Taxing times

Taxing times are here as today marked the deadline to file. Hope you were on time with, unlike me with this blog. The darn internet took so long to boot up that I almost missed the midnight cutoff; thank God this wasn't an ironman!

Thursday agenda-1040k

A rare weeknight occurred but is in occasion in theme as it is tax deadline day. I am not fond of racing at night but by the same token, rarely turn down a race. It was a bit taxing because it is typically hot & humid around 6:30. This year, cloud cover alleviated some of that but unfortunately, the wind became a factor. Both a 5k & 10k is held & usually the better runners elect the latter; not this year. To both my surprise & dismay, top athletes took the shorter distance. Elite triathlete Elliot Mason won as expected,edging out elite runner Bryan Sharkey. I never heard of the 3rd overall guy but Todd will earn a name for himself if he continues to run in the 16's like that. Teammates Jon W (4th) & Spencer W (5th) represented runner's depot well. Since no master title was offered, I got bumped to 2nd in my age group. Amenities was 3 1/2 stars, very good. Raffle offered if you paid. Custom generic (no categories mentioned) medals were given to overall 3 & top 3 in age groups. This was my 1st victory as a 44 year old!

Friday was the calm between the storm (races).

Saturday agenda-race

Marked as earth day, several events were scheduled (a record number), my dream! The nightmare is that I have to pick one & hope that I made the best decision. Just look at what I had to choose from:

1. Aids walk Miami (not a race)- a good cause race
2. climb Miami- fun but will never take precedence over a run
3. sickle cell 5k- another good cause race
4. run to remember 5k
5. earth day 5k (broward)
6. earth day 5k & 12k (Clermont)
7. bike MS- day 1 (to the keys)- a ride for a good cause
8. swim Miami
9. seven mile bridge

Trivia: Guess what Jon & I had in common this day? (answer at conclusion)

I was able to easily cut the number in half. #8 is dedicated for swimmers, #7 is dedicated for cyclists, #1 is not a race & #2 is not designed for runners. #9 requires a tedious process to enter, pretty much requiring connections & in my opinion, is really overrated; there were plenty of races to choose from & better chances for success for me while those who like that event are occupied. #3 was cancelled without advance notice, which forced me to scramble to a race close enough to register at the last minute & run. Yes, I arrived at the site & deciphered the hard way that the race was not on based on my 19 years of experience. There are certain element that are always present, that when not seen, prove that, ' Houston, we have a problem'! Obviously, #6 was out & since I didn't research #4 (I didn't know where it was or when it starts), the last option was #5. Praise the Lord, I made it in time; all those challenges finally paid off.

Although the course was a 2 loop twisty one & the presence of wind was evident, I managed to pull off both a good time & position. I worked hard to advance from 6th to 3rd past a great runner, only to be humiliated with a trophy smaller than one for the master winner I beat! I chose honor over (trophy) size. Besides, I couldn't risk being dumped to age group if there were no master title like the cpa race. This was my best race position as a 44 year old. The age groupers got medals. This had the worst post race ever, 1 star. I almost gave it none but the fact that food & drink was available, even though for sale, is better than no refreshments at all.

Sunday agenda-race

Still a sufficient number of events to do but much easier to decide:

1. bike MS- day 2 (from the keys)- a ride for a good cause
2. FAU triathlon
3. let my people run 5k

The first one was already in progress, plus not even a race, so scratch that; later, I heard the ride back was cancelled due to inclement weather. Since I don't swim & did not get a swimmer for a relay, this event I shall not race. However, I have many friends doing it, compelling me to visit for support, after I take care of yours truly.

This race supports the title of this blog as it was a low quantity, high quality race. Just as the previous day, the top 6 were masters, but unlike that day, I was not in that number; a 17 yr broke the chain. Although cool & less windy, I struggled to get through the race. I think some of motivation left when I noticed all the top slots were filled; all those masters broke 18. With only 1 master title, I got bumped to 2nd despite a top 10 performance! Luckily, I didn't lose out all that much since everyone got medals. Post race was good, at least 3 stars. No raffle but had massage available. Jon W won over Luiz S despite the longer run previously.

Afterwards, I kept my promise & congratulated all those who expected to see at the wellness triathlon. However, prior to that, a did a 5k penalty training run among my fellow triathletes. Good job Inga, Joy, Shannon & Nick!

Monday agenda-Boston marathon

Happy patriot's day. Unfortunately, I shall be just a spectator like most but good luck to all those participating. I can proudly say, 'been there, done that' but by the same token, I want to do it again. Extra special wishes to Renee & Spencer.

Answer: we both were 3rd overall in our respective races; he did the 7 miler.