ING Miami marathon weekend. Yes, this time I remained at 'home' down here in Miami to compete, instead of travelling, to fulful my desire & destiny of being an athlete for life.
Saturday agenda-5k
I stuck to my tradition of using the tropical 5k as a tune-up for the main event the following day. That means I had to pass on other races. If I were back in form, I could've won the William boynton 5k, since the overall winner didnt even break 19 (Jeff P)! My buddy (& rival) Mike K got 2nd overall. The top master 's time was a minute slower than my training run today (I was a pacer for fellow runner Gene) which yielded a 3rd in my age group (83) & I was 22nd overall. In fact, I could've walked this one as a runner and still get the same position in that race! The Omega XL 5k was more serious. The winner of this race was faster than the one I was involved with; both were in the 16's. My race topped all with attendance (1400 finishers) but that race had about 250 vs only around 60 in the aforementioned event. George chose the wrong event but still won his age group. My time today would've been 2nd in my age group there. The other race was on the west coast, named run for the paws, which I wouldve skipped due to the distance. Afterwards, I went to the expo to pick up my packet & met up with lots of fellow athletes, most of whom were planning on running tomorrow. Big treat was meeting Ryan Hall, the American Olympian & getting an autograph, in a addition to an interview at the 5k post race with coach GP; I later sat in on a lecture by him at the expo.
Sunday agenda-the main event
I dub it as such because #1, the marathon and half are the feature events and #2, we're talking about distance, which requires endurance. I am on par to get the ten year jacket so the other 2 distance races (Ocala marathon & Key west half) have to wait. It started off rainy & remained cloudy throughout. Although not hot, it was very humid. This is my 3rd half of the year (& month), and coupled with the fact that this course is not exactly flat & forgiving, I didn't expect a great race. However, I did not account for a wardrobe malfunction. No, not my clothes, but rather my running shoes. I set a personal goal of 1:34 (1 minute better than the best this year) & was on pace to do so until after 7-8 miles in, when on the grating of a bridge in Miami beach, a portion of the mid foot tread started flapping, much like a flat. I was forced to slow down various times as eventually 2 pieces tore off of my left sneaker. Once completely gone after 11 miles, the friction built up heat & my foot felt like it was on fire by the conclusion of run. Someone I knew was looking to take advantage of my misfortune in the sprint zone (.1). God willing, in that area, I WILL NOT BE DENIED! I sprinted with all I had left & edged him out. While he beat me by virtue of chip time, I was d***ed sure not gonna let him actually pass me & win by the clock time as well, if I could help it. I immediately went to medical to cool down that foot. I wound up 6 minutes off the goal; the greatest injury was to my ego. Fortunately, I escaped without any serious physical harm. The post race refreshments were average at best. For repeat finishers, there was nothing to write home about in regards to the finishers medal. No official mylar blankets were given out. I had to literally jump the fence to get a generic one to keep warm after some idiot officials hassled me about going back in to get what I needed.
Congrats to all my runners depot teammates who finished. Allan, we missed ya; get well soon!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
E nare oh
E nare oh, the approximate pronunciation for Enero, Spanish for January. My struggles continue but I will never quit!
Saturday agenda-5k
I chose a traditional 5k on the east coast rather than one on the west or the stair climb. This was my first time doing the Boca Christian 5k, but it was not an inaugural. The weather was comfortable & the sky overcast. Unfortunately, my internal conditions weren't up to par. I was still tight (too many distance races & long hours at work this week) & felt sluggish. The finishing time reflected this. This was a low quantity, high quality event, meaning the competition was fierce despite an average to low turnout. Some of the best masters showed up, including the likes of Harrie Olsthoorn, Jon Williams, Jeff Powers, Ralph Guijarro, all vying for a master title that didnot exist. That bumped me to second in my age group. Fortunately, my pathetic performance did not affect my age group position & was just enough to beat the overall female. The award was disappointing- a drinking glass with race info but only says age group winner. However, they made up by giving out a publix dolphin bag, long sleeve tshirt & 5 star healthy post race breakfast. I was disappointed that I couldnt eat any sweet snacks (no cookies or muffins) but was impressed with the hot meal, which included scrambled eggs, potatoes & sausage.
