A steady force on the local road racing scene, Winchester, Virginia resident Sandy Adams has made a habit of finishing at the top of her age group for more than a decade. But long before she was winning races and setting age group records, Adams was working for the U.S. Postal Service and doing little in the way of physical activity.

"I didn't even start running until I was 40," says Adams. "I started running with some women during lunchtime and slowly started to get in shape."

It wasn't long after she started working out that she made the decision to enter her first race. She entered the Apple Blossom 10K in her hometown of Winchester and discovered that she not only had some talent, she had an instant love of the sport.

"I was hooked after that first race," says Adams. "I have always liked racing. It helps to keep the weight off and relieves tension."

Adams also discovered that she enjoyed the competitive outlet that running provided. Her initial success drove her to push herself in training. In fact, she pushed so hard that she would eventually break down.

"When I first started running, I had no idea how to pace myself. I would start out fast on all my training runs and kept injuring myself."

She would eventually overcome her injury problems and learn to take a more sensible approach to her training. A self-coached runner, Adams gained most of her training knowledge from books and trial and error. While she may have lacked experience during her early days in the sport, she did not lack motivation.

You can find Adams on the road each and every morning at 5:00 am, something that she has continued even after retiring from the U.S. Postal Service three years ago.

"I still run at 5:00 am every morning," says Adams, who consistently logs 50 to 60 miles per week. "My friends think I am a bit crazy, but I enjoy running early in the morning. It is so peaceful."

In fact, running has always brought peace to Adams, even in her most trying times. When her husband was killed in a car accident while driving for FedEx six years ago, it was running and racing that helped her deal with the grief. "The races have really helped me get through the rough times," says Adams. The peace that she has found through running has helped her through some of her toughest times, but has also brought her joy. She has now been competing for more than a decade, and has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

She will start with the Marine Corps Marathon on October 31. Adams will be competing in the race for the eighth time in her career and has high hopes for the race.

"I would love to run 3 hours and 30 minutes, but would be happy with 3 hours and 40 minutes," says Adams, who holds a personal best of 3 hours and 22 minutes.

The Marine Corps Marathon may be the last time that we see Adams toe the line for a full marathon. She had competed in numerous marathons during her career, including Boston and New York, but feels that the demands of the event take away from the rest of her racing schedule.

"There are so many smaller races that I would like to run. When you're training for the marathon you can't run them. I may run a marathon again, but I really would like to run more races."

After spending the last four years dominating the 50-54 age group, Adams is ready for the challenges of the 55-59 division. She turned 55 on October 5.

"I am looking forward to the new age group. I have checked out some of the competition and am ready for something new."