The title refers to the main event & the bellrunning blog. In terms of the latter, it is washed out (original version eliminated) and now in beta format.
Saturday agenda- tropical 5k
This was an out course, versus the wind. I originally set out to mimic last & run about a 20 but got caught up in the moment & placed in low 19's. Although too late, I came to my senses & backed off at end, allowing someone to win my age group by a second; I got 2nd. I ran faster than planned because of the field that showed up but it was not wise, considering I have a marathon to do while others didn't. Also, I got excited because it was my first 5k run of the year.
Sunday agenda- ING Miami marathon
Warmer & more humid than the previous day, another disadvantage was prevalent- rain. These external conditions, coupled by internal conditions (tight from racing too fast, poor sleep) lead to my dismal performance. The bright spots (blessings) was that I was able to salvage the marathon by finishing still under 4 hours (barely) & escape without injury. This is especially gratifying since along the way, I saw one poor runner on a stretcher being loaded into an ambulance. Also, by completing 5 marathons, I qualified for the 5 palm jacket. I had to fight for it because both my dad & i weren't placed on the list. I raised a little hell because that's the last thing i want to hear after suffering one of my worst marathons & having paid top dollar for first three years, before blitz was created, plus watching others get their jackets without incident. I hope they improve this for the 10 palm. I hope I'm not washed up but rather say the event was a wash out.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
I believe I can fly
I'll use those famous words from the famous song to describe my experience today.
Today's agenda-Naples half marathon
After following the weather reports all week, I was prepared to suffer another extremely hot distance event. It held true even yesterday. When we (my dad showed up to support the cause) woke up, it was surprisingly cooler than expected. I was so inspired that I actually went out too fast (6:30 pace) but gradually fell into a more appropriate pace. Although losing 10-15 seconds per mile, I maintained a decent enough pace to stay near target goals; I set them after each mile. I also observe checkpoints. In a half, I am concerned with the times at 5k, 10k & 15k equivalents & after the latter, I calculated that I could not only beat last year's time, but possibly break 1:30 & set a new personal best. At mile 13, I could see 1 hour twenty nine "y pico" seconds;that's single digit seconds. I sprinted as fast as I could to beat the clock because I believed I could fly & through the grace of god, I succeeded! My dream goal came to fruition! 1:29:56!! When asked by many if I had won, I replied "in my own right, yes".
Honorable mention
The following teammates performed admirably:
Jonathan Mederos won the Mitzvah 5k
Lisa Dorfman won the 'run up' stair event
Steve Brookner placed 1st in age group @ Mitzvah
Today's agenda-Naples half marathon
After following the weather reports all week, I was prepared to suffer another extremely hot distance event. It held true even yesterday. When we (my dad showed up to support the cause) woke up, it was surprisingly cooler than expected. I was so inspired that I actually went out too fast (6:30 pace) but gradually fell into a more appropriate pace. Although losing 10-15 seconds per mile, I maintained a decent enough pace to stay near target goals; I set them after each mile. I also observe checkpoints. In a half, I am concerned with the times at 5k, 10k & 15k equivalents & after the latter, I calculated that I could not only beat last year's time, but possibly break 1:30 & set a new personal best. At mile 13, I could see 1 hour twenty nine "y pico" seconds;that's single digit seconds. I sprinted as fast as I could to beat the clock because I believed I could fly & through the grace of god, I succeeded! My dream goal came to fruition! 1:29:56!! When asked by many if I had won, I replied "in my own right, yes".
Honorable mention
The following teammates performed admirably:
Jonathan Mederos won the Mitzvah 5k
Lisa Dorfman won the 'run up' stair event
Steve Brookner placed 1st in age group @ Mitzvah
Monday, January 15, 2007
Dr Martin Luther King Jr
First, I'd like to pay homage to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He is one of 2 true heroes that drive me to continue;the one that precedes him is Jesus Christ. Although pegged as a black holiday, it really is a day to remember someone who fought for civil rights. He did not struggle just for African-Americans but for all people who were repressed & mistreated. He dreamt of an America, or better, a world whereas all people would treat & interact with each other as such, people. It's senseless for the United States to declare itself as a great superpower & yet disobey &/or ignore its own constitution which clearly stated that "all men (this is a general term that includes women) are created equal". I cringe when I see much of today's youth seem completely ignorant of all we people went through as a whole & are virtually erasing much of the progress gained. I hate to see those who refuse to vote when many died for this right. I abhor those who think it's cool to be stupid when so many were denied their opportunity to learn, particularly at decent educational institutions. So many weren't allowed their "pursuit of happiness" as in our country's laws, especially when denied normal access to buildings, pay in employment or even decent facilities;things were separate but never equal. I hope all acknowledge all he has accomplished & recognize that he has shaped a better U.S.A., one of true opportunity.
