My training has been much more relaxed, confident and consistent since I returned from Pittsburgh. I am no longer worrying about being injured. After taking a few days of walking, I have consistently worked out for five days in a row, admittedly at moderate levels.. It seems unbelievable, but may be true that I am one of the best middle distance 80 year old runners in the country! I have become quite motivated by this thought.

I found it interesting, and quite remarkable that my times at the senior nationals in Pittsburgh would have won the USATF track and field masters competition in both events. My friends at Shore AC told me I would be competitive, but I was not convinced. I should have had more faith in John Kuhi and Harry Nolan, because they’ve been running in the nationals, senior races for decades.

So, my legs feel good, my mind is right, my stats are solid and I’m going to be training as best I can for 5000 m and any middle distance races. I can find over the next few months. I feel very lucky.

WOW. To my absolute surprise I finished first in the 80 to 84-year-old 800 m finals today at the national senior games in Pittsburgh. I lead the field of 13 runners from start to finish. I actually ran and negative race. The first 400 m was 139 and the second 400 was 137. The winning margin was a remarkable 18 seconds. I approached this race with a ton of apprehension about various nicks and bumps that I felt in my legs over the last month. It seemed like every time I finished a work out something else was aching. During and after the race I felt no issues whatsoever so tomorrow I get to run 1500 m and I am as apprehensive about that as I could possibly be but I already have one championship locked in and that is pretty fucking cool.

We arrived in Pittsburgh this Tuesday evening to prepare for running the 800m on Thursday and 1500m on Friday. Our hotel is very comfortable. Tomorrow I have to check in at the convention center downtown and check out the track at the local high school. Training has been a little spotty over the last two weeks. The best I can say is I will be completely recovered and rested.. Thursday is the key as I am defending my title in 800m race.