My Profile

@GoRunGolf

Bettendorf, IA Raving since 2018 50 States hopeful/finisher, 100 Half Marathons Club, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher, Seven Continents Club Active 1 month ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Cornbelt Running Club, NYRR

  • Rave race:

    NYC Marathon, Disney Dopey Challenge

  • Race that's calling my name:

    Kiawah Island Marathon

  • I run because:

    I run because it is the best gift I can give to myself and to my family.  Running is my physical/heart healthy/mental/brain/spiritual/ way of connecting me to my body.  I am a runner in the rain.  I am a runner in the snow and wind.  I am a runner in the scorching heat.  I am a runner.

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (4)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 13, 2019 4:26:14
Half Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 22, 2019 1:55:33
7 Miler Davenport, IA Jul 28, 2018 1:08:00
5K Two Harbors, MN Jun 22, 2019 35:15

Future Races (3)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Marathon Knoxville, TN Apr 6, 2024
Marathon Arlington, VA TBD
Marathon Idaho Falls, ID TBD

Past Races (58)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Mesa, AZ Feb 10, 2024 2:09:23
Half Marathon Phoenix, AZ Nov 21, 2020
Half Marathon Vancouver, Canada Aug 15, 2020
7 Miler Davenport, IA Jul 25, 2020
5K Two Harbors, MN Jun 20, 2020
Half Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 20, 2020
Half Marathon Phoenix, AZ Nov 23, 2019
Half Marathon Indianola, IA Nov 2, 2019
Half Marathon Harpers Ferry, IA Oct 12, 2019
5 Mile Bettendorf, IA Sep 2, 2019
Half Marathon Vancouver, Canada Aug 17, 2019 2:27:00
7 Miler Davenport, IA Jul 27, 2019
Half Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 22, 2019 1:55:33
5K Two Harbors, MN Jun 22, 2019 35:15
Half Marathon Galesburg, IL Jun 2, 2019 1:55:59
Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 13, 2019 4:26:14
Half Marathon Lake Ozark, MO Mar 30, 2019 2:01:16
Half Marathon Naples, FL Feb 17, 2019 2:02:47
Half Marathon Dubuque, IA Jan 19, 2019 2:45:00
Marathon Staten Island, NY Nov 4, 2018
Half Marathon Vancouver, Canada Sep 22, 2018 2:14:00
Half Marathon Clinton, IA Sep 9, 2018 2:17:00
7 Miler Davenport, IA Jul 28, 2018 1:08:00
Half Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 16, 2018 2:16:43
Half Marathon Indianapolis, IN Jun 10, 2018
5K Galesburg, IL Jun 3, 2018
5K Rock Island, IL May 13, 2018
Half Marathon May 6, 2018 2:31:51
Dopey Challenge (48.6 Miles) Lake Buena Vista, FL Jan 7, 2018
Marathon Staten Island, NY Nov 5, 2017 5:01:39
5K New York, NY Nov 4, 2017
5K Milwaukee, WI Oct 15, 2017
Half Marathon Milwaukee, WI Oct 15, 2017
Marathon Chicago, IL Oct 8, 2017 5:13:00
5K Chicago, IL Oct 7, 2017
Half Marathon Clinton, IA Sep 10, 2017
Half Marathon Vancouver, Canada Aug 12, 2017 2:08:18
Half Marathon Arnolds Park, IA Jul 15, 2017
Half Marathon Storm Lake, IA Jun 10, 2017
Half Marathon Galesburg, IL Jun 4, 2017
Half Marathon Raleigh, NC Apr 2, 2017
Half Marathon New York City, NY Mar 19, 2017
Dopey Challenge (48.6 Miles) Lake Buena Vista, FL Jan 8, 2017
Half Marathon Rock Island, IL 2017
Half Marathon Naperville, IL 2017
Marathon Staten Island, NY Nov 6, 2016 5:57:00
Half Marathon Columbus, OH Oct 16, 2016
5K Clinton, IA Sep 11, 2016
Half Marathon Vancouver, Canada Aug 13, 2016
Half Marathon Madison, WI Jun 26, 2016
Half Marathon Le Claire, IA May 21, 2016 2:20:00
Half Marathon Las Vegas, NV Apr 10, 2016
Half Marathon Key West, FL Jan 17, 2016 2:53:00
Half Marathon Rock Island, IL 2016
Half Marathon Indianapolis, IN Nov 7, 2015
Half Marathon Clinton, IA Sep 13, 2015
Half Marathon Moline, IL Sep 28, 2014
10K Clinton, IA 2014

