Feh Brair Oh!

Feh Brair Oh (Febrero), Spanish for February. Ya, we're already in the 3rd week.

Saturday morning agenda-5k

Still elated that I'm in the middle of running season. There was at least 1 race each in the tri county area. Furthest was for the love of children 5k, timed by my favorite timing company, Accuchip. Since I already had plans to travel, this one was easily eliminated. In Broward, ESM put on their 5k but it was so poorly advertised, I didn't realize it was happening until the last minute, so I missed it anyway. However, George won his age group over there. I used the proximity rule & raced in Miami. I was upstaged by Walthon for the master title so I had to settle for best of my age group. I was running conservatively because I did not want to be worn down for the night race, in which my performance may be critical for the team I set up. I was on pace for a 20, but was forced to pick up the pace in the final mile when 2 master runners caught up & threatened to pass me. I passed my friend Gene when this occurred & broke 20. Plaques to top 3 & overall master. The rest of us got the generic type medal with a sticker center. Post race was pathetic. Worse, the course was longer when they moved the starting line. The only positive was that it was cheaper than most at less than $15. I am not likely to repeat this one based on this year.

Saturday evening agenda-5k

The famous Edison festival of lights was set for this night. I was a member of the open championship team last year, representing runners depot. We had 4 members, making me the wild card & we won with Mike Korir as the top performer; Jon W was on board. This year, I formed a master championship but Jon declined to be on it. He stated he was looking for another team with better (meaning much faster) runners; his loss. Meanwhile, I chose Mike Kelly, an up & coming runner who has, to my dismay, beaten me a few times, making him both a rival & friend. Originally slated as a wild card, like I was last year, George McCuen's time would now count as I had only the bare minimum to form a team. Many questioned my judgement when I chose to use him because of his age, but as team captain, I base my decisions on various factors but age is not one of them. Only a handful realize that he is nationally ranked in the top 3 & he steadily wins his age group on a regular basis. My major concern was which Bell would show up, considering recent struggles I have endured. By the grace of God, I got my best time in over 6 months & the personal record of the year. This result made me the top performer. Right after me was Mike Kelly, elated because he broke 19 for the first time ever! George was pleased to better his time from his morning race. I am proud of my teammates & elated that they all got trophies for their individual efforts which led to our surprise victory. We are the 2010 top male master championship team! The runner up was about 2 minutes behind. Congrats to all. Mike came with his 2 daughters & I bestowed on them honorary team medals as a token for the beginning of their athletic endevours. As team captain, I accepted the one team trophy & will put it on display at Runners depot. This was Mike's 1st team victory ever ,but the 2nd this year for George & I. It was the first time my teammates ever raced in ft. myers. The post race was 5 star with pizza, beer, & the usual stuff. They had raffles as well. Prior to the race, a spectacular fireworks display occurred. Immediately after the race, the parade began. Jon W was 2nd in our age group & I followed. Mike got 3rd while George won his category.

Sunday agenda-race

If I wanted to win an award, I would have done the SoBe fit 5k but I am still in the endurance portion of the running season so I opted for distance by doing the 5th annual A1A. I already prepared myself for a poor race because I was aware I would be diminished from having done 2 events prior, plus inadequate sleep conditions. I got back so late & was so far from home that I opted to sleep a couple of hours in my car. Praise the Lord, I was able to finish with a decent time despite dismal conditions (this time not the weather, as that was good). 4-5 stars regarding post race. Medal was unique; it opened up like a clam to reveal the race designs. Anton, of runners depot, won the half easily. Spencer did well (marathon) & got a pr. Louis took his age group. John G ran his best race. This was my fourth half of the year, 5th distance race.