The Becca Pizzi 5k in Belmont, MA

On Sunday, August 25, I ran the Becca Pizzi 5k in Belmont, MA.  I just missed placing 3rd in my division (by 1 second!)

 

This image above is of the start (and finish) area right on the Belmont High School 1/4 mile track.  This is a "before race" pic)

 

I could not resist the temptation to take a selfie with Becca Pizzi herself following the 3.1 mile race!  Becca has run 7 marathons (26.2 miles) on 7 continents in 7 days TWICE.  She is part of this (and other) elite clubs.  She accomplished this feat in 2017 and 2018.  Becca, now 44, is currently training for the XXL Ironman Triathlon in France this October 5th.

This image above is a closeup of my "FLY HIGH BOB" pin which I wore in memory of Bob Kennedy, who passed away suddenly in a catastrophic bicycle accident on July 20th a few weeks ago.  Bob was the current president of the New England 65 Plus Running club.  He was a profoundly loved man for many reasons.  His obituary speaks for itself.  I knew him only briefly and must say his life moved me a lot.  I will be planting a tree in his memory this coming spring. 

This is the race shirt for the 2024 Becca Pizzi 5k.  It's not good luck to wear these during the race, but I wore it afterword! 

This is my bib number #12

Results for the race are below.  The man who placed 3rd ACTUALLY out ran me in this race since he covered MORE distance (starting at the very back of the pack).  Although I "beat him" to the finish line (having stated AT the chip timing start mat) he still out paced me by ONE second to place 3rd.  Impressive runner!  So, pay no attention to the gun-time data!  It's all about "chip time" and those timing mats!

These two data images are from my COROS running watch.  They basically show "how hard" I was workin' at holding a fast pace -- while also detailing what my heart rate was doing.  Although "impressive" there is currently a question I am trying to "answer" which has to do with weather or not I am working "too hard" in recent races.

The Larry Olsen 5k in Hopedale, MA

Yesterday was a fun day at the 14th Annual Larry Olsen 5k in Hopedale, Massachusetts!  Donna and I both placed 1st in our age group.  F70+ and M70+.

 

Full Race Results

 

Female 70+ race results above

 

 

Male 70+ race results above

I was pleased to NOT have experienced any leg issues and it appears I am "good to go" for some additional racing plans for this coming weekend and beyond!  

I've been paying a bit more attention to eating "cleaner" and practicing sitting meditations which always help to "free up" some otherwise aching joints among other things.  Always a challenge in this "modern age," but not impossible to "find the time" to include.  I may "add in" a new small drawing this week to make for more creative fun.

In the morning (today) I walked one mile as a cool down for yesterday's 3.1 mile race. It's funny -- sometimes, even on early, damp and cloudy mornings picture taking can "turn up" the most interesting things.  One particular perennial garden quite close to home ALWAYS seems to yield the most beautiful colors -- all (plants) so well manicured and arranged on a slope next to a home which I've often thought "belonged" on the front cover of Home and Garden magazine.  Here's a sample of some of these plants -- and a few others which seemed to 'stand out' in the early morning hours today:

This image above was taken in the evening on the day before the race. It shows the sun "close up" in the smokey atmosphere from current Canadian wild fires.

Looking west up Main Street in Ayer toward the 1949 (built) railroad overpass bridge (image taken at about 5:30 am on my walk).

 

The top of City Hall below

 

 

The top of Saint Andrews Church

 

Saint Andrews Church doorway

 

 

Cracked road pavement

 

Hibiscus flowers (I think) ... or maybe Rose Mallow

Unknown plant seed pod.  Possibly a Thistle

 

Below are more images from this morning's walk in Ayer

Bridge of Flowers 8k Race in Shelburne Falls, MA

Bridge of Flowers 8K Race Results for Men 70-79

Bridge of Flowers 8K Race Results for Men 80+

On Saturday, August 10th I ran the 8k portion of this race (not the 3k) with my brother Lee in Shelburne Falls, MA  For the mathematically challenged, 8k is equivalent to 4.971 miles.  

Lee and I both did well considering the challenging course conditions. Lee placed 3rd in his 80+ age division.  I placed 5th in my 70-79 division

Linda took a picture of us running together following my earlier finish.  Lee said he felt good and had no problems.  He was solid and steady with his pace!!  Thanks go to Linda for being our camera person and support crew! 

This race I have to say had ONE HILL in it which was THE MOST challenging hill I have EVER experience in my life (other than the 7.6 mile "hill" up to the summit of Mount Washington).  I did experience that 11% grade slope in my younger days.  The Bridge of Flowers hill was unrelenting!  It was long and curvy.  And just when you thought it would end, it did not!  This recurring "thought" repeated itself about 5-7 more times.  At the top, surprised and virtually out of breath, the words "Thank God!" just came out of me!  Here is the sign! 

