Life lessons continue, even at 60.

(From a Facebook post- October 14, 2023)

So, this morning I ran in the Shiitake 5K in Madisonville. I had not run in a 5K race since 1984 and that one was in Fairbanks, Alaska. I did pretty good in that one, but like I tell everybody, I ran fast because a bear was chasing me.

Anyway, I felt like I kept a really good pace throughout the race and was pretty confident about the run in general. I had passed several runners along the way which served to bolster my confidence. About a half mile before the finish line, I passed a young girl, possibly 12 years old or so. As I was passing, we made eye contact and I told her, “You are doing so great, sweetie!” And she replied, “So are you!” I should’ve known something was up with her reply, but at the moment I thought she was just reciprocating kindness to the old guy.

I continued on and focused my attention upon another runner in front of me. My goal was to catch up and pass him too prior to the finish line. Try as I may, I was only able to close about half the distance and all the exertion accomplished was thoroughly gassing my already taxed muscles. My pace slowed drastically, but I kept chugging along.

As I neared about 50 yards from the finish line, I heard the crowd start cheering and I must admit, I was very moved by their enthusiasm. I looked up and smiled, but I was soon to discover that their cheers were not for me. I heard rapid footsteps coming up behind me and as I turned to my right, that precious little blond headed girl I had previously passed had “miraculously” found her second wind and was now speeding past me. So, instead of finishing at 15th, I was resigned to holding the 16th place in the run. I did finish first in the 60 to 69 class, better known as “The Old Farts,” or the “Silver Sneakers,” but I’m pretty sure there were only like one or two in my running class anyway.

All in all, I had a great time and met some wonderful people along the way. The lesson I learned was to never trust a 12-year-old girl, no matter how sweet and innocent they may appear. It is obvious to me now that they all master the art of deception inherent to the female of our species at a much younger age than I previously thought. They truly are wily creatures and masters at being surreptitious.

P.S. I knew I should have tripped her.