SAMMtastic

Well, as you all know, Samm & I really 'dig' each other. This year, I feel as though I won the ultimate prize for my efforts through the years. This professor is no doubt SAMMtastic!

Friday agenda-Calle 8

This event was changed for the worst. Last year, they had the traditional 8k run, as this year, but eliminated awards for the 5k walk. Knowing my chances were slim at best, plus the fact that I'll be racing over the weekend, I did not sign up for the event. However, it did not mean I was not going to be a part of it. I used the event as training run, especially necessary since my treadmill has been broken for about a week. Planned was a mile rabbit for a fantastic 4 teammate, Gene, to start him off well. Can you believe we ran that mile under 6 minutes? I dropped to a fast walk then paced a friend to mile 2; she continued, I turned around. Upon the turnaround, I was at mile 3(cut off a mile from the 8k course). I then paced with 2 sisters, the younger, faster one first till mile 4. I paced with the other one until the finish. I worked out more than planned. Now, for the complaints. From those who stuck around (I left early because I didn't park in a proper place), the paella was not there, instead small portions of some type of meat;I would have left hungry even if they were large amounts. The award was that Styrofoam crap I got last year, only a bit thicker. Also, less giveaways. Plus side, finisher medals for the fast, minus for the slow.

Saturday agenda-5k for a better day

This day actually started on some bad notes. #1, I had to go back to get my wallet, #2, I left later than desired & the worst, Samm not only couldn't run (injured) but didn't make it to the event, although with good reason. However, since I knew we'd meet sometime after the race & my performance as a rabbit, I was reassured. For the first time since I got sick (almost a month), I finally broke 19 and had decent mile splits. I turned out that that was required to guarantee a spot on the podium. Split second timing screwed up on the timing and swapped my time & position with the overall female. Although that did not affect the awards, online, it wipes out the fact that I beat all the women and was 9th overall with my age group victory. Finally, a decent award-a dolphin clock mounted on a 'marble' base. The post race refreshments were fine.

Sunday agenda-Hooters to Hooters half marathon

As a man, the title alone got my attention. Seriously, it was an inaugural event with low online turnout. In addition to that, I felt the need to redeem myself from the dismal A1A performance. With all support I received from Samm, I felt as though I was in a win-win situation. She promised she'd be there at the finish & kept to that. The day started off nice and cool, borderline cold. For the first time ever, I had about a 6 minute first mile. I had to cut that back though in order to finish this distance. I remained largely on target until I hit the bridge. Twas at this point I got passed up by many runners. Also, I decided to use the Nike+ Ipod system. When I made it through the finish line, #1 I saw I missed my mark (break an hour and a half) by about a minute, #2 gave my baby a big hug, #3 she took off my chip. For a meat eater, a 5 star race with the legendary chicken wings. For the first time in years, I placed in a distance and had to wait for it. They extended the wait with the bogus raffles & palm beach pick (jump around the age groups, leaving me near last). The gave out a glass mug & had the winners take a picture with a back drop of at least a dozen Hooter girls; neat.

Road trip

The pre half marathon trip consisted of the drive from Broward to Ft Myers after a great, home cooked meal; Samm made it seem quick. Maybe it's true that time flies when you're having fun. After I got the packet, we found a place, ate, and had a good time together.

We finally made to a beach to settle down then began the post half marathon trip. It was the reverse of the previous day, but I helped out a little bit. Before I went home, I was invited to 'mama's kitchen', a gourmet restaurant as far as I am concerned for the post race meal.

Honorable mention

* Sammy, for going to an event she did not compete in
* Sammy, for volunteering, caring as usual.
* Samm's mom, 'chef' of the wonderful meals.
* Jon placed 4th in the half
* Chuck (co-owner of Runner's depot) & wife competed, she placed.
* In the 5k, a teammate of last year, Inga, placed.