October 22, Saturday

On another strikingly beautiful autumn Saturday I completed 5K number four in the six part fall Shore AC cross country series. The Thompson Park course in Lincroft was another that lures you in with a comfortable mile one and then piles on hills in mile two and three.  Checking previous Thompson Park runs, I discovered that I am adding about 30 seconds each year to my total time.  I guess each year takes a toll.  

But there was good stuff too. I completed the first mile in 8:30. I haven’t done that in a while. For the first mile and a half I had that wonderful feeling that I was actually racing. The hills in the middle, both short and long inclines, took the measure of my legs. But in the final 1200m I was able to attack the hills with some intensity. Plus I did maintain my form and had a strong finish in 29:32.  I left Thompson Park with a smile and the realization of how fortunate I am to be able to do this.

Today I spent an hour alone at the clubhouse pool stretching in the hot tub, running, swimming and luxuriating.

Happy with stats!