• Start at Hy-Vee East and make your way to "the trail" (I have no idea what it's called but we run it like every week and it will deposit you at Airport Road near some ISU/Vet Med/Vardaman Extension Research Park) and follow "the trail" all the way to the end on Airport Road (if you find yourself climbing a barbed wire fence and shucking corn husks from your shoes, you've gone too far). 
• Once on Airport Road head west, stop for hydration at the Elwood/University/Airport/Wessex corner then continue west to State Street. 
• Turn right (aka-North-ish) on State and make your way to Mortensen. 
• Stop for hydration at the corner of Mortensen and State, then turn left (west) onto Mortensen and run like nobody's watching (but really they are) until you get to S.Dakota.  At S.Dakota, turn right (north) and continue PAST Lincoln Way and head down the hill, about 3/4ths of the way down, look right and discover a paved bike path.  
• Turn onto the bike path and this will turn into Westbrook Drive, at the very first street intersection (Westbrook Lane) look left toward the second driveway on the left and stop for more hydration (it may be possible to knock on the door at 303 and ask for a potty break and/or ride if you feel so inclined, however even though these folks are my in-laws I have no idea if they will be up and/or dressed and/or even answer the door by the time we come rolling by...if so, say hello and continue on, you still have a few miles to go).  NOW, get back onto Westbrook Drive and look East and realize that, yes that is the direction you are going to run, UP the ubber-big-fricken-hill, go ahead, get going, staring at it isn't going to make it any smaller, and continue to the top to Hickory (sing the Rocky theme song in your head if it helps). 
• At Hickory, veer left (northeast-ish) and continue on until Franklin. 
• At Franklin turn left (north) and continue to Oakland
• Go East (right) and enjoy the downhill.
• Turn north (left) on Hyland to Pammel (yep, you know what's coming...)
• Turn on Pammel, take a deep breath, dig deep and head uphill, AGAIN!
• Turn south (right) onto Bissell then left (east) on Osborne.  Find hydration in any campus building, I prefer MacKay myself, but the option is yours.
• Turn south (right) onto Wilson and make your way to the ISU Power Plant trail and think to yourself how nice it is when it's not covered in a 2" sheet of ice, then promptly swear at yourself for thinking of winter on this wonderful day. 
• Continue in an easterly direction and run by the Brookside skate park, stop for more water if needed, then continue on 6th.
• At the stoplight, pause for a moment and look at the train bridge hill, chuckle slightly and give it the bird as you TURN south (right) onto N.Hazel
• Head back to Hy-Vee using your favorite creative route adjustment (Garmin approved) method.  If you don't like Lincoln Way, take side roads most of the way to avoid it.  If your a direct sort of person then by all means hop on the great Lincoln Way and run like well, you know, to get back to the land of carbs and coffee.

• This is the 10 mile "Rinse, Repeat, and follow with Vardo approved Conditioner" run.  (*products not tested on animals, and guaranteed only when sold by a professional  **I claim to be neither).
• If you have a wild hair up your butt you can run it backwards...I mean in the reverse direction, don't actually attempt to run all 10.2 miles backwards as no good can possibly come of it.

• Start out on the 10 mile route, but turn north (right) at the first water stop, onto Elwood/University and continue to Mortensen
• Turn west (left) on Mortensen then north (right) on Beach.  Follow Beach to Lincoln Way.
• Turn east (right) on Lincoln Way and head back to Hy-Vee. 

• Add 10 + 5 to get 15

• Any combination of the above plus some Vardaman-Garmin approved creative route adjustment parking lot loops to get you near your goal. 

Kirstin K. Peterson

Administrative Assistant

Iowa Subway Development

503 Duff Avenue l P.O Box 2377

Ames l IA l 50010

P. 515.232.0239 l F. 515.232.0716

“There is no such thing as failure as long as one tries. The only failure is not to try.” ~ Sister Madonna Buder, Ironman Legend

Subway's Mission... "to provide the tools and knowledge to empower entrepreneurs to profitably compete in the Quick Service Restaurant industry...by consistently offering customers Great Value - driven by fresh, great tasting "made to order" food, an exceptional service experience, spotlessly clean stores and an inviting atmosphere."