Weekend agenda
This weekend was spent largely on recovery efforts from last week.
Saturday: I opted out of a race, a rare occurrence. Instead, I did a 2 mile run to reestablish speed, followed by a 6 mile skate (crosstraining), then capped off with a 1 mile racewalk to prepare for today. I took long transitions in between, unlike my normal procedure, which simulates a triathlon.
Sunday: I couldn't find a race so I met up with some friends from Niketown & we rode our bikes. Since I was with Fred, the training became a bit more intense than originally planned. Although the wind was near category 1 going towards Biscayne par, upon our return, we latched on to a bike pack (sometimes I get sucked into running packs) & were able to ride faster with less effort, the main reason why drafting is forbidden by the USAT in most sanctioned events.
Today's agenda-Dr Martin Luther King Jr 5k run & walk
I chose the latter due to the strength of my schedule. I am between 4 distance events (I did the goofy & have Naples half & Miami marathon remaining for this month) & it is wise to taper but since I don't have that luxury, racewalking will suffice. I surmised that this would be no 'walk in the park', so I stepped up my training in that discipline to prepare for today & it was certainly required. This event was put on by Footworks & they debuted the new DAG timing system. The positive is that the monitor was built onto the number tag, therefore no chip was necessary on the shoe. The negative is that one must surrender the number, like the chip, & I am one who likes to keep the number & record data on it. Also, it will eventually wear out from use & I have never knowingly used a number someone else wore; considering they are being recycled, this may happen at their next event. The guy who beat me at the twilight run/walk showed up & kept pace & form for 2.5 miles. After that, he began to struggle. I was fortunate to place overall, despite witnesses accounts of the other competitor cheating (trotting) to keep up with my pace. He was a good sport in that he came back to congratulate me & give me a bottle of water, but not with the trotting in a desperate effort to defeat me. I sense this is just the beginning of more to come. Today was especially satisfying because I had to outwalk someone who didn't walk all the way & got a PB (personal best) to boot, beating last year's time by 17 secs!
Honorable mention
Today is Silvia Weiner's birthday & she has done all 24 of the MLK 5ks. This year was my 1st time beating her while walking.
Tomorrow is coach Kelvin Love's birthday. He was a major nemesis during a race but a friend otherwise. He pulled out of racing after a major injury but never left the racing scene since he now contributes by coaching kids with his running program called the Miami milers.
Weekend agenda
This weekend was spent largely on recovery efforts from last week.
Saturday: I opted out of a race, a rare occurrence. Instead, I did a 2 mile run to reestablish speed, followed by a 6 mile skate (crosstraining), then capped off with a 1 mile racewalk to prepare for today. I took long transitions in between, unlike my normal procedure, which simulates a triathlon.
Sunday: I couldn't find a race so I met up with some friends from Niketown & we rode our bikes. Since I was with Fred, the training became a bit more intense than originally planned. Although the wind was near category 1 going towards Biscayne par, upon our return, we latched on to a bike pack (sometimes I get sucked into running packs) & were able to ride faster with less effort, the main reason why drafting is forbidden by the USAT in most sanctioned events.
Today's agenda-Dr Martin Luther King Jr 5k run & walk
I chose the latter due to the strength of my schedule. I am between 4 distance events (I did the goofy & have Naples half & Miami marathon remaining for this month) & it is wise to taper but since I don't have that luxury, racewalking will suffice. I surmised that this would be no 'walk in the park', so I stepped up my training in that discipline to prepare for today & it was certainly required. This event was put on by Footworks & they debuted the new DAG timing system. The positive is that the monitor was built onto the number tag, therefore no chip was necessary on the shoe. The negative is that one must surrender the number, like the chip, & I am one who likes to keep the number & record data on it. Also, it will eventually wear out from use & I have never knowingly used a number someone else wore; considering they are being recycled, this may happen at their next event. The guy who beat me at the twilight run/walk showed up & kept pace & form for 2.5 miles. After that, he began to struggle. I was fortunate to place overall, despite witnesses accounts of the other competitor cheating (trotting) to keep up with my pace. He was a good sport in that he came back to congratulate me & give me a bottle of water, but not with the trotting in a desperate effort to defeat me. I sense this is just the beginning of more to come. Today was especially satisfying because I had to outwalk someone who didn't walk all the way & got a PB (personal best) to boot, beating last year's time by 17 secs!
