Camp Dodge Trench Run 10K
August 13, 2023
Location: Camp Dodge Iowa
Start Time: 7:30am
Entry Fee: $40.00 ($43.85 with Fees)
Race Director: Anthony Loween - anthony.e.loween.mil@army.mil
Website: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/63520/trench-run


Race day had a high of 79 and a low of 66. A few raindrops during the race


After another late night at work, I hopped into bed around 3:30am and the alarm screamed in my ear at 5:45. Per usual, next to no sleep on race day, but thats the only choice I have with my job. We loaded up the car and headed over to moms house to grab her and some family that had come into town for the Iowa State Fair. Eventually, 10 of us were on the road headed to Camp Dodge but thanks to Google Maps, we almost didn’t make it to the race. A closed road only a few minutes from the destination had us make a pretty big loop out of our way but we arrived just 7 minutes before the gun. I retied my shoes and slapped on the bib that Ayrin and TJ picked up for me. I didn’t even have time for a warmup jog or much stretching and hoped that my first mile the guys would take it easy and I could warmup that way. Then out of nowhere a cannon blasted off and rumbled the pavement, it was awesome. We all took off - I believe there were 291 registrants. I was Bib 504. A young man took off hot wearing a skin tight under armor shirt and sweatpants. I’m guessing he wasn’t aware of the water or river crossings as sweatpants are a terrible idea. I was rocking my new Saucony Endorphin Edge Trail shoes, they felt wonderful throughout the entire race. Eventually, the lead pack was five of us. We had a few barriers to hop over and smoke bombs were going off with green and yellow smoke. Then boom boom boom, guns were firing everywhere - luckily they were just blanks, but it simulated running through a war zone and I was smiling ear to ear - it was so cool. There were soldiers everywhere cheering us on and pointing us in the right direction. Humvees, medic vehicles, APC’s, and even tanks were on the grounds. Eventually, we came into a building and were shoved out by a solider with a pad that is used for blocking kicks and punches. Then we arrived at another building where we had to carry a fire hose up the stairs through the building and then back down and perform some chest compressions on a dummy. At this point, Peter Rotich, Terry Kruse, Myself and one other runner are in the lead pack so I knew chances were good to be in the top three! I continued to run hard, running around 6:30-6:45 pace and blasted through the trenches and open fields. Eventually, we came to an area where they said hop in the water and head downstream. It never made it up to my waist and I was able to run most of the time, but running in water is exhausting. I loved it though because the water felt wonderful and the trail shoes held up perfectly on the loose gravel, sand and mud in the water. Unfortunately, my shoes/socks did fill up with some sand and gravel. Then we were running in some trails in the trees that had some decently steep hills with ropes if needed. Here I could tell that Peter had no intentions of slowing down and would be able to keep up with me throughout and once we got back to the pavement, I’d probably be in trouble. Sure enough, middle of the way through mile five, he passed me with his long stride and got about 20-30 seconds ahead. The soldiers lining the streets were yelling at me to catch him, so I gave it a shot, but recalled we had a big uphill to climb and I just didn’t have the juice so I left off since I couldn’t see anyone behind me. Peter finished in first 31 seconds ahead of me and I finished in 49:30 and Terry Kruse right behind me in 50:51. Terry ran a 40+ mile Ultra just a week ago so he was kind enough to run slow today. I believe it’s the first time I’ve ever finished ahead of him in a race. After a bottle of water and a few deep breaths, I was recovered and grabbed a nice shiny medal. A few minutes after that, TJ came strolling across the finish line at 1:00:52 and Ayrin finished at 1:04:36. I’m glad I was finally able to get this race on the books, it was a lot of fun and I’ll definitely do it again. Huge shoutout to all of the soldiers that let the kiddos explore all the vehicles, guns, and machinery! USA baby! Finished 2/291 and first in my age group. I won a nice custom wooden plaque, I’ll display it proudly 

Monroe 37th Annual Micro Marathon
August 5, 2023
Location: Monroe Iowa
Start Time: 8:00am
Entry Fee: $25.00 ($29.74 with Fees)
Race Director: 
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MAMM5K10K/


Race day had a high of 84 and a low of 68 and way too much sunshine. 


