Out with the old '08

This is the final day of this year, 2008. Kinda glad to see it go in many ways. Time to recap the year, Conan Obrien's top ten (not necessarily in order), Clint Eastwood style.

The good:

10. I am still alive.
9. Able to join Runner's Depot!
8. The bush nightmare era ends; Obama is elected.
7. Samm (within 1st quarter of year).
6. My cycling improved, enough to be competitive for team action.
5. 4 person marathon team wins overall & sets new time record.
4. Qualified for & completed the NY marathon.
3. Of all relay teams I was involved with, only 1 loss.
2. Duathlon relay team wins overall title.
1. I won overall 3 times!

The bad:

10. The bush regime continues until inauguration day.
9. Team got 2nd at FAU tri but no award.
8. Gas prices.
7. No Samm.
6. Recession.
5. Struggles to stay under 19 in races.
4. Aero bar broke on bike day before final du series race.
3. Locked out of St Anthony's
2. Got sick within the 1st quarter of year.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties & celebrations)

The Ugly:

10. Gas prices affecting other goods & services.
9. The bush regime continues until inauguration day (yep, again).
8. Miami Heat season 07-08.
7. No raises, office closures.
6. Credit card debt.
5. Suffered worst marathon defeat in my history (worst time for a non-injury completion)
4. A co-worker who got hired & started when I did, fatal heart attack.
3. Sir Issac, Bernie Mac, among others, died.
2. James Brown gone.
1. Jollie passed away

Happy new year ! See you next year.

Final race

Well, final race of the final weekend of this year.

Saturday agenda-final race

Since I was able to get off for Kwanzaa (the day after Christmas), I travelled with a rival friend, Colin, up to Clermont for the 1st time. There, was the 2nd annual Florida marathon, half & 5k. Based on accounts from other athletes who competed in multisport up there, plus the race ap itself, I was aware there would be hills. I had no idea how steep or frequent they would be until it was too late (i am competing). I went up for the challenge & got what I asked for. I wont travel that far just for a 5k, so you know I did a distance event. Considering the course, I was not in the mood to punish myself, so the half sufficed. I struggled (much like throughout the year) but finished with an acceptable time.

Sunday agenda-train

No rest for the weary. This was cross training day & the bike was my choice. On Kwanzaa, I skated 4 miles, 2 versus the wind, plus some light running. Last training on a weekend of 2008.

Christmas 08

We've arrived once again to honor the birth of our Lord & saviour, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas everyone! For those non believers, happy holidays. Ya'll know I don't really like using that politically correct, general term. It's so vague, that I may as well use that in February for president's day, which incidentally was created to avoid observing Lincoln's birthday separately, like in the very past.

Just by speaking with my parents, among others, I can see how the 'capital regime' has effectively eliminated Jesus, the true reason for the season. How? If you analyze critically, you'll be hard pressed to find nativity scenes. Instead, a fat man known as Santa Claus has replaced Jesus. He amazingly gives out presents while climbing through chimneys (not even on my house), worldwide, in a matter of hours. Whereas God so loved us that he gave us the ultimate gift, Jesus Christ, so save us from ourselves. Instead of the supporting cast, such as wise men, sheep, etc., you'll find candy canes, wreaths, poinsettia, snowmen, snow flakes, & even the pine (Christmas) tree. Although the last 3 are understandable considering we're in winter, I don't recall him actually being born under snowy conditions. Worse, is using the X to cross out Christ in Christmas when abbreviating;that is why I always put C-mas. Plus the obvious use of holiday instead of Christmas. So, you may give out holiday cards & put holiday gifts under the holiday tree during this holiday season, but I am gonna still give out Christmas cards & put Christmas gifts under the Christmas tree during this Christmas season, all while wishing you a merry Christmas!

Today's agenda-train

I visited my mom & sis last night, then met up with my dad today to train. We did about a 15k. Along the way, I saw Byron, an owner of the Runner's high store. Today was also his birthday. I am thankful for the gift of athleticism. After that, some rest & relaxation. I never really celebrate like normal people but nevertheless, I am happy to get through another day;many take this for granted. Once again, merry Christmas.

Winter

Sunday begins the winter solstice officially, plus later on, Hanukkah; have a happy one! No, I'm not Jewish but I'll give respect to the holiday. Typically, it begins at sundown & prior to my holiday, Christmas. Come to think of it, if you don't include thanksgiving, it kicks off the 'holiday' season. As far as winter is concerned, it already started for many.

Saturday agenda-classics by the sea

This event included both a 5k & 10k; I, along with Jon W & Jeffrey T, chose the former. The lone Runner's Depot representative in the 10k was Louis M. We all took home the top prize in our respective categories, but how that happened needs to expounded upon.

When the gun went off, Jon took off & lead most of the race. I tried to hang on right behind Jeffrey but got dropped a half mile into the race. At this point, I was just hoping to perform well enough to place. I desired to win the master title but the guy I beat for the title at the jingle down mainstreet (Colin) was running better this day. Although he was always in sight, he was out of reach like an overthrown pass. Jeffrey was 3rd overall with one of his best times of the year but since only the top winner was recognized, he fell to top age group. Even though Colin beat me this time, Jon pushed him down to top of his age group because he failed to win the race. Usually, Colins beats us both but since he was not at his best, Jon got the master title. I'm glad he did because he is now in my age group. As a result of the 'racing gods', I became top in my age group.

Sunday agenda-race?

The Jacksonville half & full marathon was held this day. I passed on it this year because of the distance & anticipated expenses regarding the event. Instead, I opted to train by riding my bike from my house to the intersection of Krome & US 1 near cardsound road.

4 master

4 was the magic number this weekend, particularly in regards to the master title.

Saturday agenda-united way 5k

I had the chance to race close to home, as the holiday run was held at palmetto bay; a perfect selection under proximity. I passed it up because the best i could get was a medal. They held both a 5k & 10k, & drew over a grand of runners. Under the been there, done that rule, I went up to Hollywood & discovered I was not the only one to avoid the local race. Jon Williams came & won the race, edging out a younger competitor. Jeffrey Tait was 3rd overall! Even Ripley wouldn't believe this but with nearly a minute & a half gap between the kid & I, no one was present. I was 4th & thought for sure I secured the master title. I would have, had it been offered. Therefore, I had to settle for top in age group. The award was like an 8 x 10 photo certificate in an advertisement frame.

Sunday agenda-run for tomorrow

This event offered both a half marathon & a 5k. I chose the latter, as Jon did in the past, to focus on speed. This year, both Jon & Jeff chose the distance & they performed admirably. Jon won the master title & Jeff, his age group with a new PR. As for me, position wise, I managed to match my performance of the previous day. According to the finish clock, likewise, I failed to break 19 again, despite pushing harder. But lo & behold, they committed an error. I, among the others, were docked 30 seconds & that was later reflected in the results; what a relief. How the race played out was interesting. I got to that position near the close of the 1st mile. Amazingly, some young girl was in front of me & I was closing in. All of a sudden, a rabbit jumped in to pace her. She took off while I struggled to keep her in sight. Yep, I got beat but the racing Gods smiled on me. This time, the master title was offered, in fact 3 deep. In addition, they had grand master & senior grand master as well. Both Louis & I overshot our categories. Once again, I did not get a master title this weekend but on this day, that was desirable. I was overall male winner, 3rd place! Louis was so fast that they decided to move him from top grandmaster, which is what he earned & desired, to 3rd master. George won the senior grand master title.

About the title: 4 equals my overall place in both races, while master was the title that eluded me.

Honorable mention

* Lisa Dorfman won the 5k master title at the holiday run
* Jonathan was 2nd overall in the 5k at the holiday run
* Kevin A won the 5k master title at the holiday run in my absence.
* Gene won in the 5k at the holiday run
* Asha won at the holiday run 5k
* Edmundo won the 10k master title at the holiday run
* Kenny C was youngest 10k winner
* Felipe wins age group at the holiday run 10k
* Jeffrey also wins at run 4 tomorrow half
* John G wins 2nd age at run 4 tomorrow 5k
* George wins age at united plus the top senior grand master title at run 4 tomorrow 5k
* Gary S (premier) wins age at run 4 tomorrow half
* My dad won 2nd in the run 4 tomorrow half over another bell

---runners depot----

* Jon W won the united way 5k & top master at run 4 tomorrow* Anton wins the run 4 tomorrow half
* Joel is runner up at run 4 tomorrow half
* Louis M wins 3rd master at run 4 tomorrow 5k
* Marci wins 3rd master at run 4 tomorrow half

Wood u believe?

This weekend was dedicated to the marathon of the palm beaches.

Saturday agenda-5k

Copying the PR racing tradition of having a 5k prior to the main event, these organizers held one as well. However, they have made it obvious they don't really care about it just by some of the experiences I've had doing them. Nevertheless, I'm glad they put it on anyway because, #1 I need a tune up race & #2 I need something to do prior to the expo opening up (gotta pick up the packets prior to race day). This would be my only individual competition this weekend.

Trivia: Which of the following did not occur this weekend:

1. I did not break 19.
2. Sonia Friend-Uhl ran while pregnant
3. I won the master title
4. I beat the Olympic caliber athlete, Sonia Friend-Uhl
5. all of the above
6. none of the above

Ill let you off the hook right away. You may eliminate the final choice, this was an eventful race.
For the first time in my 17 year career, I got a wooden 'medallion'. The good: it was engraved with event logo, place & date. The bad:it was wood. The ugly:it was wood. It seemed more like something given for merely finishing. I thank the Lord I got it though, considering it had to be earned; many of over 400 finishers wanted one.

