This is the final day of this year, 2009. Kinda glad to see it go in many ways. Time to recap the year with Conan Obrien's (now host of the tonight show) top ten (not necessarily in order), Clint Eastwood style. *=Many are the same as last year. + is positive, - is negative (still bad).
The good:
10. I am still alive. +
9. Still a member of Runner's Depot!
8. The bush nightmare era ended officially upon Obama's inauguration.
7. Linda BC (Before Change surrounding the death of Danny (1st 6 months since March good)).
6. My cycling improved, enough to be competitive for team action. +
5. 4 person marathon team wins 2nd overall, losing only to a 'store bought' team.
4. I was part of the inaugural Palm 100 (mile) ultra marathon relay, which was overall winner.
3. I completed 6 halves & 2 full marathons within the 1st quarter of the year.
2. Du Tri Harder relay team wins overall Trilogy triathlon co-ed title again.
1. I won 2nd overall title 5 times, 3rd overall twice!
The bad:
10. Three car accidents within immediate family, 2 involving yours truly, in the last quarter.
9. Team got 2nd overall, top male team at Miami (not) nice tri but only 1 award, cyclist kept it.
8. Team (special) gets only 1 trophy at publix championship but member with 0 pts kept it.
7. Linda AD (After Danny), I became victim of her depression & anger.
6. Recession (yes, they say it's getting better, but I don't notice it personally yet). -
5. Struggles to stay under 19 in races -, worse, to get under 20 in the last 2 months.
4. Injuries (back in July, heel & illness at times in final quarter of year.
3. 1st relay team of year loses (no award).
2. Got sick for over 2 weeks after final relay of the year.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties & celebrations). -
The Ugly:
10. Miami Heat & Dolphins seasons end without playoffs.
9. Extreme difficulty forming teams as a team captain.
8. Relationship ends on Thanksgiving day by 3 strike 'baseball' rule (major violations).
7. No raises, office closures. -
6. Credit card debt. -
5. I lost a race due to lead vehicle intentionally impeding my progress to allow friend to overtake
4. No overall victories.
3. Farah Fawcett, among others, died.
2. Michael Jackson murdered (drug overdose).
1. Jollie passed away a year ago.
Happy new year! See you next year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The last weekend '09
This Christmas weekend is also the final weekend of the year. Yesterday, I did the 'last' skate as a warm up prior to the Christmas run with my dad.
Saturday agenda-run
Often referred to as the last run (of the weekend), I was scheduled to head south for a race. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out, leaving the resolution 5k as the last event option. Ya'll know I'm not a big fan of paying for a fun run so I opted for a long overdue long training run. I need to prepare for the upcoming distance races I have planned, and due to racing, have not done much more than 5k's. Besides, I'd have to head up north, early in the morning, wasting gas, when I can (& did) get similar camaraderie down here closer to home. I began around the circle, went over the Rick then turned around at the base to return, gaining 14 or so additional mileage. Weather was wonderful for a run, minus the wind.
Sunday agenda-ride
Also referred to as the last ride (of the weekend), this is my chance to cross train long because I have been limited to time trials due to the busy holiday schedule at work, & in my life, in general. The ride begins from home utilizing the busway & paths to reach US 1 in Florida city; that's approximately 15 miles out! Going up was a breeze (literally) but the return trip required going against the wind; superb training. I completed it all under 2 hours on a tri retro-fitted, steel road bike. Judging by how I felt, I need to do this over the 5 mile race I almost did. I must prepare for the new year!.
Saturday agenda-run
Often referred to as the last run (of the weekend), I was scheduled to head south for a race. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out, leaving the resolution 5k as the last event option. Ya'll know I'm not a big fan of paying for a fun run so I opted for a long overdue long training run. I need to prepare for the upcoming distance races I have planned, and due to racing, have not done much more than 5k's. Besides, I'd have to head up north, early in the morning, wasting gas, when I can (& did) get similar camaraderie down here closer to home. I began around the circle, went over the Rick then turned around at the base to return, gaining 14 or so additional mileage. Weather was wonderful for a run, minus the wind.
Sunday agenda-ride
Also referred to as the last ride (of the weekend), this is my chance to cross train long because I have been limited to time trials due to the busy holiday schedule at work, & in my life, in general. The ride begins from home utilizing the busway & paths to reach US 1 in Florida city; that's approximately 15 miles out! Going up was a breeze (literally) but the return trip required going against the wind; superb training. I completed it all under 2 hours on a tri retro-fitted, steel road bike. Judging by how I felt, I need to do this over the 5 mile race I almost did. I must prepare for the new year!.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas '09
Merry Christmas, everybody! Also, for those not into Jesus, happy holidays.
