More from Marshalltown

Off to the races

The cross country season finally started today after being delayed a week because of excessive heat. This race was at Marshalltown Community College, a surprisingly hilly course. Pictured above are some of the Ankeny kids starting. Below is my Hoop-lah, coming in fifth. Go Hawks!

Remembering Iowa's missing children

Anyone growing up in the Des Moines area in 1982 can tell you who Johnny Gosch is. He disappeared 30 years ago today while delivering newspapers in the early morning hours. He was around my age, and his disappearance stunned the metro community. Things like that simply didn't happen here. Then, in 1984, Eugene Martin also disappeared while delivering newspapers in Des Moines. Both cases remain unsolved.

And then, this July, two young cousins from Evansdale, Iowa, disappeared while out riding their bikes. Their names are Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Morrissey. They are still missing.

In between, other children gone.

Every once in a while I see Johnny Gosch's mom, Noreen, around town. I wonder how she has made it 30 years, if the pain ever ever leaves her, where her determination to go on comes from.

As a mom, I can't imagine anything worse.

So tonight, please say a prayer for these children and the others torn from their families. And help keep an eye on the ones in your neighborhood.

Checking in with Mike Wazowski

Every once in a while someone will ask me what's up with Mike. He rarely makes an appearance here, mostly because he hates the paparazzi as much as any publicity-shy celebrity. But last night he was off his game and was caught lounging between the stair banisters. Interesting choice considering this house is full of more comfortable spots.

A non-coach-endorsed break

Today marked a turning point in Couch to 5K. I haven't posted about it lately because I took a short mental health break. Give or take a few weeks.

It started when my coach left for his whirlwind basketball tour. There were a few days I didn't run because of rain. Those days turned into a few more because of . . . fatigue? pain? lack of motivation? disinterest at going it alone? Maybe it was a combination. It's fascinating to me that I ran religiously through the hottest part of the summer. Once the weather improved, I stopped. I figured I'd get back on the horse when my coach came home. Except I didn't, and then he went back to school.

I quickly realized that I was going to have to do it myself or admit defeat. A year ago I would have thrown in the towel and surrendered. But I'm tired of the negative doubt - from myself and others - and, most of all, of not meeting my own expectations.

So tonight I put my shoes back on and headed out. Day 49 is now in the books.

Doggie Swim Night!

One of our favorite nights of the year is the annual Doggie Swim at Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center. C.C. knows what this night is all about. Say "Doggie Swim" and she has her goggles and her towel and is waiting at the door - faster than you can snap your fingers!

There is something magical about watching her and the other dogs go crazy. They have the run of the pool, from the grounds to the slides to the kiddie pool and the deep end. Big dogs, small dogs - they're all there, chasing each other, chasing their balls, jumping in, doggy paddling out. There is no way you can leave that place without a big smile on your face. It's the best therapy around.

Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair

 

The great Iowa State Fair starts tomorrow. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by the 4-H Exhibit Building and see me. I'm working three shifts this year; knocked the first one down today setting up the display. Also managed to find my way to the Cattlemen's tent for a delish bacon cheeseburger. A few hours later one of those yummy shaked lemonades. Mmmmm . . . What am I going to eat tomorrow? I'm pretty sure it will include a corn dog and mini doughnuts.