Start time is 8 AM from the Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts a/k/a City Hall.

(Route per Ames Police Dept. Sergeant Christine Crippen a/k/a Ma’am.)

Some Fine Video From Mike Clayton

Marathon Rescue


Shameless Plug:  Skunk River Cycles

Hey, boys – our man Ronn Ritz just received some fine cold weather running/biking clothing at his Most Excellent Main Street Store.  We’re talkin’ windproof long sleeve shirts/jerseys, soft shell jackets with zip-off sleeves to make a lovely (and fashionable) vest, and 47,000 tons of warm hats and gloves. Friends, that’s 26,000 tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty.  And when the cold gales of November come early, you don’t want to be at the bottom of the lake they call Gitche Gumee.  So getcho gumee down to Skunk River Cycles.

Fresh From The Ames PD

(Editor’s Note:  Have you ever wanted to tell a police officer to just go jump in a lake?  Here’s your chance.  E-mail address provided.)
(Second Editor’s Note:  Hey, Jan – in the office, do you call her Chris or Sarge or Sir or Hey You or what?)

“Here is the route I made for Saturday:   http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=255490

I forgot that I will be diving in a lake in Marshalltown on Saturday, so I will not be running.”

Sgt. Christine Crippen
Ames Police Department
515 Clark, Ames, Iowa
515-239-5133
E-mail:  ccrippen@city.ames.ia.us


Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts.  (South Entrance – Community Center)
Wednesday:    Waterfowl Report:  Migration starting.  Increasing numbers of puddle ducks.  Camo running shoes suggested. Steel shot only.
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run.  The Annual Halloween Run?  I believe the Heuss-Walter Distance Project has costume material available.
Friday:             It’s gonna be a finn-tastic day – It’s Brendan Q. Finn’s birthday!
Saturday:        Group Run RouteMaster:   Sergeant Christine Q. Crippen

Brother-in-Training Rich Bundy speaketh:


Here are links to two routes for Saturday -- I saw on the Vardo website that we should be doing 8 miles, so that's the first route.  For those who want fewer miles, I have also prepared a 4 miler.  Both routes will have water available in a cooler at the sign on the ISU cross country course -- corner of Mortensen and Hayward.  The routes can also be combined for folks who want to go longer.

Eight miles:  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2354600

Four miles:  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2354631


I propose starting from the West Ames HyVee Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m.  Breakfast to follow at HyVee for those who are so inclined.

Rich

O. Richard Bundy, III
Vice President for Development, ISU Foundation
Global Agriculture Fellow, Iowa State University
2505 University Blvd.
Ames, IA  50011
(515) 294-9088

Can You Beat The Barton?

Try your luck with this fine item from Sir Art (The) Barton:  Tic-Tac-Toe


An Invitation From The Ames Hash House Harriers

“The Ames Hash House Harriers would like to invite the VardoNation to their Fall Formal Red Dress Run at Living History Farms run. Go to Goodwill or Salvation Army store and get a red dress for $4-5 and join the fun! Depending on the weather, I may wear my long dress or my mini.  Afterward we meet at Stormy's (on Douglas in I think it is West Des Moines) for refreshments and singing Hash songs. It is about a 12 year tradition and Stormy's always expects us and have chili and snacks.”  Doug Bryner


Nurse Franken Wins Her Debut Marathon

The following VardoAlert was received on the teletype Sunday from Father Fencl:

Detroit Free Press Marathon Kristen Franken Ames IA Female 40 to 44 41 F 4:03:38

(Editor’s Note:  Way to go, M.  That’s a pretty good time for a F.  We’re gonna make a M out of you yet.)


Team Vardo Wins 2008 IMT Des Moines Half And Full Marathons

Tim Gartin and Megan Colvin run their first full marathon, and finish in record time.  Report is that Tim Gartin’s spectacular time was the result of superior coaching from the Dave Elsenbast Jet Fuel Project.  Colvin credits the potato-flavored GU.

Many half-marathon PR’s were recorded, including Mary Schrunk with a 2 hour time, and a PR from the Founding Aunt of Team Vardo, Kori Heuss.  Joyce Hagley ran the half, and heckled the 5:00 full marathon pace group.  Many, many Vardos participating, along with fine Course Support from The Vardo, Danielle Wain, Sister Kecia Goodman, and Father Timothy Q. Fencl.   Roman Lynch made an unfortunate cameo appearance.


Tim Gartin:  Marathon Machine

“For those looking for another fall race, I came across this race in Overland Park, KS on Sunday, 11/23.  I am thinking about running the 1/2 there.  In addition to the 1/2, they have a full marathon and a 5K.  Here is the link: www.gobblergrindmarathon.com.”  Tim Gartin

Julie Vardaman:  Birthday Gurl

“Anyone up for a beverage post-run on Tuesday night? It is The Vardo's birthday, and I believe that Sunday marked the end of nearly everyone's season. Might be a good night to celebrate. Location TBD after the run??”    The Vardo


Speaking Of The Vardo

Check this out:  Zoom Performance

Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts.  (South Entrance – Community Center)
Tuesday:         VardoNation Federal  Holiday – It’s The Vardo’s Birthday. No mail, banks closed, etc.  Don’t go to work, etc.
Wednesday:    There is no “x” in eczema.  Remember this FunFact next time you're in a spelling bee. It may prove to be your ticket to victory.
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run.  Ada Vardaman Warren Q. Madden Heritage Grated Parmesan Memorial Park
Thursday:        Hey look – it’s Danielle Wain’s Birthday.  I scream. You scream. We all yell for Danielle.
Saturday:        Group Run RouteMaster:   Brother-In-Training Richard Q. Bundy

From Laura Q. Merrick – A Fine Event on Saturday!

