Veteran's weekend

Veteran's weekend actually began yesterday (Thursday) for me. I like to take the time to give propers to our troops for all they do to protect our freedom. Even if we shouldn't be fighting over there, they are doing their job to the best of their ability & should be respected for that. Most just enjoy the day off but this may not be possible if it were not for those soldiers who put their life on the line to make it happen. Many have paid the ultimate price. Remember, freedom is not free! Thanx, guys (& gals)!

Thursday agenda-waterford 5k

I did the first 2 of this event but it was what transpired in the last one I did that discourages me. The inaugural was the greatest one, unique trophies for all. The 2nd one reduced to generic medals, eliminated the walk division plus on top of that, I was listed as winner in my age group all the way through the awards ceremony but was announced 2nd; that was the last straw! Besides, its costly and I can't get off early from work so getting there is difficult. I like the staging though, with a nice post race setup. Congrats to my friends who competed. I did a mile & a quarter tempo run so as not to injure myself for the upcoming Veteran's weekend.

Friday agenda-midpoint madness 5k

Once in a lifetime day-11/11/11! I decided to return to this venue since I don't get & there were no races on Friday. I give my props to the troops this day. many paid the ultimate price that enabled me (& others) to be able to run. I don't really like night races but it beats the alternative.

Praise the Lord I was able to place after a grave error committed by yours truly. I had to go to the bathroom near the last minute and didn't move with the quickness to get to the front of the line. The horn went off while I was in mid pack. I jumped the wall, practically sprinted for a quarter mile on other side of the road, then jumped back over to continue. I actually ran a low 19 but that wont reflect in the results due to my mistakes. I was blessed to leave with a trophy.

Saturday agenda-race!

A plethora of events to choose from:

1. get up gather & groove 5k (Melbourne)
2. sandoway 5k
3. lungvity 5k
4. red kettle 5k
5. super hero scramble (adventure)
6. 2011 laroootaa! (cycling)
7. lighthouse 5k/10k
8. USATF youth cross country
9. key largo half/5k

i passed on #1 due to distance. Overlooked any non running events (5,6). Not young enough for #8. I like #9 except for the 10 yr age groups & paper certificates in the 5k; skipped. Don't like #7 despite closest proximity due to horrific changes from when I first did it (eliminated chance to do both 5k & 10k plus no true award ceremony (impersonal line up, take & leave)). Since I attempted to do a double header, #4 wasn't possible.

First event-sandoway 5k

It was an extremely windy day for this inaugural 5k. With nothing to block the wind (on A1A), it was a challenge. Despite barely breaking 20, only the race winner was in front of me through the finish line. I couldn't partake in the festivities because I had to rush to get to the next event. I was lucky I got a finishers medal since I couldn't wait for my award; now I have to go through hell & high water to get it.

Second event-lungvity 5k

I actually found out about this one through Linda & was amazed she didn't show despite being within running distance of this event. Sadly, I encountered unexpected delays and arrived just in time to see them start; double header failed. I did partake in the post race here. I obviously left without hardware from this one.

Sunday agenda-race!

With a short list, choice was easier:

a. rnr TX
b. greater gator du
c. 13.1 ft lauderdale
d. Miami man tri/du

Pass on events outside of FL; a. I like d. & b. but decided to return to my roots and do my long overdue long run. With the wind continuing to be strong, plus the bridge, I estimated the best I'd do would be 1:45. By the grace of God, I beat that by around 4 minutes. I was happy my dad did it as well, finishing his first of the season.

Afterwards, I visited d. and congratulated my teammates of escape on their 2nd place co-ed half iron win. It felt strange not cycling for the team.