My fifth time to race this little point to point local marathon the A2A in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The race officials have announced that next years race will be the last A2A. I have mixed emotions. This is the only race I have done five years in a row. Hate to break my streak. I get to sleep in my own bed with a short drive to the race.  On the other side this is a tough hilly marathon. It is right in between Cowtown and Oklahoma City races. The extra recovery time after the Cowtown 50K would be nice.

This years race was close to perfect for weather. Cool, overcast and wind less than 15 mph. I made up my mind several weeks ago to use this race for training. No goal. Just walk a comfortable 26 mile training walk. That is just what I did. I hit the half way mark at 2:28. Fast enough for me to think about a sub five hour finish. I was still on pace at 20 miles. Then I got to the hills in the park. The very reason that makes this the toughest race I do each year. I did not push the pace. A couple of more important races coming up. Very happy with my training walk. Finished with 5:03:18. A 11:35 pace average. I consider that above average training.

I will race next years last A2A Marathon. Maybe save up my legs and try for a personal best. Oh I forgot. They will still have those hills at the end. Well sub five hour goal and call it good. Yes.

Oh I almost forgot. The last photo I am holding a pair of socks. I won those for third place in my age group. The perks of being 55.  My Grand Kids are holding me up post race. The perks of having Grand Kids.