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This was a dream weekend- a double header followed by a distance run!

Saturday morning agenda-united way 5k

I was the lone representative for Runners Depot at this one. I managed to capture 3rd overall, beating out someone in my age group. However, he got the last laugh, as his award was bigger than mine! Yep, the organizers foolishly made 3 different sizes according to position, acceptable for age group, but did not reward the 3 fastest in a better way. Therefore, my 3rd overall was like 3rd in an age group & likewise, 1st in an age group was the same as the top person! On top of that, before we got to run, the park (birch) in which the start line was located refused to let the athletes park within. We had to walk about a quarter mile to get there! Also, the course was not accurate, in fact, short. The ultimate low was no clock & no results posted. In fact, they weren't available even online throughout the weekend. Now I know why attendance was poor.

Saturday evening agenda-Edison festival of lights 5k

This was the complete opposite of the morning race. It featured a high attendance of top class runners. Awards (& prize money for overall & master winners) way were better. The post race, virtually non existent in the prior, was plentiful but strict (need food ticket). Although the weather was better earlier, this race was better organized, allowing for a better time. Once the fast guys got pulled out (Paul & Jon), I moved up to top in my age group!

This year, we had the ultimate team to represent Runners Depot. I was the wild card, while the others counted toward the victory. Mike K was 2nd overall, Jon W was 3rd master, Jeffrey T got 3rd in his group. I advanced to top age group. Later, I found out that we won!

Sunday agenda-a1a

ESM offered both the full & the half. I chose the latter, especially since I did 2 marathons & 3 halves. Due to the prior events, I woke up a bit tight. Throughout the event, I kept thinking that all I have to do is keep running & eventually finish. Praise father (God), I finished it. I wound up treating this as a training run, but with a reward- the finisher medal. The post race party was great!