stomach: What if they closed the course?  What if I couldn’t finish?  Would someone say something to me?  Would the water stations still be there when I passed?  Would there still be free beer left?
    Race day came and I felt more at peace with being last.  I knew I would finish, I just didn’t know the answer to any of my other questions.  The course follows mostly sidewalks with a few street crossings.  I could manage that if I had to on my own.
    The first few miles followed the 5K course, so I had company.  The group split and off I went.  A group passed me shortly after the split and I figured that would be it.  Around mile 4, I got my answer.  Two Des Moines EMT’s on a Gator came past me.  I continued on and saw them again, waiting for me under a tree and coming past me a few minutes later, each time giving me the thumbs up.  All of the water stations were still there, waiting for me with cups full and arms out.  When I came to the last street crossing, there were still police directing traffic, allowing me a safe cross.  As I approached the finish line, a small group of people were cheering for me and it was announced that the final finisher was coming in.  The patio cheered and clapped.  I found out later the directors had decided to wait for me to come in before doing the awards ceremony, announcing that I would be arriving shortly and they would wait.  I didn’t win any awards, but the feelings of pride and joy were enough.
    The half marathon day finally arrived and I felt nervous and excited all over again.  I knew I should be able to finish, I had completed two 10 mile runs, one being the Capital Pursuit race.  Looking at the previous year’s race results, I knew I wouldn’t be last, or even close to last.  The course was open for 8 hours.  My “A Goal” was to finish in 3 hours and 15 minutes, since I started my journey at 315 pounds.  My “B Goal” was to finish in the same day I started.  I knew I would hit one!
    The start line was more packed than I was used to.  I felt like a fish swimming upstream trying to get towards the back of the corral.  The gun went off and I was off.  The first few miles  felt great.  I was keeping the pace I needed to maintain my goal.  About halfway through the race, I started to not feel well.  I pushed through.  I fell behind on pace, but I continued.  The miles seemed to drag on.  As I came around the corner in Gray’s Lake, my spirits were lifted.  My dad and step-mom were waiting for me, holding a sign and cheering.  It was just the lift I needed to keep going.
    At mile 12, the emotions started hitting me:  the pride of being able to finish such a big goal, the disappointment of not making my A goal, the exhaustion of running 13.1 miles, the joy of being able to check the race off my bucket list and many others.  All of the emotions came to a head as I crossed the finish line and received my medal.  
    Throughout my running and weight loss journey, I have learned that I am capable of anything I put my mind to.  I continue to be amazed as what my body can do.  I have gone from over 300 pounds, barely able to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath to 235 pounds and able to complete a half marathon.  I can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey brings.

Want to follow along?  Follow me, Becky Wilson, on Instagram at @315to199 for more running and weight loss related posts!