Sunday agenda-relay

The main event-marathon! However, I did it as part of a team. Individuals could do that & the half. I, the crazy team captain, did the unthinkable-I recruited the runner of our rival duathlon relay team "father & son" to complete the 4 person marathon relay team. I was fortunate to get all the members of this year's champion duathlon team "Du Tri Harder". Much like the uncanny mutants that teamed up, I called this team Thee X men. The start leg was won by John G. in a friendly qualifier race (13.1 marathon) in which he defeated me by nearly 3 minutes. Gene repeated the same leg as last year. Nick, of the rival team, took my leg because, according to an email, the distances were changed, & that was the next shortest. I was left with the anchor position, the only one I never did in the past. Once my turn came, I discovered that the race officials lied & the distances were identical to last year, our greatest fear. His dad told me he had never competed over 5 miles; he surprised everyone except me (I knew this teenager had it in him) by completing almost 7.5 miles with the fastest pace of all of us. I showed them the wood-allion that I got for placing the previous day & Gene referred to it as a 'cow chip'; both were equally disappointed that such an award was distributed.

Which of the following did occur:
1. We were the top mixed team, as last year
2. We were the only team to break 3 hours
3. We got trophies for our achievements
4. all of the above
5. none of the above

A special treat for me was the 5 year commemorative medal; yes, medal. I have been involved in their history. Inaugural year-the 1st & only 5 person marathon relay. Next year, 1st & only 5 person, 5k relay the day prior to my running a marathon. Year 3, inaugural 4 person marathon relay;when Caroline defaulted, I had the honor of getting the legendary Lisa Dorfman in her stead. Last year, with Caroline, we were the top relay team, even over all those company ones.

Answers to Trivia 1:
1. Unfortunately, this was true. I struggled at first, then slowed to adjust to Sonia.
2. Unbelievably, this was true. She's due in the 1st quarter of next year.
3. Unfortunately, no master title was offered.
4. Like the wood, the 1st time ever for me. Granted she was carrying a precious cargo. Wood u believe she won the overall female title like that?

Answers to Trivia 2:
1. false. we're an all male team!
2. true. Plus, we did break the fastest time ever set (previously by Frank Shorter's team).
3. Unfortunately, not. We all got those cow chips instead.

Holiday weekend

It's thanksgiving weekend, the prelude to Christmas. Since this weekend is devoted to capitalism, I will resort to the politically correct term Holiday.

Friday agenda-black!

After a disappointing result the previous day (low), I had to figure out how to train while the black Friday frenzy was on. Yes, I got caught in it but did minimal spending. Much of what I got was needed, including grocery shopping.

Saturday agenda-jingle down main street 5k

Today was a surprising high. Although not as cool as on thanksgiving, it was cooler than it had been just last month. I got to see many of the Niketown old school running mates, Louis, Keith, Courtney W. and the ever elusive Freddy. All competed but the last 2 was merely training. When the gun went off, so did the field. Gradually, many started dropping like flies. In the final mile, I was someone who looked like a master so I employed my patented master kick to get past him through the finish. Little did I know it was also someone I had never beaten in my 17 year illustrious 'career'. I won the master title, redeeming myself for the week. Amazingly, no one was between me & the kid wonder, Jeffrey. Although I failed to meet my goal (beat my best time of the year), I succeed in capturing the master title with a come from behind victory.

Sunday agenda-the last day

Yes, it is the last day of November & the last chance to race or train. I forwent the former in lieu of the latter due to the following:
1. need to pay my respects to my fallen partner, Jolie (death=low)
2. only event I knew is far (space coast marathon or half)
3. only event I knew costly ($75 just for the half)
4. eliminated the only category we (dad & I) were interested in at this time- 2 person relay

Expounding on #1, a celebration of sorts was held at Nikki beach in her honor. It was fitting to do this on the last day of the month. I was treated as family by her family & was allowed to say my piece, along with other family & friends. I saw pictures of her at various events, including the one she loved the most-St Anthony's triathlon. We competed there, & even though we missed placing by 1 slot, we had a good time trying. Her mom released her ashes into the Atlantic ocean to conclude the ceremony. She often swam there & lived less than a mile from there. She literally began the year with an accident & ended in a similar fashion. In the multisport world, we were a force to reckon with. Although merely friends, we mended well as a relay as if we were married. She was the cyclist in most, swam in some. She was a winner, often stubborn like me, & never liked to quit, even after a few falls. She'll always be my partner in spirit;a true athlete.

Monday agenda-cyber

Cyber Monday; this is the online version of black Friday, basically a new high tech tradition. Unfortunately, I began way before this day. I will be needing those shoes I bought for an upcoming event.

Honorable mention
+NTOS=NikeTown Old School, NTNS=NikeTown New School

* thanksgiving eve, John Donaldson (NTOS) came into my office to renew his DL.
* thanksgiving day & jingle, of NTOS were Leo, Louis Best, Courtney W & yours truly
* jingle 5k, also of NTOS were Freddy,& Keith
* of NTNS, at both=Gene & Felipe, thanksgiving=Jonathan, Mike N & Adam
* John G, Jeffrey T & George all got 1st at jingle
* I beat Colin for the 1st time ever
* anyone I may have missed, I ain't mad at ya, I'm just gettin' old
* congrats to all that competed!

I realize more than ever that life is short. 1st, Babbette Kulka (triathlete), ironman finisher, dies mysteriously while swim training, then Dell Rodgers, a former co-worker hired along with me & others, dies of a heart attack, then finally, the closest of all to me, Jolie, suffers a coma from a hit & run & then finally passes away. I'm beginning to understand this rap song called 'my life'.

Thanksgiving

I wish everyone a happy one! Apart from running, mine was boring. I didn't do like everybody else & have a large turkey dinner with all the fixin's. For starters, I don't eat meat. However, I did remember that we all should give thanks to God that we're all alive today. In addition, I thank him for allowing me to compete & train, especially with pretty good weather. I thank him for my parents who gave me life. Considering all of the people (some famous), including many close friends, who died this year, like one of my favorite gospel songs says, "I thank the Lord I'm still alive".

Thursday agenda-turkey trot

Within the tri county area, nearly 6,000 people participated in an event. From north to south, the run 4 the pies drew nearly 1200 & was a four mile run. In Broward, the tamarac turkey trot attracted over 1300. I competed in the largest one-blue cross, blue shield turkey trot in Miami. Put on by PR racing, it offered both a 5k & 10k and pulled over 2700 finishers!

Facts
1. run 4 the pies=4 miler, 1 master title, 3 overall
2. tamarac turkey trot=5k, no master title, 3 overall
3. Miami turkey trot=5k or 10k, 1 master title, 3 overall

Highlights

* I got 2nd behind the freshman, Edmundo
* Ronnie wins the tamarac
* Runner's Depot teammates Louis M & George win age group at tamarac
* teammate John G ran in low 19's
* Niketown running mates win in respective age groups. They are Adam (1), Mike N (2), Jonathan (1)
* Niketown running mates that participated included Felipe & his lady, Leo, Asha in the 10k
* Former Niketown running mate Courtney W won his age group in 10k
* Omarto wins Miami 5k, Elliot M=3rd overall

If I missed anyone, its purely unintentional. Don't forget, I am getting old.

Mastery

Since overall is not realistic to me, the master title is attainable, but difficult. I set that as a goal, & off I went.

Saturday agenda-5k

The delray turkey trot was held in west palm beach, but in a rare occurrence, I forwent that event in lieu of training. I had my reasons:
1. Last time I did it, I had to wait for them to mail a medal to me.
2. Far-its in delray!
3. Did I mention that they gave out medals the last time I did it?

Later, I regretted that decision because I found out from George that this time they gave out trophies. In terms of racing, I knew I'd meet my minimum standard (2 in a weekend) with a double header.

Sunday morning agenda-Wilton manors 5k

Going into this event as a 2 time master champion, the pressure was on me to continue the tradition. Jeffrey got his fastest time ever-17:49 & was barely 15 secs off of Jon W! The weather was near perfect-cool to cold, no wind plus the course was flat; a runner's dream. In order to defend my title, I had to run my 2nd best time of the year, thus far. Praise the Lord, I was able to three-peat! Two major running clubs showed up, Runner's Depot & running wild. The former performed Admiralty. Jon, Louis, & yours truly at the forefront. The overall female of the other team edged me out at the end, but truthfully, I did not match the challenge because, #1 I knew I had to run again later on & #2, she's not in my sex/category. This was a 4 star flash race, lacking only a hot meal. They had a raffle but I didn't win.

Sunday afternoon agenda-sunset 5k

This was a charity event to support Tyler S Goldberg, who was tragically killed last year. I really felt more this year than ever because of the death of a former co-worker (Dell) & a teammate (Jollie). Although my time was about 20 seconds slower than earlier, the end result was the same-master winner. Obviously, my performance was affected by, #1 the fact I ran earlier, #2 it got windy & #3, 2 or 3 hills (twice). By the grace of God, I was able to get past most to win the title in 4th position. Jon finally won 1 of his three events, although I don't think he should've been as disappointed as he was with his runner up overall victory on Saturday. Right behind him was

Felipe. Between him & I was some kid. For meat eaters, this was a 5 star race due to the hot dogs, chicken & some other; 3-4 stars for everyone else.

Sweet & sour

This was a rollercoaster type weekend with many ups & downs. Counting from Thursday to Tuesday, so many events occured.

Friday=sour

I woke up & a cd rack that stood for over 8 years all of a sudden fell down. Little did I know that it was a prelude to a tragedy. I received a message that Jollie, my relay partner from 2 years ago, slipped into a coma.

Saturday agenda-fantasy of lights 5k

This one was always a competitive event, plus actually had a cap of 1,500 entrants & had to sign up at least 2 weeks in advance. On top of that, it was night race, an event I loathe but won't shun, especially if there's nothing else. I prepared as best as I could. Praise the lord! I got my best time of the year for a 5k. They gave an unusual 5 places for the master category & I was fortunate to get the last slot. Unique was that the recipient's picture was taken & placed within the curved glass award. Great amenities (*****) but this time, no raffle. With the victory, sweet.

Prior to going to the event was my visit to the hospital. She was all hooked up to equipment & didn't look good. I spoke & prayed then off I went to the aforementioned; condition was sour, but seeing her was sweet.

Post event, my dad & I stayed overnight at a hotel because it was senseless for me to drive all the way back south then come back up with little rest (dad carpools with me) to tackle a distance race. I'd be asking for another dismal race.

