Successful Weekend of Racing!

Let's begin with the Strides for Rides trail race in Prattville, Alabama. My daughter Andrea, who trains on trails in the Birmingham area quite frequently, ran in this race, which supports the Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center. This was Andrea's first trail race and she finished the 3.3 mile course in 32:40, good enough for 1st in her age division (20-39) and fifth overall out of 48 runners. Andrea is now a professional runner as she picked up a $50 gift card for her effort!

The Scare Brain Cancer Away 5k race was held Saturday in East Rochester, NY. It is a great course (roads) and chip timing for the start and finish. Eileen W led the way of the four Sal's runners with her second place age group finish (25:16). Mike W. took third in his age group (22:23). Jan picked up some RROY points, finishing 5th in her age group (out of 30) 27:12. I had a decent race, finishing in 22:55, 10th in my age group and hopefully getting one point in RROY.
Besides perfect race temperatures the post race food was as good as advertised, with subs, pizza, fruit and more.

Next up, the East Avenue Grocery Run 5k in downtown Rochester on November 7. Another flat course and RROY race. Well, that race plus a little half-marathon at DisneyWorld that Andrea's boyfriend will be racing on November 7, beginning at 10pm. The Wine and Dine half-marathon includes a party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that goes until 4am.

Race For Race Shape?

Saturday is the 7th annual Scare Brain Cancer Away 5k in Rochester. This race is also a Rochester Runner of the Year Race. Jan is currently in fourth place in her age group and with three races to go has a good shot at finishing in the top three. I am in a tie for ninth place and have little chance to finish in the top five and be eligible for an award.

I've been having an internal debate on why I should race this weekend for at least two weeks. This coincides with the last time I did any real speed training. My guess is I'll run my guts out and finish around a pace that ten years ago I could have maintained for 13.1 miles or longer. Anyone else I would have ready answers for why that is okay, even quite good. The bald guy sitting on my right shoulder hiding his belly fat keeps harping on that fact, whispering in my ear to accept what I am. The skinny, fast, bald guy on the left tells me running that slow is unacceptable and my fate is not sealed, there is still hope.

I'm going with the left shoulder runner. He is even wearing matching clothing and lightweight race shoes. He looks like a racer. The left shoulder guy tells me that this Saturday's 5k will be hard, but great training for the next RROY race, another 5k (the East Avenue Grocery Run), and then, on Thanksgiving morning, the last race in the series, the 25th annual Race with Grace 10k.

Besides, the race Saturday has pizza, Dibella's subs, and more post-race delights. Even if the left shoulder racer is wrong, the right side runner will be fed and happy!