10k a.m. Iowan run

COVID-19, “The Rona Era”

Tis the holiday season. Monday was an all day fly day on own way to Fort Dodge Iowa for the week. I’m going to the “ homeland” with my Iowan for Christmas. In my packed luggage is my running gear for six days, of course. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to run for all six days but I would at least try. My first day of running was Dec. 22nd in Waterloo, Iowa. Monday and Tuesday were both travel and exploring days. Iowa is an hour before Massachusetts. I had to adjust to the time change and the darkness in the morning. Thou, I did bring my headlight just in case.

We traveled through northern Iowa and ended in Waterloo on Tuesday night. The best way to explore the city is running in the morning, my theory. Wednesday morning, I got up and ran throughout the city. The Cedar River divides the city in half. I ran across the river and through downtown Waterloo. I ran to the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum. I passed by the Silos and Smokestack Heritage Museum. I made a note to come back and visit. The only person running in the morning was me. I made sure to run with all the lights because I wasn’t sure where I was going. I did have on my reflector light. I passed by the police station, the jail, Christmas decorations, and bakers making their baked goods. After driving in Iowa for a day and seeing many Trump 2024 and Brandon signs, I was shocked and happy to see a black lives matter sign. I found a drag/gay bar. Parts of town, I could tell was new and others needed some renovation. I was pleasantly happy to see the sun rising over the river when I was running back to the hotel.

This was a good second run in Iowa. My first was state #39 for my second back to back run, the I-35 Challenge. I ran in Kansas City, Missouri and then drove to Des Moines , Iowa for two half marathons that weekend. Now, I ran a 10k in Waterloo. Also known as “ the Loo”.

Plus it felt so good to run and have some alone time after two days of not running and being surrounded by people.