I’ve  heard them say “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better.”

That is not the case this year for me with the 5k distance.

• 2-14-26  – Race of Hope 5k – 32:15
• 05-02-26 – Tropicool 5k –– 31:23
• 05.30.26 – Run for Women 5k – 33:02
• 06-20-26 – Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 35:18
• 07-19-26 – Keep MOO’ving 5k – 36:37

Can I reverse the trend?

Last Year:

• Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 31:16
• Tropicool 5k – 31:00
• Run for Women 5k – 31:28
• Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 30:10
• Silks & Satins 5k – 31:42
• Run for the Roses 5k – 32:16
•  Ellen’s Run – 31:22
•  Malta 5k – 30:09
• Barn to Bridge 5k – 31:09
• Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k* – 32:42

I don’t intend to go for a PR but just halt the slow down a bit and finish closer to last year’s 5k times.

I have a few more chances.

Wish me luck!

• 08-09-26 – Run for the Roses 5k
• 09-05-26 –  Silks and Satins 5k
• 10-03-26 – Barn to Bridge 5k
• 10-24-26 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

Interestingly, someone recently posted this:

I guess at my age, this acceleration is pretty fast…

but as the image says: “Expect the trend but do not surrender to it.”

I like the advice: “Lift things, run often and resist becoming ornamental.”

Happy Running! Have you slowed down? Does it bother you? Please share.

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs