04 Feb 2013

Team Runablaze Iowa - featuring Danna Herrick

By Cal Murdock
Des Moines - January 22, 2013

Learn more about the team, visit the web site Runablaze.com that includes the resume of the 34 team members and past running highlights.  1300 of the best Iowa runners, race directors, coaches, volunteers & fans receive this e-mail.
______________________________
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Runablaze Iowa is sponsored by:

Iowa's best running specialty stores:
Fitness Sports - Des Moines
Runners Flat - Cedar Falls

Iowa's on-line registration leader:
GetMeRegistered.com - Bettendorf

Iowa's best races:
2013 races will be announced soon
____________________________________

And now for the "News" . . .

Mason Frank won his first trail race, Rocks and Roots 10K in 40:53 (Columbus, OH, Jan. 20). Mason relates, "It was a gorgeous single track trail that had a lot of switchbacks and looped around a beautiful lake."

Chris Robertson ran a 5000 meter 15:32.07 at the ISU Open indoor track meet (Jan. 18).  Chris states, "Coming off of some piriformis and achilles problems and haven't been training properly. Motivated to get healthy and work hard for the rest of the season now."  Also running the 5000 was Rob Duncan 15:56.97 and Nate Hoop 16:07.30.  In the mile race Kristy Harken (Feldman) ran 5:10.95.

Nate Hopp won the Amana Freezer Run 5K (Jan. 26) in 16:08 better than his winning time last year in 16:18.

Iowan's in the news - Lisa Uhl is moving to Des Moines, she ran the Houston Half-Marathon (Jan. 13) in 1:13:28, PR.  Diane Nukuri-Johnson is included in the elite runners signed up to run Boston Marathon (Apr. 15).

A computer glitch (user error) and a southwest vacation delayed these e-mails.  Featured in this e-mail and the next ones will be Danna Herrick, Kristy Feldman, Mason Frank and Jason Flogel, all Runablaze Iowa 2012 Runners of the Year.

- - - - - - - -

2012 FEMALE Runner of the Year - Danna Herrick (Kelly)
It was a banner year for Danna, too.  The year started out with a 2:45:42 at
the Olympic Marathon Trials and ended with another solid marathon in
2:46:24.  Danna other road times were just as good, 8K in 29:15, 10 mile in
59:22, 20K in 1:15:38 and 1:19:41 in the Half-Marathon.  All of Danna times
were PRs or almost best times too.

* What made 2012 a great running year for you?
I have noticed a trend in the past busy years: I am happiest when I am busy and am challenged by time management skills, ultimately producing optimal outcomes in all areas of my life. 2012 proved this to be DEAD ON. I started the year out with the biggest race of my life, at the Trials, and seemed to propel that motivation and excitement into the entire year. With many big changes to come within the year, I had made a lengthy list of goals on my iphone. I disciplined myself to focus on one-at-a-time, knocking off one goal before looking ahead to the next. The great thing was, that each goal I crossed off only snow-balled mental and physical drive to attack the next goal. By the end of the year, it is hard to believe how many things can be accomplished with just a little discipline and a lot of balance in life.

* How did you start running and what was your HS/College running career?
I used to run loops of 0.6 miles around my neighborhood in 5th grade because I wanted to beat every boy in the "1 mile test" at school. (Now, I still do that... just longer loops, in order to beat my husband). I was a 4 sport athlete and active in dance during my high school career. I enjoyed cross and track, but it was never super intense at Boone High School.  I suffered a torn ACL in basketball as a sophomore and gave golf a try, missing my spring Track season that year. It really put my athletic drive and appreciation for running into perspective. During my senior year in HS, I knew I wanted to participate in a sport in college and realized that I had could improve my running, a lot, while still being a part of a team.  I ran at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO Division II) obtaining my goal of All-American in cross country and All-American in the steeplechase during track season, finishing 3rd in the nation at my last collegiate career race. I seemed to really improve each year of college, with smart training and coaching.