P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail

Story County American Cancer Society 5K Run/Walk For Life

See results in the unattached pdf, professionally recorded and compiled by the newest member of Team Vardo, Brett Carney!  A big thank you to all the Vardo’s who volunteered and/or participated in this year’s event.  There were about nine million Vardo’s who ran or walked in the 5K, with roughly half of them winning their age group, including a fine performances by the unattached Mike Mullins.


A Note From A Happy Moose (With Spaghetti Sauce On His Shirt)

“To the Vardo Nation:  I thank you, I thank you, I thank you!  Your voluntarism, your patriotism, your passion!  You are the best, the supreme, the magnificent!  Unsung heroes operating under the guise of runners, you should be heralded in the highest halls of our nation! What you have done for the American Cancer Society is without rival, without comparison, without comprehension! You are the one, the only, the very substance of life itself, I thank you, I thank you, I thank you, I love you!”   Vardo Art

From Our Mother, Who Is the Vardo:   The Other Bill Takes On The Windy City In The Chicago Accenture Triathlon! 

“Other than finding his results (which are great!!), I haven't talked to him to find out his thoughts on the weekend.   Way to go (The Other) Bill!”

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:  “The Women of Team Vardo head to Colo for the Hickory Grove (formerly Cy-Man) Triathlon:”

Julie Vardaman 1:23:48 (3rd in AG)

Kris Franken 1:28:18 (5th in AG)

Kirstin Peterson 1:34:40 (12th in AG)

“Race was held under near-perfect conditions. Team Vardo had a good showing and even hauled in a little hardware. Way to go Women of Vardo!”

Katie Bradshaw’s Been In The Catnip Again .. . ..

Some of you who ran with Team Vardo back in the late 60’s / early 70’s may remember Dr. Jeff Bradshaw and Mrs. Dr. Jeff (Katie) Bradshaw.  Well, Mrs. Dr. Jeff (Katie) Bradshaw is up to her old tricks again, sending us this bit of fine video:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG9u-U3mi_Y&NR=1 

Beth Henriksen Wants To Save You Some Gas, Man

“Any interest in carpool / caravan to Madrid on Sat.?  In the past it has worked well to meet at the west Ames HyVee. Is leaving by 6:20 alright? The race begins at 7.”   (Madrid Milers LABOR DAY RUN, 2, 5, 15 miles)     bhenriksen2@msn.com
 
 
The 2009 TIMTAM – A Message From Our Good Friend Doug Bryner

“Once or twice a week(!) I get an e-mail with someone asking what the date for 2009 TIMTAM 50K/Central States Mothers Marathon will be. I never know what to tell them.  After 10 years TIMTAM has had a good time. But I must let it go. The runners that come back every year are the best!   My wish is that someone will step up to take it over. Otherwise it will be on sale on e-Bay to some outfit. Cripes, I'd pay them to take it over! (Not to worry, "The Great North American TIMTAM" and the Ray Nutria picture will be copyrighted so those corporate bastards cannot touch that.) I'd be glad to visit with any one about how to do the race if they are interested. We have had the BEST volunteers to help with the event.”    Doug Bryner

From Natalie of the North:  Routes For Tonight’s Group Run

In honor of the first ISU football game on Thursday, we have the "In search of a tailgate" almost 6 miler:

www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=239613

And the "In search of a tailgate 2" almost 10 miler (sorry about the hills, but if you are going to run a marathon, it's good for you!):

www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=239638

Wear cardinal and gold if you feel so moved.....

There will be a cooler of drinks at the cute house on the corner of Ash and Mortensen (friends of mine - backdoor neighbors to my mom).  I think I will put the cooler next to the garage.  There will also be drinks at the entrance to the trail on State street for the 10 milers.

Both routes start at the Vardaman center and head towards Brookside as usual.  From Brookside head to University Drive, then south to 4th Street.  Think about all the Cyclone fans who will be there in two days!  Turn right and head up to Cessna/Country Club.  Turn left at Gaskill (street before Ash).  Follow Gaskill till it turns toward Ash (That may be Ashmore at the point).  When you  get to Ash, turn left toward Mortensen.  Stop for drinks at the cute house on the corner (cooler next to garage).

If you want to run 6 miles, go east (left) on Mortensen.  Turn left on Beach.  When you get to Christensen Drive (the road that goes past the entrance to Reiman gardens), turn and run between Reiman Gardens and the Stadium.  Be sure to check out the new logo on the back of the scoreboard!  Maybe stop to see if any tents have food yet.  When you get to University Dr., go across to 16th street.  Take 16th to the bike trail. Take the bike trail north to 4th (I will check ahead of time to make sure we can get through) then to Walnut/Clark and back to the Vardaman center.

