A lot Depends on…

Who else is on the field!

Today I was just as surprised when I did NOT place in the top 3 for my age group as I was when I DID place in the top 3 in my age group for last week's half marathon. Today's race was a 5K – the Herb Kahl Memorial 5K here in Warrington, PA. My unofficial time was 24:32 and I placed overall 14^th. But, there were fewer age groups so I fell into the 50-59 category and ended up placing 4^th in the group. There were 3 runners in my age group who finished in the top 10 so I missed placing by 1 position.

I ran this same race last year and placed 3^rd in my age group. Also, I was 45 seconds slower last year. So… my lesson learned here is so much depends on whom else in on the field with you.

Next race for me is the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon on July 22!

Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John

No PR But Good Enough for 2nd Place!

Today I ran my June Half Marathon right here in the Philadelphia area – Pennypack Park to be exact. The ½ Sauer ½ Kraut ½ Marathon kicked off at 7:30am on a beautiful Saturday morning. Although warm (about 68 degrees at race start), there was no humidity and the majority of the race course was shaded due to the park setting. What a fun race! There were some challenging slopes and part of the course was on dirt and rock trails which made it a little tricky for footing. Although I did not PR this race (1:57:11 is my unofficial time), my time was good enough to place me 2^nd in my age group (Male 55-59)! Placing in the top 3 in my age group was totally unexpected so I was really caught by surprise when they called my name. I had just finished congratulating the fellow who was sitting across from me who placed 2^nd in his age group when I heard my name called – unreal!

It is unexpected surprises like this that encourage me to keep plugging away. After watching Nik Walenda walk a tight rope across Niagara Falls last night and listening to him talk about fulfilling his dreams brings home the message that having dreams and setting goals are what make things happen. And the key here is that we have to make things happen. Taking charge is what it's all about. No more excuses!

Next month I'll be running the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on July 22. Between now and then, I'll be kicking off my training program for the Marine Corps Marathon which will be in Washington, DC on October 28. Hard to believe that will be here before too long.

Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John

Another 10K Down and Another PR!

This was a weekend full of racing for me and I am able to end it on a high note. Yesterday, I ran the Chalfont Challenge 5K in my hometown of Chalfont, PA. This is the traditional final race of the annual Bucks 5K Series. I only ran 4 of the 7 races in the series this year and yesterday's race was my worst time in the series. I intentionally held back because I knew I'd be running a 10K today. So, I finished the Chalfont Challenge 5K in 26:31 and managed to place 11^th in my age group.

Today's race was a different story. I woke up feeling very positive and determined to give it my best and that is exactly what I did – finished the Princeton Healthcare 10K in 49:40 – a new PR! It was a miserably humid morning as temperatures were forecasted to reach 90 degrees here today. It was probably 68 degrees at race start time. The race course is very pleasant – mostly through shaded tree lined residential streets and a finish on the field and track field that is adjacent to Palmer Stadium at Princeton University. The race venue was about an hour drive from my home so it was another early Sunday morning for me but in the end well worth it.

My strategy for this week is to taper a bit. I am scheduled to run the ½ Sauer, ½ Kraut, ½ Marathon next weekend in Philadelphia so I want to make sure I am well rested and ready to tackle the 13.1 miles through Pennypack Park.

Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John

New Distance – New PR!

The nice thing about running a new distance is that you immediately have a new PR! Today I ran the Run the Gates, a 5-Mile race in Levittown, PA. The race is sponsored by the Bucks County Road Runners and proceeds go to support the Middletown Township park system.

It was a beautiful but warm morning and race time was at 9am. I am really glad I left the house extra early because I had the hardest time finding the race site. The directions I downloaded from MapQuest failed me! But, I was persistent and finally figured it out. Although Levittown is in Bucks County, I am not familiar with that area of the county so I was in virgin territory.

Not sure where I placed in my age group other than knowing that I did not place in the Top 3 since I did not win an award L Maybe next year!

Considering the warm temperatures (about 62 degrees at race start time) and the rolling hills on the course, I was very pleased with my finish time of 40:40. That represents an 8:08 mile – very similar to the 5.3 mile races I ran in Tyler State Park last winter where my best time was an 8:02 average mile.

Next weekend I am scheduled to run in 2 races! The Chalfont Challenge 5K is the final race in the Bucks 5K Series for the year on Saturday, June 9. Then, the following day, I am scheduled to run the Princeton 10K in Princeton, New Jersey. Right now, I am very much looking forward to my well deserved Rest Day tomorrow!

Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John