Sunday agenda-5k
With a sour taste in mouth from the previous day & aware that there is a master title in this race, i vowed to do best to capture it. Although I felt better, my performance was affected by poor training, in part due to adjustment to my heavy running schedule. Weather was comfortable & overcast like yesterday but slight drizzle before start. Today was the debut of Jeffrey Tait this year but unfortunately, he was not a registered runner. He remembered that I was the overall winner of the inaugural I care, I cure, I run 5k. This year, there was also a 10k. Normally, most go for that but not on this day. The 5k drew over 1500 preregistered! Both the 10k & 5k started at the same time but at different locations. Unfortunately, us 5kers got caught up with the back end of the 10k (mostly walkers & bouncers), whose slow pace served as speed bumps to us speedsters. Luckily, through many a triathlon relay, I have learned how to bob and weave with minimal reduction of pace. After 3 miles, I saw someone in front who could possibly be a master. I had to dig in deep to sprint uphill past him to the finish. Praise the Lord, that despite my struggles to break 19 (I still failed to do that), my competitive desire has not wained & proved to be the difference to win the master title; he & one other were just mere seconds from such victory. Despite not having a hot meal, I will rate the post race refreshments as 5 star because of the enormous spread. I had a lot of good stuff, various drinks, in addition to water, fruits, nutrition bars & my favorite, sweets! They encourage everyone to take as much as the want, so many of us went 'grocery shopping'. They had a raffle & plenty of activities for kids-wall climb, bounce house/slide, some rope bounce thing & a popcorn/puffed candy stand; a true family festival. Even though I got ripped off of the gift card promised to the winners, I did have a good time. Disappointing was that medals were given, even to overall & master.
Honorable mention
* George placed in both events, won age on sun.
* Jon placed in both events, won the 5k sun.
* Runner's depot takes 2 & 3 overall in 10k.
* Louis won age & gave me a run for my money.
* Rachelle won the 10k female overall
* Kirsh family placed in both events, Chuck 5k, wife the other.
Saturday agenda-5k
I chose a traditional 5k on the east coast rather than one on the west or the stair climb. This was my first time doing the Boca Christian 5k, but it was not an inaugural. The weather was comfortable & the sky overcast. Unfortunately, my internal conditions weren't up to par. I was still tight (too many distance races & long hours at work this week) & felt sluggish. The finishing time reflected this. This was a low quantity, high quality event, meaning the competition was fierce despite an average to low turnout. Some of the best masters showed up, including the likes of Harrie Olsthoorn, Jon Williams, Jeff Powers, Ralph Guijarro, all vying for a master title that didnot exist. That bumped me to second in my age group. Fortunately, my pathetic performance did not affect my age group position & was just enough to beat the overall female. The award was disappointing- a drinking glass with race info but only says age group winner. However, they made up by giving out a publix dolphin bag, long sleeve tshirt & 5 star healthy post race breakfast. I was disappointed that I couldnt eat any sweet snacks (no cookies or muffins) but was impressed with the hot meal, which included scrambled eggs, potatoes & sausage.
