this tortoise didn't win the race.

Heck, she didn't place or show either, but she finished.

Today was the annual Memorial Day Tortoise and Hare 5K race in Wind Gap. It's a great race with lots of walkers as well as runners. In 2010 I finished in 53:49. In 2011, 53:00. In 2013 51:28. I thought I was getting better. But today I was 51: 40, I think. Backsliding. Maybe it's because I stopped to take a picture of the woodpecker. My first. That tree stump must have been an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

The course is exactly the same each year. Sneaky hills. You don't really realize how far you've gone up  unless you look backwards and see. It's a gentle and deceiving rise. Pretty much you go around the block. A three-mile long block. Then head back into the park.

We parked a 1/4 mile away. So I got an extra mile in walking to and from the car twice.

After the race we waited for the pokiest massage person. He was very thorough. The person ahead of us in line took full benefit of it. Treated it like an office visit.  He spent about 10 minutes working on my neck and shoulders. Interesting he told me why I get the headaches behind my right eye. (I just assumed I had brain cancer.) I don't remember the medical stuff, but I can show you where the muscle is! I even felt when it released.

Lydia didn't go today. She went walking with a friend. She'll probably skip the next couple races unless they are free. The budget troll has his dirty paws around her money and won't let go. Damn, I hate when that troll visits.

Since it's officially race season, I'm going to list my upcoming events. There isn't many. I want to sign up for two every weekend. But I don't want a visit from the budget troll. He's mean. (Volkssport walks are only $3 or free if you don't want credit.)

May 31 -- Volkssport walk to Lackawaxen
June 1 -- Kreidersville Challenge. 1.25 miles. Straight up. Heaven help me.
June 14 -- Volkksport walk, north Bethlehem. I'm the point of contact. I have to go.
June 28 -- Race Against Racism. I volunteer for the YW.
July 26 -- Moon Walk, NYC. Half Marathon at night wearing your bra on the outside. Breast cancer people are either insane or clever.
August 9 -- Alburtis 5k
Sept. 13 -- Volkssport walk at Lake Galena. 30th anniversary of the club. Special stamp and pin.
Nov. 2 -- D&L Half.
Nov. 8-- Deja Vu Half.  13 one mile loops.
Nov. 9 -- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge 10K. Nearly 5 miles are on the bridge. You rise to 185 feet. I'm guessing there will be a little uphill!

The first half of November will be a nightmare.