5k frenzy

A great weekend for a multi sport athlete. I had a double header on Saturday before running on Sunday, hence a 5k frenzy. All the events I chose were to help some cause. Also, buddy Jon Williams went on a vacation, so many took advantage of this to win or place better.

Saturday morning agenda-Nike race for the kids 5k

I passed on my favorite race, Delray turkey trot, on advice of Mike, partner at Niketown. I did that race last year & got a trophy. The was their 2nd running of the 5k, but my 1st time doing it officially. According to the sponsor of this event, 100 % of the money goes to whatever schools were selected. Less the wind, it was a picture perfect day- cool to cold, with no rain in sight. This race drew the largest crowd with over 850 finishers, comprised mostly of youngsters, of the 3 events I did this weekend. It was worth not getting that trophy just to see Jonathan, also a buddy from Niketown, run again. Before the race even began, I called the race winner prior to the start to all at the starting line. After 2 1/2 miles, a battle ensued for 2nd place. You see, my prediction was coming true regarding the overall winner. I knew Jonathan would be in the top 3, despite the race rust. I fought hard with my 'master' kick near the end & almost finished behind Mike but unfortunately, some kid named smiley & Jonathan utilized their youth & beat me out. The bad news for my buddy was that he could not be scored without the chip, therefore I advanced to 3rd. Although no overall or master title was issued, all involved parties were aware of their positions. Food & drink was good, near 4 stars. Award was a nice plaque. Did I forget to mention the Michael Nunez won the race?

Saturday evening agenda-sunset 5k

This inaugural event went to support the Tyler Scott Goldberg foundation, in memory of his untimely death.A master title was at stake.

The good- I broke 19 and placed
The bad-I was slower than in the morning, thus losing the master title.
The ugly-I didn't even win my age group (2nd) & ironically, the time I did earlier was the master winning time for this race!

This was a 5 star event, with both pizza (vanquished quickly) & pasta. It had cookies & fruit, also, as well as drinks. All award recipients got a plaque.

Sunday agenda- Wilton manor 5k

Finally, I did a race I have done officially in the past, not an inaugural. Because it was staged in Broward & I was aware that Walthon was coming, I knew I was in for a fight. When I arrived, more fuel to the fire was added because another well respected master runner Allen Notkin showed up plus the kid with the cycling dad came with hopes to upstage me. This event benefited the PACE center for girls 8-17. Weather was similiar to the past day, except with threat of rain. When the race began, the kid bust out so fast he beat the overall winner in the 1st half mile before circumming to the consequences of going out to fast. After 2 miles, he was within reach. Halfway through the final mile, I beat him out for the 4th slot. Walthon ran so fast, he squeezed in the top 3, allowing me to earn the top master slot. This event had the legendary announcer who bills the race as if it was an Olympic trial;he was very enthusiastic, energetic & just simply enjoyed doing what he does. The award was a beautiful, crystal like flat trophy. The event fell short of a 5 star flash race due to lack of a hot meal but earned the 4 stars with all the food and drink. The time was a mere second slower than the previous day;gratifying. In fact, I was so stoked I did a spin class with a friend of Louis Best for about a half hour before calling it a day.

Honorable mention

* The return of Jonathan.
* Mike's 1st overall victory & official defeat of master teacher (me).
* Gene wins age group with absence of Jon W.
* Leo shows up at race.