RR. Ma Econo does well at hometown race. This was the Rhody Race 5K on May 16th :The race I had worked towards for since I started in Aug. of last year. Most of my friends and acquaintances don’t know I am running, so I wanted to do well. I had a cold that lingered before the race, and also, I had not improved my speed since the Napa 5K on March 1. The races (there was also a 10K) included 471 people, which was by far the biggest number in the 31-year history of the race in this little town. DD1 was with me. Econo couldn’t come. I knew the course well. I wore my long sleeved tech shirt, which looks nifty, but turned out to be a mistake, because it was sunny and hot, and I had expected fog and maybe wind. I also goofed and wore my signature cowboy handkerchief, and in the excitement, forgot to take it off before the race. So I was hot to start with. I had neglected to bring my own water, and there was none at the start of the race. Before the race was an up beat and well done warm up to peppy music. I loved it, but had to watch out that I didn’t spend a lot of energy just getting warmed up. I seem to do better when I do some sort of warm up, though. I placed myself about half way back. I moved once when a lady and a child got in ahead of me. I put myself in the middle of the road, because the road, which I had practiced on beforehand, started with a curve to the right, and then in about four blocks, there was a turn to the left. So I made a straight line of it. I was soon thirsty. My plan was to run what I could, and then walk, but when I walked, to remember to stretch out my legs and walk fast. Not to “just walk”, but to rest my heart and lungs while still making some time. There were many hills, it was hot, and in places there was traffic to watch out for. That traffic I did not appreciate. I passed up some good friends who were surprised, and acted like I would of course go along with them and chat, but after a few times back and forth, I was able to get ahead for good. They were very nice afterwards, though. There were others I waved to, etc., but in general, I kept the socializing under control, as my Coach had told me to do. I know how to squeeze the top of the water cup and also to drink the water not while I was running or passing someone, but when going a little slower, and not dealing with other things and distractions. I think I learned that on RA. I tried to turn up the heat at mile two, and that worked for a while. I knew I had a hill of two blocks at the very end of the race, so just before that, I slowed down a little to get my breath, and then poured it on the best I could to the end. When I came in, the announcer (he knows me) gave my name and age (70). Thanks, I guess! I had not seen any women my age, but that was because they were all behind me! The Mayor took off my tag. He knows me too, but didn’t seem to recognize me! Then I saw my DH, and Robby the Aussie. Nice surprise. I have a problem right after the end of a race almost every time. I get dizzy and want to hang on to something. I find that if I keep walking a little bit, and get to the water and food as soon as I can, I get right over it, but still, I don’t like the feeling. Anybody have that problem? I came in just 6 seconds slower than my PR at Napa. Napa was, though, completely flat, and had chip timing, and I had lost a few seconds getting to the start line, and maybe two or three trying to start my watch with the wrong button. I am very happy with my results. I finished the race in 42 min, 16 sec for a 13:38 pace. My best race, everything concerned. I was 1 of 8 in my age group. I hope to run an 8K soon.

Rockin'MaEcono!! Way to go at the Rhody Run! And I'm glad to see that rather than elbow that child out of the way at the start of the race - you just chose a different position to start out at. I hope someone is paying attention to that congratulations on your 1st AG!! and out of a field of 8! Way to go!

Greta job MaEcono!! I had no idea that you were supposed to squeeze the top of the cup - I will try that this weekend!! Maybe I'll actually get some in my mouth. Conratulations on 1st place in your AG! I bet you would have had a PR if the course was flat. Cheers!!

Terrific race and first in AG!! You rock! I like your idea of taking the straight line. It does shave lots of seconds off the time you know. Dizzy I don't know. But it is never a good idea (for anyone) to come to a complete stop after pushing hard.

Excellent racing and great report! Congratulations on the hardware! Any special training for the 8k?

Congrats, Woods Lady! And you didn't have to throw any elbows this time. Re the dizziness - it would probably help a lot if you carried some fluids with you and, as others have said, don't stop suddenly at the end. Walk around for a bit and get some food and fluid in you. Just in case none are provided at the race, carry a little something in your car. We don't want you falling over and cracking your head open 'cause of undernourishment. It just doesn't look right coming from the person who got first place in her AG. Woo hoo!

Thanks for your advice, Spareribs. That is interesting about the quick steps as opposed to the long steps, and I will indeed try that out! I had no idea! Econo taught me about the tangent right after my first walk/run, when I surprised her, and just showed up, but I had figured that out. Yep, from now on, I will have shirts of various kinds in my car, and especially water and I do carry food, but maybe make sure I have some bananas. I have a little secret that helps me with the dizzyness. I am aware of GU, but have not used it, because until now I have not needed water on my 5K runs, so have not carried or stopped for it. I read that it is to be used with water. Now I have warm weather, am going faster, and have visions of running longer. However, I have a tendency to have low blood sugar, so always carry gum drops in my pocket for races. I usually have one or two at about mile 2, and a couple at the end. I swear they help me. Also, I head right to the water, Gatoraid, and bananas or oranges afterwards. Ileneforward. Yep - the 8K. I plan to train by going further on the woods road. I don't know the distance, but will use my pace as my guide, and go further each time or so. Same with running on the beach. I can do that. Those will be my "Long Runs". My ultimate goal for 2009 is to do a 10K. So far I have done one 6K and one 8K. I'd like those to become comfortable, then move on. There are few of the odd distance races, so I am on the lookout. I think I am more likely to be able to go further than faster. So for now, I will concentrate on distance over speed. Thanks, everybody, for the kind words and tips. WoodsLady

way to bust butt!!!! You race smart and work hard. It's paying off.