Sunday agenda-5k
With a sour taste in mouth from the previous day & aware that there is a master title in this race, i vowed to do best to capture it. Although I felt better, my performance was affected by poor training, in part due to adjustment to my heavy running schedule. Weather was comfortable & overcast like yesterday but slight drizzle before start. Today was the debut of Jeffrey Tait this year but unfortunately, he was not a registered runner. He remembered that I was the overall winner of the inaugural I care, I cure, I run 5k. This year, there was also a 10k. Normally, most go for that but not on this day. The 5k drew over 1500 preregistered! Both the 10k & 5k started at the same time but at different locations. Unfortunately, us 5kers got caught up with the back end of the 10k (mostly walkers & bouncers), whose slow pace served as speed bumps to us speedsters. Luckily, through many a triathlon relay, I have learned how to bob and weave with minimal reduction of pace. After 3 miles, I saw someone in front who could possibly be a master. I had to dig in deep to sprint uphill past him to the finish. Praise the Lord, that despite my struggles to break 19 (I still failed to do that), my competitive desire has not wained & proved to be the difference to win the master title; he & one other were just mere seconds from such victory. Despite not having a hot meal, I will rate the post race refreshments as 5 star because of the enormous spread. I had a lot of good stuff, various drinks, in addition to water, fruits, nutrition bars & my favorite, sweets! They encourage everyone to take as much as the want, so many of us went 'grocery shopping'. They had a raffle & plenty of activities for kids-wall climb, bounce house/slide, some rope bounce thing & a popcorn/puffed candy stand; a true family festival. Even though I got ripped off of the gift card promised to the winners, I did have a good time. Disappointing was that medals were given, even to overall & master.
Honorable mention
* George placed in both events, won age on sun.
* Jon placed in both events, won the 5k sun.
* Runner's depot takes 2 & 3 overall in 10k.
* Louis won age & gave me a run for my money.
* Rachelle won the 10k female overall
* Kirsh family placed in both events, Chuck 5k, wife the other.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
MLK weekend
Thanks to Dr Martin Luther King's dream, many opportunities became reality. Like Dr Martin Luther King, president Obama is working diligently toward change. I want to reiterate what I said last year: The doc did so to defend & protect the rights of ALL people, rather than just the white male racist ones. He not only fought for 'our' people, African-Americans as a whole, but for all females, regardless of color & non-white men, such as Asians & Hispanics, as well. It's amazing how the country was founded saying that 'all men are created equal' but yet not treated equally.Although 'we' were free from actual slavery, we were still enslaved by a racist system. We were being punished just because of the color of our skin & our presence here in the U.S., even though in the past, we were forced to be here. Dr King, through methods similar to my primary hero, Jesus Christ, induced change to bring us closer to normalcy. Although I believe we will never attain a perfect society, it is possible to get a high percentage. Because of his efforts, Obama was able to achieve the impossible-a black man employed at the highest position in the nation-president. Last year, on the tonight show with Jay Leno, his favorite guest, Wanda Sykes said that George W Bush was the best thing that ever happened. Like Jay, I wondered why she said that. She followed up by essentially saying that if he hadn't screwed up so bad, no black man would have been considered. Now president Obama has a tall order. He has to try to dig us out of a deep & dirty ditch. I pray he can do this. We need to change from our dismal state to one of prosperity. We as a nation have already begun to heal the damage to our reputation worldwide. We need more focus on our domestic woes & less on others; godspeed.
Speaking of dreams, this was a dream weekend for an athlete like me, beginning with a double header tune-up. I was in 3 different counties for at least a half hour!
Saturday agenda 1-5k
In Miramar, there was both a 10k & a 5k. In light of what I have done & yet to do, I chose the latter. Despite cool weather, I had a dismal time. In spite of that, I still won the master title, but unlike last year, my tune up racing was not complete.
Saturday agenda 2-5k
I had to commute from the west side of south broward to the east side of Boca within an hour & still pick up my packet at the next event. This is usually the challenge, not the events themselves, except this time. The coach Roudy 5k turned out to be more like 5 miles, as whomever measured it did a horrible job. On top of that, the course was not marked, therefore Mike & I went off course, adding more distance, that last thing I wanted to do. The longer distance is more advantageous for him, particularly since he was fresh, in addition to that it's his specialty. We both lost positions but by the grace of God, we regained all but 1 slot. This caused me to fall to 3rd overall & he took the master title with 4th. To add insult to injury, the staff left all the medals unattended, so some kids looking for a finishers medal, swiped both of our awards and now we have to wait for them to be mailed. There were no mile markers or clocks, a water station with an inept girl talking on the cell rather than distributing the fluids.
Sunday agenda-Naples half
In keeping with my tradition, I went over to Naples. This was the main event for running this weekend. I forfeited my chance to place in lieu of an endurance event. Overnight, it rained like cats & dogs. In the morning, the ground was wet & the sky was cloudy. However, the external conditions were great, as it remained cool (not cold) throughout the run. I was able to meet my average standard but failed to meet or beat the best time I set for this course.
