Notes
I arrived at the bib pick up desk and found out that even though I had sent in my entry app. and check a week ago, I was "Not on the list". There was a to do, but J. D. came to my rescue. She is a 73 yr old fast runner who I have become friendly with over the past year. First they were going to re register me (no fee), and then I mentioned that I was 70, and from Florence. The head guy was then helping me, and he said he remembered seeing that registration, and went to look at "the other list". There I was! Big Sister was there with her DH and DS.
When we started out, I went through my usual difficult half mile. I have been trying to not start out at my fastest, but at an easy pace, and that helps some, but slows down my total time. Hum. Then I settled in to my easy run/jog pace, and I added sprints at about the rate of two per mile. I added sprints when there were other reasons to do so - little shady areas, and little down hills. During part of the race, there was a head wind, and part of the race was on Bark Dust.
I was not fast on this race, but a little bit faster than the only other 8K I have done back in April. But, I did run/jog the whole way with the exception of two very short water drinks. No walking. The last mile was a little hard, but doable.
I have been on this course other times, and my favorite place is along the canal. It looks like a great place to live.
I wish I had been faster, and am not really sure of the minutes, but will correct this report after I get the official results. I had neglected to push the stop botton on my watch again. I have been working hard at running, and it would be nice to get a PR each time, but as J. D. says, How many other 70 yr. olds do I know who can do this?
At the awards ceremony, J. got her 1st, but I was not mentioned as 2nd. Again, J. came to my rescue, and went up front, and told them what had happened, and they gave me my red 2nd place ribbon.
I did have a good time with my family, and was pleased that I felt good after the race, and enjoyed talking to other runners.