When last I wrote, I was training to run the Staten Island Half Marathon in late fall of 2025. Unfortunately, the race was canceled because of weather.
I wanted to run that race so I could qualify for the NYC Marathon, which is unfinished business for me. I qualified to run it in 2012, but that race was canceled too—also because of weather.
Is it just me?
After the latest cancellation, I lost motivation to train hard for another race. Shelly and I have been busy with other things anyway. We bought a new house, she is now retired, and I am gradually winding down my own career.
20 Years
Even without any races on the calendar, I’ve managed to maintain about 20 miles a week of running. On my “rest days,” I still ride my stationary bike. Shelly still laughs at what I call rest.
My streak of continuous days of exercise recently crossed the 20-year mark. Twenty years without missing a day.
Rather than proving my commitment, you may think it instead proves my need for commitment. You are probably right.
Race
This morning, it was time to put a race bib on again. I ran the Run for the Grapes 5K in Tontitown with my princess cheering me on.
This was my third time running the race, but getting there is considerably easier now. Our new house is super close to the start line. We could practically roll out of bed and stumble into the starting area.
Without any specific training for the race, I figured my general fitness was good enough to break 28 minutes. I ended up with 26:35, which was good enough for second place in my age group.
That sounds less impressive though when you learn that there were only eight guys in my age group. Eight old guys and most of them are probably arthritic.
Still, I’ll take it.
Smart Racing
I was actually feeling pretty good during the last half mile. I was congratulating myself on having run a smart race. I took it relatively easy during the first mile to save some energy for the mostly uphill final two miles.
As the race got harder, I started counting how many places I was gaining. I added one to the count every time I passed someone and subtracted one whenever someone passed me. With a half mile to go, I was pleased to be at +14.
I am so smart, I thought.
I am running strong, I thought.
Then two little girls zipped past me. Whoosh. +12.
Winer
Tontitown has rich Italian roots, hence the grape festival. In addition to a second place medal I got a nice wine glass.
