5000 Meters National Senior Games Minneapolis, MN, Jul 14 & 15 2015,

This mornings, Jul 14, 2015 Jim, Wayne  Hinaman and I ate a continental breakfast here at the motel then headed for the National Senior Games where Jim and Wayne will compete in the 5000 meter Race Walk competition. The weather is perfect with a few clouds and at race time the temp in the 60s. The games are being held at the Upper Landing in Minneapolis on the banks of the Mississippi River. This area in many respects is similar to what Cincinnati has done down at the Banks on the Ohio River. The Upper Landing has many new up scale apartments and condos with a long double walking path with park space along the banks of the Mississippi River. There were many heats of numerous age groups for the women and men. The contestants go 500 meters from the start, make a sharp left turn and cone back 500 meters to complete the first loop with another sharp left turn. The judges watch the contestants closely on the turns as it is difficult to keep a straight leg in a sharp turn.They do five loops to reach the 5,000 meters. Both Wayne and Jim did the 5,000 meters. Unfortunately Wayne was disqualified about 25 meters from the finish. The judges were very strict in this a National Seniors Games. Jim was in excellent form today and finished in third place and qualified for a metal. Another third place finish. Great Job.

 Wayne Making One Of The Difficult Turns

 Jim Nearing The Finish Line Of 5,000 Meter Race Walk. Each Walker Has a Chip  in The Number They Wear so The Race is Electronically Timed.

 Front Of Jim's 3rd Place Medal

 Back Of Jim's 3rd Place Medal

Following the competition we went back to the Uptowner for breakfast where we ate yesterday. Great food. Following that we went back by the University of Saint Thomas and picked up Barbra Hensley who is a judge at this competition and a competitor and took her with us to see Mall of America. Jim and Wayne have known Barb for a long time. We walked all over this very large mall, shopped a little then ate dinner there. Following that we took her back to the university where she is staying. Wayne stays in the area for a couple of days to do some sight seeing while Jim and I leave in the morning for Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit President Ford's Museum. I will do a more complete posting on today's competition and the mall trip later.Until then remember what I always say. God Love you and so do I.

Grandpa Bill