Sunday agenda-inaugural 13.1 marathon

On independence day, I committed to this event, so I relinquished my chance to place in a 5k. I decided to work on my endurance & be rewarded for such (finishers medal). I took off fast for the 1st 2 miles with a 6:30 but immediately dropped pace & probably was worse than 8 by the end but the average was acceptable. My dad had yet another PR plus placed in his age group. It was a 5 far flash race with the pancake breakfast, along with other post race refreshments.

Afterwards, I made my final trip to the hospital. This time, I met up with a lot of supporters, family & friends alike. I spent at least 1 1/2 hours there before I finally had to leave. They were hoping she go quickly & peacefully, but I reminded them that she was always a stubborn fighter and I knew she would not go easy. Later, I learned she finally went on; my condolences to the family. While that is sour, the fact that I will always remember her is sweet.

Monday & Tuesday marked birthdays for Samm & my sis, respectively; sweet for them.

Oh, so close!

Following that dismal performance in NY last weekend, I decided to return to my 'specialty'-the 5k. However, to do this, I had to travel to the county I vowed I would avoid-Palm beach. Since the gas prices have been dropping, the idea has become more plausable. Well, good thing resolutions were made to be broken.

Saturday agenda-walk tall, run free 5k

Sometimes I'm a sucker for races with a cause & this one was for epilepsy. I skipped the local race (lighthouse run) to travel up there because I don't like the direction in which that race is going. What do I mean? Remember that I began running 17 years ago. This event offers both a 5k & a 10k. While this still holds true, back then, not only could you run both, but they offered a discount for taking on such a challenge; now, they both start at the same time. Most races give you the respect of calling out your name to receive your hard fought hardware. Last time I did it, we lined up like in a government cheese line, asked the name & place, then were given a generic frame after stratching the name off the list. Back then, lots of giveaways & food; now, very little of anything & basic food less than what I can get for running at niketown for free.

Ironically, both races were timed by splitsecondtiming. This was my comeback 5k & was selected under the 'been there, done that' rule, overriding the proximity rule. With less than a hundred participants, I had the chance to win. In the first mile, I was the relucant leader. Mile 2, I was in the lead pack. Final mile, the marathon fatique (lactic acid build up) set in & I slipped into a battle for 2nd. Although the lord didn't allow me to win this one as I hoped, he did allow for the next best distinction-overall runner up. On top of that, I was able to break 19, a feat I struggled with, even without the marathon torture. I almost lost that position but the master kick held off that competitor. Top winner & master got a small, crystal object, 2nd & 3rd got plaques. Top age group winners got a trophy, while the silver & bronze were medals. A good amount & variety of food & drink were offered, a 3 to 4 star flash race.

Sunday agenda-herbalife Boca PAL

This event now offers a 5k (2nd annual) in addition to the half marathon. Fresh off a full, I decided to focus on speed, an element sorely lacked last week. My dad did the half & broke another PR by finishing with a 2:01. In addition to that, he tied me in number of age group victories for that distance-one. Yeah, its hard for us to place in distance races. I experience similiar problems that occurred the previous day. Mile 1-ahead of the master winner. 2nd mile, al lado (aside) the master runner. Final mile, lack of recovery=title slipped away. God did grant the top age group title, while finishing under 19 within the top ten. Qualified as a five star flash race because of the pancakes, plus a good amount of other nourishment. All awards were uniform, a ceramic tile with race data. Finisher's medal to all half'ers.

Honorable mention

* Jonathan M got 2nd overall.
* Jon W placed in 2 races.
* Jeffrey broke 18!
* Gary tops his age group.

NY

I had to fore go 2 local races to revisit my home state of New York to run their marathon. Having been ripped off in their stupid, biased lottery system twice, I jumped at the chance to enter after a miracle victory that allowed me to qualify. Even with that, I was given a hard time, at first being placed in that horrible lottery despite qualifying for guaranteed entry. After a few emails & having to submit more proof, they reluctantly obliged.

I decided to do this for the following reasons:
1. Prior to the marathon. I wanted my name to be recorded.
2. I don't plan on doing it again, unless invited or I get rich; the former is the least likely.
3. I don't know if I could even afford it again (high gas prices made flight more expensive, plus the entry fee, hotel, travel & other related expenses).

Weekend agenda-New York city marathon

I had go up without any support. I learned the hard way between those who are friends and those who are people you know; most fell under the latter. Also, most concealed that they were even going but of those who admitted it, only one had a legitimate excuse. Oh well. That is why in God I trust. Although I had to sacrifice a good time (clockwise), I still had a good time in that I was able to finish.

The good:
a. I finished & got my medal.
b. I escaped without injury.
c. the weather, other than the wind.

The bad:
a. lack of support, other than my dad.
b. the cost (entry, hotel, plane).
c. accomodations (1 bedroom with no bath).

The ugly:
a. failed to meet self imposed time limit of 4 hours.
b. nyrrc rule of putting all in a ups bag forced me to carry a heavy jacket (cant afford to throw out).
c. discovered shoes were falling apart the night before & due to b., I had no backup.

Despite the obvious challenges- cold, wind, bridges & hills, plus lack of a tune-up run, I had to deal with the heavy jacket.

Honorable mention

Congrats to my fellow runners who ran NY. Many more may have run but the following I know for a fact:

* Felipe & girlfriend, niketown
* Aldo V, runners depot teammate
* Renee G, owner of runners depot & teammate
* Josh L, miami feet owner + niketown
* Allan Miller, runners depot teammate

Dog days

No, this time Im not referring to weather, but rather, an expression, "every dog has its day". Loosely translated, it means that anyone, on any given day, can be beat". Unfortunately, I became a victim of this on a week night.

Thursday agenda-Waterford 5k

Even though this was based on the crystal, most didn't have nor get one. The awards got worse. This was their 2nd annual, my 1st time running it (walked last year) & likely, the last because:
1. the standards lower but the fees higher.
2. won my age category & was posted as such over a half hour but was bumped to 2nd at the awards ceremony (last minute).
3. no master title.
4. no trophies.

The dog had his day; Jeffrey decimated me by over half a minute & broke the 18 1/2 to boot!

Saturday agenda-spooktacular 5k

Due to previous engagements, I've typically missed this one; not this year. After a devastating defeat, especially mentally, I was able to bounce back, with the lord's help. I was vindicated by defeating the kid, despite no significant improvement in my time. On top of that, I secured the master title, but with the help of Walthon's stellar performance that boosted him into the top 3; I missed by 1 slot. This race was my tune up for the main event.

Sunday agenda-Daytona half

I decided to make this my main event due to the distance. It was the inaugural, so we (my dad & I) did not know what to expect. I anticipated it would be great because the 1st 2 miles began on the speedway & we agreed. There was 1 major bridge which I call a stride breaker. Once I got over that, it was difficult to reestablish my pace. The half concluded within the speedway. The entrance felt like when the Olympians did their marathon. The finisher's medal could've been better but the post race refreshments was 'spot on'. This was my dad's 1st race of the 2008-09 season, my 2nd distance event. The NASCAR experience was awesome. It was a fringe benefit of the half registration.

V

Victory!

Saturday agenda-steps for independence 5k

Ya'll know I need a tune up race prior to the main event; this was it! I crammed this one in prior to the last sprint triathlon/duathlon offered by multirace. I had planned on running & winning easy since the race for the cure 5k was going on in Miami. To my dismay, this was not exactly the case. Although lighter than most, the top 3 slots were filled by the quick, young guys, forcing Luiz Souza into 4th. That's bad for me because that means he'll automatically win the master title. Luckily, it was 3 deep, but unfortunately, a legend, Ralph G, showed up & dating to the past, had consistently beat me. This seemed to be the case until the latter stages of the race, where, with the help of the Lord, I was able to pass him up for the 2nd place position.

Sunday agenda-race for the troops du/tri

This was the last sprint triathlon by multirace & our last du relay to be counted in the series. John G backed out at the last minute, leaving both Gene & I to fend off a very dominant father & son relay. Although we were already ahead in points, we felt the need to beat them for redemption. Praise the Lord that came to fruition. Remarkably, I had the fastest bike time of all relays & there were over a dozen teams. I finally got the monkey off my back by defeating the dad by nearly a minute, despite his cheating (bike not racked in correct position by placing on edge) & a good head start (son beat Gene into transition). Upon my return, I gave Gene a much better head start to the finish & despite the kid's record time (fastest of all relays & even my time on the tri), he held him off for our most gratifying victory. We felt like going in their face & making snide comments, much like the dad did to us, but we were better than that. We let our actions speak louder than any words. We were just too professional & refused to stoop to his cockroach level. After I did my part for the du team, my major obligation, I had a duty to run on a tri team set up by Miami pace. I changed my outfit, then went out and ran. The tri team dominated by about 5 minutes! Both teams I was involved with won their respective category. I am proud of all the teammates I worked with.

Championship weekend 08

Hey yall. Happy Columbus day. This past weekend was the family fitness championship weekend held at Cypress gardens in Winterhaven. My task was to win 2 titles, one was a title defense.

Saturday agenda-Powerade duathlon final

ESM had both the duathlon & triathlon finals on the same day. Naturally, since I don't swim, I had to du. I trained hard on the bike to improve on my former weakness because #1-all my losses were a result of that & #2- I du tri harder! I was hoping to just merely complete the du as a formality since I was already in the lead for the series but somebody decided to enter my category. When it comes to competition, I am a bit greedy; I want my cake & eat it too, with icing on it! The individual race would serve as the icing; the series win is the cake. Now for the breakdown. In the lead run, I was barely in the top ten. This was by design because I knew I need reserve for the next 2 disciplines. Although some improvement was made, I still continued to struggle in the transition zone. By the grace of God, I had my best time on the bike on this course & actually beat the guy in my crosshairs. After transition, he got out 1st. I caught him & another by mile 1. Unfortunately for me, I slipped on a rain soaked wooden bridge & lost 2 position, one was my master target. The Lord allowed me to recover but I had to now go to a strategic, tactical race, rather than speed. I was blessing by the Lord & outsprinted him after 3 miles to the finish, winning my category.

