SALLY KENNETT, 62, of Salida won the Seniors division for runners ages 60 and over. Sally is retired, but works part time as the coordinator of the "Well Over 60" health, education and exercise program for the Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. Wanda Willems of Laramie, Wyoming placed second and Constance Ahrnsbrak of Lakewood earned the third place crown.

When and how did you start running?
I began running in 1970 when my husband and I were married. When we went for our first runs together, I found it nearly impossible to complete one lap around the high school track. I complained a lot, about how hard it was to run, how long one lap took and how tired I was at the end of even the shortest distance! When I retired in 1997, I had more time to devote to running. I decided to attempt a marathon. I ran my first marathon in 1999 and recently completed the 2004 Boston Marathon.

How do you train to stay at the top of your age group?
Setting and meeting time and distance goals has become an important part of the run for me. I wish I had learned earlier in my life about choosing realistic but challenging goals and setting a pace for achieving them.

Where is your favorite spot to train?
We have many dirt roads in Chaffee County. My husband and I try to do a long run each weekend out in the country on a route that involves hills as well as flatter terrain. Our two favorite routes are one of 10 miles and one of 15. The scenery is beautiful and we see a variety of wildlife. We have a steep hill, Tenderfoot Mountain, near our home that I enjoy running during the week. Occasionally, during the week or when the weather is bad, I train indoors on the treadmill or the stair master at our local fitness club, ExerFlex gym. I also try to use the weights and do a yoga class during the week.

Why do you run?
I run because I feel better mentally and physically than when I don't. I run because the challenge to continue through various "aging" aches and pains motivates me each day. Running helps me to maintain a positive outlook on life.

Do you have a prerace routine?
The night before a race I set out all of my clothing, pin my number to my shorts, check (and double-check!) the start time and location of the race, put any snacks or food I plan to take in my "Ironman" fuel belt and then try to put the race out of my mind until the next morning.

Do you have any advice to offer runners looking to improve?
I think entering a lot of races; choosing some routes that are harder than I ever thought I could do, maintaining a running routine, and keeping a training journal have helped me improve

What did you think of the Colorado Runner Racing Series and which races were your favorite?
I really enjoyed this running series. The variety of distances and locations motivated us to try events we might never have considered before. I think the number or runs in locations throughout the state are great. This series was a great way to get motivated in the spring and stay energized during the summer, and fall! I liked the challenge of preparation, racing, and recovery during this time. My favorite run was the last event in the series, the Rim Rock Run in the Colorado National Monument. While the course and distance were certainly challenging, the hills... both up and down... and the views across the canyons made this an exhilarating experience. The long descent to the finish left me with an almost euphoric feeling. It was so much fun to just give it all I had for those remaining miles.

Salley Kennett's Racing Series Results:
5K on St. Patrick's Day, 1st Place, 100 Points, 26:26
Garden of the Gods 10M, 1st Place, 100 Points, 1:33:38
Stadium Stampede 5K, 2nd place, 80 Points, 26:38
Classic 10K, 1st Place, 100 Points, 52:26
Governor's Cup 10K, 2nd Place, 80 Points, 54:02
Rim Rock Run 37K, 1st Place, 100 Points, 3:20:51