Some people can't understand me, or worse, dislike me because I never celebrate any holiday in the traditional sense, especially obvious because all begin with either training or racing, but I do honor and enjoy the special day in some fashion.
Including noche buena, I got to see all my family that's still in town. My dad was afraid that this year I would not be available for our traditional Christmas training run. As fate had it, I called him because I knew he couldn't drive down as usual. By the grace of God, we met up and put in a good hour or so together and were thankful of the greatest gift we could have- our ability to exercise, especially the run. Correction, second greatest because Jesus Christ is THE BEST! I did a skate warm up prior to the training, as well. It brought back memories because it trained where we originally did, way back 18 years ago, on our rise from the unknown. The Bell name is now well known and respected in the athletic community, & to some, feared (in a race); ha ha. I don't worry about receiving gifts but am always concerned about my health & ability to compete.
Some people can't understand me, or worse, dislike me because I never celebrate any holiday in the traditional sense, especially obvious because all begin with either training or racing, but I do honor and enjoy the special day in some fashion.
Including noche buena, I got to see all my family that's still in town. My dad was afraid that this year I would not be available for our traditional Christmas training run. As fate had it, I called him because I knew he couldn't drive down as usual. By the grace of God, we met up and put in a good hour or so together and were thankful of the greatest gift we could have- our ability to exercise, especially the run. Correction, second greatest because Jesus Christ is THE BEST! I did a skate warm up prior to the training, as well. It brought back memories because it trained where we originally did, way back 18 years ago, on our rise from the unknown. The Bell name is now well known and respected in the athletic community, & to some, feared (in a race); ha ha. I don't worry about receiving gifts but am always concerned about my health & ability to compete.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
D C M bray
D C M bray, that's how you pronounce the Spanish version of December. Although it felt like winter began yesterday, tomorrow officially marks the beginning.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
The classics by the sea offered both a 10k & a 5k. The latter was chosen due to recent circumstances & the fact that this is not the only event planned for the day. Since it was along a1a, it was extremely windy and cold. Plus, the course was not entirely flat or straight. Hoping for an easy run, I was disappointed. Having not completely recovered from illness, I struggled, barely breaking 20. Naturally, that wouldn't cut it for the master title, & sadly, not enough to win the age group. Luckily, I got runner up. The awards were plaques for all who placed.
Saturday afternoon agenda-5k
Although I heard not an inaugural, it was my first time running this one. Jon was a no show at the previous event but came and won this one over Andrew. Even though Drew didn't win, he got all the recognition, having just completed the half at the Barbados marathon a couple of weeks ago, with an interview from media. Meanwhile, I had my little battle. Although my time was better than earlier, it still was substandard, robbing me of a chance to win the master trophy; I was stuck with a generic, spinning medal. Granted, I was pleased to win my age group since I had some competition to deal with. Had I pulled that dismal time in this race, I would have been humiliated. The course was unforgiving, full of turns & many areas on small paths. For a small race, I was amazed they had 5 star post refreshment, especially for meat eaters.
Saturday evening agenda
The GFLRRC holiday pajama party was my last event of the day. It was the most enjoyable in that I did not have to race prior to the refreshments. I found out during the course of the event that it was the 10th anniversary of this special occasion; the Barnards were together for twice that. It drew so many runners I knew & was designed to honor many volunteers who help make their races possible.
Sunday agenda-train
The Jacksonville marathon (& half) occurred today. Well, #1, I'm not at my best & #2, without a plane ticket, I'd have to drive and that's a bit too far, plus so little time after all those activities yesterday. Instead, I went for a medium run (7.5 miles) that I call the tour de park since it went through the park where the Miami man half iron was held. Normally, I would have done a long ride but with a marathon coming up, I gotta put in some mileage.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
The classics by the sea offered both a 10k & a 5k. The latter was chosen due to recent circumstances & the fact that this is not the only event planned for the day. Since it was along a1a, it was extremely windy and cold. Plus, the course was not entirely flat or straight. Hoping for an easy run, I was disappointed. Having not completely recovered from illness, I struggled, barely breaking 20. Naturally, that wouldn't cut it for the master title, & sadly, not enough to win the age group. Luckily, I got runner up. The awards were plaques for all who placed.
