Old Fashioned Days – 5K Ideal race conditions this Memorial Day Weekend. I did not pre-register for this race, so when I got there early to sign up I missed out on getting a t-shirt. So, now my collection is missing a year. This is my 4th year of running this race. It is a hilly, challenging out and back course. My goals: 1. Get a PR of 28:00 – previous PR is 28:45 2. Get under 28:00 - doubtful 3. Get under 27:00 and have a shot for 1st – double doubtful So the race is on. I go out fast and start worrying if I’ll be able to hold on and not have to walk some on the hills as I’ve done every other stinkin’ year. The first hill hits ½ way into the first mile and I’m feeling pretty strong. 1st mile – 8:32 – Holy Crap where did that come from? Now it is a bit early to start getting excited, but the calculations are dancin’ in my head. Another large hill to get us to the turn around point and then wee, wee, wee wee, all the way down . . . 2nd mile – 8:50. hmmmmmmmm Now with just a little more than a mile to go I’m chanting “no walking, no walking”. Just keep going you are actually RACING this time and have a shot at this. One more hill to get up before we turn the corner and head back to the track. Mile 3 – 8:53. Pour it on now; get up that little –yet steep hill for the final dash to the finish. Finish time – 27:06!!!! Blew my PR right out of the water. Called Mr. Hopeful to give him the low down as I exonerated him from attending. We met for a good breakfast down the road, and I got back just in time for the award ceremony. Took 3rd in my AG. I thought I had 2nd for sure. I think all the fast runners that normally race across the bridge in the next town stayed closer to home to save on fuel. Darn them!! Fashion report: Dark pink running skirt, white short sleeve shirt, pink cap and Mizuno shoes. Thanks for reading!! ~Mary

Very well done! (What color are those Mizuno's?) Spareribs

Great race!!!

Fabulous Mary! Congratulations on the PR----that's a big chunk of time to fall off of a 5k and I loved how you looked at your splits and said Race on! Karin/CNYrunner

Oh wow! This is just so exciting! You are a racer with hardware! Nice, nice job.

Hopeful Mary! EXCELLENT! I loved how you ran this race. You are strong physically and mentally. Nice outfit, too! How was breakfast? Congratulations on 3rd in your AG. (maybe they could find you a tee shirt for that?)

Mary, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa That was a fast report for a fast race. You did excellent, what a time and it was a hilly course, wow. Hope you enjoyed brekkie. You are a diamond, well done on your PR. Roy

I agree with Enke.......you have worked hard and put in some good miles. This is not really that surprising. It just showed up at a great time.. Congratulations. This is just a super report and I am happy for you. Joey