Honorable mention
Today is Silvia Weiner's birthday & she has done all 24 of the MLK 5ks. This year was my 1st time beating her while walking.
Tomorrow is coach Kelvin Love's birthday. He was a major nemesis during a race but a friend otherwise. He pulled out of racing after a major injury but never left the racing scene since he now contributes by coaching kids with his running program called the Miami milers.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Goofy again!
My dad & I are goofy again! We completed Walt Disney World's Goofy's race and a half challenge once more. We weren't the only goofy ones as nearly 5,000 finished as well.
Friday agenda- pre race activity
The worst circumstance of this challenge is that one must pick up packet either Thursday or Friday. At my job, this is nearly impossible because it's still during the 'holiday' season (1st week of new year) and is normally very busy. For years, no vacation time was even allowed during this period, but by the grace of God, the boss agreed to let me have the day off. Otherwise, the only option is to call in sick & my job had a penalty in place for that, unless you have a doctor's note. My dad & I were to go up together but something came up & we drove separately. I had to go early afternoon to be able to handle the business end- pick up packets & get accommodations -in addition to personal issues, such as eat!
Saturday agenda-(Donald Duck)Disney half marathon
The day started cool (64 degrees) & humid but quickly warmed up. Fortunately, the sun was blocked by the clouds, allowing me to run at a decent pace. This event had the most entrants since only the die-hard runner can handle the full distance. This year, to accommodate the crowd, Disney had 3 different waves, much like a triathlon & I was fortunate to qualify for the 1st. I was able to finish in under an hour forty, among my best times & way faster than planned.
Sunday agenda-(Mickey Mouse)Disney marathon
Similar to Saturday except foggier & hotter. Although still packed, it was notably less than the day prior, based on the parking. This event had several corrals, A B & C (fastest athletes & wheel chair) on one side and the rest (fireworks display side) on the other. I kinda grass seemed greener on the other side, in regards to the start & anthem. After about 2 hours, the sun was relentless & there's no shade on the course (external conditions). I had to start the race extremely tight & tired(internal conditions) from the day prior, hence a much slower pace. However, I finished better than expected despite the conditions & made it under 4 hours.
Mission accomplished=Goofy medal.
Trust me, it goofy! However, it was worth it. All of the goofy finishers had the most bling of all runners, 3 medals! I just loved hearing the clank clank & could tell a fellow goofy guy from a 'mile' away. Congratulations to all participants!
Friday agenda- pre race activity
The worst circumstance of this challenge is that one must pick up packet either Thursday or Friday. At my job, this is nearly impossible because it's still during the 'holiday' season (1st week of new year) and is normally very busy. For years, no vacation time was even allowed during this period, but by the grace of God, the boss agreed to let me have the day off. Otherwise, the only option is to call in sick & my job had a penalty in place for that, unless you have a doctor's note. My dad & I were to go up together but something came up & we drove separately. I had to go early afternoon to be able to handle the business end- pick up packets & get accommodations -in addition to personal issues, such as eat!
Saturday agenda-(Donald Duck)Disney half marathon
The day started cool (64 degrees) & humid but quickly warmed up. Fortunately, the sun was blocked by the clouds, allowing me to run at a decent pace. This event had the most entrants since only the die-hard runner can handle the full distance. This year, to accommodate the crowd, Disney had 3 different waves, much like a triathlon & I was fortunate to qualify for the 1st. I was able to finish in under an hour forty, among my best times & way faster than planned.
Sunday agenda-(Mickey Mouse)Disney marathon
Similar to Saturday except foggier & hotter. Although still packed, it was notably less than the day prior, based on the parking. This event had several corrals, A B & C (fastest athletes & wheel chair) on one side and the rest (fireworks display side) on the other. I kinda grass seemed greener on the other side, in regards to the start & anthem. After about 2 hours, the sun was relentless & there's no shade on the course (external conditions). I had to start the race extremely tight & tired(internal conditions) from the day prior, hence a much slower pace. However, I finished better than expected despite the conditions & made it under 4 hours.
Mission accomplished=Goofy medal.
Trust me, it goofy! However, it was worth it. All of the goofy finishers had the most bling of all runners, 3 medals! I just loved hearing the clank clank & could tell a fellow goofy guy from a 'mile' away. Congratulations to all participants!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy new year!
