The title refers to my weekend experience. I had not fully recovered from illness but yet trained normally throughout the week. I normally scale down my workouts but due to the great weather, I ignored my usual protocol;this proved to be a grave mistake.
Saturday agenda-beat the heat duathlon
The deck was stacked against me. I was not at my best, & worse, I couldn't sleep with the loud music being played my someone a block south celebrating somebody's birthday the night before. People like to ask me how am I going to do prior to a race. This is when conditions come to play. Both the internal (sickness) and external (wind, rain) were antagonists. It was very windy all day & will affect a non-avid cyclist, like me, greatly. As soon as a race official said go, it began to drizzle. First run leg, I was in 7th place but by the transition, the signs of illness began. Midway through the bike leg, I felt dizzy, tired & nausea & wisely stopped to recover somewhat. After approximately a 2 minute delay, I finished that leg then struggled to complete the final run. I was in so much pain, I felt like I was going to die but yet had the desire to do (finish). I started by walking (1st time ever for me) then picked up the pace slowly;I actually passed somebody before finishing the event. I wanted to at least salvage the event since I do not like not finishing what I started. Despite all that, I managed to be the 2nd 40-44 person, who did not place in the top 3 overall, to win. However, since the race directors allow double dipping, I am classified as 3rd &, unfortunatly, my plaque states that too. Can you believe the one who won the race was in my age group? Just my luck.
Sunday agenda-Homestead speedway century ride
Not a race, but still a challenge. I met up Caroline, sole female of the 5k 5 person team that won last year at Palm Beach 5k & member of the 4 person marathon co-ed relay of this year's marathon of the Palm Beaches do to the metric century (62 miles) ride. Also, cyclist of Du Tri Harder (JJ) was there with a cycling buddy; they elected to do the full century (100 miles). We all started & rode together for about 5 miles before those two felt the need for speed. After all that happened to me & the fact that this was not a race, after we crossed US 1, I wished them good luck & stuck to my original plan. We (CM & I) rode, more or less, together to 1st rest stop, where remarkably, I saw JJ. She took off again with partner while I wound up being a windbreaker (lead cyclist while others draft) for caroline & others. When it came time to switch, no one stepped up as promised. On the way to 2nd rest stop, JJ's partner was on the side fixing a flat but she wasnt there. When we reached the stop, I saw her again. She hung out there for him but before I left, I challenged her to catch me before the next stop. On the way, I saw her friend heading toward the stop I just left. Amazingly, I got to the final rest stop without being passed by my teammate. CM & I discovered we already finished 62 miles but yet had not completed the event;it seems the course was not measured correctly. We completed the ride, even though it was 5-6 miles longer, by about mid day. Yall know I was gonna do this despite what happened the prior day;I am crazy like that. Oh, by the way, those two who were gun-ho on the full century wised up & did what we did;you could say they wimped out. We (CM & I) were behind them most of the way but finished in front of them, despite their speed. I knew from the get go that i'd be challenged plenty with those high winds in effect. Had it been a calm & cool day, another 40 miles wouldn't faze me.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Second to one
This weekend featured individual & team competition.
Saturday agenda-steps to independence 5k
I was aware of two races going on. Normally, I would select a race by proximity, which would lead me to select the Komen race for the cure 5k held in downtown Miami. I did it last year & enjoyed it. It is a charity race & the great cause-cure/prevention of breast cancer. I classify this race as a no pressure race since, other than overall, there were no age group categories. Instead, the top 50 males & females were rewarded with a finisher's medal. In such a case, due to my frequent running, I would've slacked, knowing that a 21 would be sufficient to qualify. In order to force myself to compete, I went to Coral Springs to do the independence 5k. In this one, top 3 overall & masters were offered, then the normal 3 deep age groups. I wanted a challenge & I got it. Before the start, I felt comfortable that I could place as a master but by mile one, I was praying I could make at least the age group category. It seemed I was anywhere from 12th to 15th place & 4 known master runners were included! Between 1 and 2, I was last in a master's pack of 3 but by mile two, Gary Bloome overtook us all. DK (teammate of premier) attempted to match his pace while I kept mine till mile 2. Oh, I almost forgot, I was also being challenged by a teenage girl; you know how I feel about that. I thought to myself, "I own the last mile!". Once I passed that mile marker, I picked up the pace, passing both WM & DK while losing the girl. I closed within 7 seconds of Gary but ran out of real estate. I had to settle for 2nd in master's category (second to one). I was in danger as the final winner was only 6 seconds behind me. Oh, my overall position was fifth. I was the 3rd fastest master (one master was so quick, he made 3rd overall) to finish, proving that age is just a number.