My Raves

Organization for parking was atrocious. It was a total mess. The race started late due to the inefficiencies of the parking situation. Thought I was going to miss the race, … MORE

Organization for parking was atrocious. It was a total mess. The race started late due to the inefficiencies of the parking situation. Thought I was going to miss the race, and was at the parking corrall 2 hours prior to start time. My gear check was ‘lost.’ Someone else found it, thankfully. The ‘scenery’ of Mesa was not good. In fact some areas felt a little scary. The burger at the finish was nonexistent, the line was so long there was no way I’d ever wait in it. For an established race, it sure felt as though total newbies were holding the reigns. I left thankful for the gift of running and ability to move my body. I wouldn’t repeat this race, I certainly wouldn’t travel for it. This was half marathon number 51 for me, so I have been around the block and the country with racing experience.

DIFFICULTY
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This race is super challenging. Rolling hills, gravel/dirt road for several miles. The trade off is gorgeous scenery and a nice finisher medal. The post race party was non-existent. When … MORE

This race is super challenging. Rolling hills, gravel/dirt road for several miles. The trade off is gorgeous scenery and a nice finisher medal. The post race party was non-existent. When I finished everything had been eaten and drank, not even a cup of coffee to be had. Fortunately my family accompanied me and brought money so I could get a hot drink at a coffee shop down the street. What a bummer. This was a one and done for me!

DIFFICULTY
5
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2
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5
SWAG
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2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

This year I decided to go for the Great Grandma’s Challenge up in Duluth at the Grandma’s Marathon races. It was so much fun😍 My husband and I ran together … MORE

This year I decided to go for the Great Grandma’s Challenge up in Duluth at the Grandma’s Marathon races. It was so much fun😍 My husband and I ran together as a fun run, and not race it, as I was racing the half marathon the next (early!) morning. The race begins and ends in front of the area where packer pickup is, so that is a plus to be so convenient to the expo and the pasta party! Parking was easy for us, but it is extremely congested downtown. We pulled into the last spot at a small parking area off to the side, and then the barricades went up to block traffic for the race. Side note- you do have to pay for parking everywhere, but they do accept cards at the public lots.
The race started late because there was a blockage on the railroad tracks from a pizza delivery train. While funny, it only lasted about 5 minutes. They tried their best to send off the runners in waves to alleviate the congestion of the race. The course is super narrow. It was hard to get to the appropriately timed area as everything is blocked off and there are just tons of people.

The 5k has some rough spots of gravel. I have fallen on gravel and that terrain always makes me nervous. Lots of winding around during the race also. The wind was whipping through and really cooled us down from our workout sweat! Note it was never hot, it was about the perfect temp.
There was chocolate milk, peanut butter Clif bars of some sort(I’m allergic so that was a bummer) and waters at the end.
The swag was a nice short sleeved tech shirt in a brilliant blue, and for doing the half marathon the next day, I received an awesome windbreaker jacket!
When I return in 2020, I will definitely register for the great grandma’s challenge again and enjoy these back to back races!

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1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Get ready for amazing scenery, perfect weather, amazing race vibes and a fun after party! Duluth brings a heavy hitter with their famous Grandma’s Marathon. I ran the Garry Bjorklund … MORE

Get ready for amazing scenery, perfect weather, amazing race vibes and a fun after party! Duluth brings a heavy hitter with their famous Grandma’s Marathon. I ran the Garry Bjorklund half and it is a smooth operation. The porta potties stretch out at the start for a half mile plus. But they are still packed!!! This is the one flaw of the race. Make sure you get in line for one right away. The coolest thing is you can hear the waves crashing from Lake Superior as you use the potty. Which is a nice unadvertised feature.
The race has huge balloons at every mile marker, yellow for the full and green for the half. Little cheerleaders in the sky, cheering you on to the next balloon and eventually the finish.
I ran the great grandma’s challenge and ran the 5k the night before. It was smooth, beautiful and a fun race. We received a nice high quality jacket for doing the challenge. I also ate at the Michellina’s all you can eat past dinner at the race expo. It was good food and convenient! Make sure you go to the expo on Thursday if you like to buy any race gear. By Thursday evening the hats and other long sleeve branded merchandise was completely sold out.