Praise the Lord, I survived another year! This is the birth of a new year.
Today's agenda-Islamorada 5k
After a tumultuous weekend and in light of the upcoming Goofy challenge, I chose to racewalk the event and set a precedence for the new year by beating last year's time;I won the category again. Remarkably, I am never the last athlete to finish, even though a good portion are running. Unfortunately for them, their pace is slower than my race walk, kinda like my running is to Jonathan's training jog! Event had great amenities but started very late (9 am).
Top ten best of 2006 (no particular order):
1. completed 6 marathons
2. able to complete the PT cruiser challenge (15k & 5k on Sat. followed by a marathon on Sun.) despite injury
3. repeat duathlon relay champions.
4. threepeat trilogy co-ed relay champion (2 under Triple Teem)
5. Triple Teem repeats as S. Fl. triathlon co-ed relay champs
6. All 4 run marathon relay team 2nd only to Bill Rodger's team.
7. became a master runner & realized some success with the title.
8. placed in the Disney inline marathon
9. won the Publix duathlon series as elite
10. placed in St Anthony meek & mighty triathlon.
Worst ten of 2006 (no particular order):
1. cyclist of Triple Teem quit in middle of S. Fl series
2. 2 swimmers were either sick or injured.
3. cyclist of Du Tri Harder got injured.
4. I got injured! (ran a1a marathon & did PT in such state)
5. many original teammates unable or unwilling to participate; had to substitute frequently, like the Miami Heat except we still were winning.
6. becoming a master means i am supposed to be over the hill
7. my master title was given away to race director's friend
8. palm beach marathon made 5k a fun run & also gave mixed relay title to same guy they invited (conflict of interest) plus only overall.
9. Du Tri harder co-ed relay missed placing in two events by mere seconds (St Anthony & escape to Miami)
10. born in New York but denied official entry into marathon
New year resolutions
* resolve to start or continue striving for fitness
* escape relatively injury free
* maintain &/or improve on times/distances
* I will avoid most events in Palm beach county (highest amount of runner disrespect)
* I will continue to race frequently
* diet & get washboard abs
* I will get rich &/or payoff all debts
Can you guess which resolution(s) I may break?
I am wishing everyone a healthy & happy new year! See you at the races.
Today's agenda-Islamorada 5k
After a tumultuous weekend and in light of the upcoming Goofy challenge, I chose to racewalk the event and set a precedence for the new year by beating last year's time;I won the category again. Remarkably, I am never the last athlete to finish, even though a good portion are running. Unfortunately for them, their pace is slower than my race walk, kinda like my running is to Jonathan's training jog! Event had great amenities but started very late (9 am).
Top ten best of 2006 (no particular order):
1. completed 6 marathons
2. able to complete the PT cruiser challenge (15k & 5k on Sat. followed by a marathon on Sun.) despite injury
3. repeat duathlon relay champions.
4. threepeat trilogy co-ed relay champion (2 under Triple Teem)
5. Triple Teem repeats as S. Fl. triathlon co-ed relay champs
6. All 4 run marathon relay team 2nd only to Bill Rodger's team.
7. became a master runner & realized some success with the title.
8. placed in the Disney inline marathon
9. won the Publix duathlon series as elite
10. placed in St Anthony meek & mighty triathlon.
Worst ten of 2006 (no particular order):
1. cyclist of Triple Teem quit in middle of S. Fl series
2. 2 swimmers were either sick or injured.
3. cyclist of Du Tri Harder got injured.
4. I got injured! (ran a1a marathon & did PT in such state)
5. many original teammates unable or unwilling to participate; had to substitute frequently, like the Miami Heat except we still were winning.
6. becoming a master means i am supposed to be over the hill
7. my master title was given away to race director's friend
8. palm beach marathon made 5k a fun run & also gave mixed relay title to same guy they invited (conflict of interest) plus only overall.
9. Du Tri harder co-ed relay missed placing in two events by mere seconds (St Anthony & escape to Miami)
10. born in New York but denied official entry into marathon
New year resolutions
* resolve to start or continue striving for fitness
* escape relatively injury free
* maintain &/or improve on times/distances
* I will avoid most events in Palm beach county (highest amount of runner disrespect)
* I will continue to race frequently
* diet & get washboard abs
* I will get rich &/or payoff all debts
Can you guess which resolution(s) I may break?
I am wishing everyone a healthy & happy new year! See you at the races.
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