Saturday afternoon agenda-5k
Although I heard not an inaugural, it was my first time running this one. Jon was a no show at the previous event but came and won this one over Andrew. Even though Drew didn't win, he got all the recognition, having just completed the half at the Barbados marathon a couple of weeks ago, with an interview from media. Meanwhile, I had my little battle. Although my time was better than earlier, it still was substandard, robbing me of a chance to win the master trophy; I was stuck with a generic, spinning medal. Granted, I was pleased to win my age group since I had some competition to deal with. Had I pulled that dismal time in this race, I would have been humiliated. The course was unforgiving, full of turns & many areas on small paths. For a small race, I was amazed they had 5 star post refreshment, especially for meat eaters.
Saturday evening agenda
The GFLRRC holiday pajama party was my last event of the day. It was the most enjoyable in that I did not have to race prior to the refreshments. I found out during the course of the event that it was the 10th anniversary of this special occasion; the Barnards were together for twice that. It drew so many runners I knew & was designed to honor many volunteers who help make their races possible.
Sunday agenda-train
The Jacksonville marathon (& half) occurred today. Well, #1, I'm not at my best & #2, without a plane ticket, I'd have to drive and that's a bit too far, plus so little time after all those activities yesterday. Instead, I went for a medium run (7.5 miles) that I call the tour de park since it went through the park where the Miami man half iron was held. Normally, I would have done a long ride but with a marathon coming up, I gotta put in some mileage.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah! Its been like hell to me since the relay victory. I've been busy & sick all week, so much so that I had to miss a mid week race (holiday mile) up in Boca. On top of that, deal with a pre-Hanukkah crash. Lord, please don't forsake me!
Saturday agenda-5k
Normally, I do the holiday run, which is less than 5 miles away from my home, but in light of my current struggles, I forewent that & headed up north. The one in palmetto bay featured both a 5k & a 10k and draws a minimum of 500. Plus, you have to be on top of your game to place, and if you do, the best you can get is a medal. So, in keeping with this year's theme, I did the inaugural turn on the light 5k. My chances were increased with top 3 overall & masters categories, which featured tiles to the winners. After that, it was similar to the holiday run-medals but with more detail, including the ribbon. Still sick, I kept with my promise (pre-registered) and competed. Although a low quantity, it was high quality (fast runners). This was the race for the masters as the top 6 positions were filled by 40+ men! Praise the Lord, I snuck in the back door despite a dismal performance. Afterwards, I was coughing & hacking, still suffering from the illness, although on the downslope.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
After a disappointing day previously, I came determined to do better. The run for tomorrow featured both a half marathon & 5k. I chose the latter due to my internal condition. Unfortunately for me, I had stiff competition. Fortunately, the Lord allowed me to recover enough to compete & offer a challenge to them. Although I lost in the .1, I left with a great feeling because I finally broke the nearly 2 month drought on meeting my qualifying 5k standard (sub 19). On top of that, I got a master title. Although stingy, they had 5 star post race refreshments (pancakes). Plaques for the overall & master was nice.
Sunday afternoon agenda-mile run
When I train at niketown, I often do what I call the one mile blast (try to keep up with elite, fast runners); that training prepared me for this race. I crossed into Palm beach county to try this one for the first time. Some of the best showed up, notably, the overall female winner, Sonia (6th overall). Since I was under the weather, this year, I skipped my tack on after the weston event, giving me the chance to do a double header. By the grace of God, I broke six minutes (14 overall) & won my age group, the requirement to get the prize (gift certificate); this was an all or nothing race. Thankfully, Jon was not present. Pathetic post race with barely water; some food was for sale. Following that was a holiday parade; I got the feeling of being at the scaled down, day version of the Edison fantasy of lights 5k.
Honorable mention
* The Lord did not forsake me!
* George places at both 5k events.
* Runners depot took top 2 slots in half, Joel won.
* Louis got a grand master position
Saturday agenda-5k
Normally, I do the holiday run, which is less than 5 miles away from my home, but in light of my current struggles, I forewent that & headed up north. The one in palmetto bay featured both a 5k & a 10k and draws a minimum of 500. Plus, you have to be on top of your game to place, and if you do, the best you can get is a medal. So, in keeping with this year's theme, I did the inaugural turn on the light 5k. My chances were increased with top 3 overall & masters categories, which featured tiles to the winners. After that, it was similar to the holiday run-medals but with more detail, including the ribbon. Still sick, I kept with my promise (pre-registered) and competed. Although a low quantity, it was high quality (fast runners). This was the race for the masters as the top 6 positions were filled by 40+ men! Praise the Lord, I snuck in the back door despite a dismal performance. Afterwards, I was coughing & hacking, still suffering from the illness, although on the downslope.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
After a disappointing day previously, I came determined to do better. The run for tomorrow featured both a half marathon & 5k. I chose the latter due to my internal condition. Unfortunately for me, I had stiff competition. Fortunately, the Lord allowed me to recover enough to compete & offer a challenge to them. Although I lost in the .1, I left with a great feeling because I finally broke the nearly 2 month drought on meeting my qualifying 5k standard (sub 19). On top of that, I got a master title. Although stingy, they had 5 star post race refreshments (pancakes). Plaques for the overall & master was nice.
