#21 - 5K Run for the Park: no awards, so I bought rewards

With Jennifer after the race.

My ultimate goal was to race towards the Premium Outlets right after finishing the 5K. And guess what? I did!

The 5K started at 8:15 am, right after the kids finished their race. The weather was surprisingly pleasant: 65F in July, low humidity, cloud cover, and breezy. The organizers advertised a relatively flat course. Yet again, I was blessed with conditions that I thought would help me beat my personal record (PR) of 26:59 (minutes:seconds).

I positioned myself in front of the starting line. It was a wide line, about 2 car lanes wide, so I didn't have to worry about blocking the fast runners.

#22 - 3rd annual Beat Beethoven 5K, it was classic!

Beethoven ran!

I always made my children listen to classical music, even before they were born. During the 9 months when they enjoyed solace in my womb, I would read books to them while Mozart played in the background.  I believe that classical music assists brain development,  lowers blood pressure, accelerates growth, and more.  

It seems like all those hours of listening to classical tunes worked because my eldest daughter graduated suma cum laude while my other daughter graduated top 5 of her high school class.  However, I never listened to classical music while running, until after I finished this race.

My first experience of a race does not happen at the starting line, it begins with the event website

First, I'd like to thank organizers of races everywhere. I can only imagine how much work is involved: soliciting sponsors, getting volunteers and training them, marketing, producing shirts to give away, securing a safe route, and more.

I have never organized a race myself, but I have participated in many. I am a strong supporter of various causes. In choosing a race, however, the cause is not my number one consideration.

#20 - 2014 Steps 4 Stellar, better with age

1st 100 yards

Studies show that running performance drops after a certain age. However, in this race, I found evidence that contradicts these findings.

Two years ago, at age 46, I ran my first race ever: the 2012 Steps 4 Stellar 5K. I had a blast. Runners registered quickly, signs marked every mile, and cheerful volunteers greeted us at the water station and post-race buffet. There was even a basketball tournament being held in the nearby courts, all adding to the energetic environment. I had a perfect and positive experience, just like this year.

#19 - Sly Fox Wednesday Night 5K Summer Series, fun and beer galore

July afternoon workouts in eastern Pennsylvania (PA), USA can be challenging. It's muggy, and buggy on most days.  No amount of insect spray can keep these pesky gnats away.  I've inhaled and eaten my share of these flying proteins. It's a shame I could never outrun them. What's worse than swallowing bugs?  "It's when they get stuck at the back of your throat," a sly fox runner said.

#18 - Firecracker 5K, an explosive race

Susan and me

No, there weren't any fireworks, but this race was just as entertaining as if there had actually been fireworks.

Race #18 was a very well organized event that was held on Saturday, July 5 in Shillington, Pennsylvania. The race promptly began at 9:15 and by 11 am, I was already on my way home with my lovely trophy and a new personal record (PR). For me, the most exciting part was meeting fellow runners.

#17 - Coney Island COSME 5K, the good and the bad

My first boardwalk competition was held in Coney Island, New York on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Running on wood was a treat, and thanks to other runners who warned me of uneven planks, I finished in good health. I had fun but I expected more from a 22nd event.  

Here are 5 negatives and 8 positives, arranged in the order they were experienced: