Thanks Steve - First, Second and Third

By Cornell Dawson

Steve Perks organized and ran track practices this summer at the Unionvale Middle School.  We met on Tuesday evenings and followed his prescribed track workouts.  Each workout was individualized for each participant.  The size of the group allowed us to break into small groups that had the same pace goals.  This made the workout easier since there was someone to talk to and keep you moving on pace.  When I was out of town on vacation I tried to complete the assigned workouts, even when I was in Florida, in the 90’s, or in Arizona at an altitude of over one mile.

Steve also supported me in my approach to training which changed this year from just going out to run a certain distance to establishing an objective for each workout, whether it be distance, hill work or speed intervals.

I have never been a track runner, always on roads and trails.  But I also attended the Friday night track meets, also at Unionvale Middle School, a couple of times.  Thank you, Hansons.

Now that the Fall race schedule is in full force, I can see the results of these efforts this Summer.  Results in my age group, 65-69 men, in September have been good.  At the Labor Day Mad Dash in Rhinebeck, I ran the 10K in 52:34 which earned me second place.  In the Dutchess County Half- Marathon I broke 2 hours for a Personal Record of 1:55:47 and a first place finish.  A week later I ran the NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix: Queens.  This race had 3589 finishers and I was in the top half.  I again broke 2 hours, running it in 1:57:04, which was good enough for third place in the 65-69 age group which had 26 entrants.

So far so good, thanks to you Steve!