Sunday agenda-the ancillary events

ESM refers to the non multi sport activities as ancillary events. First up was the inline 10k skate. I had not originally intended to this one but after the snafu in Ft Lauderdale, all entrants were granted a comp entry. I used the event as a tune up for the 5k. Despite obtaining my best time in this genre, I was dead last in my age group, the most active of all.

This was the inaugural Powerade 5k grand prix series. Thanks to God, I was able to win both in the race, and in the series. I took top medal for the 5k but unlike all those registered runners, I also won in the series. My time barely broke 20 but was sufficient to be 4th overall, especially after somebody let me get in front in the last stretch.

Escape

We all should know the importance of escape.

Saturday agenda-escape from Miami

No, that's not the name of the event I did. It's actually the Pilot 5k but Jon & I escaped from Miami to do this event on the Florida west coast. I thought I was doomed to just training for my required tune up but he came through again. I was hoping for an easy time but that did not come to fruition; I had to battle. Considering that I was sick for about a week & had to curtail my training, I had to resort to strategy. While Jon was in the lead pack (3), I latched onto the 2nd wave. However, I struggled to stay with the master pack (4 including myself) for most of the race, while dodging this guy who kept drifting & cutting me off. By the grace of God, I got past all of them in the final stretch using my patented master kick. We aint washed up yet. The master pack finished 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th! In fact, except for 3rd place, the top 7 slots were 35+ in age.

Sunday agenda-escape to Miami

Yes, that is the name of the event I did. However, not alone. This year, PR racing offered both a sprint & Olympic for individuals, the latter for relays. I selected a team of 3 runners. However, since this is a triathlon, 2 had to go out of their element. Adam lead the team by swimming. Although he can do all three disciplines & has competed solo in the past, he was desperately needed as neither Gene nor I can swim. As for me, this was my 1st time on the bike in this event. Gene was in his element but said he hadn't competed in a 10k since his younger teen days. We all were put to the test, especially since we discovered that Felipe formed a team to rival us. Worse, he was gonna be in his element, the run! I already assumed we were gonna lose to his team & prior to the race, told the team we must hustle to earn second place. In fact, I thought we might only get the finishers medals. Well, we got 2nd place male relay (to our surprise) and 5th out of 41 total teams, regardless of category. What was amazing and shocking was that we lost only by about a minute (not destroyed) and it was not by Felipe's team (they got 3rd). Considering that Adam is not really a swimmer & was actually preparing for the Chicago marathon next week, he still swam within the average times. I got my personal best on the bike for a 40k, remarkable because I had 8 hills (2 laps over 2 bridges), wet ground & westbound head wind to contend with. Get this, my cycling was the best of all male teams, 5th of 41 teams; wooooo! Gene was 2nd only to Felipe, & both were the best of the 41 teams & i believe the only ones to break 50 minutes. I am so proud of the team, named triple sweat threat, a variation of an undefeated team I formed way back.

New year

Happy new year (Rosh Hashanah) to all my Jewish friends. Hey, even if you're not, it's another day to go out and celebrate! Meanwhile, this has been a new year of ups & downs. Keep readin' my blogs to experience my rollercoaster ride of life.

Saturday agenda-5k

Well, I found a 5k (race/walk for the animals) but it was mainly a charity event with only the top 3 overall with a chance to walk out with something. It had a 5k fun run & a mile family dog walk. Due to his proximity, or lack thereof (Palm Beach county), I elected to skip this one & focus on training. Since my duties have been largely relegated to the bike, I went to the Elite cycling ride. Would you believe the owner & Olympian can skate as fast, if not faster, than our cycling? Well, I endured over 4 hours of workout on the bike.

Sunday agenda-5k

There were 2 available this day. One in my proximity (Dade) & one in Broward. The former was put on my PR racing, called race for the kids, & are notorious for giving out generic medals, even for overall, & if lucky, a master title. Despite that, it drew over 700 finishers, the largest of the weekend & the winner did in 16 & change, the fastest time over the weekend.

I chose the latter because of the following:

1. I am the defending master champion, having held the title since I became a master.
2. The best I could get in the Dade race is a medal.
3. The chance at a trophy.

Luckily, I made the wise decision. This was was called the sickle cell sprint & brought back memories of one I did earlier this year. Unfortunately, I could not win this one with ease. I had to fight hard, having never lead the guy I had to beat to successfully defend the title but the Lord came through & I got my prize- a coveted trophy- which was given out only for that & the top 3 overall. Might as well say the top 4 overall; 199 others finished this event.

Honorable mention

* Jonathan won 3rd overall in Dade
* Overall winner & master were on the Runners Depot racing team
*Gene & George got their age groups in Broward
* John & Louis M got their age groups in Broward

Fall

Today marks the official day of the autumnal equinox, otherwise known as fall. However, I am also referring to occurrences. On Friday night, of all nights, I got injured while training on the treadmill, 1st time ever! My knee mysteriously got hurt, feeling as if I took a FALL & served as a hindrance, both that night through the next day.

Saturday agenda-bridge buster 5k

Ya'll know how stubborn I am. I had to FALL for Jon's offer. Since the injury occur ed within 12 hours, I decided to continue as planned. This was an inaugural race; that, coupled with the injury left me in a state of not knowing what to expect. The race was challenging enough with that dreaded blue heron bridge, located in singer island, and was used in the du that I did just weeks ago. Add to that, the heat, humidity & the injury and wa la! I carpooled with Jon & Jeff & we went up to W palm beach. I had to wrap up my knee, then grin & bear it (the pain). Naturally, those 2 took off. I had to struggle just to make it to the finish line. Despite setting my worst 5k time of the year, I just squeaked in to make it to the podium. Although I was seconds from second, that also applied to missing hardware. I thank the lord for giving me enough to make it, & for not giving up, I was rewarded with a plaque. I almost had to take a FALL by virtue of the circumstances. This qualified as a 3 1/2 to 4 star flash race with the amenities. This biggest plus, besides the massage, was the free pictures that were taken & given out.

Sunday agenda-key Biscayne trilogy

Originally known as the Miami SS tri/du, it was changed to be known as the bonus round of the key Biscayne trilogy. This wild card race allowed anyone to drop the lowest or make up a missed race & if in the tri, 3 of 4 put you in that series. Well, after the nasty comments, rudeness & underhanded tactics of the team captain & dad of the father & son relay, I had a wild card up my sleeve. Our team was leading the series until that team that claimed they weren't going to singer island to race, did just that twice, to win contested. They wanted us to FALL to 2nd. Our anchor runner decided to race a 5k elsewhere, so I decided for at least 1 race to recruit someone who specialized in cycling while I do what I do best-run. I selected the same guy I used once last year, K.C., an Olympian, with the intention of achieving the same result-the overall victory. No doubt this came to fruition. However, unexpected was how well this combo would do & what reaction we'd get. Having never beaten our lead runner, Gene, the kid was compelled to overexert to finally get the monkey off his back. While both ran the mile sprint in a record time, tying with a 5:22, that move lead to his downfall on the anchor run against our team. The jerk of a dad (totally opposite of the humble & kind son) was cheating by placing his back on the edge of the rack to gain an advantage. That effort was futile against KC as he was smoked by our cyclist, who set a new course record of 22 & 1/2! Then came my turn. Having just struggled the day prior, I was not sure if I'd even been in the 19's. By the grace of God, I got my 2nd fastest course time & best of the year with an 18 & 1/2. It turned out that the cyclist could not take the same medicine he was dishing out, and like a wimpy cry baby, he protested to remove the points, which were naturally astronomical. He had been bitching & complaining the minute he discovered a minor change had occurred & couldn't believe that I could out think him in terms of strategy nor could he stand the feeling of disgust similar to what he served to my teammates, enough to discourage them from competing in 2 other events I really wanted them to do. Whether the points will count or not, I was worth it to me. Turnabout's fair play. Oh, and the owner of multirace is himself a cyclist, so he obviously sided with the jerk. Birds of a feather flock together. As quick as Rob is, KC outrides him as well. That was an error on my part not to take that into consideration; oh well. What I do know is that if our team does not win the du title, I will no longer pay to compete in his events because it is not right to change the rules during the game. According to both printed (S Fl multisport guide he published & even distributed through competitor SE) & his online site, any relay may have 2 or 3 members; we chose the latter. Also, there is no mention barring substitutions. if there were, it would be stupid because a member maybe unavailable due to illness, injury or another commitment; the latter applied. Remember that even in the Olympics, a replacement was used. I have introduced many, including Gene, via substitution & many of those are now solo competitors, making that company more money. I have been with that company since its inception. I sacrificed so many better events to commit to the series. Once I pull out, all the perks he enjoys will be gone with the wind.

Honorable mention

I went from worst (Fri & sat) to first (sun) by the grace of God. Athletes, beware never to underestimate me. I shock many not only with athletic prowess, but my uncanny mental ability. After all, I am a chess & video game player that has dabbled with poker. You never know what I could come up with.

Triple H

In the WWE, triple H is currently a champion & it stands for Hunter Hearst Helmsly, or something to that effect. However, I am referring to a triple Header, which means 3 events in a single weekend. Like WWE's triple H, I am going for the gold, however, not the belt but in 2 series.

Friday night agenda-powerade 5k

I normally avoid this race due to the generic medals, the exorbitant fee and the all (soft) sand course but this year, ESM created the grand prix 5k series & in order to qualify, one must complete 3 races plus the championship race. To win, one must earn the most points by placing as high as possible, but only the top ten overall yield points. This was the final of the regular season. With Jon W out, teammate Gene was in because this was his greatest chance to place 1st in his age group. When the race began, I was left in the dust, even by some female, but most took off too fast & dropped off prior to the 1st mile. By this time, my major competitor was also my teammate. Although I did not plan on racing hard, I established a comfortable pace fast enough to win the race and all to my overall victory count for this year.

Under premier running, I've gotten a few top 3 victories, with 2nd as the highest position. With the suggestion of Gary, co-owner of the up & coming shoe store chain, I switched to an already established shoe chain known as Runner's depot. Since doing that, I have attained 3 overall titles, in addition to many top ten finishes. I made the change due to my respect to Gary & the possible strain my success may have been putting on their business, which is struggling to find a niche in a crowded market of running establishments, plus I knew a whole lot more people on that team than where I was. The clincher was the opening of the Aventura store, headed by former Bikila member Diana & the acquisition one of my favorite female elite runners, Carol Postigo. I've always felt good about Renee, owner of Runner's depot & now, I am proud & even more elated to be directly associated with her & the organization through the racing team. No animosity; I still like the team of Gary & Adrienne, the owners of Premier running, soccer & tri.

Saturday agenda-Publix series

The Publix series features the triathlon, their true focus & the duathlon, for folks like me. Also, some other ancillary events, such as swimming & the kid's event. This du was also the final of the regular season. The good-the was the closest event to my home. The bad-run course mostly on sand. The ugly-very windy, hot, humid & has 2 bridges that must be crossed twice. Did I mention the run is mostly on soft sand? This year was better than last in that a part of the run course went over the broadwalk versus all sand. Needless to say, I struggled on the bike due to those conditions but thanks to God, I still placed in the top ten. I was ripped off by ESM with a last minutes category change that displaced me to 2nd in my category, forcing me to accept an award half the size as what I've been getting. The post race amenities were good.

Sunday agenda-strides for safety 5k

This was a poorly advertised, little known event that I thought would be an easy run. To my dismay, even with the absence of Jon W, many of the swift showed up. I had to contend with Gene again, plus Walthon, who came fresh & ready to run. By mile 1, when the dust cleared, I was the caboose of a pack with him leading & Jeffrey Tait, the boy wonder, following close behind. He brought his A game, & I realized I couldn't just get by with a 19. They forced me to run hard! However, unlike them, I was beat down from the prior 2 events, make this one even more challenging. Oh, plus teammate Allen, another master, was here. When I applied my master kick, Walthon outlasted my special move to take the master title by a mere second. Meanwhile, Jeff was a victim of circumstance but still did his best of the year, I believe. The winner was Runner's depot teammate Mike Korir, a fast Kenyan. Stefon was 50 seconds behind & was 2nd overall but was "screwed", as was 3rd overall, by receiving medals similar to top 3 age group winners. The race organizers decided to give plaques only to THE overall male & female winners & the top masters. Although I want to complain about coming up short from that plaque, I really can't because the Lord gave me my best race of the year, in terms of time, since January.

Honorable mention

* Monday marks the middle of the month already
* Gene got 2nd overall on Friday & top in age group Sunday
* George wins age group in 3 events (he did Powerade 5k, publix du & riviera du)
* Mike Korir wins Sunday 5k
* Louis M, runners depot teammate, wins age group
* Garrido wins age group
* Allen N wins age group
* Stefon was 2nd overall in Sunday 5k
* Jeffrey wins age group

Running season

Although running is year round, September marks the unofficial start of the "running season". My dad gauges himself with this system, so he will soon surface on the running scene. Question is, when? My system is kinda like the USAT criteria for age (*) classification-by the year, in which my racing season began new year's day & ends just before midnight new year's eve (*). Since I am involved in multi-sport, the gap in the Running season is bridged. You might say I am similar to Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat, who competed in the Olympics between basketball seasons.

Saturday agenda-race for the Americas 5k

Miami-dade kicked off the season first with this inaugural event. They hosted both a 5k and a 10k. Also, it was the 1st of a series of events by PR racing. Although under new management, the same old practice of giving out generic medals continues. Technically, it was worse because of the use of a sticker instead of a custom design within the medal. The course was basically the reverse of the 5k leg from the trilogy series. It was quite hot & humid, plus a bit windy. Aware of these condition, plus the fact that I planned on racing the next day, I chose the 5k. Jesus Batista came out to train new runners. He sacrificed his place on the podium to help others. He also was flattering by referring to me as a legend but did use that to instill respect in the kids. I hooked up with that pack during the race & I believe everyone placed in their respective age groups;one of the kids out sprinted me but all, I believe, got PR's. Some genius decided to start the 10k first, & the 5k 3 minutes later. Naturally, the faster 5kers had to weave between all the slower 10kers. Even the fast ones had to go a bit slower since the distance is twice as long. I'm still on a drought for the master title locally but at least I broke 19 slump. I had to settle for top in age group;I was blessed to make the top ten.

Sunday agenda-firefighter 5k

Although this was the fifth annual event, it was my first. I missed the inaugural due to the hurricane situation that year. Many events were getting cancelled or moved, most notably was the A1A half. I had to wait to mid week to verify this one would not be another victim, as many others. Unfortunately, I am not rich & cant just throw away money. The organizers refused to cut me some slack, so I opted out & trained instead. Last year, an injury kept me away. Despite various storms, none threatened the east coast so the event was on. This one was put on by Runner's Depot, my team, & was highly represented. It also drew a fast & furious crowd of nearly 800, more than was in the race of America's 2 combined events! I knew I had to bring my A game but couldn't do so with God's help. Despite the weather, I ran my best time since ???, especially with the push from Jeffrey, the kid wonder, who ran his best race. Even though I did my best, I barely placed. Everyone who wanted an award had to break 19 just to stand a chance. The master title was taken by a teammate, as well as the overall title. To my surprise, those who placed got trophies;you know how I like those. I didn't break the top ten but did make it near the mid 18's. Looking at a glass half full, I was in the top baker's dozen.

+Both events had a raffle but as usual, I didn't win. Guess I can't get lucky all the time.
+Both events supported a cause, the former was to help educational needs of Latin American & Caribbean children. The latter, for firefighters.
+Both events were timed by splitsecondtiming, the former using new technology-the D chip-which is embedded in a paper strip initially attached to bib number. The latter used the standard shoe chip.

Honorable mention

* Jonathan placed top in age group, missing the top 3 by mere seconds.
* Jon W placed in both events, beat the aforementioned sat & won age group sun.
* John G, du teammate, faired well but competition was too stiff to place.
* Louis M wins his age group easily
* George pulls a double header & wins age group twice.
* Silvia came down to race & gets 2nd.
* 2 friends placed behind me in age group on sat, Kevin, MIT teammate was 2nd.
* Asha pulls a double header also, wins an award on sat.
* I saw Hector & Leonor, both former teammates in my inaugural relay year.

Labor weekend

Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice many events to do only one. I had to LABOR over that idea, but the one event was a once in a lifetime opportunity. To get the lowest rate, I had to take off Friday to head over to California.

The following sacrifices were made over the labor day weekend:

Saturday

Jon Z 5k-gave out my favorite-trophies. Last year, I was 2nd only to teammate Jon W & took the master title, bringing home my tallest trophy ever. Gone with the wind this year.

Sunday

Human race 10k. I missed all the pageantry but technically, I was involved since I did wear my Ipod.

Monday
Labor day. I had to return to Miami.

Labor day weekend agenda-Disneyland half

I was interested but initially turned down going to this one when the inaugural was announced last year due to its distance & subsequent costs. However, I was convinced by a friend & a special offer to do it this year. On top of that, I just realized that I have never raced or ran on the west coast of the United States. So, I decided to do the inaugural coast to coast challenge. What's that? Disney decided to reward any athlete who competed in Disney world a special finisher's for that accomplishment combined with a finish at the Disneyland half. A whole lot of bad signs occurred to me before the ultimate good one. First, I got discriminated against by some Mexican in California while attempting to purchase my first meal there. I wasn't so hungry that I let him succeed in taking my money to boot! I ate elsewhere. Next, I found out I was given a high race number. Whats the big deal? The Disneyland half has 3 waves (1st at 6 am then 10 minute delays), like in a triathlon. Despite having competed this year in their event, they put me in the last corral (G), final wave. I had to go to a computer & print out proof that I deserve to be at the front! I did this Friday afternoon, prior to my teammate Gene arriving near midnight. I learned from him that the coast to coast participant require a special band. Yep, you're right. They the didn't give me that. I had to return to the expo, this time with him, and prove I ran at Disney world in order to get what I should have been given. I really had to LABOR to compete. I wasn't able to do a tune up race but did do a training run with my teammate the day prior.

Race day

I decided to wear my Ipod so that the race also counted toward the human race. By mile 2, I had trouble with those ear plugs & had to continue without them. Meantime, I lost precious time fidgeting with them, case in point why I don't wear them in any serious race. The weather was nice but not cold enough for a PR. Oh, while running at approximately mile 3, I saw that the last wave was about to start. Despite all that happened, I still finished with a decent time, barely a minute behind him. I completed it within the top 200 finishers, better than the top 2% of the more than 10,000 in attendance. Mission accomplished;I got both finishers medals.

Key

Considering the heat & humidity, hydration is KEY. Saturday, JW & I went to the southernmost point. Back in the day, Arsenio Hall had a late night program & used to have a segment called, "things that make you go, hmmmm." What would happen if you go to KEY east? hmmmm. Just a play on the name of the city KEY west. Sunday, is held on KEY Biscayne. My title is KEY!

Saturday agenda-conch pride 5k

My buddy Jon W recommended this one & he actually won it, but was listed as 2nd overall. How did this happen? The local favorite was declared the winner despite veering off course in the first mile. Granted, he jumped back in within the mile, but by running stealth for a half mile, I believe he threw off any competition. Most race officials would disqualify a 'course cutter' but that didn't happen. There is even a change he could get the course record for his age group despite not running the entire course! Amazing, huh? Meanwhile, yours truly was the fastest old guy (40+) and earned the distinction of overall master, despite a dismal time. The icing on the cake was winning a raffle prize. The award for the run was a foam tile. Although better than what they were giving for the overall walkers (certificate), it was still disappointing. The walk certificate was the only prize worse than that gift certificate;at least I could buy shoes with a slight discount, whereas the other, not.

Sunday agenda-Key Biscayne trilogy

This is a series for the tri but the du was offered that counted toward that series. This was a close race that we lost much like many athletes versus Michael Phelps. The kick off runner was 3rd overall, to get the team a good start. I set a personal course record on my bike, and although right behind him, the race officials put me back 7 seconds. The anchor had his PR but couldn't out sprint the young kid. Yes, we placed but lost the top slot by a mere 3 seconds! This was KEY for the team, as we still lead in the series. The icing on the cake was winning in another raffle! In both, I got stuff I could use & I don't recall ever winning something in back to back raffles.

Honorable mention

The following excerpt was taken from email from PRracing & does reflect the opinion of this author:

Run Miami News: Very Important Note About Running Death and Making The Streets Safe for Running: This past weekend, our running community suffered a tragic loss as Carlos Cardenes was struck by a vehicle while on a training run and passed away from the injuries. Our staff and our community of runners would like to offer our greatest sympathy and heavy hearts to his family and we take this opportunity to call upon the running community to respond in honor of Carlos Cardenes, the 12 bikers who were injured this same weekend, and every other athlete who shares the roads with vehicles in order to stay healthy and active. We want our community to always keep safety in mind and take precaution by using lights, reflectors, light colored clothes, running in groups and obeying traffic signals. At the same time, we invite members of the community to help us, our partners at the running stores and clubs to develop guidelines and regulations that we can try to enact on ourselves and hopefully on a legal level by presenting a solution to county and city government. We need more pathways and trails, large sidewalks like the one on Old Cutler Rd. in Palmetto Bay and a greater sense of awareness for drivers. I invite you to send emails to us with your ideas and hopefully we can find a dedicated group to help lead the charge in making the roads safer for runners and cyclists.

Series weekend

This weekend, I was committed to 2 5k series events. Saturday was on the east coast of Florida, while yesterday was on the west.

Saturday agenda-summer sizzler 5k

It was the usual-a hot, and humid 3 loop course. Up to mile 1, I was right behind my master counterpart, but unfortunately, I faded while he was consistent & he won the master title. He has swept me for that title in this series. However, even though I lost those battles, I won the war (the series). How? By the grace of God. I performed my best in all three events, while he & someone else missed a battle. I have successfully defended my 3rd place overall series winner title! On top of that, the legendary Gene W presented me with a special award- the most distant commuter in the series. He rolled the mini, big wheel pickup truck toward as he announced it. Go out & support him at the King of the hill 5k next Sunday. That race is in his honor.

Sunday agenda-Powerade 5k

At the recommendation of teammate Jon W, I decided to declare my entry into this series by competing at Ft desoto. For the first, I traveled a long distance solo just to do a 5k. With the support of friends, I was able to reduce travel time on the same day going to the event. From their house, it took 2 hours;imagine from mine! The top 4 winners were from Miami & were last minute entries. Yeah, I was the last one of the aforementioned but took my age group. Unlike the top 3 overall, I am in the series, gunning for the victory in the war. They simply served as spoilers, reducing my points.

The above mentioned events gave out medals. I don't like that so much but its a whole lot better than the useless gift certificate that won last week. It is extremely limited (can only be used toward regularly priced shoes before Oct of this year at that running store).

The highlight of the weekend was my long awaited meeting with a famous author, poet and professor at a book show in Sunrise. Anyone well educated knows the importance of SAMMantics. Yep, I have a new found love for language.

Olympics

Well, the awesome opening ceremonies occurred yesterday, along with some events. Today, definitely, the games have begun! However, I have my own sports history to make. It may not be of Olympic proportions, but it these races mean a lot to me, and that's what counts. Whenever I can win, it is tantamount to getting the gold.

Saturday agenda-ING kick off 5k

This was considered a fun run but actually it was better. Although no age group awards were offered, they did give an incentive-top 30 male & female would receive finishers medals. My mission was to get that without over exertion. I helped pace Gene & set my qualifying time at 20 minutes; I was only 2 seconds slower.

Sunday agenda-Babbette Kulka celebration 5k

I normally don't do gift certificate as prize races but this was for a good cause. The race was for someone I knew through her coach, Hector, whose team I joined & began my relay team participation. Babette was an iron girl, triathlete, runner, you name it and died the way I'd prefer-doing something I like, rather than a stupid way, like a robbery, drunk driver, etc. The good=age group awards, including a master slot. The bad=hot& humid. The ugly-gift certificates in lieu of trophies. By the grace of God, I got under 19 & won my age group; the master title was elusive. Only seconds separated me from the 2nd.

Go USA & mike phelps!

N.F.L.

Well, I admit that I came up with the title after seeing an ad on TV that the NFL (National Football League) will be hosting an all star game the 1st Sunday of this month. However, the title is in reference to my performance-Not Fast Lately! I have been struggling with this extremely hot & humid weather and have been on drought in regards to breaking 19, which previously was easy;I may have taken that for granted. Here & there, I get a good race but time-wise, I am barely better the Miami Dolphins... well, maybe a lot better but you get my drift. By the grace of God, I have persisted, both in training, participation & winning, despite these set backs. Proof positive that prayer works!

Saturday agenda-summer sizzler, part 2

Due to my commitment to this series, I had to pass on the fit2run 4 miler, which hosted a club challenge. It was a money race, so it drew many people, including some that did part 1 and defeated yours truly. Due to NFL, the master title got away from me but amazingly, I still got in the top ten & fell to top in my expanded ten year age group. They gave out a different medal from the last race. The weather topped over 90 degrees after the 7:30 start. The master did a time I usually beat with ease, but not the case today.

Sunday agenda-Huntington's disease triathlon

The title reveals that it supported research for this disease. They held both an Olympic & sprint;we did the latter. Although less hot (rained in morning) due to cloudiness, the humidity was relentless. The sun came out to add to our misery. I brought in a new swimmer, Cathy, who competed in her first relay. I remembered her because she competed as an individual in the past. The runner, Gene, is fast becoming a veteran. We were in the hole when I started & I past at least 1 in the relay and got my personal best on the bike. The top ten time performance was the 2nd fastest of all relays, surprisingly. We took runner up to an expert team, whose cyclist posted a time similar to KC! Despite the top 3 (overall time) being the fastest of all relays, we came up short. I am proud of them and pleased to be on the podium.

East Palm Beach

Both of the events I did were held in Palm Beach county, but since both were on the east side of I95, my title is East Palm Beach. Dating back to an old program, Arsenio Hall used to have a funny segment called, "things that make you go, hmmmmmmm";this qualifies. It called West Palm Beach, implying there may be an East Palm Beach; hmmmm.

Saturday agenda-dreher park 5k

As expected, it would be an extremely hot & humid race, especially since it was a night one. By 7 pm, the atmosphere is fully baked! By the grace of God, I not only got through it but slipped by 2 guys who beat me in previous races & finally broke a long losing streak of failing to break 19. Unfortunately, I was no match with the master winner because I am a conditional runner & the conditions were not conducive for a fast run. I had to settle for the top of my class(age group).

Sunday agenda-multirace event

Now that Rob, the race director, lives in Palm beach county, he created the Riviera beach triology series. Although I'm not a part of the series, I chose to cash in on this one as an individual, especially since no one dared to travel way up there. They hosted a triathlon, which is the series & duathlon, which is not, but will count toward the longer S. Fl du series. I have done this one before when it was a single race in a long series, so I was aware of how challenging it would be. The bridge is shorter than the Rick but much steeper. Participant must first scale it with the bike, make an immediate sharp U-turn & go back up over it. Not enough fun? Gotta do the same on the run! I was still a bit tight from the night before so I had a disappointing mile sprint that was actually .8. After the dust cleared, I was blessed by the Lord to get master recognition. I was able to capture the last spot by an inadvertent .1 sprint to the finish. In hindsight, I discovered I lost 2nd place in transition. My 1st run was mere seconds slower & the bike only 2 seconds. The anchor leg was faster, signifying I was catching up, but yet I lost by nearly a minute; oh well.

Triple crown

I borrowed the horse racing term, triple crown, to refer to this weekend's schedule. I was involved in three (triple) events, each in a different county, three to be exact, and was fortunate to bring home hardware (crown) in each one.

Saturday morning agenda-summer sizzler 5k

The race was just that, a summer sizzler, because it was hot & humid. I am the 2007 defending 2nd runner up champion but judging by my recent slump, I am not performing as such. Thanx to the racing Gods (really, there is only one), I won my age group. The top master won the race. Another fast one got the master title. I discovered it was an all or nothing race after the fact. The were frugal & didnt offer 2nd or 3rd in the age groups.

Sunday evening agenda-sunset 5k

Also, much like the race. It was held in Key West & for that reason, I planned on skipping it. However, good ol' Jon planned on it & I wound up doing it since he planned on driving his car (carpool). We both placed.

Sunday morning agenda-key biscayne trilogy 2/3

Both a triathlon & duathlon were held;we did the latter to continue on our quest toward the series victory. Our team was challenged. The runner who began, did the 1 mile sprint, placing us in 2nd overall, then passed to me, I rode and managed to get us in the lead, despite posting a bike split seconds slower than our competitor. Upon my return, I let the other person do his best on the anchor run. It was hot & humid & struggled a bit. When the dust cleared, we took 2nd by mere seconds. Whenever the times get tough, I say pull out your awards of this year and go do something different. What? It depends on what happened, but make the appropriate adjustments to win. I had a PR on this course but it doesn't mean jack for the team if we don't win.

Rock, roll & run

The rock is in reference to the duathlon, and not Dwayne Johnson. The roll refers to the 10k state & the run, the 5k.

Saturday agenda-ESM multisport events

The ESM multisport events were a triathlon & duathlon. Naturally, I did the latter and did well minus the transitions. I couldn't find my bike coming back from the initial run, so I slipped worse than 5th overall right there. I'm not the fleetest of cyclists so I drifted back further, mainly because they have great bikes with zipps & disc and such. After that, I couldn't find the right rack, giving up more slots to the competition. Luckily, on the anchor run, I chased down some of them to finish in the top ten & win in my category; I ROCKed. I didn't have the time to pick up the award so I had to wait for that. Also, they hosted an open water swim and a kid's sprint;I passed on those but maybe I would've had a chance on the latter.

