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.