Mid May

Can you believe we're already in the middle of the month? Lots of stuff happening. Today is armed forces day; I give a shout out to all the troops. It's also a weekend for Haitians. Two festivals going on- today, the compas, tomorrow, the Caribbean. Sports fans, the preakness happened & a surprise winner paid off for many. Just like Super Saver (the favored horse), I didn't have it today.

Saturday agenda-race!

It seems everybody picked this day to run their races; I found 3 (listed from closest to furthest):
1. Keys 100 (ultramarathon)
2. FLCS family fun run (5k)
3. Fit2run 4 miler

I tried like the dickens to get on a team but people kept dropping like flies with various excuses. What I told everyone was that I was certain I was gonna run today, just don't know in what capacity, where or how fast. Once within a week, I make plans either for solo (if another race is available) or training whenever a relay or team opportunity falls through. #3 was tempting because Accuchip times it but it is far & not my favorite distance. I found out that many good runners showed up there because of the club challenge. Considering I failed to make the cut last year, in addition to my struggles this year, that race would not be appropriate this year. Therefore, I chose #2, which also was an inaugural. Although the clouds blocked the sun & some heat, the humidity & wind were prevalent. God granted me a great first mile but after that, I declined rapidly, surcoming to the conditions & helplessly slipped a position when Ralph G passed me. However, by the grace of God, I still made the top 10 & got the last master slot. I was pleased that top master female got that title because of my advice. The Lord was helped me & I sometimes must return that favor to others. The last time we met, she contemplated early retirement from running out of frustration from unruly tactics she said was committed by another female runner in her category. I don't like that notion & want people to love this sport, in fact, I try to get more people interested. She chose races because it was fun but that was taking the fun out of it. Well, like I discovered within the 19 years since I started, once you are thrust into competition, like a marine, you must improvise, adapt & overcome! Despite my struggles & the fact that next year, I will be forced to move into the worst category, reducing my chances of placing, I WILL NOT QUIT! My dictionary must be incomplete because there are some words you can not find in it; quit is one of them. This race qualified as having a 4 1/2-5 star post race party because they had pancakes, in addition to the usual. Orange juice & coffee was available.

FYI-what Jon & I had in common today was with both finished 6th overall & got the master distinction; differences-he was at the top with a fast time, opposite for yours truly.

Sunday agenda-race?

I couldn't find any races in the papers & timing company sites as usual. It seems that no one picked today for any normal races. However, I did find a muddy buddy and marine corps historic half in different states plus found out about a track meet at UM. The latter was close to home, so I chose that. Coach Ward offered the mile & 400 meter dash for masters. Since this was a night event, knowing me, I couldn't wake up (late) & do nothing so I dug out my skates & did a couple of laps (4 miles total). If I didn't have a race, it would've been 12 miles. I cut down also because of the high wind.

Track time! For the submasters, the 1500 meter was their event then came the masters mile. For almost 2 loops, I was in 3rd, got passed just past halfway done & slipped into 4th place. When the final loop came, I put it in 5th gear (master kick) and advanced to 2nd overall! The winner, no doubt, Jon Williams. The other event was the 400 meter. After some encouraging words from a great runner & often teammate Jonathan Mederos, I was prepared to 'defend my title'. What? He told me that I reminded him of Bershawn 'Batman' Jackson when I put on my headband. On top of that, he remembered & reminded me that a couple of years back, at the Bikila track meet, I shocked everyone, including myself when I won the 400 meter heat, even with Jon W in it! By the grace of God, history repeated itself! Jon was gracious enough to say I deserved the outstanding male master award but it was given to him. They did, perhaps what I would have, and go by the cumulative times of both events; he edged me by 6 seconds. Jonathan won the outstanding open athlete award by winning both events. Unfortunately, the gave out the worst awards ever, kiddie ribbons like I used to get in elementary school. It made that dime sized generic medal look pretty good now, like gold. 1/2 star on post race with only bottled water to consume. This was one event where time was the only goal. Although I received much satisfaction & hope for better races in the future, I pushed so hard that I am sore & maybe tighter than my budget!

Honorable mention

* Congrats to Spencer & his team at keys 100; 4th overall & set course record in process.
* Mike K wins in age group at 4 miler
* George wins age group at my race
* Jonathan won the outstanding open athlete award
* Jon W gets master trophy