Monday agenda-MLK 5k
Also a tradition, this event falls on the observed holiday. Due to the strength of my schedule, I chose to racewalk. By the grace of God, I recovered well enough to win the event once again, despite a dismal time. It was great to see many of many Niketown running mates, both the old school (Fred (2 ag), Berta, Ronnie (winner), Leo(3 ag), John D(2 ag), Courtney(1 ag)) and the new (Jonathan(2nd oa), the Rubio family(Humberto=1 ag & wife wins overall female racewalk)); we outnumbered them! Runners depot teammates Jon W & Louis M takes their age divisions.
Honorable mention
* George wins age group in 2 races
* Mike K wins in my age group
* Silvia completes #27 & wins age group
* Runner's depot (representation in all events I went to).
Speaking of dreams, this was a dream weekend for an athlete like me, beginning with a double header tune-up. I was in 3 different counties for at least a half hour!
Saturday agenda 1-5k
In Miramar, there was both a 10k & a 5k. In light of what I have done & yet to do, I chose the latter. Despite cool weather, I had a dismal time. In spite of that, I still won the master title, but unlike last year, my tune up racing was not complete.
Saturday agenda 2-5k
I had to commute from the west side of south broward to the east side of Boca within an hour & still pick up my packet at the next event. This is usually the challenge, not the events themselves, except this time. The coach Roudy 5k turned out to be more like 5 miles, as whomever measured it did a horrible job. On top of that, the course was not marked, therefore Mike & I went off course, adding more distance, that last thing I wanted to do. The longer distance is more advantageous for him, particularly since he was fresh, in addition to that it's his specialty. We both lost positions but by the grace of God, we regained all but 1 slot. This caused me to fall to 3rd overall & he took the master title with 4th. To add insult to injury, the staff left all the medals unattended, so some kids looking for a finishers medal, swiped both of our awards and now we have to wait for them to be mailed. There were no mile markers or clocks, a water station with an inept girl talking on the cell rather than distributing the fluids.
Sunday agenda-Naples half
In keeping with my tradition, I went over to Naples. This was the main event for running this weekend. I forfeited my chance to place in lieu of an endurance event. Overnight, it rained like cats & dogs. In the morning, the ground was wet & the sky was cloudy. However, the external conditions were great, as it remained cool (not cold) throughout the run. I was able to meet my average standard but failed to meet or beat the best time I set for this course.
Monday agenda-MLK 5k
Also a tradition, this event falls on the observed holiday. Due to the strength of my schedule, I chose to racewalk. By the grace of God, I recovered well enough to win the event once again, despite a dismal time. It was great to see many of many Niketown running mates, both the old school (Fred (2 ag), Berta, Ronnie (winner), Leo(3 ag), John D(2 ag), Courtney(1 ag)) and the new (Jonathan(2nd oa), the Rubio family(Humberto=1 ag & wife wins overall female racewalk)); we outnumbered them! Runners depot teammates Jon W & Louis M takes their age divisions.
Honorable mention
* George wins age group in 2 races
* Mike K wins in my age group
* Silvia completes #27 & wins age group
* Runner's depot (representation in all events I went to).
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Disney '10
Usually, my dad & I head up to Orlando to get involved with the Walt Disney World marathon weekend, despite how overpriced & overrated it is. However, due to unforeseen & unfortunate circumstances, he could not attend; I had head up solo. Luckily, a relay teammate of the '08 duathlon champion team decided to do his first goofy challenge. Also known as the race and a half, this challenge features a half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday. I met up with him & his sister in law up in Orlando, bringing some sense of familiarity. Due to the rising expenses (especially the entry fees & gas), I decided to make this year my final scheduled entry into the Disney marathon weekend. I wanted to go out with a bang, so I chose the 5th anniversary of the Goofy challenge to accomplish this.
