P.R.!!

For several years now I've wanted to go sub 20 minutes for the 5k. I
came close a few times, but never broke through. This year, in an
effort to improve, I really focused on running.

Until about six weeks ago I thought my efforts were in vain. I'd had
some good races, but so-so times. Then suddenly my form from the
1980's returned! I could feel the difference. I could "cruise".

Several months ago Sheila and I saw a race advertised for this weekend
in Duluth. It happened to be the same weekend we were spending 4 days
at the north shore. So naturally we signed up.

When we awoke in the complete darkness this morning it was 32 degrees.
Suddenly staying in bed sounded like a great idea. But we dragged
ourselves out of bed for the 30 mile drive down to Duluth. When we
arrived the temperature was in the upper 30's with sun.

The race was point-to-point along the lake front path, and as a nice
feature they had an old train that brought the runners and spectators
up to the start. However, we went with the strategy of "short race,
long warm-up" and ran from the finish up to the start.

Between the cool weather and the perfect warm-up we both had great
races. We both ran smooth and steady. Sheila knocked over 1 minute off
her previous best time for the year (2nd in AG). And I finally broke
through with a very comfortable 19:30 (1st in AG, 10th OA).

It feels really good to run again with the form I had in my 30's.
Cruising through long training runs and swift tempo runs! Now to keep
the form all the way into the tri season next year.

See you out there.

Doug