* How do you train during the winter?
I like to brave the cold days outdoors, I think it makes you tough and is a challenge, mentally. With not-so-safe footing, I will resort to the tready if the workout requires speed, though I highly dislike the rolling belt. I have begun to enjoy alternate options, such as spin classes and getting in the pool. The winter is the best time for me to let the body and mind relax from intense running, and try out other aerobic fun...before specific race training begins.

* What Iowa race is special to you?
Dam to Dam. 2 weeks after ending my collegiate career, I decided to run (2009) and finished 5th. Robyn Friedman pulled me aside after awards and encouraged me to apply for Runablaze Iowa... the rest is history. Thanks Rob!

* What race distance do you enjoy the most?
Currently, 26.2  ... give me a few years, and that may change.

* If no one was listening, tell us your secret to running success?
Easy. CHOCOLATE MILK.

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About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa.  Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.
29 Jan 2013

Save the Date for CASI's 31st St. Patrick's Day Race!

By Sarah Arp
Registration is now open for the Center for active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) 31st Annual St. Patrick's Day Race to be held on March 16, 2013 in downtown Davenport. The 2013 St. Patrick's Day Races marks the 3rd year that Russell Construction Company will be the Presenting Sponsor of the CASI event.

Register at CasiSeniors.org or at CASI (1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport). This year's race includes the Iowa American Water ¼ Mile Tot Trot, Sears Manufacturing 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk and the Russell Construction 5K Road Race. Additionally, this year we're introducing two new "Live Uncommon" events: the Live Uncommon 1500 5-Person Relay and the Live Uncommon QC Cross Fit on the Plaza. Register for these events online only at CasiSeniors.org.

CASI relies upon volunteer support to assist with race activities - If you're not a runner but still want to be involved in this fun community event, sign up to volunteer! Call CASI at 563-386- 7477, ext. 0 and sign up! We have a great variety of volunteer positions available!

For more information, please call: Sarah Arp at CASI at: 563.386.7477, 229 (office) or 563.343.0038 (cell) or email at: sarp@casiseniors.org

CASI, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa. CASI is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm.

www.CasiSeniors.org

- END -
26 Jan 2013

Learn to Skate Sessions begin February 14 and 16 Sign up before Feb 1 and receive $20 off!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation

Learn to Skate Sessions begin February 14 and 16

Sign up before Feb 1 and receive $20 off!

Figure skating is a sport one can participate in individually or as a member of a team, for recreation or competitively, throughout one's life. It is fun, creative and challenging. It involves the development, practice and execution of skills that one progressively learns and builds on over time. Learning skills and mastering those skills is an especially important part of child development.

Class sessions are 45 minutes once a week for seven weeks at the River's Edge. Each session fee is $105 and includes skate rental. There are a variety of classes based on skill levels.  Classes are offered Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings.  Sign up before Feb 1 and only pay $85!

For a list of classes available, and to register online, click the link below:

 

Click here for classes available and to register online!



26 Jan 2013

Troops in Afghanistan Gear Up for Superbowl XLVII

By Danny Gonzalez

SUPERBOWL XLVII is less than two weeks away and MAF is bringing back our annual SUPERBOWL challenge to all of our pro-troops supporters. This year's Superbowl Championship will be played between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens.

We want to see which team has more fans out there who are excited to donate and support our troops fighting in Afghanistan. The team who sponsors more care packages for the troops will win! 

Last year, the Superbowl was played between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. During last year's Superbowl challenge, we had more Giants fans sponsor care packages than Pats fans, and sure enough when game day came the Giants beat the Patriots in Superbowl XLVI. 

So who will win this year, the 49ers or the Ravens? Will your donations accurately predict the outcome of the game again?

To support your favorite team, click one of the links below and sponsor a care package for our troops in Afghanistan full of goodies that the troops will love!


23 Jan 2013

WHAT'S NEW AT THE NIABI ZOO

By Niabi Zoo

NOW HIRING

Applications for seasonal employment are being accepted. Friendly and responsible employees may work in the Gift Shop, admission gate, carrousel, petting zoo, Lorikeet Landing or do maintenance. Some nights and weekends may be required.