Sunday agenda-the ancillary events

First up, a 10k skate, which I often refer to as a roll. I invested in a good pair of inlines prior to the cancellation of the event I intended to use them in-the Walt Disney world inline marathon (& half). So, pending the weather, I decided to do this one. God gave us a break and therefore I did it. I rolled my fastest time ever but only 3 laps were recorded.

Last, but not least, the 5k run. Naturally, I was somewhat exhausted from the prior event but that did not stop me from accepting the challenge. Luiz showed up & won easily. Jon allowed his protege to take 2nd overall. Meanwhile, I managed to be in 4th for 3 miles. Ignorant of the longer course (it was actually 3.35 miles), I lost steam & was not able to fend off a challenger 2 decades younger who was able to sprint past in the last stretch. I was compelled to settle for 5th, but the was sufficient to win the age group. In reality, I was the top master who didn't win the race.

Considering I was able to place on both days, you could say that I rocked! (du, roll & run). Now I gotta roll. C ya!

Independence

Today is that day and weekend goes with it. Have a happy one! But while you may enjoy a 3 day weekend, many are overseas protecting our freedom. They don't have independence since their lives depend on their training and they are stuck there due to a war that really shouldn't have happened. I initially understood that Bush had to back up what he said, which was essentially, if you don't let us (USA) in to see if you have weapons of mass destruction, we're gonna barge in to find out. Once none was found, our job was done. I never supported the change in mission to free Iraq. We don't have the right to impose our ways on others. So, while I don't support the war, I will always support (pray for) the troops. Yeah, this one was deep but at least I'm thinking about them and not just being selfish. We get to watch fireworks safely while they under fire(works). Despite all this, this is the greatest country. Our independence from England is worth celebrating. Even though it seems there is a lot of taxation without true representation, like it was over there, we don't have only a select few who can be in power (royal family). We get to vote, and sometimes, it counts. Remember, you don't have the right to complain unless you vote!
Friday agenda-5k

Guess which event I picked:

a. Multirace duathlon
b. Weston hometown 4th of July celebration 5k
c. Firecracker 5k
d. Crimestoppers 5k
e. Freedom run 4 mile (Ocala)

Well, the agenda automatically eliminated a. & e.

If you guess which 3 are left, now guess why I chose it:
a. cost
b. proximity
c. series

Unfortunately, I got sick leading up to & through today. Choice a. was skipped in lieu of a 5k, mainly due to member acquisition problems. Choice c. would have the reason for doing it. Anyway, illness prevents a. & e., plus the latter is extremely far away. Might as well add d. as reason b.;that was held in Key West.

Remember the been there, done that rule? a, b, & c. fall under that.

Ok, I'll ya off the hook. b. had been held for 15 years straight while c. hadn't been held in over 5 years. Back then, I was a submaster and the event was held by the Miami runners club. I chose the latter due to reason b;gas is well over $4, dude!

Glad I did because I ate something wrong on hump day & just went downhill from there. I did the unthinkable-I let up after three miles, allowing Jeffrey Tait, the kid wonder, to beat me. In hindsight, that was stupid but at the time, it seemed wise. Due to the illness, I was struggling & he caught me from behind & passed me while I was trapped in a pack. I had to surge on the outside to pass 5 runners, just to catch him, then I matched his pace. That effort took much of what I had but not all. Coming toward the finish, I realized that I already had the master slot at hand and beating the kid would not change that outcome. Since I planned on heavy training over the weekend, I pulled back to conserve my health. Although I relinquished an overall position, I retained the top prize after the top 3 overall (unreachable). Even if I decided to beat him, I still would have failed to break 19 and just further compromise my body. Now, when I recover, this will not occur.

Saturday agenda-long run

To my dismay, this agenda was cancelled due to illness. An extremely light workout was done. This was my mom's birthday! She had to take a rain check, since the worse part of the cold was in effect.

Sunday agenda-long ride

This agenda was modified. I felt blessed that I was able to do something, even if much shorter than planned.

Skin of my teeth

I placed by the skin of my teeth! Yep, the field was tight.

Saturday agenda-freedom 5k

Put on by the GFLRRC, they announced that they had a record turnout. Adding to my dismay, it was windy and it felt like record humidity. Even with all the special categories, I barely made it in my age group, despite breaking 19! I had a good first mile (under 6 minutes) but quickly suffered in the heat and from the fatigue of the long drive up (it was only 2 exits from Boca). After the race, I stopped by Runner's depot main HQ to check out the Newtons, a brand new running shoe. Later, I stopped by their southernmost store where I found out the a legendary triathlete, Babbette, passed away mid week while swim training. Naturally, that adds to my fear and I had to pay my respects. I met up with her sister and daughter to do such. Also there were many other mutual friends, with the greatest being Hector, her coach and the one who recruited me onto his triathlon relay team, Orca, back in '03.; It was my inaugural entry into relay activity. The event was more of a celebration than a mourning, probably the way she would have wanted it. She died in the latter manner that I'd prefer, which would be either peacefully at rest or doing something I love.

Sunday agenda-long ride

I couldn't find a race but that doesn't give me a free pass to inactivity. I did yet another Florida city ride but from techniques pick up by renowned triathlete elite Boris Fernandez, I cut the time by 3 minutes from my last, despite wind resistance.

Honorable mention

* Gene, the one who started our relay, placed 3rd in age group
* John, the one who anchored our relay, also placed 3rd in age group

Summer solstice

Yep. It's official. Today marks the summer solstice. SOLstice, the first three letters is Spanish for sun, fitting for summer. However, it felt like summer already started months ago.

Saturday agenda-train

Darn it! I couldn't find a race but that doesn't give me a free pass to sit on butt. Since I have to compete the next day, I had to cut it in half, so I only skated a 10k equivalent. After some recovery, I immediately did a short drill run element.

Sunday agenda-Key Biscayne trilogy series

This is actually a triathlon series but this year, multirace.com also included the duathlon. Although they dont count in the KBT series, the du's do count toward his du series. I recruited a new runner, John G, to anchor. Gene started us off with the mile sprint and he was the overall split winner. His great performance made me the first cyclist out of transition. Within 2 miles, I was passed as expected, but remarkably held my position until the turnaround. Upon approaching the bridge on the way back I got passed again & fell to 3rd. After the bridge, a pack of 7 or 8 elite rider whipped by me & those others. When I passed off to John, we were in second. He quickly reclaimed our position and we got the top relay spot. Surprisingly, we also had the fastest overall time of anybody! John's time was the fastest anchor, not bad for his inaugural relay entry. Thank you team.

Honorable mention

* Mike made the top ten elite
* Kevin completed a tri
* Jenny C competed solo (reason why we didn't defend the tri title)
* Hector (cyclist of our tri team last year) made an appearance

F weekend

No, F is not the grade, except regarding the weather and does not stand for festive. Saturday was flag day. I was reminded by my patriotic dad. Coincidentally, his day was next. Father's day was yesterday. I truly wished him a happy one & remember that it was him that got me started in this running life. I'm sure most of you have been impacted by your pops. Saturday was wet on the way back while both days were especially hot & humid, an F in the comfort zone.

Saturday agenda-5k

Teammate Jon invited me to do a 5k in Orlando. Invite doesn't mean free, but rather, an opportunity to race when one is not available locally. Initially, I was going to decline until I realized that, in the 17 years since I started running, I have never done a 5k over there;only long distance. The course was interesting as it was not condusive for a PR. Much like in a triathlon, it went through a trail & was cramped (small space). When the dust cleared, I accomplished the goal of breaking 19 & did win my age group. To my dismay, no master title was offered. I deem the post race refreshments as 4 star, with plenty to eat. Drink was basic-water. Top 3 overall got trophies, all else medals. They had a raffle and we both got something, granted mine was a piece of ...well, I am glad I got something!

Sunday agenda-Northwest express track and field classic

Once again, I enter into foreign territory. The club, Northwest express track club, held yet another club meet. Although it always seems to be run like it the first time, I keeping doing this for some crazy reason. Oh, I remember, I couldn't find another race! Kidding! I planned on it but didn't want to burn the entire weekend on it. It actually started on Friday & went through till the wee hours yesterday. I competed in 4 planned events plus a bonus. It was an all day event, but having done it before, I was prepared in regards to sustenance. I brought plenty to eat & drink but had to plan carefully on the timing & quantity because there's almost nothing worse than to have a lot of fluid sloshing in a full stomach when it's time to run. The 1500 meter racewalk went off without a hitch (except for my rush to pick up my packet) but I lost due to someone who had to job to catch up to me before beginning to walk. The 3k was scheduled for 11:30. It went off 5 minutes later on mountain time; it started over 2 hours later! Yeah, I assumed it was gonna go off properly in the same time zone. Many people dropped out, impatient with this. Although I still won my age group, my time suffered, like I did waiting in the heat and humidity. The highlight for me was the 400 meter. I beat last years time but instead of winning the heat, I was fighting not to remain dead last! Worse, due to low participation, two others guy & I were crammed in with all young females. The youngest guy won the heat, followed by the ladies, leaving only the other master & myself. Praise the lord, I overcame the final position 1/4 from the finish! A similar case occurred in the 800 in regards to sex mixing. In the 1st lap, I was smoked, dead last; I didn't finish the event this way & got 1st in my age group. I was about to rack up when the guy I beat asked me if I wanted to be on the coach's relay. I wasn't prepared for it but ya'll know I'm always up for a challenge. I took it, did what I could, and added a bronze to the mix. I was the slowest man but fortunately, there were only 3 teams, guaranteeing a slot for us.

Listed in order of participation, are my age group results (medal count):
1500 meter racewalk, silver
3000 meter, gold
800 meter dash, gold
400 meter dash, gold
4x100 relay, bronze

I earned the 2008 master MVP (40-44) for the track events. Another master was flawless (4 gold) in the field events.

