By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Lessons Mary Pardi learned during past runs in Bridgton paid off on the Fourth.

“During the first mile, I knew I wanted to stay a little conservative and not go out too fast as I have done in the past. I wanted to save something for the last mile since I knew the second and third miles are tough,” the 49-year-old from Falmouth said. “This plan ultimately worked as my last mile was a 5:49.”

Pardi posted a time of 24 minutes, 34 seconds to claim the top female finisher title, well ahead of her nearest competitor, Amanda Dearborn, 33, of Chicago, Ill., who checked in at 26:07.

Up next were former Fryeburg Academy standout Laura Pulito, 24, of Portland in 26:10; 15-year-old Maia Vinhateiro of Wakefield, Mass. in 26:52; and Tammy Slusser, 53, of Monroeville, Pa. in fifth in 27:16.

“It would have been nice if the weather had been a bit cooler, but I was expecting it to be hot.” Pardi said. “To prepare for hot and humid weather, I usually try to hydrate well the week before and do some runs during the warmer part of the day to acclimate.”

Pardi lead the women from the start, and she had no idea where her competitors were. 

“During the last mile, I felt strong on the hills and I knew if I kept my effort, I would be able to hang with anyone that came up on me,” she said. 

When asked how she felt about her run and final time, Pardi responded, “I was thrilled with it. My fastest time at Bridgton was only 14 seconds faster than I ran this year, and that was back in 2013 when I had just run 2:48 at the Boston Marathon.”  

Last Fourth of July, Pardi posted a 25:28 to place second behind Erin Flynn, who won the race in 25:17.

What makes Bridgton special?

“I love the history of the race and how everyone involved is so welcoming. Jim (Cossey) and his team are so kind and personable. One year, I won an engraved jacket, and Jim personally delivered it to my house in Falmouth. It’s one of the more challenging courses I’ve run on. The first mile is fast, and if you’re not patient during it, you’ll spend the next three miles suffering.” 

What does Pardi enjoy about competitive running?

“I love the satisfaction of seeing how my hard work translates into races. At the end of the day, running is only a hobby, so I try to have fun with it and enjoy every moment,” she said.

Pardi does a couple workouts a week, as well as a long run.

“I’ll probably end up racing two to three times a month this summer to prepare for a fall marathon. I like to use my races as workouts; it keeps me honest and forces me to push myself,” she said.

Last Thursday, between the heat and a strong field, Mary Pardi got her workout and a title on the Fourth. 

The ladies’ record of 21:46 set by Michelle Hallett in 1987 remains safe.