Sunday afternoon agenda-mile run
When I train at niketown, I often do what I call the one mile blast (try to keep up with elite, fast runners); that training prepared me for this race. I crossed into Palm beach county to try this one for the first time. Some of the best showed up, notably, the overall female winner, Sonia (6th overall). Since I was under the weather, this year, I skipped my tack on after the weston event, giving me the chance to do a double header. By the grace of God, I broke six minutes (14 overall) & won my age group, the requirement to get the prize (gift certificate); this was an all or nothing race. Thankfully, Jon was not present. Pathetic post race with barely water; some food was for sale. Following that was a holiday parade; I got the feeling of being at the scaled down, day version of the Edison fantasy of lights 5k.
Honorable mention
* The Lord did not forsake me!
* George places at both 5k events.
* Runners depot took top 2 slots in half, Joel won.
* Louis got a grand master position
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Second to won
I dub the entire weekend 'Second to won' because every single event I was involved in, would have been an overall victory had it not been for the one that won!
Saturday agenda- 5k
There were 4 local events happening today. Unfortunately I couldn't do them all but by the grace of God, I did half-a double header!
1. jingle bell jog 5k
2. palm beach 5k
3. dare to care 5k
4. calvary chapel 5k
Even on a goood day, I never had success at event 1, so it was a no brainer to skip it. Traditionally, I do #2 then walk over to the expo to pick up the packets for the relay, but this is the year to do different stuff (I love inaugurals), so I took a gander at a couple of other new events. By passing on the 1st two, I was able to do the latter 2 because of different start times & proximity.
Dare to care 5k
Originally set for 7 am, my worst fear came to fruition-a delay of 15 minutes-due to inclement weather. My favorite runner, who wears a shirt that say 'yell, go art!', was at this event (he is known for doing distance races, particularly marathons). He said I'd probably win this race because he didn't see anyone he knew that could run faster than me. I quickly responded that there may be under cover runners (unknown athletes that can run fast);lo & behold, I was right! Some crosscountry kid blew me away with a 17 something time. Unbelievably, there was no one between him & I; a gigantic gap! Unfortunately, I had to keep going past the finish line & miss all the festivities of this race, including my award, in order to make it to the other.
Calvary chapel 5k
The biggest challenge was not the races themselves but the commute between them. I left from well known quiet waters park to an unknown location that required gps assistance. I got me there but was blocked off, so I had to quickly find the alternative entrance. When I arrived, I had less than ten minutes to register, put on my # & chip then get to the starting line. One unforeseen circumstance was the distance from parking to the 'athletes area'-nearly a quarter mile. Obviously, I forwent all normal preparation & had to take off a bit tight from the previous race & the ride over. Initially, I was barely in the top 20 but as the race progressed, I advanced to the top 5, out of master contention. By a twist of fate, the runner I was following went the wrong way & we were both motioned to reverse & go around. By a wing and a prayer, that allowed me to advance 1 position. Within the final mile, I got past 2 others and despite a worse time, I finished with the same position as the previous event; God is good. I later discovered there was no master title. Lots to eat for meat lovers, just snacks for the rest. Unfortunately, only medals no matter if overall or age group. Teammate Jon took the title.
Sunday agenda-marathon weekend
For each year the marathon of the palm beaches had a relay division, I have chosen to do that as my last team event of the year; this year was no different. However, unlike previous years, I was unable to sign up athletes in advance. I literally had to wait till the expo. All of my teammates of last year backed out for one reason or another & I had to replace them with new, unknown talent. Like a blind date, I didn't know what to expect but was aware I did not have the strongest team. I couldve wimped out & not compete because you cant get beat if you're not in it but that's not my style. I'll do like I've done all year & roll the dice and see what happens. I centered the team around a promise I made to rising star at the publix du series. I picked the one who organized the palm 100 team & a young woman who consistently makes the top 3, if not overall, in the womans division. For some reason, the former athlete did not respond but thankfully, the dad knew a coach who had a son who can run, but never more than 3-4 miles. When I met up with him, I told both kids (the girl was 13 & the boy, I think 16) that believe in giving people a chance. I really didnt know what any member could really do. I went with Male-female x2 format, shouldering the largest distance to the boy, followed by the 20 something woman, yours truly & the girl to anchor. The distances were laid out in miles as follows:7.5, 6.5, 7 & 5.2. I found out the anchor had an injury & was thankful to pull out of her pre-registered half to be on the team. Needless to say, all performed admirably & despite being underdogs, we defeated all but 1 team-the one sponsored by a company, like runners depot. While I congratulate both of my teammate Spencer & Louis, I was an unfair fight in that they were able the best by free entry offer to its athletes, while every one on my team paid royally ($75!). On top of that, they had only 1 female;I had 2. By the grace of God, this was the first year that the top 3 positions were honored, plus they gave out decent trophies to each member; Praise the Lord. We were second to won.
