Bridge Run 5 mile RR This is one of the few local Grants Pass races that we have here – most are in Medford about 25-30 miles away. I’ve never run this race before because it always falls on the Eugene Marathon weekend so the past couple years I’ve been up in Eugene, and prior to that I wasn’t really a runner so never knew it existed. It was nice to actually sleep in until 7:00 a.m., take my time getting ready and not have to leave the house until a bit before 8:00 for an 8:30 a.m. race. By the time I arrived, the 5K race was just underway. John was there to cheer me on before he headed up to Eugene for the weekend. He took a few pics which I’ll add on later when he sends them to me. Today was cooler, off and on light rain, and since I’m still battling this cold/cough, I probably overdressed, but I really didn’t want to get chilled today. I wore black shorts, a thin light gray shirt and a black long sleeve zip pullover. The plan today was moderate effort but not push myself since I’m running a long run of 15 miles tomorrow. There was a small field for this race, maybe around 60, if even that. I didn’t see the usual speedsters in my AG. I had fleeting thoughts of pushing myself on this one because I think I could have placed in my AG, but kept remembering the bigger picture – my 15 mile training run tomorrow. That had to be my focus this weekend. This was a fairly flat course with a few rolling hills. Part of it was running on the chip bark path through the same park as the GP HM last fall – which Econo will remember. Thankfully no running on slick wet grass, although even the bark path was a bit soft in places from the rain we’ve had. My splits were: 8.43, 9.06. 9.24, 9.39, 9.18 and another .52 seconds for the .12 miles that the course was long, per Garmin. Final time was 46:58. During the awards I learned that had I pushed myself a bit more and overtaken red shirt girl in front of me, I would have placed 3rd AG. I missed it by about 10 seconds or so. But the lady who got 3rd AG was so incredibly excited and elated when they called her name, so I was glad for her. Thanks for reading. Now I'm just focusing on my training - no more races really. Just a HM on 6/6 which is part of my 20 mile run that day.

Tammy, congrats on 4th in AG. Sweet of you to feel good for the red shirt gal who won 3rd. I hope your cold/cough are cleared up for tomorrow's 15 miler - good luck!

Your race sounds like a blast. Kudos for being happy for lady who placed 3rd in your AG. Thanks fo rthe RR

Nice race, Tammy. It's neat that you found a small race near home that you could do the day before a long run. Congratulations on your almost AG award. I'm sure the 3rd place lady was greatful you let her get the award. Good luck on your long run and beating your cold/cough. TomS

Way to keep your eye on what is important. Thanks for sharing I hope to be able to do the same next weekend in a 25k race that I just want to use as a MP training type run. I usually have a trouble when I am actually in the race though. Larry

Sorry you missed that AG award by 10 seconds! Sounds like you have a lot of nice races down your way. Good job not running too fast so that you can run long the next day. Looks like I won't be able to run with you at Seattle RnR, as I'm basically not running at all right now with this inner ear problem. I do hope to cheer you at the end as you cross that finish line!!!

Bravo, TammyGP. Good job! I remember the chip bark, and also the grass field with the right angle Left turn across the little foot bridge. Yikes! GP is a really nice place, and my DD3 and I were agreeing just the other night that we'd like to race again down there in Grants Pass. Good report, and I really do consider my GP shirt as my best. Woods Lady

Tammy - nice job - especially for a race you weren't "racing." Now I have to go back and read how your 15-miler went the next day...