39th ANNUAL LAKE HARTWELL DAM RUN
I knew I did not really want to ever race again as the pain is not as much fun as sitting here on the porch with beer watching my birds.
.. but I was feeling guilty for not showing up somewhere. My mileage has been around 15 a week, and I have no real injuries right now to use as an excuse.
Sure enough, it was all I could do to keep slogging on. I am a real wimp these days. I did not walk, but it was a flat course.
My average heart rate was higher each mile even as my pace slowed, so I did hang in there -> sorta.
I did this race last year and tore my hamstring in the first quarter mile.
This year my body is OK except I am 14 pounds fatter than last year at 185 when "naked" .
This morning. I did knock 5 minutes off my limping time of last year, so that is Ok. Except for the racing part, I had great fun, glad I went.
I live on Lake Hartwell but way up the river. The race is over the dam, and the course is flat and beautiful. It is hard to think of a better course. Many people turn out.
There was a strong wind today which gave me an advantage over the other racers. They were being blown about, but my big beer belly kept me anchored.
I ran OK for a time and then due to being fat and not training, gave out. I was ahead of my friend Judy Walls (who beats me every race) until the last mile, and then she dusted me again as I slowed to nearly walking.
I met some new friends, and of course all the best looking girls begged to have their photo made with me.
I was 32 of 416 and won my age group. Like my old friend George used to say, "The secret to winning is grow old, show up, and they will give you an award most of the time".
67 Race photos are here:
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/yardcrap/library/Hartwell%20Dam%20Race%202017
Results are here: https://www.classicraceservices.com/2017-race-results/2017/5/7/lake-hartwell-dam-5k-2017-oa
This is a fun race, and all should mark it for next year.
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