Yes, it’s back to the track to compete and qualify for track events at the National Games in Pittsburgh 2023. It took a couple of scheduling tries to get this done.

I registered for the Pennsylvania Senior Games in July before my trip to Hawaii was planned. That schedule change meant competing the day after my return, still dealing with dehydration. So, next I registered for the Maryland Senior Games just a few weeks after the Pennsylvania Games. I woke the morning of the Maryland Games and decided I really didn’t want to battle the Baltimore Beltway traffic to then race in 95 degree temperatures in the late afternoon.

So, on to registering for a third state, Delaware, to qualify for the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh.

Held on the beautiful track at Hennepin High School near Rehobeth Beach and Dewey Beach, it was a beautiful although slightly windy day for a track meet. There were members from several regional track clubs and the competition was strong in several age categories.

My events, the 800 meter, 400 meter, and 1500 meter were run in the afternoon between 2:00 and 3:00. Official times have not yet been posted, but I have a pretty good idea of where I stand.

I qualified for the 800 meter with a time of 4:31:00 and the 1500 meter at 8:49:08. I did not qualify for the 400 meter. My time for the 400 was 2:11:06, well below (or above) the qualifying time of 1:55:20. Since mixed aged groups ran together I don’t know how many women were in the AG75-79. It’s possible I may qualify by being in the top three from the state.

The Delaware Track and Field Games were held near the ocean, so we made it a road trip and did an overnight with some time to walk the beach. If you are a beach lover and a dog lover, this is the location for you. Dewey Beach is beautiful and its a dog friendly and people friendly beach town with some nice restaurants. I’d recommend https://deweybeachbar.comWoody’s and Mama Mia Pizza.

Thank you, Delaware State Games, for welcoming this out-of-stater to your track competition. On to Pittsburgh!

Anyone reading this planning to run track, or any other events, in Pittsburgh 2023? Tell me more.