Bullish & up

The title maybe familiar to those in the stock market, but that's not what I'm referring to. It is regarding my weekend.

In case ya'll didn't know, today is my dad's birthday! That also means his sign is Taurus, the bull. Plus, he moved up to the next age group, since this is his transition year.

Saturday agenda-bull run

Put on by BRRR, this event offered both a 5k and a 10k. I chose the former, especially since I was aware of the rolling hills & the A1A breeze. Teammate Louis chose the latter and won his age group. This was my first time doing this one but it had been run for 3 decades. Sonia surprised me in 2 ways: #1, she chose the 5k and #2 she decided to jog, instead of run fast, as usual. Despite that, she still beat me and many other men. I had a heck of a challenge. The same guy I had to deal with at riverwalk was here, and I caught up to him by mid 2nd mile. It came down to a sprint, and with him being a sprinter, who does track work, I lost that battle. Luckily, he's still a submaster, but I don't know when he'll switch this year. The master winner broke 18, so Colin & some other guy took their age groups, as I did.

To my amazement, this race qualified as what I call a 5 star flash race, with a pancake breakfast, fruit & snacks (cookies & such), in addition to water & sports drink. There was a bounce house & a kiddie dash for the children, making this a nice family event. Although I heard through the grapevine that the awards were better last year, I loved the large bull trophy for the overall (I'm not fast enough to get that) and I liked the plaques given out this year to the age groupers. They also had a raffle. It was worth the long drive up.

Sunday agenda-run up

This was my first time doing a stair climbing event. I really wanted to do a 5k but I was unable locate one. My choices were:
a. train
b. do nothing
c. this event

While a. is a viable option, I elected to invoke the 'been there, done that' rule, normally reserved for picking between running races; this time it was been a. & c. Plus, anyone who knows me understands that b. is not in my vocabulary.

I tried to tips from Asha & Courtney, some fellow niketown runners who have done this before, but they were tight lipped. I don't blame them but their experience could've helped me avoid some pitfalls. I tried to do like the title, but quickly realized that wouldn't last for long. I had to resort to my marathon mentality & experience to survive this one. By the grace of God, I won my age group. Although I had to fight to get it, the series medal was available to those who completed at least 6 of their events;I did them all. The post race was 3 1/2 - 4 stars, plenty to eat. This one had a raffle too, but it's always poorly done. I remember winning but not getting a nike card, twice. The first time, they ran out & offered no substitute, and the second time, I was given a substitute instead of what I won and wanted. Now, I believe I won't even be called, while today, somebody was called twice. I think I have better odds of getting struck by lightning twice than actually getting a nike gift card once! All those who placed got a medal, the only difference was in the ribbon. No master title was offered.

Honorable mention

* Louis Molina takes the 10k age group title.
* George wins his age group despite injury.
* Runner's Depot had representation in every category.