Sunday agenda-multirace triathlon (relay)
Waking up still on a high from yesterday, I was excited about today. I, once again, will be tested on my ability, but this time on a bike, my number one cross training activity. Stef, the swimmer, would be competing for the last time this year with Triple Teem relay. She had survived dealing with me for two seasons & has competed with me more than any other teammate I have ever had. What a milestone! The one taking my place on the anchor leg (run) was none other than Jonathan Mederos, winner of 2 running races in the past 2 months & member of Du Tri Harder 2006 duathlon relay champions for the last 2 events. Although we started about a minute behind (a co-ed relay team had a male swimmer that beat our woman), I amazing took out their female cyclist (not taking anything from her since you know we (Du Tri Harder) have a strong female cyclist)) in the first loop, despite the fact that I am not really a cyclist. Note to other teams- with this combination, if I pass you on the bike, you will meet certain doom! Twas time for the anchor to show out. When the dust cleared, we placed first in the co-ed division. His run time was faster than anyone, even the elite finishers (granted, they had 2 disciplines prior). My bike time among all relays was short of being the best by about 33 seconds (second to one), & I set a personal best for that course. As a team, we beat all but an all male relay (second to one), but we were behind by a mere 55 seconds, a deficit that was due to a male swimmer vs our woman. Congratulations to all my fellow teammates.
Honorable mention
I realize I will always be second to one, since God is number one! Thanx for everything.
Saturday agenda-steps to independence 5k
I was aware of two races going on. Normally, I would select a race by proximity, which would lead me to select the Komen race for the cure 5k held in downtown Miami. I did it last year & enjoyed it. It is a charity race & the great cause-cure/prevention of breast cancer. I classify this race as a no pressure race since, other than overall, there were no age group categories. Instead, the top 50 males & females were rewarded with a finisher's medal. In such a case, due to my frequent running, I would've slacked, knowing that a 21 would be sufficient to qualify. In order to force myself to compete, I went to Coral Springs to do the independence 5k. In this one, top 3 overall & masters were offered, then the normal 3 deep age groups. I wanted a challenge & I got it. Before the start, I felt comfortable that I could place as a master but by mile one, I was praying I could make at least the age group category. It seemed I was anywhere from 12th to 15th place & 4 known master runners were included! Between 1 and 2, I was last in a master's pack of 3 but by mile two, Gary Bloome overtook us all. DK (teammate of premier) attempted to match his pace while I kept mine till mile 2. Oh, I almost forgot, I was also being challenged by a teenage girl; you know how I feel about that. I thought to myself, "I own the last mile!". Once I passed that mile marker, I picked up the pace, passing both WM & DK while losing the girl. I closed within 7 seconds of Gary but ran out of real estate. I had to settle for 2nd in master's category (second to one). I was in danger as the final winner was only 6 seconds behind me. Oh, my overall position was fifth. I was the 3rd fastest master (one master was so quick, he made 3rd overall) to finish, proving that age is just a number.
Sunday agenda-multirace triathlon (relay)
Waking up still on a high from yesterday, I was excited about today. I, once again, will be tested on my ability, but this time on a bike, my number one cross training activity. Stef, the swimmer, would be competing for the last time this year with Triple Teem relay. She had survived dealing with me for two seasons & has competed with me more than any other teammate I have ever had. What a milestone! The one taking my place on the anchor leg (run) was none other than Jonathan Mederos, winner of 2 running races in the past 2 months & member of Du Tri Harder 2006 duathlon relay champions for the last 2 events. Although we started about a minute behind (a co-ed relay team had a male swimmer that beat our woman), I amazing took out their female cyclist (not taking anything from her since you know we (Du Tri Harder) have a strong female cyclist)) in the first loop, despite the fact that I am not really a cyclist. Note to other teams- with this combination, if I pass you on the bike, you will meet certain doom! Twas time for the anchor to show out. When the dust cleared, we placed first in the co-ed division. His run time was faster than anyone, even the elite finishers (granted, they had 2 disciplines prior). My bike time among all relays was short of being the best by about 33 seconds (second to one), & I set a personal best for that course. As a team, we beat all but an all male relay (second to one), but we were behind by a mere 55 seconds, a deficit that was due to a male swimmer vs our woman. Congratulations to all my fellow teammates.
Honorable mention
I realize I will always be second to one, since God is number one! Thanx for everything.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Ups & downs
This weekend featured a series of ups and downs.