On race day, I woke up at 6:05 after leaving Shotgun Bettys around 3:30am. Luckily, Kaylee, Mom and the kids agreed to go to the race, so driving 50 minutes away on two hours of sleep wasn’t so dangerous. We rolled into town about 20 minutes before go-time while the townspeople were setting up for Old Settlers - a small carnival held in Prairie City and Monroe each year. After looking around, I estimated that there were probably just under 100 total runners for the day but hadn’t figured out the difference between the 5K and 10K runners. I always choose the 10K over the 5K so I can at least enjoy the race a bit - a 5K is over so quickly. A few days prior, I saw that a few fast guys from Team Runablaze would be there to crush the course. I saw Austin O’Brien and had no doubt in my mind that he’d win the race. Little did I know he was coming off an injury but this was his comeback race. Ironically, we were wearing the same shoes. Slime green Saucony Endorphin Elites - a few other runners had these on as well. Both groups started at 8:00am. Prior to the race starting, I asked if there would be a bike lead because I hadn’t memorized the course map but once I heard Team Runablaze was there, I knew I’d just need to follow the orange jerseys and I’d be fine. There were volunteers at every turn and the course was marked with chalk or paint to assure you were going in the right direction. Myself, along with Todd Haugen (53:06.02) and one other runner (I didn’t ask her name) supported the Fitness Sports jerseys. I’ve run with Todd many times, he’s always out grinding away race after race! For the most part, the course had a few rolling hills, though no major climbs and the roadways were filled with loose gravel, cracks and potholes. Since breaking my foot a few years ago during a race where I stepped in a pothole, I keep a close eye on the ground to assure it never happens again. After everyone started settling in, I was in 17th place and could tell that too many took off too hot and also realized the 5K runners did indeed have a different bib. I started picking off runners rather quickly and after two miles, I’d moved up to 9th place. I felt like most of the race, I was running directly into the sun. After the split for the 10K runners, I wasn’t sure how many were ahead of me but since it was an out and back, I knew I’d be able to count eventually. The girls at the water station were unfamiliar how to hold the cups and I actually dropped the cup, luckily, it wasn’t that hot, nor was I that thirsty so it was no big deal. Eventually, I saw Austin heading straight at me on the other side of the course just flying I then counted that there were six ahead of me and the likeliness of me catching any of them wasn’t too great though I thought I could get one of them! I kept grinding and had carried just under a 6:30 pace for the entire race which actually surprised me. I’d just run 58 miles 10 days prior during the Ames to Des Moines route of Ragbrai I felt good and knew that I had a chance to win my age group depending on the age of that tall bearded runner (John Rathje) that snuck ahead of me a while back. I was never able to catch him and found out he was 45 so I had to settle for 2nd place in the 40-49 age group and 6th overall. My finish time was 40:40, a time I was very happy with after just over a week of resting from my previous Ultra. The medal ceremony assured that all males, females and age groupers got some bling. Austin ended up setting the course record with a 33:25.21. Jake Potter won the 5K in 18:27. 

When I signed up for this challenge - I did it knowing there would be many obstacles in the way. Having two kids that already have a full schedule, a job, a wife, holidays and plenty of other things makes for a lot of planning ahead. Long story short, I made it work and have almost completed this crazy journey. I set a goal of raising $5,000 and reached that in 17 days. It's amazing how so many great people came together to like, share and forward my great cause. The wounded warriors deserve the help and I hope that the $5,000 we raised does some good. 

After 21 days into the run, we've completed 166.71 miles - that's the equivalent of running 6.3 marathons. I'm really looking forward to being done - with my approximate calculations, we have just under 40 miles to go. I've had the pleasure of running with a few different friends and family and will be running with the Chapins in their neighborhood on the 22nd. 

Once I'm completed with this challenge, I am going to take a few weeks off and then begin training for Ironman 70.3 that is on Fathers Day 2020. I'm about 95% sure Im going to sign up for the Booneville Backwoods 50k as well. It'll be tough but I really want to cross ULTRA off of my bucket list. 

Today, I'll be running near Viennas school and the Southeastern Border of Waukee. Everything North of University avenue is done. Everything west of Warrior Lane is done. Just gotta do the central and south and BOOM. Job finished. 

I'm reading a book called "Thank me for my service" by Mat Best. It's absolutely fantastic. Check it out. 

Thanks to my crazy schedule I'm exhausted. This weekend isn't going to help. Tonight, I go into work around 8pm. If all goes well, I'll be in bed by 3:30am. Then I am running the RCC Run the Woods 4mile race that has a pull-up competition at the end. For each pull-up, you remove 30 seconds from your overall race time. A lot of young cross country badasses run the race so I can't keep up with them, but I can do more pull-ups than anyone I know. I think I did 36 last year. I got a little bit derailed from training, but would love it if I could get to 30. 