Saturday agenda-half marathon
If I wanted to win award, I would have stayed 'home' & run a couple of 5ks, but I decided to go for endurance racing this weekend to pass my self imposed fitness litmus test. This annual exam requires a minimum of 1 half, 1 full & 3-5 5k races. Upon completion of the goofy, I will meet the endurance portion of that test, leaving my favorites. Therefore, I passed on the following events: * flippany 5k (Sat) * Jonathan Dickinson 5k/10k (Sat) * Spanish river 5k (Sat) * Homestead hospital 5k (Sat) * Bay harbor island 5k (Sun) * lighthouse eye opener 5k (Sun) I had set a comfortable pace goal of between 1:40 & 1:45 in order not to 'burn out' for the main event the next day. Despite extreme cold (35 degrees (-10 wind chill)) & conditions (rain & sleet), we met that goal together throughout the distance. We got the Donald duck medal.
Sunday agenda-full marathon
This is the main event, the distance that dated back 17 years ago. For anyone who did them all, Disney offered a 17 finishers medal. To accomplish the feat that my dad & I did (first two fulls, halves & goofys), we had to forfeit both 15 & 16 year anniversary plaques. I paid for the Goofy early last year to be sure I'm in. Although not wet as on Saturday, it was a record setting low (both for Disney & the city) temperature of 25 degrees at the start. I felt like in the teens with the wind. Despite 3 layers up top, I still was somewhat freezing. I couldn't feel my toes during the event & didn't realize I got a blister until hours later after 'thawing' out. I was so cold that any liquid I spilled on my gloves became frost within minutes! I knew that I struggled with extreme heat, like our summers in Miami but quickly discovered this also applies to extreme lows. This was evident by my personal worst non-injury finishing time in my 18+ athletic career. By the grace of God, I was able to finish without major injures, get my Mickey mouse medal & complete the Goofy challenge. The 5th anniversary Goofy medal was their best ever.
Honorable mention
* Gene finished his 1st goofy.
* various running mates participated & finished their respective events at Disney, including Renee (half), owner of runner's depot, Jon W (half), Asha (goofy), Kamilah (half) & probably Josh.
* George wins in his local races.
Saturday agenda-half marathon
If I wanted to win award, I would have stayed 'home' & run a couple of 5ks, but I decided to go for endurance racing this weekend to pass my self imposed fitness litmus test. This annual exam requires a minimum of 1 half, 1 full & 3-5 5k races. Upon completion of the goofy, I will meet the endurance portion of that test, leaving my favorites. Therefore, I passed on the following events: * flippany 5k (Sat) * Jonathan Dickinson 5k/10k (Sat) * Spanish river 5k (Sat) * Homestead hospital 5k (Sat) * Bay harbor island 5k (Sun) * lighthouse eye opener 5k (Sun) I had set a comfortable pace goal of between 1:40 & 1:45 in order not to 'burn out' for the main event the next day. Despite extreme cold (35 degrees (-10 wind chill)) & conditions (rain & sleet), we met that goal together throughout the distance. We got the Donald duck medal.
Sunday agenda-full marathon
This is the main event, the distance that dated back 17 years ago. For anyone who did them all, Disney offered a 17 finishers medal. To accomplish the feat that my dad & I did (first two fulls, halves & goofys), we had to forfeit both 15 & 16 year anniversary plaques. I paid for the Goofy early last year to be sure I'm in. Although not wet as on Saturday, it was a record setting low (both for Disney & the city) temperature of 25 degrees at the start. I felt like in the teens with the wind. Despite 3 layers up top, I still was somewhat freezing. I couldn't feel my toes during the event & didn't realize I got a blister until hours later after 'thawing' out. I was so cold that any liquid I spilled on my gloves became frost within minutes! I knew that I struggled with extreme heat, like our summers in Miami but quickly discovered this also applies to extreme lows. This was evident by my personal worst non-injury finishing time in my 18+ athletic career. By the grace of God, I was able to finish without major injures, get my Mickey mouse medal & complete the Goofy challenge. The 5th anniversary Goofy medal was their best ever.
Honorable mention
* Gene finished his 1st goofy.
