Greece Athletic Police Athletic League 5k

Run: 3.2 miles in :00:00 min. @ 9:00 a.m.

Weather Report: Light Rain, 62°F, 86% Humidity, Winds: Calm; feels like 62°F.

It's hard to believe that it's been three weeks since my relay running team, the Skinnydippers, finished the Wild West Relay, and I'm back doing the solo thing in the Greece Athletic Police Athletic League Run. I don't frequently register to run the 5k distance, as my thinking is always "the longer the run, the better my chance of doing well."

Yesterday, my wife, well aware that I generally sign up for longer distances, asked me that very question: "Why did you sign up for this 5k?" I didn't quite give her this resposne, but I guess the truth is, this is a "comfortable" race for me.

There is a lot to feel comfortable about: the race takes place in the school district (and on the same street) in which I teach (work) and among the paricipants are many of my former students. The event was also organized in collaboration with YellowJacket Racing, the same outfit that "manages" the majority of the races I sign-up for locally. The folks at YellowJacket always put forth an energetic effort, rain or shine, and I surely appreciate the hospitality they afford all runners. Now back to the race...

The clouds cleared shortly before the start, so the weather was darn near perfect for a race. A fairly flat coure, with some very slight sloping roads, I felt pretty good during the race and, although I did not run a very well paced race, still had a bit left in the tank at the end. I was very happy with my result, which was a PR, just short of 20 min. I didn't write down the exact time after glancing at the finish. Surprisingly, I finished fiftieth overall and third in my age group (M35-39)!

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!