Taxing birthday weekend

This is a Taxing birthday weekend. Why? Yesterday marked yet another milestone in my life-it was my birthday! On top of that, this is a transition year. Already, I made over 20 years since my first race. Now, I just graduated from the previous age category to the 45-49, the toughest group yet. I now have to contend with the likes of Walthon, Mike Kelly, Humberto, Allan (both of them), Brian Keno, Matt Triggs, the list goes on. Pray for me.

Before I made the transition, it was possible to do a corporate run in palm beach on the last day of my previous age group but I passed due to the distance & other personal obligations.

Today's agenda-CPA 1040k

This event was held on the normal deadline day but in observance of a certain holiday, it was moved to Monday. I usually do this event to make a 3 race weekend but made a bold move and declined on the following grounds:

1. nursing an injury. I was fortunate to place despite that last weekend
2. night race. It was very hot & humid as expected.
3. cost. entry fee too much.
4. generic medals. if I were lucky to place, the best I'd get is a medal with a sticker on it.

I did visit to cheer on my friends. I did .5 k with Leo to get him on track. Congrats to STOL's Gene & Leo on placing, along with the legendary Fred.

They all did the 5k. The 10k went off first.

Saturday agenda-race!

This is what I had to choose from:

a. child of the sun urban sprint tri (lakeland)
b. skirts on the run 5k (fun in ft myers)
c. YMCA 5k (boca)
d. barefoot on the beach 5k
e. fight for air climb

Without a swimmer, strike a. b. was a woman's fun run event, strike on 2 accounts, plus far. The last one doesn't involve running at all, strike that. Since d. was put on by Kelly B, a good triathlete friend, I passed on c.

This event was unique in that you are not allowed to use running shoes. You must be barefoot or like such (socks & vibrims allowed). Plus the course was on soft sand. It was more challenging than I realized. This was my first race under my new age category. Despite my struggles, the Lord allowed me to place in the dirty dozen (top ten male) and win my age group. It was a late start race on a hot & humid day with absolutely no shade plus was windy.

Sunday agenda-race!

This is what sparked my interest:

1. wahine (diva) half marathon at Honolulu
2. Pittsburgh marathon
3. wellness tri (boca)
4. AEF 5k
5. oleta trail run 5/10/half

Passed on the first because not only was it very far but was for women only. #2 also too far. The last one was the closest but I'd rather a traditional race rather than a trail one. Without a swimmer, 3 is out but however, I did visit to say hello to fellow multisport athletes after I completed #4.

I don't remember this race before but definitely ran the course (Markham park). Although the external conditions improved (not as hot due to cloud cover & hardly any wind), my internal conditions worsened. I felt tight plus the injury plagued me worse. I had to do a few striders to try & shake it out. Even though this was a low quantity race, I saw a high quality field. Many who I feared my show, did. Walthon, Allan N, Humberto, to name a few. By the grace of God, I made the top ten & the center master title! That earned me a plaque in lieu of a medal & 1st master win within my new age category.

Monday agenda-tax deadline day!

Not to worry. I already filed. To all runners around the world, it's the day for the Boston marathon; congrats to all finishers.

Honorable mention

* Runners Depot ruled over the weekend & I thank the Lord I was able to contribute. Special note: Chris O won the 5k I did on Sunday. Spencer survived tough conditions. Mike, Renee & many more finished well.
* Linda finally does a relay; sadly, not with me. Congrats to the team on the finish.