Click below for more information and to download the application. Join the Zoo Crew this summer and come to work at one of the largest and most popular attractions in the Quad Cities.

CLICK TO APPLY [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014aYrv2zZqQkQ5xqMHJN5IwE2ER3NjyoE3LR50_eOoJ-jzm6ZfKFCpTL3yZipwtW9KxEEdyTuCsTz_fWD5PB3bSob32JWu810AmdJ4lqqVFlxR7ChBXRrKxDDF6cWnMAv22MjLJu96l_bXUVBAaO91wvgPkgeTALx0cLGRM9buwYyAOdhyr3fqB4We62jC4xESfm3MVeQcK8=]


WINTER CARE

It's cold this week, but the animals at Niabi are warm and dry. Most animals that stay outdoors through the winter have an enclosed area where they can go to avoid snow and wind. The snow leopard loves the cold and he even wraps his tail around his body for more warmth.

Some animals, including the rainbow lorikeets that are native to Australia, take a winter vacation indoors and return outdoors around Memorial Day.

N [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014aYrv2zZqQmGeZRv_V79lKtQMH3dC9ftQjPm4cr00KtuzTjOz_JSO9TSfZFQaFkh3tGMNtAbo1pBWWSa7_-VgsE5_HmOif6fJKY2W8l9yM8Tq6kG1nPIsR1OVyEHjfeBOKtRWZVhN-v5jz1FP-WvoJ3LEOlgLZ-WPC7hItZTEv09ZS6zMeOWgsT7EIfHLpXu4cb6vVyEDLg=]IABI
ZOO OPENS 3/11


JUNIOR KEEPERS

Calling all future zoologists and zoo pros ages 14-17! Complete your application to the Junior Zookeeper program. The JZK program provides an exciting opportunity to volunteer at the zoo with professional educators and animal handlers. Learn about zoos and animals, conservation and what it takes to succeed in a zoo career. Download an application below, email sfreedman@niabizoo.com [mailto:sfreedman@niabizoo.com]
or call (309) 799-3482 ext 222.

APPPLY NOW [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0014aYrv2zZqQkWBu2G0mIIxNQ_DCiRdEKMqsQ4Fy039aEJfqVa6RKlRYYvlzNGMJWvhFqxVxSAG2TMyzGXSh4yl98uaZebzEj_1SWSJgaX4fFg9HFMhpyctaPjShrZtz05heOeVSjpOeJ0z5HXlid2cil_ChRq8XqfnYC-A1bmI4v9tuikC790CVQ6X0ndwK7olJqMrjzo3UI=]


HEALTHY EATING AT THE ZOO

Our animals eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, even though they don't worry about keeping resolutions to loose weight.

Our two Asian elephants share about 25 pounds of produce a day, including bananas, apples, celery, potatoes and carrots. They also eat grains and hay to get fiber in their diets. Can you believe the elephants eat five bales of hay each day!


Forward this message
http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=fv5i8dkab&m=1110378314405&ea=staff@rcreader.com&a=1112152039491
22 Jan 2013

Wendy's Chili Golf Open is on for 2013

By Rick Martin
Davenport, Iowa, January 22, 2013 - It's Chili Golf Open time! Bundle up and come participate in the 24th Annual Davenport Parks and Recreation Wendy's Chili Golf Open hosted at Credit Island Park. This is a winter golfing tradition in the Quad Cities!

This "CHILI" winter golf event will be held Saturday, February 2nd ; tee times are from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. Delicious Wendy's chili will be available for golfers at the end of the tournament. What better way to celebrate winter golf!

Registration is now open at the Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Drive and is accepted on a first come basis. You must register in person in the tee time registration book. The registration fee is $15 per golfer / $60 per team, plus one non-perishable food item per participant to be donated to a local food pantry the day of the event. Tee times will be assigned every 7-8 minutes. Thanks to our sponsors for the event - Wendy's Restaurants, Clear Channel Radio, and Allgolfqc.com.

