Iowa Ortho is excited to be a sponsor of the Dam to DSM again this year! Read how Sarah, one of our Urgent Injury Clinic's PAs began running and how she is training!
"My running journey kicked off back in PA school, seven years ago. I needed a way to destress, and a lot of my friends were into running too, so that made it an easier hobby to pick up. Last year, I hit a major milestone by finishing my first full marathon at the Des Moines Marathon. This year, I opted for the Dam to DSM, craving the thrill of a race without the extensive time commitment of full marathon training.
After moving back to Des Moines where I was born and raised, the Dam to DSM is something I’ve known that I wanted to do, especially because I have friends who are also participating. The shared experience of training, motivating one another, and exchanging tips and tricks adds an extra layer of excitement. Having the common goal of being well-prepared for the race creates a sense of accountability that fuels my progress.
For this half marathon, my training regimen involves running five days a week with one day dedicated to cross-training, supplemented by strength training sessions. To prevent injuries, I prioritize variety by including both shorter and longer runs and mixing in slower runs with goal race pace efforts. Each session begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down, and stretching. I also like to stretch throughout the day. I make sure to stay hydrated with lots of water and fuel up on nutrient-rich foods to further support my injury prevention efforts."