Saturday agenda-AVDA 5k
This was held in Delray beach so this was quite a trip for me (down). This was a charity race & its purpose is Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (Inc). I decided to this one as a tune-up race for the main event (Sunday agenda) so I originally planned to run comfortably & possibly win the master's title. A teammate (DK) asked that we run a 6 minute pace for 2 miles then after that, do whatever I want. My goal is always to break 19, but if I am feeling good & conditions are right, I can go to low to mid 19. I followed the script (mile 1=6:02 & 2=12:05), more or less. The person who ultimately won the race was pacing with me for the 2 miles before he took off. While we were striding together, we passed a pack of 3 young kids. I tried to match his pace but my efforts were futile (down). I then realized I better pace myself to defend the 3rd overall position (Up)! I staved off an attack from a teenager & pulled off the victory; I placed better than planned (up). Unfortunately, they gave out medals (down) instead of trophies. However, they gave out a gift certificate as well (up), rare in most events.
Sunday agenda-Escape to Miami triathlon
The big hype of this event is escape island. Swimmers are ferried to this island then they escape to Miami by swimming back to Margaret pace park. Since I am aquatically challenged (down), another runner (NU) who was able to swim, accepted the task as a favor (up). I went with her up to the ferry but only she could board. Even though she says she is not a good swimmer & does not really like doing it, she completed the swim in the choppy waters, then the cyclist took over. She struggled with internal (injury & lack of sleep) and external (high winds & bridges) conditions and did not perform as fast as usual (down), she stated. As a co-ed relay team, we were considered weak because we had two females; a stronger team only has one. Based on the 3rd place team's times, I began in the hole 22:04 (down). As I told the swimmer, at a nine minute pace (8:57) , the runner would be at approximately the 2.5 mile point of the 10k before I even get to start, an insurmountable lead (down). Remarkably, that team was in danger of losing as my pace (6:47) cut the deficit to only 6 seconds (up), despite taking my first fall as a runner (tripped on something on the way down the bridge(down)) this year! Although we missed placing by 7 seconds (down), we shattered the time set by last year's team (up) by over 40 minutes (up). Much like the Miami Dolphins game this weekend, we mounted an incredible comeback (up) & had a chance to win, but however, ultimately came up short (down). Unlike the Dolphins, we still have a winning record in terms of placing in events. Even though individually, I did well (beat my time of last year by about 5 minutes), like Ricky Williams said after a game he set a Dolphin's team record in rushing, "I did well but apparently not enough because we (the team) did not win".
Monday, October 09, 2006
Turnabout's fair play
This weekend was the Publix family fitness weekend championship. It was held at Florida's oldest amusement park, Cypress Gardens in Winter Park. All of those in series contention had to show up here in order to place in their respective categories. This explains my absence from a race I was eagerly waiting to do- the bikila 5 miler. Many participated here who were not in the series because amenities included park admission. Once in, you can go on any ride. Also, the post race festivities were nice.
Individual agenda - Duathlon:
I have competed in the publix du series since its inception 3 years ago. I ran in 5th place for the first leg, lost some positions on the bike. The course featured numerous rolling hills, which presented added challenge but I managed to keep within range of 3 other du competitors. We kept ourselves in check by switching to the lead position of our mini cyclist pack then dropping back so as not to draft. After completing the center leg, I waited in transition for nearly a half hour (hence, the title) for teammate. She complained about 8 minutes but I endured more than 3 times that. However, when the dust cleared, I finished 2nd to Paul Marmaro, last year's series du elite champion. This is my year.
Team agenda - Triathlon:
Done as relay, since you all know I am aquatically challenged. Originally, JG was supposed to swim but she sustained a severe injury requiring surgery & had to sit out the Miami Beach event & worse, the championship; she is recovering well. Teammate JJ did double duty (swam & cycled) but had not fully recovered from our last event. Like Xena, the warrior princess, she competed while injured. This justified that long wait, but held me up from a great time. After taking her chip, I ran to complete both the du & tri relay.
Results:
As far as the championship race, I received 2nd place as an individual in the du & the team (Du Tri Harder), ditto in the co-ed relay division. No other athlete endured what I did nor qualified to be this year's duathlon elite series champion. Unfortunately, I was informed 2 days prior to event that no series award will be offered for relays. Although we have no tangible prize, we are the triathlon co-ed series champs. We would've accumulated the appropriate points to take the title but we were deprived of trophies. Fortunately, you can't take away from our performance.
Honorable mention
JJ plans to keep commitment to compete as member of Du Tri Harder at escape to Miami triathlon, despite her injuries. Guerrera verdadera!
3 of 4 teammates competed in bikila's autumn classic 5 miler:
JM, runner associated with Du tri harder, won the race!