For questions please contact, Davenport Parks and Recreation at 563-328-7275.

WHAT:  Wendy's Chili Golf Open

WHEN:  Saturday, February 2, 2013, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: Credit Island Lodge, 2200 W River Dr, Davenport




22 Jan 2013

What Lance Armstrong Teaches Us About Real Heroes

By Ginny Grimsley
As a Cancer Survivor and U.S. Marine, I Once Looked Up to Him
By: Jay Platt

What is a hero? Webster's dictionary defines a hero as someone who's admired for his achievements and noble qualities, and one who shows great courage. Fortunately, today we have many examples of  real heroes. Look no further than the U.S. military, police and firefighters -- men and women who put their lives at risk for others.

A real hero also is the person who is fighting cancer or some other chronic illness, and does so with great dignity and grace. Though they may be in pain or discomfort, they somehow make those around them feel better, do better, and be better.

Which brings me to Lance Armstrong.

I was a supporter of his since his first Tour de France win. Coming back from cancer the way he did, and racing the way he did drug-free (supposedly), inspired me to no end. When others questioned how he was able to do the things he did without any help from performance-enhancing drugs, I defended him as if he were a personal friend.

As a cancer survivor myself, and someone who continues to battle the disease daily, he inspired me. He gave me strength when I felt like I had none. He even motivated me to challenge myself by attempting demanding physical feats, like hiking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail beginning to end. When I got tired and wanted to quit, I'd think to myself, "If Lance can do the things he does, I can do this, too."

So, his recent revelations to Oprah Winfrey hit me like a 50-pound sledgehammer to the chest. When he admitted to lying about taking performance enhancing drugs, I felt like he had personally lied to me. And that's when I knew that he is nothing more than a fake hero.

Fake heroes have none of the qualities of a real hero. Rather, they lie, cheat, steal, and do whatever it takes to make themselves look good and heroic. Winning, to them, is the most important thing, and who they hurt in the process really doesn't matter. All of which, sadly, describes Lance Armstrong.

I know he still will have his defenders. I've already heard from people who have basically said, "Well, what about all the good he's done for cancer research?" While that is true, and I certainly hope that Livestrong is not negatively affected by Armstrong's admission, the fact is that the whole organization was started based on a lie.

He never would have had the millions of dollars, the fame, and the incredible story if it had not been for the lie that he told for so long. And, although it is uncomfortable to say so, how do we know that he did not get cancer because of his taking performance enhancing drugs? Would that have changed his story? I'm sure, for many, it would have.

And what of his admission now? Surely, that took courage? It was heroic, right? Hardly! First of all, look at to whom he chose to tell all of the details. Oprah Winfrey. I have no doubt that was a well-thought-out strategy on his part. He, undoubtedly, was advised to go where he would most likely garner sympathy and do it before an audience that probably knows little about cycling, and that is most likely to give him a pass on his transgressions.

Even with all that though, he still could have done the heroic thing. But he did not. He could have looked into the camera and said in the sincerest way he could muster that steroids are not the way. That he, in all likelihood, gave himself cancer in his quest for fame. Think of the kids who could have benefited from hearing such a thing. Instead, however, he defiantly said that since everyone else was supposedly doing it, he felt justified in doing it, too. Very hero like, huh?

About Jay Platt: Jay Platt was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1998 after suffering complications from the cancer von Hippel Lindau (VHL), a genetic disease that resulted in brain and spinal tumors, kidney cancer, and the loss of his left eye. Told his future would be considerably dimmer than his past, Platt set out to rebuild himself physically, mentally and spiritually, and to challenge himself by setting demanding physical goals. He is one of fewer than 300 people to have hiked the 2,100-mile southbound Appalachian Trail; one of three to swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco with hands and feet tied; and the only person to swim across the Mississippi while blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled. Proceeds from his adventures and sales of his documentary benefit non-profits, including the VHL Family Alliance. For more information, visit: www.livingunstoppable.com.

