Spring forward!

Spring forward! Daylight savings time began today, forcing all to lose an hour of sleep; boo hoo! However, this also applies to life.

Saturday agenda-race!

Yesterday, I had to decide what I'd like to do to tune up for the main event. Check it out:
1. gate river run (Jax)
2. ramrock 5k (stuart)
3. sallys friends 5k (melbourne)
4. john dickinson 10k
5. st patricks 4 miler
6. march 4 hunger 5k

Due to distance, rule out 1,2, & 3. #4 was in the tri-county area (WPB) but was the furthest. It was tough decision but I ruled out #6, my favorite distance, due to the age categories. Since I am still struggling, worse than the Miami heat, I needed a race that offered the best chance for success without maximum effort (gotta save for the main event); #5 qualified.

Synopsis, Clint Eastwood style:

The good: got 2nd master
The bad: got beat by someone I usually beat (I shouldve won)
The ugly: the time (much slower than the last time I did it)

After that was the long drive solo to Sarasota.

Sunday agenda-main event!

Only had 4 that I thought of:

a. sarasota half
b. brandon shamrock classic 10k & 5k
c. shamrock classic 10 miler & 5k (Palm beach)
d. jim richardson 5k

The last one is my favorite & would've been my choice, ruling out b. & c. , if I hadn't committed to a. Ive missed this one for years until they added a relay division for the first time ever. This event makes half #7, but the first as a relay, for this year.

I selected my favorite partner, the one I teamed up with at the wine & dine last year to get 2nd male relay. He's been running great while I've been struggling. This time, I hoped I didn't let down the team. He did the start leg (5.5 miles, including bridges) while I anchored (7.6); this strategy was effective. Gene is notoriously excellent with bridge handling, as demonstrated last week at the 13.1. With 20 years under my belt, the experience, coupled with the extensive endurance racing I've done, made me better suited for larger distance. The weather was great (cool 45-50), except for some wind. By the grace of God, we were the fastest relay (only one to break 1:30), taking our category (male) by storm. We got medals as individuals & a large, curved glass award to share; Gene is in possession. Plus, the right for photo-ops. A good post race was available.

Honorable mention

Meanwhile, back on the home front, runners depot swept up at the cooper city 5k.

1. Spencer (runner for the inaugural du trilogy relay team champs) is overall winner.
2. Jeffrey Tait (kid wonder, trains under Jon)
3. Chris Oesch (elite master runner)
* Jon Williams wins the master title & the honor of his name on the legendary plaque/trophy.