Grinnell Mutual employee runs for MS

GRINNELL — Running for a cause is something that Michelle Papendick has taken to heart.

Papendick, a Grinnell Mutual reinsurance controller, recently participated in the MS Run the U.S., an ultra-relay run held annually to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis research, while also supporting individuals living with disabilities caused by MS.

MS Run the U.S. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by ultra-runner Ashley Schneider in honor of her mother, who was diagnosed with MS.

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The organization began with Ashley’s solo run across America in 2010 and has evolved into the longest annual relay in the United States, covering 3,260 miles from Santa Monica, California to New York City between April and August.

“Each year, a team of specially selected runners completes the relay in segments, with each runner covering approximately 150 miles over six consecutive days while raising a minimum of $10,000,” said Papendick.

Papendick was able to reach and exceed her fundraising goal thanks in part to a $5,000 matching contribution from the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation. To date, she has raised a total of $12,757.76 for MS research.

“I’m so grateful,” noted Papendick of the support she has received. “I really believe in smaller organizations where you can see exactly where the money goes.”

Papendick said the funds go directly to helping individuals living with MS, supporting needs such as mobility aids, home modifications, and critical research initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and finding a cure.

“Through the power of endurance, storytelling and community, MS Run the U.S. inspires action and hope in the fight against MS,” Papendick said.

Papendick is one of 21 runners, five of whom are living with MS, who are participating in the cross-country run this year. She ran the 12th segment of the relay from Lincoln, Nebraska to Casey, Iowa, from June 13 to 18.

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For Papendick, getting a spot on the team wasn’t a simple matter of signing up.

“I applied late, right at the end of their selection process,” Papendick said. “I didn’t hear anything and assumed I hadn’t been chosen. Then out of the blue, Ashley (Schneider) reached out and said someone had dropped out due to injury. She interviewed me, and I got in.”

To prepare for the run, Papendick participated in a structured training plan, which began with a 10-week “playground” base-building phase, followed by a 16-week intense training block.

“Due to a segment switch, my training ended up being slightly shortened,” she said. “I had a five-week base period followed by the full 16-week build.”

The 16-week training started with 30 — 40 miles per week, gradually increasing by 5 — 10 miles each week, peaking around 71 — 75 miles.

“That meant I was often logging 25 — 40 miles over the weekend,” she said. “It was a significant time commitment, especially since the training emphasized slower, endurance-paced runs. Of course, this paid off as I was able to do around a marathon a day for six days successfully.

“In addition to the mileage, learning how to fuel properly was a key part of my preparation,” said Papendick. “As someone who wasn’t an ultra-runner before, this was new to me. Each week, I practiced fueling strategies during my long runs to make sure I could sustain the high mileage during my segment.”

Papendick covered nearly 25 miles each of the six days, beginning as early as 4:30 a.m. Her route took her on gravel roads, back roads, two-lane highways, across bridges and on sidewalks and neighborhood streets.

“The route we take is meaningful; it's the same path Ashley ran back in 2010 when MS Run the U.S. first began,” said Papendick.

“My segment started on the MoPac Trail (near Lincoln, Nebraska) on Day 1, then shifted to gravel roads on Day 2. Day 3 was a mix of sidewalks and neighborhood streets as I made my way toward Highway 6. From there, I stayed on Highway 6, also known as White Pole Road, all the way into the town of Casey.”

To beat the heat of the day, Papendick started her daily segments early in the morning.

“I was up and going by 3:30 a.m.,” she said. “I had a bagel for breakfast, and it was off to the starting point.”

Depending on the location of the nightly campground, it took Papendick and the crew about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the starting point.

“From there I had a routine of running four miles to each crew stop until about mile 16. Then I would switch and go three miles to a crew stop until we got to 25 miles,” she said. “At mile 25, I would assess the heat and see if it would be worth going another mile or stopping for the day.”

The crew stops were meant to be short, five-minute windows to hydrate and eat.

“The crew’s job is to provide help with everything from hydration and fueling to moral support and logistics,” said Papendick.

When asked what kept her motivated and going, Papendick said it was knowing why she was participating in this relay.

“I was running for those living with MS, people who face challenges every single day that most of us can’t imagine,” Papendick said.

“When the heat got tough or the miles felt long, I reminded myself that this discomfort was temporary, but the impact made is lasting. The support from the crew, my family, and messages from friends and fellow teammates, all of it fueled me forward.”

Papendick was also running for her own family. Her grandfather lived with MS most of his life. The disease took away his strength and abilities at a young age, and he was in a care facility by the time she was born, Papendick said.

“I remember the visits and how each year he continued to decline … His passing left a lasting impression on me,” said Papendick. “Since then, I've also seen friends and colleagues struggle with the daily realities of living with MS.”

Papendick said several of her grandfather’s siblings also had MS.

“The doctors say it’s not hereditary, but in my family, three out of five siblings ended up with MS. It’s obviously close to home for me.”

Papendick took four pairs of shoes with varying mileage on them on the run in hopes that she wouldn’t have any shoe issues.

“It worked, as all of them held up. Some I liked running in better than others,” she said.

Papendick said her favorite part of the run was being out on the open road and discovering new places.

“The Iowa countryside is stunning, and sometimes when you’re driving by, you don’t get to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness around you fully,” Papendick said. “Running allowed me to slow down and truly take it all in.”

Each day brought emotional challenges and gave her purpose, Papendick said.

“Some of the most memorable moments include connecting with people along the route and sharing the mission of MS Run the U.S., being surprised by supporters who showed up to cheer me on and spending long stretches on the highway with truck drivers honking in support,” Papendick said.

“It reminded me of why I was out there. I wasn’t just running for miles; I was running for a purpose.”

Papendick said her favorite landmark on the run was on Day 3, as she crossed from Nebraska into Iowa over the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

“My son was running with me at the time and sharing that moment with him made it especially meaningful,” said Papendick. “It was fun experiencing that part of the journey together.”

Papendick’s son ran 12 miles on Day 3 and another seven miles on Day 5.

“I also arranged for my running bestie to join me at the end of Day 4 for around 11 miles, since other segment runners had warned me that it was the toughest day,” said Papendick. “Having familiar faces (and family) out there made a big difference and gave me something to look forward to each day.”

On Day 6, Papendick’s mother traveled from Virginia to Iowa to support her daughter as she finished the 148-mile run.

“Their support made a huge difference, both practically and emotionally, it truly was a team effort,” Papendick said.

Papendick said she didn’t participate in the run for herself; she was running it for everyone who deals with MS every day.

“If I can help raise money and awareness even just a little, I’ll have made a difference,” she said.

Papendick and her husband of 20 years live in Pella and have three college-age children. “Our home is full with three cats and one dog, which keeps things lively,” she said.

“Outside of running, I volunteer at the ARL of Iowa, where I help with feline care and spend time in the Kitten Nursery. It’s a rewarding way to give back and combine my love for animals with community involvement.”

When asked if she would participate in the run again, Papendick said that if there was an opportunity to help the organization by running a portion of a Community Segment, she would do it.

“That said, I believe it's important to give new applicants the chance to run a full segment,” said Papendick. “It's such an incredible experience, and I truly believe everyone should have the opportunity to do it at least once. I’d love to encourage others to step up and apply for the 2026 relay team. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.”