If you are going to run 10 miles, go west (right) on Mortensen to the Ames Middle School.  Take the drive just past the middle school and go around to the back of the building.  Follow the trail across the bridge to the track and head east (to your right) on the trail back to State.  Stop for water at the trail exit onto State.  Turn left on State to Lincolnway, right on Lincolnway to Sheldon, right on Sheldon to Knapp, left on Knapp to Hayward.  Stay on Hayward to Mortensen.  Then left on Mortensen and back to the cute house for more to drink.  Then pick up the rest of the 6 mile route.  See paragraph above.   Natalie


Group Runs / Activities This Week

Monday:          We missed John Moran’s birthday!  We missed John Moran’s birthday!  Turn back the clock! We missed John Moran’s birthday!
Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts.  (South Entrance – City Hall)  RouteMaster:  Natalie Welter
Wednesday:    One nice thing about Tootsie Roll Pops in the bag is the clear window they provide to see what the mix is inside.
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run – Ada  Vardaman Heritage Memorial Warren Q. Madden Vladimir Putin ‘Possum Park
Friday:             A Team Vardo Signature Event:  Captain Midnight’s 5K Run and Walk for Cystic Fibrosis - 7 PM North Grand Mall
Saturday:        Group Run RouteMaster:  The Most Dangerous Animal on Linden Drive, Mr. Christopher Q. Delaney
Sunday:           GAAAAAARRRR! at Ada Hayden Park.  http://www.greatamesadventurerace.org       
                        $4 GAAR PANCAKE BREAKFAST At The Moose Lodge (8 AM ‘til Noon).  PANCAKES COOKED BY A MOOSE.

Men of Vardo:  Your attention is directed to the following fine routes offered by Sir Gregory.

Women of Vardo:  Go fetch me some coffee.

Hello George,
Would you be so kind as to distribute my message to the group?  Thanks.
--Greg Wool
 
 
Hi,
For this Saturday's runs, I am attempting to avoid the activity at Brookside and the construction which may still be happening on South Fourth and the DOT trail.  So I will send you all North, which incidentally seems to be the Land of Promise nowadays and hereabouts.
 
The links:
 
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=238437  (almost 7 mi.)  7 AM Start
 
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=238570  (almost 12 mi.)  6 AM Start
 
The longer run includes the beloved (by some of us at least) Ada Hayden figure-8, and ventures a bit farther west than the other; otherwise they're pretty much the same.  I plan to have water and light snacks at the Dawes drop and the Somerset sign, as well as at City Hall--probably by 6:30. 
 
As I have never before served as a Routemaster for anyone besides myself, I will gladly entertain suggestions.
 
Cheers,
Greg W.

Vardo’s:   The game plan for tonight per star of stage and screen, Vardo Margaret.

George

Here are the two links for the Tuesday routes from the Ames community Center.  Water will be on the NW corner of 4^th and University (forgot to mark on the map).

8.1 mile run around construction:  www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=238222

Clark south to LincolnWay

Clark turns into Walnut

South on Walnut through the light on S 3^rd (blocked road) to S 4^th

West (right) on S 4^th to the railroad trail

South (left) on railroad trail to Airport Rd

West (right) on Airport to University

North (right) on University to S 4^th

Water/Gatorade in plastic bags on NW corner of 4^th and University.

West (left) on S 4^th to Beech

South (left) on Beech to Mortensen

West (right) on  Mortensen to Ash

North (right) on Ash to Country Club

Northeast (right) on Country Club to Beech

South (right) on Beech to 4^t

Water/Gatorade in plastic bags on NW corner of 4^th and University (Same place as first stop)

East (left) on S 4^th to Oak

North (left) on Oak to Lincoln Way

East (right) Lincoln Way to Grand Ave

North (left) on Grand to Main to Community Center

5.33 mile run around construction:  www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=238224

Clark south to Lincoln Way

Clark turns into Walnut

South on Walnut through the light on S 3^rd (blocked road) to S 4^th

West (right) on S 4^th to the railroad trail

South (left) on railroad trail to Airport Rd

West (right) on Airport to University

North (right) on University to S 4^th

Water/Gatorade in plastic bags on NW corner of 4^th and University.