21 Jan 2013

Tribute to "The Flagman" slated with World's Toughest Rodeo

By Rick Martin

Although the World's Toughest Rodeo is known as one of the nations' most exciting professional rodeo live events, it is also respected for another special attribute; each show opens with God and Old Glory. 2013 brings a tribute to our heroes, including local firemen, policemen, and EMTs, as well as the military, both veterans and active duty soldiers. But through a unique Facebook promotion, fans of World's Toughest Rodeo were able to nominate a Hometown Hero and a unique individual was selected that is a hero in many hometowns across the nation.

 

Larry Eckhardt from the Quad Cities area, known as "The Flagman," has taken it upon himself to honor soldiers that have paid the
ultimate sacrifice in a very heartwarming fashion. Though Eckhardt never served in the military, he assumed his patriotic duty after attending a funeral six years ago in Galesburg, IL. "We had a local soldier go down and the citizen turnout was great, but I didn't think there were near enough flags," the former International Harvester employee says. Eckhardt purchased 150 flags and began hauling them in the back of his pickup truck to military funerals across Illinois, soliciting help from American Legion and
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts to stake the Stars and Stripes. He now has over 2500 flags and awaits the call and travels to the hometown of soldiers all across the nation.

He arrives the night before and solicits local volunteers to line the funeral route with the flags he has purchased through donations as well as personal investment. provided these communities the ability to support the families in a very meaningful way
and this outpouring of group support helps the families begin to heal. Taking little credit for this, Larry is a true hero in every sense of the word. World's Toughest Rodeo will provide the first 1,500 fans each night with a flag as we raise them in praise of a man that has raised the spirits of so many through his personal initiative.

The 2013 edition of the World's Toughest Rodeo will feature top professional rodeo competitors in Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding and Women's Barrel Racing, comedy of John Harrison, Professional Rodeo's 2012 Comedy Act of the year,
award winning bucking horses and bulls of Three Hills Rodeo as well as the greatest show on dirt...But the finale event is BACKWARDS Bull Riding, as Brandon Lindsey, World's Toughest Rodeo Bull Fighter attempts to wrap his legs around the bull, Crazy Train's horns, lay face down and ride for 8 seconds. You won't see it anywhere else.

It's an action packed, star studded show.  Tickets start at just $18 and kids tickets half price every day at www.ticketmaster.com or iWireless Box Office.

For more ticket information: www.iwirelesscenter.com. For event and entertainer information : www.wtrodeo.com. For more information about Larry "The Flagman www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNJ9umv10EM

21 Jan 2013

Davenport Parks and Recreation Weekend Activities Jan 18-26

By Kenneth Asta
January Special:
Free Skate Rental with Paid Admission!
There are few better winter activities than skating, so come on down to the River's Edge and enjoy our indoor ice rink where the weather is always perfect!
Here are our public skate times this holiday weekend:
Saturday, January 19
2:45pm - 4:45pm
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday, January 20
4:45pm - 6:15pm
Monday, January 21
11:00am - 1:00pm

Looking for something fun and affordable to do with the whole family on Friday Nights?  Well Davenport Parks and Recreation has the answer for you.  Our Family Friday Night series includes pizza, lemonade and activities (Popcorn also included at Movie Night)!  Best of all, if you register early it is only $2.50 per person ($4.00 per person at the door).

Click here to pre-register.

18 Jan 2013

1st Video Gaming License

By Shelly Chapman
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yesierdoy 'ro  Knoxville Top. They will nove five devices.   Jimi Prochosko WGS inäirurneniol in providing information  'Ine
C-ouniy regording Video Gorning. 

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license. Upon his reoeípi of The  of  Vìcleo Gomíng  Permit, ROCK Islond Couniy Liquor Commission/Couniy Boord  Choirmcm Phillip Bonoäîek hcippily issued ihe firsi license in Rock  Islond Couniy.-

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