 

 

8/8 Walk & Run

Today I walked and took several pictures in the morning.  Picture taking soothes the soul and reminds me there is an untouched beauty around us. It's good to know it exists.  We can take some time to go see it and be comforted by its peace and serenity.

My walk was timed although there were many pauses to capture the scenery.  So, rather than get into the slow and interrupted pace data I'll just post a few pictures taken instead. These pictures were taken at Grove Pond very near the apartment

 

I had a doctor's appointment early this afternoon.  Much was discussed and I think it was a productive visit.  Next month and in October there will be other "tests"to help answer a few questions I've had.  One of the other doctors I'll be seeing will test my heart to see how it holds up to STRESS. (possibly on a treadmill).  The other "tests" by another doctor will address hearing and throat questions.  Always good to take a preventative approach.  Getting old(er) definitely makes one wonder "What's next?" with a variety of things.  More later on these things!

Today's afternoon run was better than expected.  My pace was stronger and I was able to get my heart rate up to a higher level  Here is the data for my 3.0 mile tempo run.  The splits were negative and I was pleased with not having any left calf or right legs issues. The ave pace was faster today -- 9:27 per mile.   

  

8/7 Walk & Run

Got out first thing at 4:58 am for a 2.03 mile walk around the block in Ayer.  4487 steps.  Ave heart rate 96 bpm. Max heart rate was 113 bpm.  Pace 20:08.

 After work I took a nap and then went for a 4 mile run through Ayer Center out to Groton Shirley Road (and back).  Felt slow today but pace improved slightly with each mile.  Legs were ok today, just tired.

 

Time To Eat Well!

Here is today's healthy salad!  This is only a portion of my meal.  So much better to have a healthy eating plan going forward!

Race Results Part 1

 Conquesring Challenges 5k in Avon, CT 

The results for the race below are for the male and female 10k AGE GROUP DIVISION.  

Funky Monkey Half Marathon, 5k and 10k results 

Plans for Today and Tomorrow

Yesterday, August 1st, was a little crazy.  My regular posting here to the blog never took place.  But it would be good to "pick up the pieces" and write about some current running plans as well as plans for "tomorrow."

My brother Lee recently posted about a race to take place this Saturday, August 3, in Avon CT.  It's called the It's Your Race Conquering Challenges 5k . I signed up for it and look forward to seeing him and meeting some of his many good friends.

Speaking of Challenges - Lee will be participating the following day in yet another 5k race (I believe in Milford, CT).  That race is part of a major series of races known to a select group of runners known as the The 169 Town Society  Lee has achieved the legendary goal of completing this quest of running verified and timed races in all of CT's 169 towns!  He became a KING in November of 2022.  I attended his crowning ceremony and ran, too.  He has an amazing following and, believe it or not, he is on his second go-around!  At age 82 now, and understandably slower, he is in no rush at all.  His consistency and love for showing up for himself and others is remarkable.

Like Lee, but not quite as consistent or involved in regular race attendance, I too will be running a second race this weekend!  I will be joining my friend Donna in The Funkey Monkey Half Marathon, 10k and 5k in Seekonk, MA. She's done this and many other Halves before!  I will be running the 10k (6.2 mile) race.  [Note 8/5/24:  Donna successfully switched her 13.1 mile race registration to run the 10k race with me on race day.]

Recent training runs (of mine) have indicated I may be able to put in a decent race on Sunday.  I'm thinking of running the 5k with Lee on Saturday a bit slower-- more like a fun run!

I am ALSO looking forward to running The Bridge of Flowers 8k in Shelburne Falls, MA on August 10th with Lee and Donna. It should be a great day and, hopefully the weather will be good on this HILLY course!

My post's title refers to "Tomorrow" as well!  My "plan" (for the future) is to run a fast half marathon at some point.  That -- if it is still safely possible -- will take several months to train for.  I do have my eye set on one specific race.  Yesterday I signed up for The Frosty Half-Marathon on December 8, 2024.  I'd like to really do well in it.

This post is all very "textual!"  So, to spice things up a little bit, I will add a few nice pictures taken yesterday on my walk(s) in the morning.

 

The image above is of a waning crescent moon seen through the trees in Pirone Park, Ayer.  The image below is of Grove Pond (next to the park).

 

Flowers at the park

 

The Nashua River Rail Trail

 

This last picture was taken this last weekend in Upton, MA at the "Hot to Trot 5k."  I placed 1st out of 7 in the male 70+ DIV.