Over The River And Through The Woods...Literally

One of the most exciting races of the year is coming up this weekend. Considered by Runner's World to be the "largest & best cross country race in North America", the Living History Farms Off-Road Race will be holding its 29th annual event Saturday in Urbandale, Iowa.

Created from a vision over 35 years ago, the Living History Farms is essentially a living history museum, made to preserve and teach generations to come about America's agricultural heritage. Today, Living History Farms is a nationally renowned not-for-profit agricultural museum that remains true to that vision. Consisting of over 550 acres, the land is an authentic reproduction of times past while also sharing nearby urban surroundings. And it's this rural setting that sets the stage for one of the most exciting races runners about for in central Iowa.

As the Living History Farms Off-Road Race website states, "you must be ready to climb fences, wade through creeks, avoid animals and claw your way to the top of gullies with over 5,000 other runners of questionable senses." (Correction, they are expecting close to 6,000 runners this year ... it seems good news travels fast!) In other words, be ready for anything. I have had the pleasure of running this race for many years now, volunteering for countless other, and each year gets better than the last. It is a great way to put a finishing touch on your racing season for the year, and generates some unique stories to share during the colder winter months to come.

All in all, it should be a riot this weekend, and I intend to enjoy myself to the fullest. Even though I have been battling some minor medical issues for the past few weeks, I received the "okay" from my doctor today and am prepping to hit the woods in good fashion. The plan is to forsake the typical quest of improving a PR in exchange for joining up with a half dozen other friends, as we hoot, holler, and gallop our way through the woods on this fun and unforgettable course.

One final note ... if you plan on joining us for this truely unique event, here's some quick advice: be sure to arrive early, don't wear anything you wouldn't want ruined, and double-knot those shoelaces ... 'cause this race is going to knock your socks (or possibly your pants) off! Just check out this video of last year's race.