Running Down a Dream fits today. One of my all-time favorite 80s jams and today being an 80s-themed fun run.

For the record, there was a Superman — not sure why, but colored tights can certainly be 80s. He should’ve rocked some leg warmers and took it over the top. I also spotted plenty of neon. I grew up in the 80s and didn’t notice that much neon, but I guess so. When I think 80s, I think big hair and break dancing. Not neon and Superman. But who am I to talk … I didn’t even bother joining in the theme fun so I don’t have a right to trash talk.

So, let’s talk results. No cape needed here … I think the words are “PR” or “Personal Best” 8:15/minute and 4th in my age group. Something to certainly to pat myself on the back for. Especially exciting because I ran my Mile 7 at 7:56 and Mile 8 at 7:35. I believe that is my fastest mile and to do it at Mile 8 was pretty cool.

I seem to thrive in race situations. Let’s set the scene. About Mile 6, I can see a few people ahead of me in the distance. Their silhouettes first small, but as each stride, geting bigger. Am I closing the distance? I think I am and I say to myself, “I’m going to catch them.” So did I … I passed 4 runners on the left hand side (excuse the Musical Youth reference, but it is 80s) at Mile 7 and passed another runner about 50 yards later. I had 2 more to catch and the one immediately in front of me was fading fast. Done on the second to last turn to the finish line — it was a slight incline and I thanked God for those ramp runs.

The last guy was about 50 feet in front of me, but I was running out of real estate. I could sniff the finish line and I’m sure he could too. Probably thinking to himself, “I won’t let this guy pass me” How do I know that … because I’d say the same thing. Finish in sight and I ran out of gas. Sorry for the anti-climatic ending, but I literally ran out of gas and ended up 1 1/2 steps behind him. Could I have caught him? Yes. Did I catch him? No.

Why? Ahhhh, who knows. I tried my best and ended up 4th overall in my age group. From the results, it looks like the guy immediately in front of me was in the mid-20s age group so for all us 40-44 year old groups, I almost showed them young whipper snappers!

I just missed out on the special wooden Pacman. It was given to the Top 3 finishers in their age groups. I guess you could say I didn’t gobble up enough pavement fast enough.

Life lesson #105 — Be like Pacman. After finishing stages, he would show why he does what he does. Love!

Morning weight = 173. No post-run weight … attended an after party.

TODAY’S MEALS:

Snacks:

• 9:20am – Post-Race nutrition. Banana and Power Bar Energy Blast. Always fun hanging out after the race and partaking in the food samples a la Costco kiosks.
• 2:30pm – Snickers Peanut Butter Squared
• 4pm – Homemade Rainbow Cake. Cake featured in Meal 2 photos.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES:

• Race morning and feeling good. Thankful that my training schedule perfectly aligns with the mileage for today! Do your best and forget the rest! Let’s do this! Oh … and looking forward to hanging out with my family and friends

Sunday, 09-22-2013