We had a perfect weather for the Run For The Roses 5K in Prentiss, MS. The
temperatures were in the 50's during the time of the run, and not a single cloud was present in the sky.  You will not believe this, but I arrived early to the race!!  Since Phillips and Becky have already presented a comprehensive report of the 5K run, I will just add a couple of notes on the 5K Walk and 1 mile run.

As it is usual in local events, Debbie Cheney was the overall winner in the 5K Walk in 26:54, almost two minutes ahead of second place finisher Barbara Duplichain (28:50).  The Pine Belt Pacers were represented by Richard Sims, Hollie Ryder, and Nestor Raul Anzola.  Richard was back recovering from a knee surgery while Nestor Raul was returning to the "running-walking" circuit after a looooong dormant period (0.2 miles running average in the last 8 weeks).  Hollie was there following the strict instructions given by his couch and chief, Becky :).  Nestor Raul placed first in his category (30-39), and Hollie was second in his age group (60-69).  Richard finished 22nd overall and got a PR in the race.

Zach Magee won the one mile run in 5:53.  The top female finishers was Akera Berry in 6:38.  The Pine Belt Pacers were represented by 4-year old Andres Eduardo Anzola and his daddy Raul.  Andres placed third in his age group.  Nestor Raul wearing his currently "almost 300-pound natural suit" was 185th overall. © Pijume Diwesi

The twentieth annual Run for the Roses was held on Saturday, April 12, with 914 people participating. This was a record number. The weather was near perfect, and everyone seemed to have a good time running, walking, and lying about why they didn't run or walk faster.

The pre-race events were very patriotic. A very large flag was unfurled, and someone sang the National Anthem, which was followed with a prayer. Then MTC race director Jack Ward gave a few instructions and shot the starting gun. USM product Christopher Koech finished first with a time of 15:42. Jeff Hathorn from Bassfield took third and was the first Jeff Davis County runner to finish. Juan Tapia traveled all the way from Mexico to win the Masters. Richard McClendon took Grand Masters honors. Liz Palmer was the first female finisher with a 20:01. Marion Gresslinger was the Masters winner, and Pine Belt Pacer Becky Ryder (spell check wanted to change her name to "Wrecker") took the Grand Masters. Debbie Cheney was the first walker to finish with a time of 26:54, which was faster than many of the runners. Kirby Hendrix was the first male walker to finish. This race was lots of fun and had many firsts. Dave Beckett has never run a race in warm weather before while wearing a shirt. I guess he is following Elmer's lead. Elmer started wearing shirts while running a few years ago and must have started a new trend among Hattiesburg runners. The big question about Hattiesburg runners was "Where is Tony?" Wherever he is, he needs to tell someone so we can answer that question. Another first for the race was Richard Sims setting a PR for a 5K walk. The Pine Belt Pacers were well represented, and I will not try to mention them all for fear of leaving someone out. The after-race food was the trademark sausage dogs, fruit, soft drinks. and water. Much thanks to Jack Ward, Jim Myrick, and all of the MTC people and the city of Prentiss for putting on a great race very year. 

Hope to see everyone in New Orleans next week for the Crescent City Classic. 
© Phillip Wedgeworth   See Results

 Racing on low mileage

I'm still not able to run sufficiently high or fast mileage that might result in good times, but I got really lucky today. I won the Grandmaster's award at a large 5K race. A 51 year old that I am coaching who is usually the winner was out of state. In MS the Grandmaster award goes to age 50-59 and since I am 58, I was surprised that some of the younger/faster women weren't there. Their absence and my having a "good day" allowed me to capture the award and $50 cash.

My running mileage has been averaging 18 miles per week for the year 2003. As low as that has been, it is better than the 13 per week that I averaged last year. Most of my training has been at 10-11:00 pace. So I am very pleased to be able to race any distance at a sub 9 pace. Today I ran 27:20 in the Run For The Roses 5K in Prentiss, MS. There were over 900 total participants in the 5K and 1 mile.

I have to admit that I have been biking 1-3 days a week for over an hour per session. On these rides I get the heart rate at the upper levels of my training zone.  I'm also doing 2 weight workouts per week. I'm going to try to continue with this cross training and I should be able to race a 5K every couple of weeks.

Becky Ryder
Hattiesburg, MS

More pictures from Run for the Roses