Tallmadge 5K- 5-28-2012

After volunteering the last 2 years and seeing what a well-run, great event it is- I put it on my schedule for 2012.

Race morning was a warm 70+ and sunny, got there early to pre run the loop and catch up with Henry & the other Team ER members- it was great to see so many team members there! Surprisingly there are more hills that you see from start/ finish line on the course, got a solid warm up, and when the gun went off, felt good. Was in the top 30, and after first mile started picking off a few people who went out too hard. I did have someone drafting me (very close!) and reason it was so noticeably, He was breathing so hard I was worried about Him sucking the Team ER jersey right off my back!! I try to never look back in a race, but after mile 2, I had to turnaround to see who the heavy breather was. He looked familiar, but He had grey hair and a grey beard- and figured He must be in my age group or close!

As we hit the top off the hill at about mile 2.75, He was stuck to me like glue. I knew the finish was all downhill, and had long ago decided I was not going to let this guy draft me all the way , then pass me at finish! I let it fly down the hill, and could slowly hear the deep breathing fade away- mission accomplished.

Mr. Heavy breather ended up pushing me to new PR of 19:19, after race was over found He had beat me in 5k I did in Strongsville earlier this year, so was happy on seeing that, but disappointed that for some reason my time was not computed on results.

I should have had 3rd in my age group, and 26th overall, out of 276 runners. A great result and great event!