Happy 4th of July Everyone I just got back from my 5k race. I will post a RR later when the offical results are posted online. My watch said 24:05, but the finishing line clock said 23:31 7:36/mi pace! A new PR. Have a great 4th of July weekend everyone. Bruce

Your hard work is paying off, and this is a summer race in So. Cal. I am looking forward to reading your report. I often tell people that with the fiveK it takes 3 of them to hit your stride. You ran well and I bet you can do even better. Stay healthy and keep at it. You really are impressive this year! Spareribs

Happy 4th of July!! The sun came out just in time for our BBQ after a cloudy and drizzly morning. I ran my 5K earlier and got to meet Enke , twice in less than a week!! Enke: Don't be down on yourself, I'm sure the majority of people out there this morning didn't have a long tough race in the legs from just 5 days ago, so I wouldn't worry about the clock, there are a few other 5K around here this summer and fall so many PR opportunities!! I'll post our photo with the RR , I've got some hair chopping to do now.... Francesca

MTA:....Enke....Your question is a good one. Why does God play such an important part? Probably our heritage as a Christian nation is a main reason. No other nation has been founded on quite such a concept of including God. The thriving of our nation would be attributed by many as being a result of this "Godly foundation". As well there is the belief that God honors a nation that honors Him. This is probably one of the main reasons that many get concerned when God is taken out of a aspect of our American culture.

I completely understand the importance of God in your nation from a historical perspective. So some people think that this country thrived so much because of its "Godly foundation" and not simply on the liberating ideal of "representation by the people" and economy-stimulating capitalism and abundant natural resources, do people really believe that?? I guess they do. I thought God only worked with individuals (maybe I know too little), you say he honours nations? How is that possible when the population is so diverse in their religious beliefs? I am not trying to be controversial. I really love every word you write and think you are a much better person than I.

I agree with Mr. Beer on this one. I don't subscribe to any organized religion. Watching a sunrise or sunset is better than church for me. I firmly believe in the freedom to worship (or not) as one sees fit. I love this country, but not the direction its heading in.

Vista, I am completely open to discussing religion. We discuss it obliquely everyday when we talk about our runs, encourage each other, feel sympathy for the hurt runner, feel sympathy for those of us with tough life situations. Our running gives us faith that there is a better world out there and that our problems can be overcome. Therefore running itself is an elixir of religion. My DH thinks we are all crazy, in our endless pursuit of the next "great" run. There is a biochemical basis for this reward-seeking behaviour. Just like our addiction to alcohol or chocolate, the same reward pathways are fired and we feel the same momentary euphoria. Running is the only non-chemical way to get this high. Intense religious experiences may also fire this pathway, an interesting, but probably not relevant observation. I am getting off topic. I think discussion of politics, like SR said, is best discussed in another forum. But you were not discussing political issues per se, so please ignore him. You were discussing the generalized outlook of a magnificent nation. And I for one, appreciate that. But, and this is a big But, I think mixing religion and politics is something intrinsic to your and unfortunately other more threatening nations. That is what scares outsiders like myself.

Erika, I'm with you as far as the 10 ft. pole. {{{ }}} I'll give you a free pass to whine. You don't get enough nice weather to waste it being sick. don't know if anybody else will honor it, but if you get fined I'll buy. congratulations to all the racers today!!! & that includes you, DickyG (I'm with Queen Pam), & Enke. it is way past my bedtime.

I'm absolutely thrilled that so many of yesterday's racers posted impressive performances...it really...REALLY...took some of the sting out of my rotten mood after my pitiful Peachtree performance. Of note: Sarge: I don't care what your 2001 time was...31:08 kicks butt. 8:10 uphill mile, 7:29 finish...I'm envious of your time...more important, I'm envious of your terrific attitude. Dave59: Congrats! You achieved your goal of a sub-60 10K...you actually murdered that goal...AND you ran a negative split for the final 5K...unlike a certain other member of this group, not mentioning any names. Bruce: PR? 7:36 pace? Outstanding! Any word on your age group placement? Steve: Awesome race, especially the final 7:35 uphill mile...you da man! You realize, of course, that all prizes must be distributed within the group. Doing my part, I will be distributing to each of you one share in a free waffle at Waffle House and a share of a free car wash at some place in Atlanta. Karin (CNYrunner): Already commented on your race report thread...your talent & determination is wonderful. Enkephalin: I don't know...your splits were consistent, your third mile beat your second even with a side stitch. I'm sure all of us have run race times slower than practice times...it just might have been a bit of an off day...but certainly not all that bad. Also: Holly: Wonderful news on your injury...I really think you were faking it all along so you could be closer to the chocolate: dg: Please contact a professional for nuking oatmeal instructions before you blow up your house. A final note to Ribs: I'm consistently awed by your knowledge on training plans, techniques, setting goals, etc. and your willingness to share this knowledge with the rest of us. Furthermore, I certainly appreciate your final post yesterday regarding putting a stop to to a discussion that got way out of hand. I hereby proclaim that due to your infinite wisdom, you are hereby entitled to an extra Waffle House coupon. DickyG