After all these years of racing, I still have something to learn about what I want, what I need, and what I can have from a performance.

I warmed up for last Saturday’s 29th Annual Cook Forest Half Marathon as I have for at least a dozen times. But after all these years, I was still nervous and a little unsure.

This would be my longest run since October’s Buffalo Creek Half Marathon and my first “race pace” event, a trial of my half marathon training so far leading to my goal race of the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in May.

I missed last year’s Cook Forest Half, the first one with a new faster course, as I recovered slowly from overuse injuries. Even though I completed the Pittsburgh Half Marathon last May, I had felt wounded and fragile throughout the summer and into the fall season.

Measuring my training not in workouts completed but in pain-free days, I focused on getting stronger, not faster, over the winter months. And I stopped comparing my current self to the pre-injury Patricia. One of the hardest things was watching my training group trot away from me on our Saturday runs while I plodded behind, stopping to stretch or to catch my breath, then running on alone.

But over the winter I managed to patiently stick with a training plan of three days of running supplemented with two cross training days, a plan based on Runner’s World’s training guide, Run Less Run Faster by Bill Pierce. I also faithfully performed my daily stretches and strength training three times per week.

My new training regimen had brought me safely but slowly through the Spring Thaw 10 Miler last month and I looked forward to testing my fitness at Cook Forest. Then winter hit me with one last insult and injury — a strained back from shoveling snow.

And so I found myself approaching the starting line cautiously after applying warming gel to my stiff back, walk/jogging through a warm up and gingerly stretching. But as so often happens in a race, once the starting horn sounded, all pain disappeared and I blended into the flow of runners surging along River Road.

One of the things I’ve yet to relearn since my injury is a sense of race pace. My body seems to remember what it feels like to run at half marathon pace. The problem is, at least for now, that at my training level, I can only maintain that pace for about ten miles, not the complete 13.1 of the half marathon.

Still, after charging through the opening mile at a reckless pace, I didn’t want to overcompensate and slow down too much. It’s much harder to ramp up the speed again once you’ve slowed.

Throughout the early miles, I found myself running alongside fellow age group competitor Cindy Grimm, who seemed to be having a similar struggle with choosing a proper half marathon race. We discussed our training and spring racing goals as we traded places on the road.

I reached the timing mat that signaled the midpoint of the race, then stepped to the side of the road for a much needed stretch. Although not actually painful, my lower back and hips seemed tight, my stride shortened and choppy.

Once I returned to the road, I could feel the psychological pull of the finish line on the out-and-back course. With more than six miles to go, I picked out faces from the crowd of runners still heading to the turnaround. And when the last stragglers passed, I focused on the road ahead and the ribbon of runners winding their way along scenic River Road.

Each mile of the Cook Forest Half is marked by a placard at the side of the road. I’d been marking the miles and was pleasantly surprised to complete the first 10 miles of the race a full three minutes faster than I had run the Spring Thaw only one month ago. But I knew that it was only a matter of time before my pace slowed. And it did.

The last few miles overextended the limits of my stamina. Several of my friends caught and passed me in those last few miles, offering encouragement as they ran their own races.

I finished, second to my old competitor Cindy by 15 seconds. She took home the handmade pottery first place award. But that’s OK. Although I didn’t get exactly what I wanted, I did get what I needed from the race — the confidence that I could indeed run and race again, not just pain free, but competitively. And that’s worth more than any award.