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2
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5
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5
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5
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

This race is usually hot, relatively flat and fun. The after party is probably the best part! There are a lot of food vendors and tons of beer. When I … MORE

This race is usually hot, relatively flat and fun. The after party is probably the best part! There are a lot of food vendors and tons of beer. When I ran the half, they gave me 12 tokens to spend at the after party. Michelob Ultra was 2 tokens a can, nachos were 2 tokens, hot dogs 2
Tokens, and cookies were 1. They have a shaded tent set up with a cover band playing.
The course was short this year, due to a volunteer not setting the cones in the proper place at an out and back. Otherwise the mile splits were perfect. There are not a lot of spectators on the course. It does heat up toward the end, running directly into the sun.. on fresh blacktop.. with no shade cover. But it certainly builds good character, and you know what’s waiting for you at the end🤗

DIFFICULTY
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1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I loved this race! The expo was quaint and friendly. One unique aspect is a hot printing press at the expo, to customize your purchased race gear! I have never … MORE

I loved this race! The expo was quaint and friendly. One unique aspect is a hot printing press at the expo, to customize your purchased race gear! I have never seen that, through all of my travels. I bought a 1/2 zip, finisher muscle tank and a head band. The race itself started right on time, and parking was plentiful @ the Garmin Headquarters. The elevation aspect of the race could be challenging if you don’t train hills (900 feet total elevation gain- mostly on the back half of the marathon). The cheer stations were sparse at the end, but you’re running with your heart at that point. The finisher medals are top notch. There was also massage at the finish. One complaint is that by the time the marathoners finish, a lot of the post race amenities are gone. There were no pickles or margaritas. Next year, I will return to run the half marathon, and see what experience that is.

DIFFICULTY
3
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My Media

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Pack for everything and expect anything! This race was so much fun. Running in areas typically only traversed by vehicle was something special. 740+ feet of elevation gain, roaring winds … MORE

Pack for everything and expect anything! This race was so much fun. Running in areas typically only traversed by vehicle was something special. 740+ feet of elevation gain, roaring winds 40 mph+, gorgeous views and pelting rain. What a day and what a race! I am already registered for next year!
They provide the option of a tee or a ladies tank, which I LOVE- I will wear the tank again and again. There was a very nice finisher’s medal also. If you wanted a stocking cap- it was an extra $15, which I did purchase.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
3
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5
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3
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The race was a lovely change of weather, compared to the Polar Vortex of the north. The race has to change the route due to a golf championship that was … MORE

The race was a lovely change of weather, compared to the Polar Vortex of the north. The race has to change the route due to a golf championship that was occurring in the same area. My question is – as a race director, how do you not know that a huge event is happening that will affect your race? The course was moved to a soccer complex, and we ran 3 loops around this complex to come up with a half marathon distance. The course had some shade, but a lot of it was in direct sunlight- which makes it intense anywhere, but even more so in S Florida. As I crossed the finish line, my husband was waiting for me with the results. Mine were nowhere to be found. Apparently the chip on my bib was never activated. The good news is that they had the time I crossed the start and the time I crossed the finish due to some good video work, so they were able to get my time – but how disappointing to think after I ran a 6+ minute PR – that it wouldn’t even be recorded. The finish had nice medals (no date on them, which is frustrating- I really like the date on the medal). The finish Lin water had no ice and was hot, they had bagels with peanut butter (allergic) and bananas. I could have really used a beer😆 So we left. The finish chute was neat with music and a long line to come down and have your family cheer you on. Good, ample parking. Plenty of restrooms for this size of race at the start. The shirt selection was nice- I chose a tank top and wore it after the race. They also included a drawstring athletic backpack, and it has zippered compartments which I like too. Packet pickup was easy, and at a local running store. The running store had really good sales on their apparel and I stocked up! All in all a good experience – not great- but I was so happy to run in heat without snow, and to PR my half so early in the year!