* various running mates participated & finished their respective events at Disney, including Renee (half), owner of runner's depot, Jon W (half), Asha (goofy), Kamilah (half) & probably Josh.
* George wins in his local races.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
First weekend of the year '10
This is the first weekend of the new year 2010. In keeping with resolution 10, I executed resolutions 2 & 6 by dedicating the weekend to extensive training, in lieu of non local races.
Saturday agenda-run
Not satisfied with last Saturday, I extended the same course to get closer to 10 miles, better suiting to be called a long run. Other than the wind, the weather was perfect for a run because it was cold. Within the 1st mile, I already lost a glove fidgeting with an Ipod contraption, the main reason why I don't usually wear such devices in a race. The next time, I will modify it to go a bit over ten miles; it will really be the tour de park. I passed on a race I have done in the past called the bridge buster 5k.
Sunday agenda-roll
I was on a roll today, literally. I pulled out my best inlines & did my usual 6 lap course, totaling a dozen miles & did it in under an hour! After that, I ran a couple of sprints to work on my lack of speed at the races lately. Normally, I would have done a long ride, but since I haven't been on skates in a little while, I chose to inline. Besides, I can squeeze in the bike during the week. I passed on the river roots & ruts trail run on the west coast to train.
FYI
I am almost always aware of races but take into consideration various factors; this is resolution #5. During the 1st quarter of the year, I typically have to travel to races that are important to me, so insignificant ones may go by the way side. Also, the pinch of the season hits the wallet, so I gotta be prepared through proper allocation of resources. Finally, I am just recovering from injury & illness, therefore I must carefully make my decisions.
Saturday agenda-run
Not satisfied with last Saturday, I extended the same course to get closer to 10 miles, better suiting to be called a long run. Other than the wind, the weather was perfect for a run because it was cold. Within the 1st mile, I already lost a glove fidgeting with an Ipod contraption, the main reason why I don't usually wear such devices in a race. The next time, I will modify it to go a bit over ten miles; it will really be the tour de park. I passed on a race I have done in the past called the bridge buster 5k.
Sunday agenda-roll
I was on a roll today, literally. I pulled out my best inlines & did my usual 6 lap course, totaling a dozen miles & did it in under an hour! After that, I ran a couple of sprints to work on my lack of speed at the races lately. Normally, I would have done a long ride, but since I haven't been on skates in a little while, I chose to inline. Besides, I can squeeze in the bike during the week. I passed on the river roots & ruts trail run on the west coast to train.
FYI
I am almost always aware of races but take into consideration various factors; this is resolution #5. During the 1st quarter of the year, I typically have to travel to races that are important to me, so insignificant ones may go by the way side. Also, the pinch of the season hits the wallet, so I gotta be prepared through proper allocation of resources. Finally, I am just recovering from injury & illness, therefore I must carefully make my decisions.
Friday, January 01, 2010
In with the new '10
Happy new year! Wishing you all an active, injury free athletic year. I wanna put all the bad experiences of last year behind & move on to hopefully better ones this year. I shall cherish the positive memories of last year, but unfortunately, be compelled to deal with any lingering situations this year. Traditionally, we make resolutions, & like bones, they may be broken. My top ten list will include the usual, some will be continuations, some may be possible & some may be improbable, but it doesn't hurt to dream. Come to think of it, didn't Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr do that? Obama is certainly thankful.
Top ten resolutions for this year (not necessarily in order):
1. Continued athletic success, especially with racing & competition.
2. Health.
3. Wealth.
4. Wisdom.
5. Employment.
6. Training (stepped up).
7. Change.
8. Teamwork.
9. Diet.
10. Travel.
Now it's time to expound on those resolutions.
1. Last year, I did 102 races, 3 less than the previous year. Although I'd like to match or beat that, my main goal is continuation; march will mark 19 years since I began.
2. To do the aforementioned, I must maintain good health, largely through fitness & diet. That means I still won't smoke or drink, and naturally, do my best to avoid injury & illness.