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Big Beaver Big Dawgs Winter Training Runs, Beaver. Group of all ages and abilities running various distances. Starts at Second Avenue near Fire Station. http://bbbigdawgs.weebly.com

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.: Elite Runners Group Run, Monroeville. Weekly four to five mile group run for all abilities. www.eliterunners.com

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Bigfoot Half Marathon and 5K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or jbeeker@armstrongymca.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Half Marathon and 5 Mile Trail Race. bmazur@intelmarx.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Prep for Pittsburgh Half Marathon and 5K, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm in Maurice Goddard State Park. 724-301-6775 or outdoors@neo.rr.com.info@mctrails.org

Saturday, 10 a.m.: 35th Annual Fool’s Run 10K and 3 Mile Fun Walk, Indiana. First race in Indiana County Triple Crown. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.net

Saturday, 11 a.m.: Thunder Run 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Meadville. Out and back in Roche Park. 814-763-4280 or brwilliams@zoominternet.net

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Run or Walk for Someone Special, Sykesville. Five mile race or two mile fun run and walk. 814-952-0490 or run_walk@yahoo.com

April 13, 6:30 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra (30K, 50K, 50 miles), Moraine State Park, Portersville. Starts at Pavilion 7, McDaniels Boat Launch. www.glacierridgeultra.com

April 13, 8 a.m.: Pirates Charities 5k Home Run, Pittsburgh. 412-325-4781 or Jackie.hunter@pirates.com

April 13, 8:30 a.m.: 17th Annual Martha’s Run 10K, Mt. Lebanon. Also 2 mile fun run, 1 mile walk and children’s races starting at Mt. Lebanon High School Stadium. 412-454-0259 or rrinaldo@williamscoulson.com

April 13, 9 a.m.: Cancer Awareness 5K Challenge, Rimersburg. Also two mile walk starting at Union High School. 814-221-6554 or emingsdi@unionsd.net

April 13, 9 a.m.: Mars Area Public Library 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Gibsonia. Run at Treesdale Golf and Country Club (same course as Treesdale Turkey Trot). 724-612-9818 or anthonyv9@zoominternet.net

April 13, 9 a.m.: Steps Challenge 5K Run and Walk, Hermitage. 724-981-2950, ext. 234

April 14, 3 p.m.: Hustle 4 Heart Reach 5K Run/ Walk, New Wilmington. Run at Westminster College. 724-730-5708 or heartreach.pr@gmail.com

April 20, 8 a.m.: Kids Castle 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Cranberry Township. Run through Community Park. 412-761-9720 or kidscastle5k@hotmail.com

April 20, 9 a.m.: CUET and Phi Theta Kappa 5K Run/ Walk, Oil City. Run on Oil City Bike Trail benefits Clarion University Venango College scholarships and equestrian team. 814-657-5077 or e.f.gadsby@eagle.clarion.edu

April 20, 9 a.m.: Boston Trail Half Marathon and 5K, Elizabeth Township. Out and back on level crushed limestone surface, USATF certified. 412-751-0654 or billhall01@comcast.net

April 20, 9:30 a.m.: Big Blue Quest 5K, North Park. Starts at Pool Area. 724-388-6936 or dcrawfo2@wpahs.org

April 27, 9 a.m.: Big Dog 5K Walk and Run, Baden. Starts at Old Economy Park. 724-777-3676 or bigdog5k@hotmail.com

April 27, 10 a.m.: Y-Not Spring Into Spring 5K & 10K, Sandy Lake. Also kids fun run and obstacle course at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. 724-458-9781 or dkrizon@franklinymca.org

April 28, 10 a.m.: Maple Syrup Festival 5K, Foxburg. 714-659-3116 or mvereb@embarqmail.com

April 28, 3 p.m.: Grace Race Road to Peace, New Wilmington. Race at Westminster College with cash prizes benefits Ukraine mission trip. 724-656-0339

May 4, 8 a.m.: The Cinco, Warren. Out and back choice of half marathon, five mile, or 5K runs, kids dashes and post race party. 954-675-4684 or chuckgray@me.com

May 4, 9 a.m.: 5K in May, Meadville. 814-673-2938 or caycc5kinmay@gmail.com

May 5, 10 a.m.: Nature Festival 5K Foxburg. Run on groomed trails through Riverstone Estate. 724-659-3116 or mvereb@embarqmail.com

