Morning Run

I'm a morning runner. I get up fairly early to make sure I get in my run before the day takes a course that I couldn't predict. Typically, I will run anywhere from 3 to 7 miles five days a week with a long run over the weekend. While I enjoy sleeping late during the weekends, the early morning is by far my most favorite time to run. Ida Grove's Pleasant Valley Trail is full of life early in the morning; from Canada's Geese to winter white mink, a runner can take it all in while he or she follows the Maple River. If you're contemplating running our second annual Royal Run, consider that Ida County is one of the best places in Iowa to catch wildlife in action. I've seen deer, fox, rabbits, hawks, and other wildlife in the area, just ready to be enjoyed by the runner who takes the time to survey his or her surroundings.

We hope you'll join us this Heritage Days; if you're staying for more than a day, take an additional opportunity to run or walk the Pleasant Valley Trail.

You'll be glad you did.

Just over a month to the 2nd Annual Royal Run

Only 35 days until our 2nd Annual Ida Grove Royal Run!

My son and I just finished finalizing the 5 and 10K routes. Most of the 5K route is flat and runs by the Maple River. The 5 and 10K both go over a foot bridge into Moorehead Park. Woods greet both 5 and 10K runners and a moderate hill before turning around the 5K runner and heading them back to the finish line. The 10K goes all the way into the park and then comes back to take the full circle of the Pleasant Valley Trail. It will be a route to remember!

Tomorrow we're off to finalize the 1K kid's run route which will take place entirely in downtown Ida Grove.

Look for updates to the Course Map section of www.igroyalrun.com coming soon!