Seaside School 5k

On Sunday we raced in Seaside FL to help raise money for the Seaside School.

It was the biggest race I've ever been a part of. There were 1500 runners for the 5K. This meant that it took several seconds to reach the starting line after starting gun. Also, other runners surrounded me the entire race. If I wanted to pick up the pace, I would have to weave around other runners.

My time was 31:09 - a little disappointing, but with discipline and determination, I should be able to shave a couple minutes off that time this year.

I came in 476th place overall.

Of the 21 men aged 65-69 in the race, I came in 5th.

It was our first Sunday race. The race was supposed to start at 7:30, but due to inclement weather, the start was postponed till 8:45. I cleaned up as quickly as I could after the race, and we were able to worship at the Seaside Chapel.

Men In Tights

Saturday was the FSU Torch Run in Panama City.

1. There were 199 participants in the race.

2. The temperature was in the low 40s, so I decided to wear tights for the first time in a race.

3. My time was not stellar: 30:54. I came in 7th place for the old men. 64th overall. At least I'm lifting my rear foot to a good level...

4. Here I am carrying the Torch at the end. (This photo taken by the race organizers.)

5. I don't feel Coach Agnes had me properly prepared for this race. I'm finally going to ask her why she's only been giving me short, slow runs lately. Nonetheless, it sure is good to be able to run and compete this time of year.

 

400 miles!

Two years ago, I ran 200 miles. Last year I ran 300 miles. This year, with Coach Agnes Ironfist pushing me, I've run 400 miles! I am incredibly thankful that I'm still able to do this.

Fourth Place Again?!?

Yesterday was the Blue Ox 5K in Bemidji. 5 takeaways:

1. The weather was perfect - about 60 degrees, I think.

2. I love the energy at this race. There was a solo trumpet player playing the Olympic theme at one point. There was a group of people cheering from a roof across the street. The high school band was playing for us near the mid-point. And the cheering from everyone at the end was amazing.

3. My goal was 29 minutes. I ran pretty much exactly how I wanted to run with negative splits: 9'51" pace for the first mile, 9'38" for the second mile, and 9'25" for the last mile. I almost achieved my goal. Here are the final stats: 

 4. Unfortunately, I did not medal. I came in 4th place again! What's up with these 60-year-old runners who can get 25 or 26 minute times?

5. My 76-year-old friend from Perham beat me again. His time? 27:45! Wow!

My photographer was there. Here is some of what she captured:

Running is beneficial

 

North Star Run

Yesterday was the North Star Run is Roseau. It was a part of the Polaris 70th anniversary celebration.

Some takeaways:

1. It started at 7am! I got up a couple hours before that to have breakfast and went back to bed. The weather was great - low 60s, mostly cloudy.

2. I was happy with my time: 29:26. Not as good as last week, but well under 30 minutes.

3. Out of the hundred or so runners, I came in 31st place. 2nd place for the old guys.

4. There weren't age group medals, but there were participation medals. I converted my participation medal into a second place medal.  :)

Yellow Rose 2024

Yesterday was the Yellow Rose 5K in Warroad. Five takeaways:

1. Let's start with the weather. It was just about perfect - low 50s with sunshine. Just a little wind. Great day to attempt a great time.

2. My plan was to start with a 10 min mile pace, increase to 9:50 pace for the second mile, and then all out for the last mile. This would be the first time in my life that I would increase my speed as I went. And everything went pretty much according to plan.

3. I crossed the finish line at 29:12. That's my best time in ten years! I was thrilled. I was able to take home a bronze medal. It sure feels good to be getting medals again.

4. Notice the orange shirts. Are we in the Netherlands?

5. Is coach Ironfist helping me? Based on the time, it would seem so. She's rewarding me with a 7 mile run tomorrow!