Saturday agenda- 5k
There were 4 local events happening today. Unfortunately I couldn't do them all but by the grace of God, I did half-a double header!
1. jingle bell jog 5k
2. palm beach 5k
3. dare to care 5k
4. calvary chapel 5k
Even on a goood day, I never had success at event 1, so it was a no brainer to skip it. Traditionally, I do #2 then walk over to the expo to pick up the packets for the relay, but this is the year to do different stuff (I love inaugurals), so I took a gander at a couple of other new events. By passing on the 1st two, I was able to do the latter 2 because of different start times & proximity.
Dare to care 5k
Originally set for 7 am, my worst fear came to fruition-a delay of 15 minutes-due to inclement weather. My favorite runner, who wears a shirt that say 'yell, go art!', was at this event (he is known for doing distance races, particularly marathons). He said I'd probably win this race because he didn't see anyone he knew that could run faster than me. I quickly responded that there may be under cover runners (unknown athletes that can run fast);lo & behold, I was right! Some crosscountry kid blew me away with a 17 something time. Unbelievably, there was no one between him & I; a gigantic gap! Unfortunately, I had to keep going past the finish line & miss all the festivities of this race, including my award, in order to make it to the other.
Calvary chapel 5k
The biggest challenge was not the races themselves but the commute between them. I left from well known quiet waters park to an unknown location that required gps assistance. I got me there but was blocked off, so I had to quickly find the alternative entrance. When I arrived, I had less than ten minutes to register, put on my # & chip then get to the starting line. One unforeseen circumstance was the distance from parking to the 'athletes area'-nearly a quarter mile. Obviously, I forwent all normal preparation & had to take off a bit tight from the previous race & the ride over. Initially, I was barely in the top 20 but as the race progressed, I advanced to the top 5, out of master contention. By a twist of fate, the runner I was following went the wrong way & we were both motioned to reverse & go around. By a wing and a prayer, that allowed me to advance 1 position. Within the final mile, I got past 2 others and despite a worse time, I finished with the same position as the previous event; God is good. I later discovered there was no master title. Lots to eat for meat lovers, just snacks for the rest. Unfortunately, only medals no matter if overall or age group. Teammate Jon took the title.
Sunday agenda-marathon weekend
For each year the marathon of the palm beaches had a relay division, I have chosen to do that as my last team event of the year; this year was no different. However, unlike previous years, I was unable to sign up athletes in advance. I literally had to wait till the expo. All of my teammates of last year backed out for one reason or another & I had to replace them with new, unknown talent. Like a blind date, I didn't know what to expect but was aware I did not have the strongest team. I couldve wimped out & not compete because you cant get beat if you're not in it but that's not my style. I'll do like I've done all year & roll the dice and see what happens. I centered the team around a promise I made to rising star at the publix du series. I picked the one who organized the palm 100 team & a young woman who consistently makes the top 3, if not overall, in the womans division. For some reason, the former athlete did not respond but thankfully, the dad knew a coach who had a son who can run, but never more than 3-4 miles. When I met up with him, I told both kids (the girl was 13 & the boy, I think 16) that believe in giving people a chance. I really didnt know what any member could really do. I went with Male-female x2 format, shouldering the largest distance to the boy, followed by the 20 something woman, yours truly & the girl to anchor. The distances were laid out in miles as follows:7.5, 6.5, 7 & 5.2. I found out the anchor had an injury & was thankful to pull out of her pre-registered half to be on the team. Needless to say, all performed admirably & despite being underdogs, we defeated all but 1 team-the one sponsored by a company, like runners depot. While I congratulate both of my teammate Spencer & Louis, I was an unfair fight in that they were able the best by free entry offer to its athletes, while every one on my team paid royally ($75!). On top of that, they had only 1 female;I had 2. By the grace of God, this was the first year that the top 3 positions were honored, plus they gave out decent trophies to each member; Praise the Lord. We were second to won.
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