Abana Banji Run - A Fundraising Event for the Ames High School Uganda Project
9 AM, Saturday October 18th, 2008  - 5K route at Ada Hayden Park 
Entrance Fee: $20  Includes race t-shirt, time results, and prizes to age division winners for men and women (8^th grade and under, high school, open).
Post race events will include food and drinks as well as Awards from the Ames High School Uganda Project

“Abana banji” is Lugandan for “Many Children”.  Each summer since 2004, Ames High students have traveled to Uganda to build schools for the Ugandan children.  Many of these children are orphans, whose parents have died from the HIV-AIDS epidemic in Africa.  All proceeds from the Abana Banji Run will go toward projects helping the children of Uganda. This event is sponsored by AHS Student Council and SHEPH.

So You Want Chicago Marathon Pics? Take A Look Here, Boys:

Attached is a picture taken Saturday of Brother Mike Mullins and Brother-In-Training Rich Bundy.  Next stop:  Boston.  (Note:  there were more pics sent to me, but MS Outlook wouldn’t let me send all of them. Sorry.)


Living History Farms Registration

Stacey Q. Roberts  speaketh:   “If fellow Vardos are signing up for Living History Farms (which they should, since the registration is FINALLY open), they can choose "Team Vardo" in the drop down menu.”


Team Vardo Brings Home The Gold and Silver and Bronze and Recycled Aluminum at the Run for the Roses

Too many Vardo’s wearing medals and eating omelets on Sunday. See Run4Roses - 2008 for race results.  Scan for Vardos.  Repeat as necessary.


Saturday Group Run Information – From The One and Only Jeff Margrett

“Please note that I will be the RouteMaster on Saturday in place of Tim Gartin.  It was part of a weird three-way trade where Mary Schrunk will take my November 22nd gig and Tim will be dealt to the San Diego Padres.”  Jeff Margrett

6 mile:  http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=247404
 
Optional 3 mile for those running Des Moines on Sunday but wanting to run a few to loosen up:  http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=252610
Leaving at 7:45 for 6 milers  /   8:15 for 3 milers (or later if you want.)   Water will be at Moore Park for 6 milers and at the end for everyone.

Note:  Both options start and end at the Vardaman Center (City Hall)


Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts. 
Wednesday:    You really need to admit there are things of the world that want us for dinner.
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run.  Ada Vardaman Warren Q. Madden Heritage Memorial Katie Q. Bradshaw Birthday-In-Absentia Run Park
Saturday:        Group Run RouteMaster:   Jeff Q. Margrett

And Now, A Fine Message From The Head Skunk:    Mr. Ronn Q. Ritz

"George:  Alert the Vardonians about the 'Lutheran Services "BLUE SKY DAY' 5K event on Oct 11th. Skunk River Cycles is donating a fully decked out Raleigh commuting bike to one of our favorite charities. Thanks!"    Ronn, Skunk River Cycles
Link:  Lutheran Services in Iowa – Blue Sky Day


Lost and Found Department

A 2008 zip-front Boston Marathon jacket was found at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday after the ISU-Kansas football game.  If this is yours, contact Roman Lynch by email at romanlynch@mchsi.com or by phone at 233-6057.


Get On Your Bike And Ride For The  Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation

Del Weiss, five time winner of the Habitat for Humanity 500 bike ride, would like you to join her this Saturday for a local biking event:

Trek WSD Breast Cancer Awareness Ride, hosted by the Trek WSD program and Bike World
Saturday Oct 11, 10:00 AM starting at Bike World Ames
10 or 25 mile no drop ride.  (Editor's Note:  No drop = not a race. You all ride together.  Also means Del will not drop her Starbucks French Roast)
$25 fee with 100% of fee donated to Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. 
Bike World Ames 515-232-3669  / Steve L from Bike World said that there will be food.  (Editor's Note:  Vardo's like food.)
Registration information:  Active.com - 2008 Trek WSD Breast Cancer Awareness Ride


And After You've Done The Blue Sky 5K And / Or The Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Ride On Saturday, It's Time For . . ..

The Run for The Roses 5K and 10K at the new Ames Middle School on Sunday!  Registration information:  Run for the Roses


Vardo's Like Food

We like eating yes we do. We like eating how 'bout you?  How 'bout a very simple pie chart to explain this phenomenon?  See attached.

 
Group Runs / Activities This Week

Tuesday:         5:30 PM: Group Run - Vardaman Center for the Performing Arts. 
Wednesday:    Like Ranger Gord says:  "A lot of people have died at the end of a rope. A lot of people have died at the end of a snake. Think about it."
Thursday:        5:30 PM Group Run.  Ada Vardaman Warren Q. Madden Heritage Memorial Collateralized Mortgage Obligation Provincial Park
Saturday:        Group Run RouteMaster:   Danielle Q. Wain and her collection of 17,532 pairs of shoes (oh . those Bǿrn's are just sooo cute on . ..  .)

Flash from the Team Vardo hotline:

Sister Kecia Goodman – Boston Marathon Qualifier.  Repeat:  Sister Kecia Goodman – Boston Marathon Qualifier

Father Fencl and Sister Goodman just finished the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, both crossing the finish line at 3:39:46.