Another racing year is over

After Grand Rapids I did 2 more 10K races, one of which was a circuit race. Because both came the day after running hilly 12.5 miles, I did not expect to do that well. Finished both races in 47 minutes and some seconds which was good enough to win my age group, even in the circuit race (a pleasant surprise, but that just meant my faster counterparts did not show up). It was a nice way to end the season which put me in third place overall for the year. No more races for me in 2007 as I focus on my long runs for Disney World. Next year I’m in a new age category (that’s the only good thing about getting old). I find that as you progress in age categories, there is fewer and fewer competition, especially for the women.

I had another close call during a night-time training run. In order to avoid an oncoming car, I ran over the ridge that ended the asphalt to the grass with the same left ankle I had sprained multiple times this year. Luckily it wasn’t a bad twist, but it really scared me into buying a headlamp. I won’t run at night without it. It really brightens the path so that I can see where I’m stepping. I wish I could wear it around my waist instead, but it’s better than nothing.

In a way I’m glad I sprained my ankle this year because that introduced me to other cross-training that I would never have done. I’m going to continue doing my spin class and yoga every week which I highly recommend to everyone.