10/30/04 Tenino Ghostmuster 5K

Jared with me for the one miler. Billy and Tammy running too. Heavy windswept rain.
Mile 1 - started too fast, I can feel it.
Mile 2- there is Mark Anderson up ahead, I wonder if I can catch him
Mile 3 - I just passed Mark and we are battling it out, back and forth. I pass him at mile 3.1 and then hear him say "oh maybe not" and he surges forward getting in a fraction of a second ahead of me.
Finish - What a great battle. I love having a new arch enemy to fight. Run a faster time when competing hard trying to beat someone. Now dry off and hope to win a raffle
22:16 24th of 117 runners
72nd race
****

10/16/04 Roman Meal Glove Run 5K

Rain and wind. Soggy conditions.
Mile 2 - No mile markers today. No idea what my pace is, but I think I am running steady.
Mile 3.1 - Good finish, fine with my time considering the conditions. Go dry off.
22:57
1st in age group ribbon
22nd of 88
****

10/2/04 Oysterfest 8K

I should not be running today. I have a severe head cold. But I want to do this race, so I make the drive to Shelton and decide to at least warm up a little and register if I feel OK. I just have congestion, no fever, and running helps that so I sign up. The 8K distance bugs me a little. Why not just do a 5 mile race? 8K is something like 4.98 miles, but it is considered a different race distance. It is cold and sunny but should warm up a little as we run.
Mile 2 - I have been holding back, really worried about my strength but I think I will be OK today. Nice loop around a lake
Mile 4.98 - Strong finish on the school track. There were only mile markers at 2 and 4 so it was a little hard to guage pace. Pleased with my time. Very nice artwork on the T-shirt. I win a pair of socks at the raffle and it is funny because I have just taken off my shoes and socks to rest my feet when they call my name. They felt very good about giving a needy runner a pair of socks.
37:04 PR in my second 8K race
27 of 97
****