Festive weekend

I dub this weekend festive for the following reasons:

1. School is out and traffic time has reduced in half.
2. Goombay festival was today. I took a quick look see & kept it short due to the heat.
3. I was able to get the cyclist from the MIT for the relay tomorrow & he just got a new, tricked out tri bike. Plus, the runner from my last du relay will take care of the anchor run.

Saturday agenda-roll!

Yep, I couldn't find any races so I opted to cross train on my inlines. I did the equivalent of what I'll be doing on foot tomorrow, plus a short drill run.

Sunday agenda-SoBe IDC

The International Distance Classic series begins right here in Miami, south beach in particular. ESM is offering both an international duathlon & triathlon;the former was chosen for obvious reasons. I was able to recruit Kevin, my 2nd best cyclist ever (only KC, the olympian, topped him) & the most improved runner I've had on a team, Gene. Kevin & I could've done the whole thing ourselves, but we decided to team up. My reasons were the following:
1. entry fee
2. heat & humidity (would decrease my performance)
3. course (same as #2) because the run was 60% sand
4. length (international distance) would reduce my chances of placing

Our collaborative effort yielded us the overall position & our time was 1 of the only 3 to break 2 hours. Hats off to the other two who accomplished this feat as individuals.

I kicked off the relay with the 10k (2 loops) on the strange course which began near the finish line on sand to the broadwalk & at a certain point return to transition area. First time, do not enter, the last loop, I had to pass off to the cyclist. Prior to the exchange, I slipped on a sand dune which dropped me to second overall by a mere second. The cyclist endured a few bridges on a 2 loop course plus an increasing crosswind before passing off to the anchor. He had to contend with both the heat & traffic (by now, both duathletes & triathletes were running), in addition to the 60% sand course.

Thanks & congratulations, guys!

That time of the month

Hey! Get your head out of the gutter! I'm talking about another transition weekend. Yesterday marked the end of May and Today, the beginning of June, plus the hurricane season.

Saturday agenda-magic bullet 5k

This was my first time doing this one & my last race of the month. It drew a good crowd-over 400-and a good master field; The race winner was 45 and the master winner was 2 seconds short of breaking 18. I ended up a minute behind him, less, versus 2 other masters in front. It was a 5 star flash race, with pancakes & sausage, in addition to oranges, donuts, bagels and such. To drink, orange juice, water and some kind of alcohol (not beer). They had a general raffle and one you pay into. The top slots got crystal like trophies, all else medals. Luckily, they were decent ones, not those generic ones typically given out in Miami.

Sunday agenda-long ride

I couldn't find any races, so twas time to train. I decided to measure the distance with a Garmin and finally found out how long this ride really was-31 miles! To save on gas, the start & finish was my home and the turn around was in Florida city.

Honorable mention

*George wins again
*Adam was top Miami runner (2nd overall)

Memorial day weekend

Memorial day weekend. For most, it's time to party, go to the beach or chill but really the day is for memoriam. Many died so that we can enjoy our freedom. Yes, I shall train & race, but this blog is evidence that I do respect & honor those who laid their lives so I can live mine; ya'll do the same.

Saturday agenda-long ride

I couldn't find any races in the tri-county area, so when I got an email that the Elite group was gonna ride, I accepted. This was my first group ride on a Saturday. I went up with them until they stopped at some eating establishment but returned solo, with the intention of returning home to take care of things. That changed when I spotted Aldo, teammate of runer's depot, appearing to set up an Accelerade display. The Elite cycling store opened early & had a post ride refreshment party.


Sunday agenda-roll

I gotta be careful what I do, so I pulled out my trusty inlines & skated half my usual distance of 12 miles as fast as I could; I was on a roll with sub 5 minute miles.

Monday agenda-memorial day classic 5k

There were 2 races I was aware of: one in boca & one in weston. Traditionally, I choose the latter due to proximity. I stuck with that. Ironically, Ronnie H came to run this race despite the fact that the team he represents put on the other event. Due to a team category, runner's depot was highly present. Today drew an all-star crowd. The slowest master was in the low 18's! I had to settle for top in my age group. Counting the pancakes, this would be considered a 5 star flash race. They had a bogus raffle that simulated the dreaded palm beach method.

FYI

I neglected to mention that run elements were added on both training days. Why? Because I am a runner and an athlete!

Honorable mention

* George won his group
* Louis, teammate, showed up despite injury

Pomp & circumstance

Pomp is the good but the circumstance(s) might not.

Saturday agenda-Publix duathlon

ESM held that plus a tri, but since I don't swim..you guessed it. This may be my last year doing this series, not due to my ability (still pomp) but to the circumstance-gas prices. A big circumstance occurred this day-a 45 minute delay. It made the challenge more difficult as we all got deeper into that record heat! The first run was pomp but once I got on the bike, circumstance. On the way back, #1 the sponge flew out of my hydration bottle, cause me to lose much of my drink, plus get splashed with the Accelerade. That was nothing to what happened next. I heard a loud noise while riding versus the wind and discovered the hard way that it came from my bike when I reached for the brakes to bank a turn it they moved down. Luckily, I was 3/4 done. I won my category (pomp) despite the circumstance(s). Another circumstance-awards were delayed until nearly noon; I was stuck out there in that record heat.

Sunday agenda-Daniela 5k

This was my first time doing this one. I was a bit tight from the du plus the heat was worse. This was my 2nd time in my entire athletic career that I did a race at John Lloyd park, and they both happened this year. The pomp-I broke 19, ending the drought in May. The circumstance(s)-3 top ranked masters showed up. Even though Walthon & Tim (teammate) ran fast enough (#2 & 3, respectively) to place in the top three, I still failed to capture the master title;I lost by a mere 4 seconds! I had to settle for being top of my age group. They had a decent post race, much like the du, but also had a raffle.

Mother's day 08

This weekend, I called anyone I could think of to wish a happy mom day, whether actual or potential. If I missed ya, sorry;I wish you a happy one too!

Saturday agenda-5k

A lot of events were held this day, prior to THE day. Guess which one I chose:
a. ALS 5k/10k in Miami
b. run for the roses in Broward
c. race for the arts in Palm Beach

Normally, I'd take a. due to proximity. However, I passed for one of the following reasons (guess):
a. I already preregistered for another event.
b. No master title
c. Medals instead of a better award
d. all of the above

I actually selected c. but I was unable to register online. Also, I had second thoughts considering how far it was (middle of the county). Therefore, as of Thursday, d. is the correct answer.

I knew that a. would likely give out medals & without the master title, decreased my odds at victory, b. had the most categories but the award is always a mystery (changes every race & year) and that c. would give out trophies (I won my age group there before) but the master title eluded me;I wanted to avenge that.

The run for the roses event was put on by the GFLRRC, headed by Cynthia, catered toward the women. They got a 5 minute head start & guys were told to catch 'em if they can. FYI-The overall male caught all but the top three! I cut my loss to about 20. I had a battle with Jeff P, a 50+ runner. Due to the extreme heat & humidity, and some hills, I was unable to beat him. Luckily for me, the race directors/organizers had various titles & he won the grandmaster title. Despite failing to break 19, I captured the master title. They had decent post race refreshments & a raffle. Louis made an appearance as a volunteer/supporter. In terms of awards, with this one, you roll the dice;I won! I got a curved glass plaque, nice. It happened to be the first time ever, since all the others were horizontal and this one was vertical.

Sunday agenda-mother's day

A du/tri in riviera beach was cancelled today, so rather than be lazy (not in my vocabulary), I did a long training ride. I hooked up with an Elite group. No, not the athletes but the store, headed by Olympians KC (he lead the ride) and JRod (out of town training for the Olympics). They helped to support the remaining 2 events of the KB trilogy last year. We wound up doing over 50 miles. After some recovery, I made some calls then headed out to visit my mom.

Honorable mention

* Gene, teammate, got his official PR & actually was faster than me
* Jon placed as usual
* Rubio family placed

May mastery

The title is a prelude to events.

Thursday agenda-corporate run

I began this month with a rare Thursday night run. I treated it as a training/fun run due to the following:
a. corporate run is designed only for employees of major companies. As the winner of this race found out when he won a similar one last month, if you don't meet this requirement, you will be disqualified.
b. a night race. I didn't take off time from work so I got there 15 minutes late.
c. too darn crowded (over 20 thousand).
I started dead last but finished somewhere in the middle of the pack, after a lot of ducking and dodging. There was a general post race refreshment area for anybody, but for those with a company, the company had their perks. It ranged from 1-5 stars, depending on what company you were with. I mastered the art of asking. I met many of the 'old' Niketown crew, including the winner, Ronnie.

Saturday agenda-run for the children 5k

I passed up the melanoma 5k in key Biscayne for this race out of respect to my friends, Gary & Adrienne, owners of Premier running, soccer, & tri, my former team. Additionally, I was held at a church, and I like those type. The course was not PR friendly because it had at least four turnarounds. On top of that, it was windy & humid. I did the best I could under those conditions & was blessed by the Lord with the master title! 4 stars on the post race party, which also had a raffle (i didn't win).

Sunday agenda-sprint for the finish 5k

Also, known as DPHDS 5k was next up. With my difficult of obtaining a swimmer, I passed up on the multisport event, also being held in key Biscayne. They offered both a sprint & an Olympic for the tri but only the latter for the du. My run partner didn't want to do the 10k, & really didn't feel like a 40k bike. Therefore, I returned to the same course in which I won the entire race, however my fate was not the same. Luiz showed up & took the title. However, God did grant me the next best title, master. I struggled with the high heat & humidity and feared I might leave without hardware, especially since the time was worse than the previous day. Luckily, it was sufficient to earn the largest plaque I ever received. I'd rate it as five star but instead of a hot meal, it was cold (ice cream);it's officially a 4 star event like the other. It too had a raffle & I still didn't win! Although my overall position improved, the time didn't.

Facts about both races:
* In broward county
* Had raffles
* 2 events held within proximity (key Biscayne)
* I got the master title
* I placed in the top ten
* I didn't see either George or Jon.

Honorable mention

* Mike got 2nd overall in the sprint tri