3. This resolution has always failed but you never know;this might be the year. Maybe I'll get rich the easy way by winning in the powerball or the hard way with some breakthrough opportunity.
4. Hopefully, as I progress, this continues to improve. I made it this far through trial & error, & experiences. Thus far, 2 out of 3 (healthy, wealthy & wise) has been my case.
5. Since the quick fix (lottery) has thus far never panned out, I'll need to keep my job to survive.
6. To get the glory (race win), one must train. I plan to up the ante with quality workouts, such as a 3 mile blast at Niketown.
7. Obama's slogan. He is the change America needs. However, I too, must utilize this. I revolve to make some adjustments in my normal scheme of things.
8. I want to continue doing relays, both as a team captain & participant. Last year, I eliminated most series participation, in lieu of individual events because I sacrificed too many running races that I loved the previous year. I will likely adhere to this resolution this year.
9. Continue & hopefully improve upon my nutritional regimen, such as my no meat diet.
10. I will travel as necessary, meaning doing only races that have some significance or purpose to me. I'll avoid just racing to race if it is far.
Today's agenda-1st race of the year
Once again, I did the run, walk, crawl 5k. I picked the middle option because it is extremely difficult to find a racewalk with awards. I failed to beat my time of last, partly because of the warmer weather & several cutoffs from slower runners. Despite that, I still was the overall racewalker. The generic medal was bad (sticker with race data) but not as horrible as last year's that had absolutely no info was on it at all; I had to write on the medal, the event, date, & result. Today, I was the lone representative for runner's depot. Last year, I was joined by Jon, Jeffrey and Louis M.
FYI
You may have noticed much of this blog seemed like a carbon copy of the previous year's post. Testament to how life can be similar yet different. Get out & run!
Top ten resolutions for this year (not necessarily in order):
1. Continued athletic success, especially with racing & competition.
2. Health.
3. Wealth.
4. Wisdom.
5. Employment.
6. Training (stepped up).
7. Change.
8. Teamwork.
9. Diet.
10. Travel.
Now it's time to expound on those resolutions.
1. Last year, I did 102 races, 3 less than the previous year. Although I'd like to match or beat that, my main goal is continuation; march will mark 19 years since I began.
2. To do the aforementioned, I must maintain good health, largely through fitness & diet. That means I still won't smoke or drink, and naturally, do my best to avoid injury & illness.
3. This resolution has always failed but you never know;this might be the year. Maybe I'll get rich the easy way by winning in the powerball or the hard way with some breakthrough opportunity.
4. Hopefully, as I progress, this continues to improve. I made it this far through trial & error, & experiences. Thus far, 2 out of 3 (healthy, wealthy & wise) has been my case.
5. Since the quick fix (lottery) has thus far never panned out, I'll need to keep my job to survive.
6. To get the glory (race win), one must train. I plan to up the ante with quality workouts, such as a 3 mile blast at Niketown.
7. Obama's slogan. He is the change America needs. However, I too, must utilize this. I revolve to make some adjustments in my normal scheme of things.
8. I want to continue doing relays, both as a team captain & participant. Last year, I eliminated most series participation, in lieu of individual events because I sacrificed too many running races that I loved the previous year. I will likely adhere to this resolution this year.
9. Continue & hopefully improve upon my nutritional regimen, such as my no meat diet.
10. I will travel as necessary, meaning doing only races that have some significance or purpose to me. I'll avoid just racing to race if it is far.
Today's agenda-1st race of the year
Once again, I did the run, walk, crawl 5k. I picked the middle option because it is extremely difficult to find a racewalk with awards. I failed to beat my time of last, partly because of the warmer weather & several cutoffs from slower runners. Despite that, I still was the overall racewalker. The generic medal was bad (sticker with race data) but not as horrible as last year's that had absolutely no info was on it at all; I had to write on the medal, the event, date, & result. Today, I was the lone representative for runner's depot. Last year, I was joined by Jon, Jeffrey and Louis M.
FYI
You may have noticed much of this blog seemed like a carbon copy of the previous year's post. Testament to how life can be similar yet different. Get out & run!
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