Training Log Archive: chitownclark

Randy Walker 5k, Evanston. Ran again with Kielo. For some reason they shortened this race by a mile this year...was a 4.1 mile race up until last year, which I liked better. Could have compared times.

So looking at the 4th of July 4-miler times, which I've run many times, I see a depressing decline which I can only attribute to advancing age:

2015...age 74....58:48
2016...age 75....63:35
2017...age 76....70:28
2018...age 77....76:41
2019...age 78....82:33

The one encouraging factor: altho my times were faster when I was younger, I was finishing further back in my age group. As I've aged and moved into higher age groups, the size of my age group has declined. So even tho I'm DFL, by default I'm in higher and higher place. Sixth Place today for instance!

Bartlett Hills GC, Bartlett. Early train from Union Station to old farming community Bartlett, a couple miles SE of Elgin and the Fox River. Don't know how they built a golf course within walking distance of the train depot in town....those farmers must have been doing ok.

Teed off on Back Nine at 7:30am, sandwiched between two foursomes...Korean women in front; fat old guys in carts behind, who were nice enough to let me hit before them. Despite range practice, first few holes were a disaster. In fact the score for the whole round wasn't 'up to par!'

The Koreans let me play through after nine holes, and from there I booked...played the last nine holes in 1:35, and headed for the train. Home by 1pm. Very enjoyable round, despite the score. This golf course is far enough into the country that the prairie, which is in full bloom, comes right down to the edge of the fairways. The aroma of those Black Eyed Susans and all the other native plants, is overwhelming!

Tripped on sidewalk crack and skinned the other knee. Running for me is becoming hazardous! Bright sun, no wind, temps in 80's at midday. Beautiful!

Cardinal Creek GC, Beecher. With Larry. Rode in golf cart, walking much of each fairway with a couple clubs in hand...often not the optimum club selection. But Larry, cart and my clubs were too far away. So just did the best I could, usually with not enough club. I prefer walking the course, with my bag of clubs over my shoulder.

Indian Boundary GC, Chicago. One of the Cook Co. forest preserve courses. Crowded at 6:30am, so Starter let me tee off on the Back Nine. Nice fast round by myself...played as fast as the foursome in front of me would allow...which was fine with me. Beautiful morning: in 70's, breezy, some puffy white clouds.