Then after the race, I'm going to go to a wedding. Then straight from the reception to see Smile Empty Soul play at Leftys with Kenny. Unfortunately, work calls again so I"ll have to leave just a bit early and probably miss Bottom of a Bottle. When I wake up on Sunday, we're heading back to Shotgun Bettys to setup for Steven and Karinas wedding party only to leave a few hours later to head to Vienna's first 5k at Water Works with Girls on the Run. I'm excited for her. I'll be running it with her of course. Then back to Shotgun Bettys to bartend the wedding party. If all goes well - I'll be in bed at 8pm and sleep until about 10am the next morning. 

I'm now at 78.24 miles into #WaukeeWarriorRun - it's crazy what I'm doing. I still have drive and determination to get out everyday but I'm not going to lie, I'm ready to be done. I'm done with north of Hickman! My guess is that I'm almost 40% complete. We've already raised over $3200 for the Wounded Warrior Project so it's worth it. This blog is pretty cool. Gives me a good place to vent. Official party for the event will be December 1 at Global Brew. Hopefully everyone can show up to support such a great cause. Cheers.

We're still rockin' on the #WaukeeWarriorRun and have already run over 40 miles. I hope to get another 12-15 today. Thanks to my pal Kenny Hartzer, Worth Exteriors is jumping on board with a massive donation. I"m super pumped. Hope to meet up with them today to get it squared away. I'm almost done with the Northern and Western parts. Then I have Central, East, and a lot of the South. With 24 days to go, it'll be work but we can get it done. 

Thanks again to Ayrin, TJ and Jesse Johnson who have run with me so far. We have a handful of people lined up to run with me soon! 

Today, I worked on the Northeast corner of town. It was cold and rainy just like the first day, but I was actually really comfortable. Kaylee, Mom and Kenny came out to support and followed me around to take some pictures, videos and Kenny even broke out the drone. I hope to see some cool stuff in the next day or two! Tomorrow, once I take Hudson to school, I plan on going out and running more. I'm going to need every bit of the 27 days remaining unless I plan on doing 20 miles a day! 

After my run, Kenny and I stopped into Global Brew - the best Tap House in town and had a few beers and watched some football. 


Here is an awesome photo of me, Ayrin (National Guard) and TJ (Army) from day one after we finished our 10-miler. 

When I woke up today, the only thing on my mind was getting this run in the books. I knew it was going to be cold and rainy.  Because I don't get home from work until 3:00am on Friday mornings and then wake up at 6:45 to get the kids ready for school - I knew I was going to need a nap or two to get the energy needed to run on gravel in the middle of no where for a few hours. Luckily, my neighbor was able to take the girls to school today, so I got an extra hour right off the bat. Then, once I took my son to school, I got another two hours. Combined, I'm somewhere around 6 hours of sleep on the day. Ill call that a win. We decided that we would get to the starting point of 300th and T Avenue around 3:00pm rain or shine. I used my foam roller and did some stretching at the gym and got a little warmup on the stationary bike to get the legs ready to go. Not long before takeoff, I got a text from Army badass TJ Burns and says he'd like to get wet and cold. I thought it was awesome to have an actual veteran running with me on my first day. Once he showed up, he told me that one of the most awesome runners in the state - and his girlfriend - Ayrin would be running with us. Ayrin just finished up running 50 half marathons in 50 states. She's a savage and is active with the National Guard. So now I have to American badasses running with me. 

Though it was rainy and cold, I couldn't have asked for a better day. The total on the day ended up being 10.23 miles (1:40ish) - I never stopped the clock once we began. My wife and kids followed us along the way filming, cheering and taking photos of us out there doing what we love. During the run, a few donations came in. I couldn't have been more proud. At this point, we're sitting at $920.00 and today was only day one. That means we still have just over $4,000 to go, but I'm optimistic. Its going to take some work and a lot of miles but we'll get it done. Thanks to Polar, B-Bops, Clif Bar, and Global Brew Tap House and if you're reading - SAUCONY - the best shoes on the planet. 

​

Finally, after a few months of planning, today is the day. We’ve marked out quite a few routes for the #WaukeeWarriorRun

It is going to be cold, and rainy but a little adversity makes a challenge that much better. We’ve already raised over $800 and I haven’t even started running yet. Thanks to all that have donated.

Let’s do this for the Veterans!
go time.
​-Bruce

Hi. I’m new to blogging but figured this was the best way to get my thoughts out of my head! Once you finish a huge goal, you always want to know what is next. After a lot of thinking, I’ve decided to run every single mile of road in Waukee Iowa in hopes to raise some money for the badass veterans that make our country what it is. One of my favorite quotes is, “I run for those who can’t.” If I can raise a few bucks just from running - I’ll do it every time. I'm finishing up small details but will be posting on all social media accounts soon.

follow along with #WaukeeWarriorRun or @GoldMedalDad
​-Bruce