Of course, breaking two National Senior Olympic records in my age group (90-94) in track events in the 2007 National Senior Olympic Games in Louisville, Kentucky was the one really big highlight in my running career.

The most exciting single event I've ever experienced was when I ran the 800-meter race for the first time ever in a national meet in the 2007 National Senior Olympics in Louisville. I led all the way until about 30 meters from the finish line when I heard my son, Mac, screaming from the sidelines, "Run, Daddy, run. They're catching you."

At that very moment, two young guys who had just turned 90 passed me. It scared me so badly that I instinctively turned on my after burner, the adrenalin kicked in, I overtook them, I won in a photo finish and I broke the national record.

Mac said I would not have won had not my nose been so big. I beat the second place man by three thousands of a second (.003) and the third place winner by five thousands of a second (.005). Talk about exhilarating - I went crazy, as did my friends and relatives in the stands.

Loving the limelight as I do, the incredible amount of media coverage I have received has to rank as a highlight right up there with the national track records I have broken. I am completely overwhelmed by the broad rang and volume of media coverage from local newspapers, newsletters, radio, local TV, four different national TV networks (ESPN, CNN, NBC and ABC) and a national magazine.

It was to me no small deal to be a Ninety-Three-Year-Old Magazine Cover Guy on the introductory issue (June 2007) of a new national
publication called ELDR Magazine.

All this is a totally awesome and inconceivable experience for this ancient former Kentucky farm boy. Several times I thought I heard rumbling sounds coming down from heaven and if I did, I'm sure they came from my wife Carey as reminders to stay humble and keep my feet on the ground. It's hard to do but I know I'd better or I'll catch it for sure when I join her up there some day.

Is there any wonder that I thank God daily for my perfect health and work so hard to maintain it? End of Blog No. 7.

Editor's Note: Jim Hammond has written a wonderful book about his life and experiences called "What a Beautiful Sunset." To read more about his book or to buy it, click here.

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posted at 12:03:21 PM