Trouble in the tropics

There's trouble in the tropics. Luckily, there was minimal damage from tropical storm Bonnie but this were merely a wake up call that we are in hurricane season. Of course, the heat & humidity is still in full force, perhaps rising to new heights. Only thing added was much more precipitation. Trouble in the tropics is not only weather related but personal. I've been struggling to recover from serious injury, in addition to efforts to rebound from lack luster performances. Despite many events available today (most far but within the state), I reluctantly limited myself to only one & sadly, it would be a dreaded evening race. I had to postpone the adventure tri (the only local event in the morning) till another day. Instead, I pulled out the skates a did a lap just to get the blood flowing in morning. I planned on 4 miles but did half because I started to feel it & the last thing I want to do is be counterproductive, knowing I need to race tonight.

Saturday agenda-race!

Unfortunately, 2 of my favorite events are scheduled around the same time, on the same evening. Last year, I did the Hemingway 5k down in Key West & was lucky to carpool. This year, I decided not to make the long trip down south (especially solo) and head up north (long enough) to revisit the Dreher park dash, where I have had some success in the past. I was expecting the worse but hoping for the best. As usual, the heat & humidity was at an all time high. The main set back was the injury. I was aiming for a low 19 but barely broke 20; good considering the conditions. By the grace of God, that was sufficient to place. I was first in my age group but got bumped to 2nd after my category was called last. Naturally, I was disappointed in that & my time, plus the fact that, in my prime, I would've gotten the master title. However, I should consider myself fortunate & blessed I even made it to the podium with all things considered. Post race was great. The raffle was rigged as expected & the method of award distribution pathetic, but also expected. I avoided the Hemmingway race due to distance & the title awards. Guess what I got? a miniature version (big one was given away).

Sunday agenda-C-mas?

Merry Christmas (in July). This day was created by capitalists in an effort to increase revenue. Well, I accepted my gift from God with pleasure & I thank & praise the Lord. I was able to train with minimal pain. I passed on racing in an effort to improve for next week. I decided to do something I never did before- a brick workout! Oh, wait I've done a brick before but never with swimming as one of the disciplines. That's what I said. I rode the bike about a 10k, transitioned to a pool, swam a couple of laps then returned home. This was completed in about an hour & felt like a longer ride because of that swim. Hooray for me!

Honorable mention

* George wins
* Louis M is back & placed, representing the RD
* Michelle win age group
* Mike K wins despite complications