Mother Nature has taken a liking to Jeff Shaw, race director for yesterday's Run Around Erie event, because he seems to always luck out with perfect race weather. Sunday was no exception with a day that dawned cool and sunny, nary a cloud in sight.

Jeff and his legion of volunteers put on another fine event -- 3 in 1 (a 15K run/walk, a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fitness walk). When results are posted, I'll post them here.

I had the first good race I've had in awhile -- a P.R., in fact. I can thank a running friend for giving me perspective and putting me in the mind frame that allowed me to achieve a P.R. on Sunday without killing myself.

I was at the ERC dance at East Erie Turners on Friday night when I overheard two running friends making plans to run the next morning. I said "wait, you're both racing Sunday...and you're still running Saturday?"

My younger, wiser, faster friend said "Yeah, well, I've tried all the things that are supposed to work -- carbo-loading, no drinking the day before a race, tapering, etc...it all just keyed me up. I do better if I am just myself and do what I want to do and not treat every race like a big deal."

So, I ran Saturday -- slow and short -- just 5 miles, but it felt right. I felt right. I like to run -- it makes me feel better about myself and it starts my day off right. Not running, I think, can sometimes do more psychological damage than just running a few miles and taking it easy.

I'm not saying this will work for everyone. You may need a taper. You may need a day off before a race. I have several running friends who take two to three days off before a race.

It doesn't work for me. It makes me anxious and annoyed and stressed out.

Know thy self.

Sunday's P.R. says I may have stumbled upon my personal formula for success. Quit thinking about it. Leave the watch at home. Have no expectations beyond racing the best that you can race that day. And, have a damn beer on Saturday if you want one.

I sense better race days ahead.