East (right) on S 4^th to Oak

North (left) on Oak to Lincoln Way

East (right) Lincoln Way to Grand Ave

North (left) on Grand to Main to Community Center

VardoNation:

in addition to the most splendid group runs scheduled for Saturday morning, there will be a special group run (5K distance) commencing at 11 AM again at the NW corner of the North Grand Mall (JC Penneys).  The purpose of this fine event will be to confirm and ISO/Vardo 9000 the mileage for Captain Midnight’s Run for Cystic Fibrosis.

I must also take this opportunity to point out yet another example of what makes Team Vardo great:  Last night we had a ton of Vardo’s show up with their GPS wrist rockets to do a preliminary measurement and help out a fellow Vardo.  That was really cool.  

Plus: The Other Bill participated in last night’s proceedings, and he did not pass judgment on anyone, even though the Code of Iowa clearly permits him to do so.

gjk

Special Group Run This Thursday

From Our Good Friend and Vardo, Jeff Margrett:
 
I am going to invite the several kind Vardos who offered to help me with the distance issue (for the Captain Midnight's 5K Run for Cystic Fibrosis) to a group run on Thursday night.  Would you please mention it in the VardoGram that all are welcome.
 
5:30 PM
North Grand Mall (North Lot NW of JC Penneys)
 

Team Vardo Weekend Racing Report # 1:   Dutchman Half Ironman Triathlon – Pella, IA

 
From our mother, who is The Vardo:

Kris Franken takes second in her age group after out-sprinting another gal to the finish line. Time: 6:31:58

Brenda Bright drops out with 5 miles to go due to injury. She was having a good race until her body said "Forget it."

Weather was hot and the course was really tough. Many of the athletes I spoke to after the race said this was the hardest half Ironman they'd ever done, with times about 20 minutes longer than usual. A great effort by the Vardos! 

See pictures attached: 
Pic 1: The Calm Before the Storm (and Kris trying not to puke on her feet)
Pic 2: Kris outta the water
Pic 3: Brenda outta the water
Pic 4: The sprint is on!
Pic 5: Aaah! The Ice Bath!
Pic 6: The Vardo's dirty leg

 Team Vardo Weekend Racing Report #2:   Mob the 'Quab Mountain Bike Race – Indianola, IA

Once again, The Vardo speaketh:

Team Vardo makes its mountain bike racing debut. I entered the Beginner Women's Division for my very first mountain bike race, and had an absolute blast. I won my division (there were only two of us, but that's beside the point...) and even "chicked" two guys in the process! I got plenty muddy, scored a box of Clif Bars and a box of GU, and promised to do another mtb race soon! 

Team Vardo Weekend Group Run Report:  Café Milo – Southwest Urban Overlay Growth Area/Zone/Whatever, Ames, IA

·         Dave Elsenbast runs all the way from his home in NW Ames and arrives at Café Milo at EXACTLY 6:59 AM!  IT’S THE ETHANOL!

·         Danielle calculates that it is 4 miles to the water fountain in Brookside Park. John Moran’s Garmin GPS thingy confirms 3.97 miles.

·         Beth Henriksen and Mike Wheelock run 12 miles in the time it takes George Klotzbach and John Moran to run 8. Sheesh . .. . .

·         Question asked the most times:  Anybody seen Art lately?  Variation:  Where’s Art?  Yet another:  Is Art here?

·         Cock-A-Doodle Brew with a freshly baked multigrain muffin. Woooo-eeee Coach!

Pluots:  Breakfast Of Champions

Hey Vardo’s – check this out:  Pluots 

I ate 3 bushels of these fine units on the Habitat 500 bike ride up in Canada last month.  Boy howdy, I’m here to tell you them’s fine eatin’. Those little jewels are chock full of vitamin C, fiber, iron, magnesium, titanium, diamond, emerald, etc.  Now available at your local Fareway / Hy-Vee / Cub Foods / Lowe’s/ Freidrich Realty / etc.   Pluots:  Truly deserving of the Team Vardo Seal Of Pure Deliciousness ©.


Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts.  (South Entrance – City Hall)  RouteMaster – Jody Gatewood
Wednesday:    You ever take a close look at those hot dogs on the grill next to the register at a Kum & Go?
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run – North Grand Mall (NW parking lot behind JC Penneys)
Saturday:        Your RouteMaster:  Sister Goodman

VardoNation:

In light of the late hour, the Team Vardo Executive Committee has met in Emergency Session and proclaimed  the Group Run for Saturday morning.

Details -

Time:  7 AM

Location:  Café Milo  on Mortenson Road

(This is that funky coffee place in southwest Ames, south of The Other Bill’s neighborhood. Café Milo makes a wonderful coffee called “Cock-A-Doodle Brew”.  Art would probably drink it.  And, he’s like a coffee snob, or he’s from Brazil or something.  I know Mr. Delaney would drink it. He drinks anything.)

Route:  Café Milo has wireless internet.  Somebody bring a laptop and we’ll “Map My Run”.  Plan B:  Somebody bring a 4 mile and a 12 mile route (or so) to accommodate the masses.  The laptop and/or route provider will be declared “Vardo of the Day”  and we will bow before you and anoint you with GU.

gjk

A Message From Tonight’s Group Run RouteMaster – Chris Keenan

“I believe I am route master for Tuesday night.  Some would argue that I should not be a master of anything, but I agreed to serve so…master, I am. Anywho, being the busy/lazy person that I am, I borrowed a route from USATF.  Most likely, one of our fellow vardos created this route sometime before.  It starts and ends at City Hall.  Regretfully, I have to teach on Tuesday nights so I will not be able to join you all.  Have a great run. 
Here is a five miler for you:  http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=184269   Happy running !!!”   Chris K

A Couple of Small Requests From Jeff Margrett
 
1)  Do any Vardo’s have any of those neat 10x10 foot tents (not the camping type, the type that have four legs and cover tables from the rain) that they may be willing to lend to the Captain Midnight Run?  If so, contact   jeffmargrett@hotmail.com
 
2)  Last year the Captain Midnight Run was, in fact, the shortest 5K in Iowa.  Would any of you with those fancy/magical wrist devices that talk to the stars and satellites be willing to help me check out some possible course modifications?  A special mini-group run would be awesome.  I will be out of town until possibly the 11th (maybe sooner).  Please e-mail me if you'd be willing to help.   jeffmargrett@hotmail.com


From Noted Team Vardo Troublemaker / Movie Reviewer Bob Watson

Click here:  Journeyfilm - Dean Karnazes - UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days Movie


A Message From The Bradshaws

Remember a few months ago when Dr. Jeff Bradshaw & Katie (Mrs. Dr.) Bradshaw told us they would go to South Africa if we didn’t change our name from Team Vardo to Team Bradshaw? Well, the name didn’t change, (so there, Bradshaws - put that in your LL Bean safari hat and smoke it) and they made good on their threat. Please note the postcard I received over the weekend (see attached picture).
 
Note to stamp collectors:   Look at the cool South African stamp on the postcard.  Truly a fine keepsake for the World of Vardo display at the Team Vardo Museum. Or maybe your personal collection?


Chart Explaining Art Barton’s Management Philosophy (Work / Home / Moose Lodge)

Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:       5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts.  (South Entrance – City Hall)   Route per Chris K – see above.
Wednesday:  Remember:  Even John Wayne was happy to see the cavalry ride in once in a while.
Thursday:      5:30 PM Group Run – Ada Hayden Vardaman Heritage Obscene Exxon Mobil Profits Memorial Park
Saturday:       Your RouteMaster:  Laura Q. Merrick

Good morning, VardoNation.

I just visited the Team Vardo web page, read the headline, and laughed so hard I frightened both cats.  (Even little Pekoe, who is on a mild dose of Paxil.)
Anyway:   I have a small favor to ask -   Would you all take a moment and send a quick e-mail to  Professor Thomas Q. Schultz:   Tom Schultz

Here is the text you need to cut ‘n paste into the message:

Sir Thomas,

Thanks for all of the work you do  to keep the Team Vardo website lookin’ good.  I mean, man, you are a web  genius.  Thanks for your generous
donation of  time and your donation of the web domain costs to keep Team Vardo on the Information SuperHighway or The Internets or whatever. Seriously, dude, it is appreciated, and we don’t say “Thank You” enough.  Now get back to work and have a nice day.  By the way, your fly is open.

Sincerely,

(insert name here:____________________)
Member – Team Vardo