Two-thousand three was a year of prophecy for Chris Glowacki. In January, he set a goal to be MR Male Masters Runner of the Year. "I pinned it on my board," he remembers.

But aiming for -- and achieving -- an award are two different things. "There are some very good masters runners in this state," says Glowacki. "Some may not have run all the MR series races, but there are top racers such Mike Scannell (2003 Runner of the Year overall) and Dave Watkins, among others."

Yet when the series points were tallied, Glowacki achieved his goal.

The 48-year-old Freeland runner competed in nine of the 10 designated races. "It was pretty grueling," says Glowacki. "I don't think I can keep up with that schedule next year. Seven or eight races, tops, would be better for me."

A look at his series finishes shows how grueling -- and successful -- it was for him.

* Borgess Half Marathon: second open, first master, 1:17:35.

* Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K: fifth Michigan master, 1:33:26.

* Rose Run 10K: second master, 34:48.

* Seaway 15K: second open and master, 52:43.

* Volkslaufe 20K: first master, 1:13:06.

* Allen Park 8K: third master, 26:48.

* Crim 10 Mile: third Michigan master, 55:24.

* Cadillac 10K: third open and master, 33:44.

* Kensington Challenge 5K: second open and master, 16:09.

Toss in a 2:58:13 finish at the Twin Cities Marathon and that's quite a load.

Glowacki accomplished this on about 35 miles of training weekly. "I'm a low-mileage runner," he says. "That's what I can do and what I have done for years."

He trains around other commitments, such as family. Glowacki enjoys watching his children, Sarah and Billy, play sports at Freeland High School.

"I probably could run faster with more miles," he notes. "But it's more important to keep running than risk injury."

During spring and summer, he visits the track once a week for speed work. He also does weekly tempo runs on the road. "But it's hard to find time for a long run," Glowacki says.

He began as a runner with track and cross country at Shepherd High School. "I was too small for football and my phys-ed teacher was the track coach," Glowacki recalls. "He was a great coach. It worked out well.

"I enjoy running. It's a good release," he continues. "I lose all my problems while I'm out on a run. I make plans ..."

But like Laurie Decker, Women's Master of the Year, he is not a "fun runner." "I'm competitive," says Glowacki. "It's a waste for people not to use their abilities, in running or whatever.

"Set some goals for yourself -- times, or just to get out for some mileage -- and see what you can do."

Glowacki was especially pleased with his Crim time, which dropped for the third-straight year.

But not all of his goals were met in 2003. "I wanted to get under 16 minutes for the 5K," says Glowacki. He came close with his 16:09 at Kensington, which he conceded, is "a tough course. But there's always next year," he says.

"If I'm healthy and the races are there in 2004, I am going to race," adds Glowacki. "And I won't slough off. I'll race hard."

Masters runners, be forewarned.

Ron Marinucci can be reached by e-mail at RMarin6424@aol.com. MR