19

No, that's not my age but does reflect how I feel. Actually, today marks the anniversary of my athletic carreer. Thanks to my dad, I began running 19 years ago this day. My first race-the now defunct Doral fore miler. Ironically, the Doral 5k was held yesterday but I skipped that for the 15k challenge, to be expounded upon. This weekend brought back many memories.

Saturday agenda-the challenge!

In an attempt to mimic the race the lakes 15k challenge that I did last year, the key west southernmost runners held their inaugural version yesterday at sombrero beach in marathon key, near the site of the famous 7 mile bridge run. I passed on a possible easy win at the Doral 5k, & the walk to defeat ALS to do this one. Ya'll know that 5k's are my specialty but ya'll also know that it is difficult for me to turn down challenges & inaugurals;this was both. To my dismay, it was very windy, I'd go as far as to say nearly category 1 hurricane force. On top of that, it was cold out. The race began against the headwind, so by mile 2, I was sufficiently worn out already. Instead, I had to pace myself in survival mode since the day's factors were coupled with insufficient recovery from last week's events. I can assure you that all the other competitors were mostly fresh, even John W didn't do a marathon last week. I discovered that only the top 2 of any category would be rewarded but I took the risk anyway. When the dust cleared, despite a poor time, I did take my age group in the 10k, a rare occurrence for me, as that is not my distance of choice. After a brief pause, it was time for the 5k. The lingering effects of previous events affected by performance here; I failed to break 20. I had to settle for 2nd but was pleased because this time I had a legitimate excuse. Previously, I was only doing a 5k with horrific results like that. Since the age group winner was not in the challenge, I was in line to win my division for the 15k challenge. However, I learned that only overall in categories would be given and double dipping was allowed. Naturally, Jon W (in my age group), who was overall winner in both races would those titles & leave me 'high & dry'. Sensing my disgust, the man in charge of the SMR organization stepped in and rectified the matter; I got a trophy for my well deserved accomplishment. Post race was 5 star for meat eaters, minus 1 for the rest. I loved the goody bag itself, tshirt was average. They a raffle but it didn't matter to me; I came up short like Gary Coleman.

Sunday agenda-half crazy

I deem this day half crazy because there were at least 3 happening today. On top of that, it was my 5th half of the year; yep, I am half crazy. Originally, I had planned on a team event in Orlando at the Disney princess but I got the run around by my chosen partner & eventually stood up so I chose to select another with a team option. Besides, I had been there, done that & it was the most expensive of the 3. Normally, I would stay at home & do the 13.1 in Miami Beach & for many reasons, I should have but there was no team option & I had been there, done that. Although I had been to the inaugural hooters to hooters half, this year was their inaugural half marathon relay. Having never done that before, this was a no-brainer. What better way to celebrate this anniversary than to select the man that started all this (running) madness, my dad! In order keep up with last year, I also needed to complete the distance. Unfortunately, because I am so honest, I let the race officials know of my intentions; this later bit me in the butt. I ran the first half of the half (6.6 miles) just under a 7 minute pace & was told I was the first one to do an exchange. I ran to mile 7 with my dad, then took off somewhat. Although my finishing time was average at best, by mere seconds, it was the best of the year thus far. I fell short of placing largely due to fatigue; I ran too much! Surprisingly, my dad & I won the male relay with 1:49 until the title was stripped from us by the time keeper & given to the team that was initially 4th place with a 2:02 plus had a time of 1:46. My theory was that the lead runner of that time did as I did and outran his team, only I was faster than him. When the timer gave them the option of choosing which time they wanted to use, obviously, they picked the fastest time. My dad's theory was that both ran individually, much like Disney's princess but instead of combined times (this event not set up that way), they used the fastest time. The team claimed that a runner ran in with his wife at a latter time, but any runner knows better than to cross the finish line twice with a chip In any case, that was grounds for disqualification. Since that team was local, they let them win as hometown favorites. I had been there, done that in regards to awards, which was a glass; bor-ing. Pathetically, it was an all or nothing event. This finishers medal were a hideous gray. Post race food was 5 star for meat eating drinkers; deduct 3 stars for the rest of us. The bright spot were the goody bags & tech shirt. This biggest thing to savour was the camaraderie between my dad & I. We clicked well as a relay & had fun. My props to teammates Louis M & Spencer W for winning in their respective categories.