Iowa's Best Road Races

In a previous post I listed The Best Fun Runs In America.  I would love to run all of those races, but many of them take place hundreds of miles away from Iowa.  This motivated me to make up a new list of races that take place closer to home.  Hopefully someday soon I will be able to say I have run in each one of these races.

Dam to Dam
Iowa's Distance Classic.  This is probably Iowa's most popular race, so make sure to sign up early, as registration caps off at 8,000 and it tends to fill up quickly.  The Dam to Dam takes place in late-May/early-June.  This 20K run begins in the middle of Saylorville Dam and ends in downtown Des Moines.  The first half of the scenic route winds through the backroads of Iowa's countryside and the second half through the streets of downtown Des Moines.

I ran the Dam to Dam last year and it is my favorite race I've ever run.  The fun begins at packet pickup with lots of refreshments and entertainment.  Race day is filled with even more fun.  Every one is in great spirits and the course is filled with bright T-Shirts & signs with fun/clever sayings like "Where's the Dam finish line?"  Lot's of friends, family, and spectators come out to cheer the runners along the course.  But the real fun comes at the finish line with a big sense of accomplishment, refreshments, and a post-race party.

 Next year will mark the 35th annual Dam to Dam.  A 5K and youth run are also available.

www.damtodam.com

Living History Farms Off Road Race
Taking place at the end of November, this is a great way to end the race season.  The course treks across farm land on Iowa's famous live history outdoor museum.  Runners face challenging obstacles such as creeks, farm animals, and gullies.  You can participate individually or with a team.  Many participants wear fun costumes.  I'm running my first LHF race in about 2 weeks and I can't wait!

This year will mark the 35th annual LHF Race.

www.beginnertriathlete.com

IMT Des Moines Marathon/Half Marathon/5K
The largest and fastest marathon in Iowa, it takes place in mid-October.  The course winds through downtown Des Moines and includes a loop around Gray's Lake.  Runners of all abilities can participate by choosing between the marathon, half marathon, and 5K races.  At the finish line you will find a post-race party and lots of free food courtesy of the many sponsors.  I ran the half marathon this year and I had a blast.  This race is well run with a great sense of community.

Next year will mark the 13th annual Des Moines Marathon.

www.desmoinesmarathon.com

HyVee Triathlon
Taking place on Labor Day Weekend, this race combines swimming, biking, and running into one challenging competition.  The course winds through downtown Des Moines and the swimming portion takes place in Gray's Lake.  This event is open to all athletes both professional and amateur.  You can even sign up with a relay team and only compete in one leg of the course.  Use the Tri Match-up website to find other people looking to join a relay team. Next year I hope to join a relay team as the runner.

Next year will be the 8th annual HyVee Triathlon.  The triathlon demonstrates HyVee's dedication to promoting good health and nutrition.

www.volunteerlocal.com

HyVee Road Races at the Drake Relays
Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K race at the Drake Relays, known as one of the most important track and field meets in the world.  Taking place in late April, top athletes come from all around the world to participate on Drake University's blue track.  All road races begin on Drake's campus and are open to walkers & runners of all abilities.  As a Des Moines native, I attend the Drake Relays almost every year.  I love the sense of community and tradition that seems to grow stronger every year.

This year will mark the 105th Drake Relays.  This is another event that highlights HyVee's dedication to promoting good health and nutrition.

www.godrakebulldogs.com

Midnight Madness
This race takes place on the streets of downtown Ames.  You have the option of running a 15K, 10K, or a 5K.  The race starts at 7:30 PM and ends with a post-race party.  Midnight Madness is part of the Iowa Games which take place each July.

www.iowagames.org

What Fitness Classes and Programs Are Right For You?

In my previous post I discussed the benefits of attending a group workout class or program.  Whether you're looking for something to attend every day or a class to supplement your regular workout routine 2 or 3 times a week, group fitness can have a very positive impact.  The following are some of the most popular fitness programs & classes available all over the US.

Yoga

This class utilizes a series of poses to improve flexibility, strength, power and balance.  It offers many health benefits and is quickly becoming one of the most popular workout regimens for celebrities, professional athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.  Many different styles of yoga are available worldwide, each offering it's own benefits.  Some of the most popular styles are anusara, ashtanga, bikram, hatha, hot yoga, iyengar, power yoga, restorative yoga, and vinyasa.

Benefits: stress management, relaxation, weight loss, flexibility, bone strength, balance, and fights heart disease/diabetes/depression/back pain.

www.3x30yoga.com

Les Mills Body Pump
Strength training that tones your muscles without adding bulk.  This class targets one large muscle group at a time, with weight lifting to upbeat popular music.  The combination of slow reps and fast, single reps help to tone and create lean muscle.  Les Mills also offers the following classes: Body Attack, Body Balance, Body Combat, Body Jam, Body Step, Body Vive, RPM, Sh'bam, and Cxworx.
Benefits: weight loss, toning, bone health, strength, fat & calorie burning.

