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.