Cheryl's "Dam to Downtown" 10K Race!

Race shirt and bib secured.

Cheryl models the "T"

 Cheryl ran the Dam to Downtown today.   It was a great race for several reasons:   First,  It has been the first race since the Turkey Trot Debacle.   Second, She set a New coarse PR.   For a race she has already won.  And third,  She got FIRST PLACE in her age group this year.   YEAH!

I should point out that this is the firs race she has participated in for a second year in a row.   Just a little side note.

Packing up for the race.

And now...On to the pictures!

Things go easier this year.

We decided to head to Iowa City yesterday afternoon to pick up her shirt and bib.  Technically,  she could have picked it up this morning, But I was jazzed up from passing my SAT qualifier and needed to get out for the house after several tense hours of testing.

Pace Dog?

I have discovered that doing things a second time are much easier than they were initially. Last time,  Cheryl and I got lost trying to figure out where the race begins and where we should park.   How I was supposed to get back to Iowa City for the finish and where I should set up for the best picture taking opportunity.  This year,   all that anxiety was absent.   We zipped with there and found a spot and I followed the correct path to arrive with plenty of time.   Easy!

Cheryl Eyes the Pace Dog with suspicion

The race coordinators made sure there were plenty of dogs to ensure everyone ran to their full potential.   Cheryl had to keep her eyes on the small one in particular.   Having just survived an encounter with a similarly sized dog this week.

Mermaids and Superheroes galore!

After much music,  announcements, and the national anthem,  They were OFF!   I noted several familiar faces this year.   Many of the local HyVee employees that we know were also running the race.
I noted that Jeff Bridges must have skipped out on this year.   No Celebrity Iowa...But there were Mermaids and Captain Americas.  Along with several other marvel superheros. ( Batman and Superman...etc.)

Cheryl brings it to the finish!

On the verge of a New course PR

At the finish,   I filled some time taking random shots of the first group of finishers ( not shown)   I'm not sure why,  but I always do it and they rarely make it to the blog.   I captured Cheryl as she finished with her New PR.  And  first place in her age group!   Last year she only scored the second place, but was still happy to get her award.

Time for a drink!...Beer comes later.

We thought about celebrating with Ice cream,  But the long run is tomorrow and we will secure  Cheryl's ice cream then.  Today, make sure everything in the Pearson, ETS and SAT scoring world are prepped and ready.

Cheryl wins 1st in age group.

This one is gold, compared to last year's silver

Showing off her prize!

So hooray for Cheryl first race of the year!   And a success after a long injury recovery and a phobia of all things Canine. She would have liked to have had a better time..but first place for her age AND a new course PR should not be taken lightly.  Next week!  Race to Home in Davenport!   Another repeat race with limited awards.   Wish her luck!