A happy Fourth of July to all of you! I'm learning how hard it is to set a time goal when the temperature is uncertain. I had hoped to break 50 minutes and ran well, finishing in 49:33 (7:58.5/ mi). La Palma is one of many “La” communities here in Southern California. Some of the others are La Mirada, La Puente, La Crescenta, La Canada, and La Habra. (Is that why people call this place la la land?). La Palma’s Run For Fun 4th of July 5K/ 10K is a well organized community event. There is a pancake breakfast that EVERYONE seems to participate in. A tremendous number of volunteers (sporting red t-shirts) were helping. There were 208 10K and 334 5K finishers as well as 125 walkers. The course is flat with two loops for the 10K’ers. The 5K start is ahead of the 10K start, so the 10K people have to do the bob and weave for the first quarter mile or so. The temperature today was ~70 deg. For the first 10-15 minutes we had cloud cover, and that was great. After that the sun came out, but it wasn’t overpoweringly bright though. I had raced In the heat a couple weeks ago and the last two miles, I kinda melted. Today, I determined to save something for the last two miles, to try to have more footstrikes per minute and to be mentally stronger at the end. I was fairly successful. My splits: 7:47 7:54 16:00 (miles 3 & 4, where’s that mile marker?) 8:08 9:43 (last 1.2 miles, 8:00/ mi pace) After the first loop, I was a bit startled to hear “nice going Don” or something like that. I didn’t know who it was, but after the race, I had a nice chat with the runner formerly known as arc918 . He ran well and won his AG. In the last half of the race, I passed three runners and two passed me. I had been following and gradually closing on Mr blue shirt for the final two miles when I finally passed him with about 1/3 of a mile to go. I didn’t really pay that much attention to him after that, I was more focused on beating 50. But with 50 yards to go, he went by me by quite a few steps. I actually think his intent was to beat me. I don’t know what came over me then, but I unleashed a furious sprint and managed to edge him by about a foot right at the finish line! Makes me think I am not leaving it all on the course if I can do that! For my efforts, I was rewarded with 11th place in my AG (instead of 12th) and the enormous urge to upchuck. But finally it went away and the two combatants shook hands and congratulated each other. My officemate’s son ran the 5K, finishing 2nd in his AG. The awards looked like tote bags or backpacks. Two church friends also ran in the 5K, and I talked to them too. I also ran into a very tall guy who was in lleneforward’s running club. Overall, very pleased with the results today, the 49:33 today is probably close enough to the 48:43 I had a few months ago under ideal conditions. My pacing was better than usual. Most importantly, I feel quite good afterwards and should be able to have a good training run tomorrow or on Sunday. Thanks for reading!

I think that was a fine effort, Don...looks like you really put it all on the line during the final stretches...I was also impressed by the way you focused on the runner(s) right ahead of you and picked off some of them. You held on to your pace after the sun came out and even though you made light of it, I'm sure you were proud of the fact that you picked up an additional spot in your age group. Congrats! DickyG

Thats why they call it racing Don. You did a great job and the urge to beat the guy in front of you is a good way to push yourself. Glad you had a good time and thanks for sharing. Larry

Nice going and RR Don !! I believe that feeling good after a race is a reliable sign that a new PR is not far away! Congratulations, Francesca

And don't forget that you did this on a reasonably warm day. Even if it wasn't too hot, it's still summer in So. Cal and that is not the best condition for optimum racing, certainly not this summer. And yes, I think everyone has a bit more to kick in at the finish. I often get lazy or lose focus unless I am challenged as you were. I am glad to see you had a chance to unleash your kick and see what you can achieve. Well done. Spareribs

Nice racing....and pancakes!

I don’t know what came over me then, but I unleashed a furious sprint and managed to edge him by about a foot right at the finish line! Makes me think I am not leaving it all on the course if I can do that! For my efforts, I was rewarded with 11th place in my AG (instead of 12th) and the enormous urge to upchuck.

No, I think if you have the enormous urge to upchuck at the end of a race, you have given it your all. Great job!