Hello everyone.

A few days before the 4th of July, I decided to not attempt the Schnuck’s
Salmon Run (4-mile) and I decided to run the O’Fallon Firecracker 5K. I
think I made the right decision. This is the only 5K that is completely
on concrete. It wasn’t a concern, but it wasn’t a worry when the race got
underway. Although there are some “gradual” hills, it was primarily a
flat course. The worst of the race was the first 1.5 miles, all along
T.R. Hughes Boulevard. Even the gradual part of the hill wasn’t bad. My
concern was keeping a good pace.

I reached mile 1 at 10:30—thirty seconds behind the treadmill pace I have
been setting at the RecPlex. Somehow, I started slowing down in mile 2,
where I had crossed that mile marker at around 23 minutes. I was still
doing pretty good. This was my first race since September and a back
injury that sidelined me even for the Academy of the Sacred Heart 5K in
October. Also, I have dropped 25 pounds since March. That was a big help.
My finishing time was 36:37, which I will take now that I have turned 44
(The 5K was my last race at 43—so there was a birthday the day after the
race). I’ll definitely take that time any day.

It’s interesting that I have been setting the treadmill at the RecPlex for
a 10-minute pace in 5K mode and I have had some good results from that.
Because of the horrific gas prices, I have been limiting myself to where I
can run. Now that it is summer, I can also run at not only the RecPlex,
but Lutheran High’s track is now open. There’s also my subdivision, which
has quite a route I can use.

It was great to be back out on the street again. Next race, hopefully,
will be the Flat Five.

Louis
www.ljlauner.8k.com