LOLA ACKERMAN of Longmont won the Grand Masters division of the Colorado Runner Racing Series for runners 50-59. Ackerman will be a threat in a new age division next year as she turned 60 on November 1st. Ackerman works as a supervisor at FirstBank. Robin Cunningham of Broomfield and Deb Anderson of Colorado Springs finished in second and third place in the series.

When and how did you start running?
I started running about 20 years ago with a friend and we are still running together. In the beginning I ran to stay fit, but now it's a love of running, the quiet solitude of running alone, or running with a friend who also loves to run.

How do you train to stay at the top of your age group and what is your favorite workout?
My training varies with the type of racing I'm doing but I always attempt to run 25 to 30 miles a week. My favorite workout is a 400 or 800 speedwork session. It's grueling but a great sense of accomplishment when finished.

Where is your favorite spot to train?
We have a beautiful place to train in Longmont, Golden Ponds. There are a wide variety of birds and we've seen beaver, fox and deer.

Do you have a prerace routine?
My prerace routine is rising early, a bagel three hours before the race, and an endurance drink one hour before. And I always affix a sticker to my racing bib, Isaiah 40:31: "Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall rise up on wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint." A perfect verse for runners.

Any advice for runners looking to improve?
My advice for runners looking to improve is to set a goal. My goal is to run faster than the year before. My running friend says it's an unrealistic goal, however it motivates me to do the hard work that is necessary to keep up my speed.

What did you think of the series and which races were your favorite?
The racing series gave us a variety of places to run. I enjoy running in Colorado Springs, but it makes for an early morning to make it to the race on time. I believe the Lord has blessed me with the ability to run. I work hard and give my thanks to Him.

Lola Ackerman's Racing Series Results
5K on St. Patrick's Day, 2nd Place, 90 Points, 23:05
Cinco Cinco 5K, 1st Place, 100 Points, 24:00
Garden of the Gods 10M, 8th Place, 30 Points, 1:28:11
Classic 10K, 3rd Place, 80 Points, 48:43
The Human Race 5K, 2nd Place, 90 Points, 23:26
Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon, 5th Place, 60 Points, 1:47:06