#33 - Fit to Food 5K, about the race and return from social networking

Anne (left) and Maritza (right) placed 2nd and 1st, respectively in the 

50-59 Age Group. Maritza finished in 22:54.

I apologize that it's been over 10 races since I last updated this blog. I thought I could just recap my races in Facebook because many of my friends are already there and can quickly respond to each post. It’s also easier for me to load pictures and short stories from my phone to Facebook versus updating this blog. However, social networking sites have limitations.

First and foremost, posts made via Facebook are not searchable. If you were interested in reading about a race from 2 weeks ago, you may have to scroll endlessly through my timeline to find it. Second, there are so many stories in my newsfeed, and so little time to read all of them.

#25 - 2nd Emmaus Dash and Splash 5K

I had no intentions of splashing but after the storm, there was no choice.

The 2nd Emmaus Dash and Splash, held in Emmaus, Pennsylvania on July 23, 2014 was originally organized to provide 5K participants an opportunity to swim in the community pool.  However, due to lightning and thunder, they closed the pool early.

#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.