Zumba
"Ditch the workout - Join the party!" A dance fitness class that creates a fun & effective environment.  Fast paced Latin-inspired dancing to upbeat, infectious, pop music.  The choreography isn't complex, which makes this class friendly to people of all abilities.
Benefits: calorie burn, toning, stress release, weight loss, balance, bone density, and lowers blood pressure.

www.mslimalicious.com

Kick Boxing

A high intensity, full body workout that blends boxing and karate drills.  It is becoming increasingly popular and is offered in a variety of different styles and classes.

Benefits: balance, coordination, strength, cardio endurance, increase focus, learn some self defense, and weight loss.

Spinning
Pedaling on a stationary bike to upbeat music.  Fast sprints & slow climbs.  Adjust resistance to stay on the rhythm.
Benefits: burn calories, build muscle, increase cardio endurance, low impact (little pressure on joints), and injury preventing.

Boot Camp
There are many varying styles, but generally it's a full body workout that incorporates cardio exercises, muscle conditioning, and other challenging drills.
Benefits: aerobic & muscle toning together, calorie burning, weight loss, boosts confidence, improves overall fitness.

Cross Fit

An increasingly popular strength and conditioning program.  Classes follow a workout of the day (WOD) and performance is often scored to encourage competition and track progress.  Each summer the Cross Fit Games take place to determine the "fittest on Earth".  This non-specialized class focuses on broad/general fitness. 

Benefits: strength, flexibility, cardio endurance, track progress, friendly competition, and confidence.

www.huffingtonpost.com

Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping

A mix of cardio exercises and strength training, supplemented with motivating instructors.  Martial arts training for regular people.  They also help you with a nutrition plan and add a little extra motivation with a cash prize competition.

Benefits: toning & strengthening, weight loss, improves fitness, and increases cardio endurance.

10 Benefits of Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness classes have become increasingly popular in recent years.  From Zumba to Yoga to Cross Fit, there are many different types of classes that cater to all different interests and ability levels.  My personal favorite class is Les Mills Body Pump.  Each class has it's own specific benefits, but all group fitness classes have certain benefits that can supplement the training of even the fittest athletes.

1. Motivation
Having an instructor to push you and peers all working toward the same goal works wonders motivating people.  "Alone we're weak.  Together we're strong."

2. Specific time
Scheduling a set, specific time to work out makes people more likely to stick to their plan.  When class starts at a certain time you are less likely to keep putting it off, until eventually you just don't go.

3. Fun/Friends
Enroll in a class with a friend or go alone and make new friends!  Staying active is much more enjoyable in a fun & friendly environment.

4. One more set!
Working out alone, especially weight training, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to do one more set when you begin to fatigue.  When you have a choreographed routine and a motivating instructor, you are more likely to push yourself, which will consequently yield greater results.

5. Learn something new
Trained instructors have more than just motivation to offer.  They can offer many tips and tricks to creating a better and safer work out.  I'm always learning new things from my group fitness instructors.

6. Safety
Instructors are trained in the proper form to execute each move safely.  Classes also help ensure that you get a proper warm up and cool down.  Group fitness classes can help reduce injuries, especially in less experienced participants.

7. Accountability
Signing up for a group fitness class makes you more accountable to show up and stick with it, especially when you pay for it up front.  You are also more accountable to your peers and instructor to always give your best.

8. Good place to start
Group fitness classes are especially beneficial to beginners.  People new to working out may not know where to begin or how to execute specific moves safely.  This gives them the opportunity to follow a specific routine and learn to execute it safely.

9. Save Money
Group fitness classes are generally much cheaper than hiring a personal trainer.

10. Fresh
If you get bored of always doing the same work out (ex. running, lifting, etc.), then classes are a great way to get out of your regular routine.  Most classes change up their routine periodically, so joining a class won't mean that you are stuck doing the exact same work out each time.

Check back tomorrow for my follow-up blog post outlining some of the most popular group fitness classes available.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Football season is in full swing, and that means tailgate season is too.  This can mean lots of unhealthy foods, dips, and treats.  So I thought I would share my favorite healthy tailgate recipe!  This is my mom's amazing buffalo chicken dip with my healthy spin on it.  Even my brother (who doesn't generally like my healthy cooking) loves this recipe.  He can't even tell the difference between my healthy version and the original!


Healthy Buff Chick Dip

2 C. Cooked chicken breasts - shredded
8 oz. Plain greek yogurt
6 oz. (3/4 C.) Frank's Red Hot sauce
1/2 C. Fat-Free Ranch
1/2 C. 2% Reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

Combine greek yogurt, Red Hot, and ranch in a saucepan and bring to a slight boil.  Take off heat and add the shredded chicken. Put into an 8x8 baking dish.  Top with cheese and cover with foil.  Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Options:

• I usually just add the cheese with the chicken and eat it right away without baking
• To make it healthier: make without the cheese (I think it tastes just as good!)
• Instead of using Fat-Free Ranch you can make your own ranch substitute by mixing plain greek yogurt with a ranch packet (I don't use the whole packet)

Eat with baked or multigrain chips to make it extra healthy!  I prefer the HyVee Multi Grain chips.

The Healthiest Fall Foods

Apples

www.telegraph.co.uk

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, & antioxidants.  A large apple contains 30% of the suggested daily fiber intake.  Apples help reduce your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and Type II Diabetes.  They are especially great food to aid with weight loss.
From: The Top 30 Superfoods

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

www.wcrf-uk.org

Brussels Sprouts

•  One of the healthiest foods in the world!
• 1 cooked cup: 56 calories and 81% daily value of Vitamin C
• High in Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron.
• Great food for weight loss
• Good source of antioxidants
• Good amounts of Vitamins C, K and B6, potassium, fiber, and protein
• Help prevent Alzheimer's, certain cancers, and inflammation
• Lowers cholesterol
• Fights constipation
• Supports immune function

www.examiner.com

Cauliflower

• Antioxidants that help detox body
• 1 cup: 25 calories and 77% daily value of Vitamin C
• Contains iron and calcium
• Very good source of fiber, Vitamins C, K and B6, and potassium 
• Improves heart health
• Reduces the risk of cancer

www.muranakafarm.com

Kale
All hail kale! Low calorie, high fiber, no fat! It is high in iron, nutrients, vitamins, folate, magnesium, Vitamin K, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, & sulfur. It is known to aid in digestion, cell growth, liver function, cancer prevention, bone health, blood clot prevention, & lower cholesterol. It can also help fight asthma, arthritis, & autoimmune disorders. Kale helps the immune system, increases metabolism, hydrates, and detoxifies the body.
From: The Top 30 Superfoods

www.cookinglight.com

Parsnips

• 1 cup: 100 calories, 38% daily value of Vitamin C, and 26% of dietary fiber
• Great source of fiber, & Vitamins C and K
• Good source of potassium, calcium and iron
• Rich in antioxidants
• Cancer preventing

tasty-dishes.com

Pears

• 1 medium sized: 103 calories, 22% daily value of dietary fiber, and 12% of Vitamin C
• Antioxidants
• Good source of many vitamins and minerals
• Aid in weight loss
• Protect against some cancers
• Lowers cholesterol
• Boosts the immune system

pomegranates.org

Pomegranates

• 1 pomegranate: 234 calories, 45% daily value of dietary fiber, and 48% Vitamin C
• Good source of fiber, folate, & Vitamins C and K
• Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
• Helps prevent some cancers
• Promote bone health
• Alzheimer's prevention
• Boosts immune system

www.history.org

Pumpkin

• 1 cup (cooked & mashed): 49 calories and 245% daily value of Vitamin A
• Good source of Vitamins E and B6, folate, and iron
• Great source of fiber, Vitamins A and C, potassium, copper, and manganese
• Contains many antioxidants
• Aids in weight reduction
• Help prevent certain cancers
• Maintain skin and eye health

bonafidebites.wordpress.com

Rutagaba

• 1 cup (cooked): 66 calories and 53% daily value of Vitamin C
• Low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol
• Good source of fiber, Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
• Great source of Vitamin C and Potassium
• Good weight loss food: aids in digestion and boosts metabolism
• Prevents certain types of cancer
• High in antioxidants

www.finecooking.com

Squash

• 1 cup (cooked): 82 calories, 457% daily value of Vitamin A, and 52% Vitamin C
• Good source of Vitamins E and B6, folate, calcium, and magnesium
• Great source of Vitamins A and C, potassium, and manganese
• Heart friendly and cancer fighting
• Great weight loss food
• High in antioxidants
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps eyesight

www.womenshealthmag.com

Sweet potatoes
They are a good source of Vitamins B6, C, & D, beta carotene, fiber, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Sweet potatoes help prevent heart attacks, boost the immune system, aid digestion, boost energy levels and mood, & relieve stress.  They also increase the health of our bones, teeth, blood, arteries, and skin. Sweet potatoes are especially good when baked and topped with cinnamon!
From: The Top 30 Superfoods

www.bigoven.com

Turnips

• 1 medium turnip: 34 calories and 43% daily value of Vitamin C
• Good source of Vitamin B6, calcium, folate, and potassium
• Great source of fiber, Vitamin C, and manganese
• Helps prevent cancer
• Improve heart health
• High in antioxidants
• Aid digestion and weight loss
• Promotes good bone health