Welcome to Ames, Iowa and the Iowa State University Track. It’s probably my favorite track of the five or six I have run on during my short-time track experience.

During the week, I stayed at the Best Western Plus on University Avenue where a number of track, field and golf competitors were staying. It’s within a mile or two of the Iowa State University track which was oh, so, convenient.

400 Meters

I was registered for the 400 meters, 800 meters and the 1500 meters. The 400 is the event most difficult for me and I’ve come to think of it as my warmup for the longer track events. I’m never sure I will make it out of the preliminaries. I did this time by the skin of my teeth with a time of 2:08.

The following day, July 31, was the 400 final. We polished off July under a cloudy sky. My finish was 6th place, again at 2:08.

800 Meters

A little deep breathing, settling into my nerves and things got better with the longer distances. August began with the 800 meters. Women’s 75-79 AG at 8:20 a.m. There were eight of us for a waterfall start.

I graduated to the podium on the 800 with a time of 4:37. I felt good but even with a strong finish, I was nowhere near Freddie Braxton (California) who finished at 4:34 and Chau Smith (Missouri) at 4:14.

My Final Track Event – 1500 Meters

This was my last day on the track, a beautiful morning in Iowa. I did a warmup lap with Colleen Burns (New Mexico), the ultimate 1st place in our 1500. (She also holds the all time NSGA record since 2019 in the W70-74 AG at this distance with a time of 6:15:98).

Eleven 75-79AG women lined up and, after the gun, quickly spread out. I found myself running ahead of the pack but far behind Colleen and Chau. As I came around for the second lap, even though I knew the bell meant a lap to go, for some reason I momentarily stopped, corrected myself and continued on. I likely lost a good five or ten seconds.

As I approached the final turn, a volunteer at the track said “pass that cone and you’ve got 100 meters to go”. As I came around the turn, Colleen had already finished and I could see Chau ahead of me. Someone on the sidelines was calling out the seconds between us. There wasn’t much of a chance I would catch her, but it was worth a try. She finished 12 seconds ahead of me at 8:51 and I came in at 9:03.

Not to change up at this point, it was again a bronze finish for the 1500.

That’s a Wrap, Senior Games

I’ve been fortunate to run with the wonderful and talented women in the 75-79 AG. Many thanks to NSGA, Humana for the cool water and shade provided, the Best Western for early a.m. breakfasts and a comfy lobby, the patient but strict USATF officials, and the beautiful athletic facilities of Iowa State University.

I’m pleased to have contributed four bronze medals to the total count of 37 bronze medals, 51 silver and 65 gold for Pennsylvania, ranking us 14th among the states at the 2025 National Senior Games.

What’s Up Next?

A few readers have asked what there is to do in Iowa when you’re not competing. Do I have a list for you. Stay tuned …………..