LD, member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach won the female master title.
CC, member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach placed fifth in the age category.
CM, a member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach, did not compete but is in training.
Individual agenda - Duathlon:
I have competed in the publix du series since its inception 3 years ago. I ran in 5th place for the first leg, lost some positions on the bike. The course featured numerous rolling hills, which presented added challenge but I managed to keep within range of 3 other du competitors. We kept ourselves in check by switching to the lead position of our mini cyclist pack then dropping back so as not to draft. After completing the center leg, I waited in transition for nearly a half hour (hence, the title) for teammate. She complained about 8 minutes but I endured more than 3 times that. However, when the dust cleared, I finished 2nd to Paul Marmaro, last year's series du elite champion. This is my year.
Team agenda - Triathlon:
Done as relay, since you all know I am aquatically challenged. Originally, JG was supposed to swim but she sustained a severe injury requiring surgery & had to sit out the Miami Beach event & worse, the championship; she is recovering well. Teammate JJ did double duty (swam & cycled) but had not fully recovered from our last event. Like Xena, the warrior princess, she competed while injured. This justified that long wait, but held me up from a great time. After taking her chip, I ran to complete both the du & tri relay.
Results:
As far as the championship race, I received 2nd place as an individual in the du & the team (Du Tri Harder), ditto in the co-ed relay division. No other athlete endured what I did nor qualified to be this year's duathlon elite series champion. Unfortunately, I was informed 2 days prior to event that no series award will be offered for relays. Although we have no tangible prize, we are the triathlon co-ed series champs. We would've accumulated the appropriate points to take the title but we were deprived of trophies. Fortunately, you can't take away from our performance.
Honorable mention
JJ plans to keep commitment to compete as member of Du Tri Harder at escape to Miami triathlon, despite her injuries. Guerrera verdadera!
3 of 4 teammates competed in bikila's autumn classic 5 miler:
JM, runner associated with Du tri harder, won the race!
LD, member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach won the female master title.
CC, member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach placed fifth in the age category.
CM, a member of this year's 4 person marathon relay in palm beach, did not compete but is in training.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Win some, lose some
Hello fellow runners & fans of the bellrunning blog site. This weekend, both races were timed by split second timing and I had the chance to capture the master title twice. Unfortunately, regarding the master's division, the title applied to the events in that order.
Saturday agenda-sickle cell 5k
The major sponsor was runner's depot, therefore the representation from that club would be high. At first, I felt i'd be lucky just to place (so many were in front). As the race progressed, I advanced positions until it came to a battle between me & their 2nd best master runner (AN). Their best one (TN) placed in the top 3 overall slot. AN came prepared to run, evidenced by the fact that he ran mucher faster than last time. By mile 2, I had no idea where I was so I had to slow down a bit to follow AN but he asked me, "do we turn right here?" Great! He's lost too. The timing director yelled at us for going off course (longer) saying that the course was well marked, not realizing that some jerk(s) switched the sign & that no volunteers were present to help. Within mile 2, as soon as could recognize where I was, I took off, back to my pace. Thanks to TN, I won the master title despite almost getting lost on the course following AN. I thrwarted his efforts to get revenge by winning the master again, but like the terminator, he'll be back!
This falls under win some.
Sunday agenda-dunn's run
This event offered 2 choices- 5 miler & 5k;I chose the latter. I catorgorize this race as a major league event, meaning most runners would be here & the cream of the crop (fast &/or well known) would be a part. I wanted to do a race (minor league, since it is an inaugural) closer to home but I am now a member of Premier running (, soccer & tri) race team & we had high representation. Because of the long drive up & having difficulty finding the starting point, I struggled in the first mile somewhat but managed to match the 1 mile split of sickle 5k. Toward mile 2 was the battle of the masters; another master pack with one being a teammate. I would be content to let him win if I could not keep up but after mile 2, he fell back & I struggled to keep pace with the other (unattached). Remember the title. As I approached the bridge, the gap widened & like a thief in the night, there went the title. Although a mere 6 seconds, in the running world, that's a long ways away. I fell to age group & my time, although 12 seconds slower than previous day, dominated that division. My partner was also content with his age group victory. The trophies for the master & 1st age group were the same, just not the prestige; less than that was a medal. This was an out race, no back. Plus is that it's straight forward. Minus, is that you have to get bussed back or run/walk back.
Failure to win the master title falls under lose some.
Honorable mention
Gary, an owner of premier running, also won his age group.
I was 5th overall & under 19 minutes in both events.
Picture is me winning the master title.
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