COLUMN: Back on the (5K) course

     I’m back, baby.

     Older and slower than ever, but I’m back.

     This coming Saturday in Central City, I will do something I haven’t done in two years: run in a five-kilometer race. My sons will be along to run in it too.

     This used to be a regular rite of my spring, summer and fall. In 2008, I ran in a high of 14 races, ranging from 5K events to the Dam to Dam 20K in Des Moines (I kept records).

     That number dropped to 13 in 2009, and 12 in 2010, the year that included my one and only marathon, in Des Moines.

     My motivation fell off dramatically after that achievement (What more was there to accomplish?) so I only ran in eight events in 2011, and went down to three in both 2012 and 2013.

     That number fell further, to just one race in 2014 and another in 2015. Last year: none at all.

     I’ve decided to try again, although I’m well aware of how much slower my times are becoming. My sons believe they will outrun me Saturday in Central City, and I believe they are correct.

     Some people react with surprise when I tell them that I am 59 years old, and will – God willing – turn 60 in September (you have fewer than 90 shopping days; better get cracking).

     I suspect they are fooled by a couple of things: first, that I have sons that are heading into ninth and seventh grades this fall. I am old enough to be the father of many parents of their classmates.

     And second, that I often act like my sons (just ask my loving wife).

     Anyway, my advancing age means I’m not as good at advancing along a 5K course. Whereas my goal for 5Ks used to be under 25 minutes – I set a PR of 23:14 in Dubuque on Sept. 1, 2008 – I’ll feel fortunate Saturday if I can finish before the timer reaches 35:00.

     But none of that matters. The important thing is that I’m going to do this, and if it goes well (and particularly, if the boys enjoy it), I may do it again.

     It’s good to be back. I think.