This was going to be a tough race.  I had been sick all week and was only able to run and walk two miles on Friday.  Other than this I was reduced to walking all week.  I had the flu.   But we ventured to Fort Bragg anyway.  Once there we met some lovely people including the race director Joyce.

Joyce, her crew and Capital Race Management put on a very good race.  Their warm welcome raised my spirits and I was determined to get under 7 minutes per mile no matter what.  I was going to run the 10k but decided to only go 5k because of missing five days of training.

The Forg Bragg 5k and 10k started at the same time.  It was 38 degrees but felt even colder to me.  Joyce had given me number 1.

I ran as hard as I could today.  I went out at 6:30 for the first mile but my breathing was not right.  I slowed to 6:58 and then to 7:08.  I finished with 21:11.  64-year-old Anthony passed me in the last quarter mile and beat me by 13 seconds.  He was looking for a race but I just didn't have it.  Great job Anthony. 

Anthony (in green) only started running four years ago.  He was overweight and had a lot of health issues.  He started running but did not like it.  Then he got hooked and running is now part of his life.  He made a powerful move today and I didn't have a chance to stay with him.  Well done Anthony and good luck to you.

Tons of good footage for "A Long Run."

Patrick, who placed second in the 10k today, told us about his Western States 100 experience.  "It is all mental," he told Bob.

84 years old and have been running for 44 years.  That's cool.

The group lead by Joyce that makes this race happens.  Photos by Catherine Cross Ujena Fit Club

On the way back home from Fort Bragg CA, we stopped by Forestville and spoke with Rich Benyo.  I hired Rich to be the editor of Runner's World from 1977 to 1984 when Joe Henderson, my first RW editor, had moved more into book publishing and before selling to Rodale Press. 

Rich had so many great stories to share about the early days of Runner's World. 

Rich still writes his first darft and most letters on this Royal manual typewriter. 

Mike captured it all on film for "A Long Run."  We will be speaking with Joe Henderson sometime this year for the film.

Only about a half mile from Rich's house is one of the best running trails in the country in my opinion.  I have done several 11 mile or less runs here.  The four-foot wide paved path winds through the wine country.  This day Rich and I did a three mile walk and talk.

It is like this for miles...

Rich giving his take on Bob's 350 mile Challenge.  "And you say you don't do ultras," Rich said to Bob.

Rich and Bob could have talked for days about running.  Rich's story about his Badwater adventure a few years back was most interesting... photos by Michael Anderson "A Long Run" director