Race results

Ellport Boro Community 5K, March 9: Kevin Reno, 1st Overall M, 16:56; Billy Lott, 3rd Overall M, 18:15; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 20:35; Holly Bauer, 2nd Overall W, 21:41; Greg Banyay, 1st 30-34 M, 18:48; Rob Gaus, 1st 45-49 M, 19:05; Mitch Radella, 2nd 45-49 M, 20:55; Russell Oschenhirt, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:17; Aaron Depew, 1st 40-44 M, 21:21; Johan Kingston, 1st 14 & Under M, 21:43; Kristen Kelosky, 1st 45-49 W, 22:24; Curt Grimm, 2nd 60-64 M, 22:54; James Gajewski, 1st 15-19 M, 23:06; Ike Eisenbrown, 3rd 45-49 M, 23:08; Debbie Burry, 2nd 35-39 W, 23:16; Kristen Oschenhirt, 3rd 35-39 W, 23:20; Ethan Depew, 2nd 14 & Under M, 23:42; Lou Alaksin, 1st 70+ M, 24:32; John Antinossi, 2nd 65-69 M, 25:14; Lenny Yensull, 2nd 50-54 M, 25:42; Holly Depew, 1st 40-44 W, 25:46; Michelle Steffler, 2nd 30-34 W, 27:03; Jason Regal, 2nd 15-19 M, 27:23; Dez Csizmadia, 3rd 70+ M, 27:24; Cindy Suber, 1st 50-54 W, 27:59; Sherree May, 1st 55-59 W, 28:05; Alyssa Sutter, 3rd 15-19 W, 33:32; Tammy Sutter, 3rd 45-49 W, 33:36; Jo Rocco, 1st 60-64 W, 50:35; Megan Anderson, 3rd 30-34 W, 33:39; Bob Dawson, 3rd 50-54 M, 34:47; Laura Ferruchie, 2nd 25-29 W, 36:40; Angelica Mason, 23:22; David Suber, 24:18; Gale Mussey, 25:58; Ed Leymarie, 27:21; Nathalie Kuffer, 28:17; Dan Weatherly, 29:13; Frank Gajewski, 29:36; Robert Kinney, 29:43; Sam Proya, 31:23; Anne Dawson, 32:31; Dave Steffler, 32:40; Debra Kuminkoski, 32:55; Lou Lodovico, 33:29; Sara Sutter, 33:35; Caryn Morrow, 35:30; Maggie Ewing, 35:32; Sam Ewing, 35:56; Tricia Ketterer, 36:38; Melinda Cappello, 36:42;

Lung Association Stair Climb, March 23: Eric Angstadt, 1st Overall M, 5:05; Hong Yi, 1st Overall W, 8:11; Robert Stevens, 3rd 50-59 M, 8:08; Rebecca Antinopoulos, 1st 20-29 W, 8:22; Alice Zdrale, 9:57; Dana Sabo, 10:10; Christopher Lewis, 10:24; Deborah Rastelli, 10:28; Christine Patton, 10:36; Alberta Haught, 10:45; Diana Marshall, 11:16; Erica Dunlap, 11:54; Karissa Febert, 12:03; Matt Veltri, 12:35; Nicole Thoma, 12:59; Stacey Enck, 13:58; Terry Young, 14:08; Allen Marker, 15:24; Mark Cugini, 16:01