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My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Be prepared for anything. It was -5 degrees, 5.5” of snow and windy the day I ran this half marathon. The trail was not plowed, and there was no traction … MORE

Be prepared for anything. It was -5 degrees, 5.5” of snow and windy the day I ran this half marathon. The trail was not plowed, and there was no traction or footing. The race directors were all nice, this was laid back and fun. The one discrepancy I found, is that on their website they stated that the top 5 males and females would be awarded with placing medals(no age groups). Which is fine, but when I was the 5th overall woman (and worked hard to pass 6 women on the back half of the race into blowing snow and wind), I was quite upset when only the FIRST place finishers for each gender were awarded. I was really looking forward to placing in a half marathon, but they did not follow through on their awards ceremony.

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4
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3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The Garry Bjorklund Half was my first race in Minnesota. My husband flew me into Duluth, into the cleanest and smallest airport. We went directly to the race expo and … MORE

The Garry Bjorklund Half was my first race in Minnesota. My husband flew me into Duluth, into the cleanest and smallest airport. We went directly to the race expo and I was pleasantly surprised! There were several vendors and booths set up, along with a humongous pasta party. My family and I ate there, and it was really good! I went to the expo on Friday, and sadly the majority of all race branded Lululemon gear was sold out. When I return in 2019 to run, we are going to get to the expo on opening day. Side note: we are going to use the race camping area and take our Winnebago, which should be exciting! The race itself was wayyyyy better than I could have imagined. The race temps dropped so low, I could see my breath during the last several miles. Perfect for a June race! There was so much crowd support!! I have such fond memories of running into the downtown once over and through the Lemon Drop Hill (which If you train hills, you won’t notice this speed bump😉). I loved the huge yellow balloons for the mile markers, there were so lovely hanging there in the sky, beckoning you to begin a new journey on this new and fresh mile you are entering. The finishers shirt was nice, a pretty bright sky blue with gender specific cuts. The medal was very high quality and actually featured the beautiful trees of Duluth. My medal had the paint chipping off of it- but when I reached out to the race after the fact, without hesitation they replaced it with a fresh medal with an intact logo and paint. It was extremely foggy and there was severe flooding the weekend I was there, so I can’t comment much on the view of the lake (as I did not ever get to fully see it!!). I will be back in 2019 to try this race again!

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My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This marathon is the race of all races. You will traverse all 5 boroughs of NYC, with 50,000+ of your new best runner friends. The wait at the start village … MORE

This marathon is the race of all races. You will traverse all 5 boroughs of NYC, with 50,000+ of your new best runner friends.
The wait at the start village is really a long wait. Bring clothing/bath towel/bath robe/blanket you can discard to the Goodwill bins at the start. With a late start time and losing an hour for the time change, you will get chilly at the end. Select the poncho for your race exit. It is weatherproof, warm and you walk about a mile less to exit the finish area (1/2 mile is cut out in each direction). Overall this is a very difficult marathon – train hills, hills and hills during your long run. You won’t be sorry that you did!!

DIFFICULTY
5
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5
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The volunteers seemed clueless. The course was ‘ok.’ It was so hot, Runners were vomiting mid stride and passing out. I will say that the pre race tent was amazing … MORE

The volunteers seemed clueless. The course was ‘ok.’ It was so hot, Runners were vomiting mid stride and passing out.
I will say that the pre race tent was amazing and worth every penny.

DIFFICULTY
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3
SCENERY
2
SWAG
2

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This is the best half marathon in North America! From the pre race activities, to the shopping, the town, to the race—- this is hands down my favorite race! MORE

This is the best half marathon in North America! From the pre race activities, to the shopping, the town, to the race—- this is hands down my favorite race!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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I live along this course, and run these routes all of the time. That being said, it’s super hot, on blacktop with no tree cover. Aid stations were sparse. You … MORE

I live along this course, and run these routes all of the time. That being said, it’s super hot, on blacktop with no tree cover. Aid stations were sparse. You will encounter a lot of headwinds. Start slow, you’re going to need the energy left in the tank. The course is long, the swag is next to none. You’re doing this race for the cause, because you’re local or for a good workout.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
2
SCENERY
3
SWAG
1

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