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.