Cook Forest Half Marathon, March 30: Jacob Griffin, 1st Overall M, 1:11:57; Veronica Bujdos, 1st Overall W, 1:23:59; Ben Hoffman, 1st 19 & Under M, 1:12:11; Matt Lipsey, 1st 20-24 M, 1:16:31; Ben English, 1st 25-29 M, 1:19:12; Jacob Wolfgang, 2nd 20-24 M, 1:20:18; Heath Neely, 1st 35-39 M, 1:23:39; James Wrubel, 1st 40-44 M, 1:24:52; Dean Rippee, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:30:57; Brent Collins, 3rd 50-54 M, 1:31:25; Curt Grimm, 2nd 60-64 M, 1:41:57; Kristen Kelosky, 1st 45-49 W, 1:41:59; Cindy Grimm, 1st 60-64 W, 1:54:51; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 60-64 W, 1:55:04; Sherree May, 2nd 55-59 W, 2:11:03; Adam Lowe, 1:30:29; Michael Stitt, 1:32:38; Emily Reinhart, 1:32:45; Jeffrey Stebbins, 1:33:25; Vincent Camps, 1:33:29; Brad Zerbe, 1:38:52; Nicole Boyles, 1:42:13; Eric Fritch, 1:43:04; Jim Csonka, 1:45:51; Karl Hart, 1:46:58; Tim Brack, 1:48:03; Kelly Emmett, 1:48:58; Lana Storkebill, 1:48:59; Jinny Hertweck, 1:49:14; Jeremy Peffer, 1:49:51; Brondon Chute, 1:50:44; Randy Kruger, 1:52:06; Bob Todd, 1:52:15; Steve Mix, 1:53:15; Thomas Natale, 1:55:30; Leigh Ann Goughler, 1:55:31; LeeAnn Kriebel, 1:57:31; Joan Schilling, 2:02:27; Timothy Weil, 2:03:02; Kim Weaver, 2:03:10; Karen Carmichael, 2:03:24; Wayne Toy, 2:05:06; Correy Robertson, 2:09:38; Steve Drew, 2:15:17; Robyn Stewart, 2:16:56; Becky Johnston, 2:19:58; Mackenzie Houk, 2:24:18; Cammie Horwat,2:24:18; Carol English, 2:24:45; Sherrie Mazurek, 2:25:57; Sandy Radmanich, 2:28:11; Laura Sugustine, 2:32:07; Jeannie Turner, 2:48:32; Tiah Popa, 2:48:33; Kristen Chodkowski, 2:49:27; Craig Chodkowski, 2:49:29; Chrissey Shirey, 2:49:58; Hannah Beck, 3:07:47; Debi Kruger, 3:07:55; Karly Kruger, 3:39:29

Cook Forest 5K, March 30: Keven Gregg, 1st Overall M, 16:22; Dominic Wyzomirski, 3rd Overall M, 18:18; Morgan Salle, 1st Overall W, 21:05; Ben McKnight, 3rd 13 & Under M, 20:21; Martin Whitaker, 1st 60-69 M, 24:35; Angie Fritch, 1st 35-39 W, 25:52; Evan Lowe, 3rd 45-49 M, 25:40; Alayna Lowe, 1st 13 & Under W, 25:41; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70+ W, 41:47; Bryce Lowe, 21:24; Andrew Murray, 21:54; Doug O’Donnell, 22:43; Neal Franchuck, 23:14; Cameron Weaver, 24:03; Cole Kriebel, 24:21; Dan Lafada, 24:25; Olivia Lowe, 24:33; Ryan Schmidt, 25:20; Robert Guy, 25:20; Quintin Weaver, 26:13; John Corsini, 27:21; Austin Sattely, 28:01; Shannon Mick, 28:37; Carol Hutchison, 29:48; Derrick Brown, 30:18; Logan Ziemkiewicz, 30:31; Jeff Kays, 30:38; Michelle Kays, 30:52; Jaime Armstrong, 31:34; Marissa Beaumont, 31:40; April McMillen, 31:47; Dawn Nickleach, 32:03; Jami Harrah, 32:03; Patrick Coradi, 32:26; Amanda Coradi, 32:27; Robert Craig, 33:19; Anna Timko, 33:25; Steven Hiles, 33:26; Brian Sattely, 36:38; Susan Tassey, 38:09; Janet Tarr, 38:42; Natalie Hall-Hiles, 38:52; Jennifer Walker, 40:17; Carol Jeuther, 45:54; Susan Edwards, 48:58; Adele Edwards, 48:58; Hannah Kruger, 49:43; Colleen Peirce, 50:51; Patti Peirce, 50:51; Joan Timko, 1:01:47; Reed Kruger, 1:04:48

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle