Out with the old '12
This is the final day of this year, 2012. Kinda glad
to see it go in many ways. Time to recap the year with Conan Obrien's top ten
(not necessarily in order), Clint Eastwood style. *=Many are the same as last
year. + is positive, - is negative (still bad).
The
good:
10. I am still alive. +
9. Still a member of Runner's
Depot! +
8. My dad & I completed the inaugural and outaugural chip & dale WDW marathon relay.
7. I completed 8 halves + 2 half relays within the 1st quarter of the year.
6. I owned my new Kia for a year, logging in 14k+ mostly from weekend racing!
5. First time as a pacer in 2 half marathons; 2 hour.
4. Jon W & I ranked in athlink's top 20 most frequent racing, only 2 in all of FL with achievement.
3. Team, 'masters of disaster' (M. Kelly, partner) overall team, 2 different half marathon relays!
2. 45-49 age group Elite series champion.
1. Finally, the big 3 (LeBron James, Dwayne Wayne & Chris Bosh), and the Miami heat win the NBA championship!
The bad:
10. Car problems, this time my mustang down since prior to my birthday.-
9. Increase in number of races in which I
did not place.
8. I had to settle for 2nd overall a few times in some races
that were winnable.-
7. Linda AD, I remain a victim of false promises &
other emotional games -.
6. Recession (yes, they say it's getting better, but
I don't notice it personally yet). -
5. Struggles to get under 20 in races,
worse, never got under 19 (excluding short events)
4. Injuries and other set backs -.
3. 2nd year
I did not do any full marathon (less the black out year).-
2. Marlin's fire sale.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties & celebrations).
-
The Ugly:
10. Miami Dolphins seasons end
without playoffs -.
9. Extreme difficulty forming teams as a team captain
-.
8. My trilogy team won series but no awards were given.
7. No raises, office closures. -
6.
Credit card debt. -
5. Lost overall title in a 5k due to illness (caught up mile 3 but with poor stamina, couldn't outsprint).
4. Overall racewalk streak at MLK broken by someone nearly half my age.
3. Lost (didn't place) in at least 10 races (personal worst).
2. Relay teams failed to place 4 times.
1. no overall individual wins.
Happy new year! See you next year.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Last race weekend (2012)
Last race weekend (2012) is upon us!
Saturday agenda-race!
I found 2:
1. resolution 5k
2. s fl fair 5k
Unfortunately, I couldn't do both, despite liking them both. Since the former is more of a fun run, I chose the latter.
A relatively late race start, thankfully, it was overcast, keeping the heat down. Didn't care for the wind but mid 60s-70s was comfortable. I had to contend with a couple of ladies clipping my feet and 1 who blatantly cut my off. When the dust cleared, I broke 20, beat those ladies and took my age group. I was guaranteed hardware as finishers medals were given. Of course, I am more interested in a podium placement.
Sunday agenda-race!
I also found 2:
a. the biggest loser run (half/5k in panama city)
b. boca 5k/10k
Since the former is the furthest, I chose the latter. I 've raced many times at Spanish river park but realized that this was the first time doing that particular race, despite that it was its 33rd annual. I was the best of all, going 5 deep in all categories plus plaques to all who place! It began too cold for me (54 degrees) and had to turn back versus the wind upon return to finish. I felt good but that didn't reflect on the clock. By the grace of God, I got 5th master; last time I got that was 2-3 years back when fantasy of lights was good. I designated this as a tack on event so I jogged the 5k course again to add mileage. Post race considered 5 star, since had pancake breakfast & lots of pastry, oranges & bananas. It's hard to believe I never did this one before.
This concludes the weekend and year in terms of racing. Praise the Lord for allowing me to complete 105 events during the course of the year. I resolve to do better next year; have a happy one!
Saturday agenda-race!
I found 2:
1. resolution 5k
2. s fl fair 5k
Unfortunately, I couldn't do both, despite liking them both. Since the former is more of a fun run, I chose the latter.
A relatively late race start, thankfully, it was overcast, keeping the heat down. Didn't care for the wind but mid 60s-70s was comfortable. I had to contend with a couple of ladies clipping my feet and 1 who blatantly cut my off. When the dust cleared, I broke 20, beat those ladies and took my age group. I was guaranteed hardware as finishers medals were given. Of course, I am more interested in a podium placement.
Sunday agenda-race!
I also found 2:
a. the biggest loser run (half/5k in panama city)
b. boca 5k/10k
Since the former is the furthest, I chose the latter. I 've raced many times at Spanish river park but realized that this was the first time doing that particular race, despite that it was its 33rd annual. I was the best of all, going 5 deep in all categories plus plaques to all who place! It began too cold for me (54 degrees) and had to turn back versus the wind upon return to finish. I felt good but that didn't reflect on the clock. By the grace of God, I got 5th master; last time I got that was 2-3 years back when fantasy of lights was good. I designated this as a tack on event so I jogged the 5k course again to add mileage. Post race considered 5 star, since had pancake breakfast & lots of pastry, oranges & bananas. It's hard to believe I never did this one before.
This concludes the weekend and year in terms of racing. Praise the Lord for allowing me to complete 105 events during the course of the year. I resolve to do better next year; have a happy one!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The end?
The end? Yesterday was the end of the Mayan calendar but most translated that to the end of the world. It also officially began the winter solstice. I felt it a bit at night but especially Saturday morning.
Saturday agenda-race!
It is the end of races for me before Christmas so I was trying to race hard and do my best time in a long time. That was quickly dashed. Only found 3 events:
1. Santa hustle WI
2. jingle bell jog
3. a positive step new years 5k
I cant afford long travel to the former nor the latter wins, so the center wins. 1 more time for my man Clint:
The good: able to race this weekend, cold weather
The bad: windy, didn't break 20. too cold
The ugly: got outsprinted & didn't place (lost 3 by 3 seconds)
Sunday agenda-race?
I actually found 1, Santa hustle TX 5k, which is part of a series. Needless to say, I had to pass on it to mitigate financial damage. I ended up training with long time friend Earl. we ran about 8 miles while shooting the breeze.
Monday agenda-12 miles of Christmas
A fun run put on by and held at runners depot. I had a good time meeting all my friends and after this, completed a total of about 23 miles over the weekend.
Merry Christmas everybody! The next report follows the holy holiday. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season, not a fat man in a funny red suit & hat!
Saturday agenda-race!
It is the end of races for me before Christmas so I was trying to race hard and do my best time in a long time. That was quickly dashed. Only found 3 events:
1. Santa hustle WI
2. jingle bell jog
3. a positive step new years 5k
I cant afford long travel to the former nor the latter wins, so the center wins. 1 more time for my man Clint:
The good: able to race this weekend, cold weather
The bad: windy, didn't break 20. too cold
The ugly: got outsprinted & didn't place (lost 3 by 3 seconds)
Sunday agenda-race?
I actually found 1, Santa hustle TX 5k, which is part of a series. Needless to say, I had to pass on it to mitigate financial damage. I ended up training with long time friend Earl. we ran about 8 miles while shooting the breeze.
Monday agenda-12 miles of Christmas
A fun run put on by and held at runners depot. I had a good time meeting all my friends and after this, completed a total of about 23 miles over the weekend.
Merry Christmas everybody! The next report follows the holy holiday. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season, not a fat man in a funny red suit & hat!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Mid month final
Mid month final (of this year) is here!
Saturday agenda-race!
These are the events I considered for today:
1. frosty 5k
2. classics by the sea 10k/5k
3. river run 5k
4. north creek explorer 5k
5. live ultimate quarter marathon/5k
In order to satisfy my appetite for racing, I scheduled 2 double headers for this weekend. Strike 1=furthest event (west side). I picked the latter for 2 reasons-inaugural quarter marathon and proximity (SoBe).
Event 1 deserves the Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: got a PR (never did before), finishers medal
The bad: time, due to internal & external (wind, humidity) conditions
The ugly: didn't place
Event 2 (#4) is a return event. I'm not fond of night events but I am of races, therefore I ran. Since I started off the day with an 'endurance event' (I'm a 5k'er), I was tired & tight, not to mention it was much hotter and humid in the afternoon. By the grace of God, despite the poor time, I made the podium (2 ag) and picked up first award of the day and weekend. Double header completed!
Sunday agenda-race!
Even more events this day:
1. Santa hustle (OH)
2. Santa hustle (IN)
3. Jacksonville marathon (half & 5k)
4. jingle bell 2 miler
5. Naples chill duathlon
6. jingle bell run 5k
7. parkland 5 mile holiday run
8. tyler s goldberg 5k
9. 5k chanukah run
You can automatically eliminate the first 2; out of FL. #3 can follow since it's the furthest in FL. The latter is the most logical choice (closest to me) but I passed on that and many others on my coast for guess what? An inaugural!
Event 1: In my career, I've only done one other duathlon in December, many many years back by some other company that left FL. This was going to be a challenge, not so much the event, but that I have to travel to Naples (get up earlier and drive much longer) to do it. I was a bit rusty but luckily, I kept training. Weather, except for wind, was awesome (cool). I ran ok, especially the last run. My cycling was average at best. I made a grave error and forgot my pump but kudos to the ladies who let me borrow theirs. When the dust cleared, I won my age group and made the top ten; praise the Lord! Great way to start the day.
Event 2 (#4) is another return event. It's for a good cause but was a challenge for me in few ways:
#1- 2nd event of day and 4th of the weekend
#2- begins an hour earlier than last time (now 3 pm), reducing recovery time
#3- internal (tight & tired after endurance event & number of prior races) & external (heat, wind, humidity) conditions
On top of the aforementioned, somebody fresh decided to give me a 'run for the money'. By the grace of God, I edged him out for the master title. Praise the Lord for allowing me to advance in position, both podium and overall position, with the last being 4th on my quest for quadruple event weekend. Another double header completed this day!
Saturday agenda-race!
These are the events I considered for today:
1. frosty 5k
2. classics by the sea 10k/5k
3. river run 5k
4. north creek explorer 5k
5. live ultimate quarter marathon/5k
In order to satisfy my appetite for racing, I scheduled 2 double headers for this weekend. Strike 1=furthest event (west side). I picked the latter for 2 reasons-inaugural quarter marathon and proximity (SoBe).
Event 1 deserves the Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: got a PR (never did before), finishers medal
The bad: time, due to internal & external (wind, humidity) conditions
The ugly: didn't place
Event 2 (#4) is a return event. I'm not fond of night events but I am of races, therefore I ran. Since I started off the day with an 'endurance event' (I'm a 5k'er), I was tired & tight, not to mention it was much hotter and humid in the afternoon. By the grace of God, despite the poor time, I made the podium (2 ag) and picked up first award of the day and weekend. Double header completed!
Sunday agenda-race!
Even more events this day:
1. Santa hustle (OH)
2. Santa hustle (IN)
3. Jacksonville marathon (half & 5k)
4. jingle bell 2 miler
5. Naples chill duathlon
6. jingle bell run 5k
7. parkland 5 mile holiday run
8. tyler s goldberg 5k
9. 5k chanukah run
You can automatically eliminate the first 2; out of FL. #3 can follow since it's the furthest in FL. The latter is the most logical choice (closest to me) but I passed on that and many others on my coast for guess what? An inaugural!
Event 1: In my career, I've only done one other duathlon in December, many many years back by some other company that left FL. This was going to be a challenge, not so much the event, but that I have to travel to Naples (get up earlier and drive much longer) to do it. I was a bit rusty but luckily, I kept training. Weather, except for wind, was awesome (cool). I ran ok, especially the last run. My cycling was average at best. I made a grave error and forgot my pump but kudos to the ladies who let me borrow theirs. When the dust cleared, I won my age group and made the top ten; praise the Lord! Great way to start the day.
Event 2 (#4) is another return event. It's for a good cause but was a challenge for me in few ways:
#1- 2nd event of day and 4th of the weekend
#2- begins an hour earlier than last time (now 3 pm), reducing recovery time
#3- internal (tight & tired after endurance event & number of prior races) & external (heat, wind, humidity) conditions
On top of the aforementioned, somebody fresh decided to give me a 'run for the money'. By the grace of God, I edged him out for the master title. Praise the Lord for allowing me to advance in position, both podium and overall position, with the last being 4th on my quest for quadruple event weekend. Another double header completed this day!
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Hanukkah!
Hanukkah! Happy chanukah (weekend)!
Wednesday agenda-holiday boca mile
I did this once & got a PR but lost by a split second. I couldn't make it this year because I had to close at my job. Congrats to my teammates who did well.
Friday agenda-jingle bell by the river
Similar scenario (work) except I not close. Since race is in bradenton, cant make that one.
Saturday agenda-race!
Most races scheduled for today:
1. spartan TX beast
2. USATF jr Olympics CC national championships (NM)
3. its a wonderful run
4. strides for education (broward)
5. strides for education (boca)
6. turn on the light 5k
7. steps for healing 5k
8. rumrunner run 5k
Ok, you can rule out the first 2, out of FL. #7 was closer to home but I was attempting a triple header, so I ruled that out along with 8. However, those 2 would allow a double header. #4 could work but limits me to the same cause & hind sight reveals was too risky that I wouldn't place, in addition to cost.
I wound up with a double header in races, triple in events. I left the first 2 without knowledge of how I did nor the awards. Day began cooler but got progressively hotter.
first agenda-turn on the light 5k
A return event, was small and by the grace of God, I made the top ten & found out by amigo and teammate Louis M that I won the master title. I missed breaking 20 by 2 seconds.
second agenda-its a wonderful run
Another return event, by contrast was large (500+). On top of that, the fatigue & heat factor slowed me by a minute & half. Praise the Lord, the same friend informed me I won my age group while I was at last scheduled event.
third agenda-strides for education (boca)
My first time here and was a very late start (10). I usually don't like that, except in this case, where I want multiple races. I almost signed up to race it until I heard only top 3 overall, no age categories. Considering both internal (just did 2) and external (now hot & humid, unknown course) conditions, I decided to walk the 5k as a cool down for those races. Hindsight reveals I could've won a medal (hearsay) but previous, I considered the fact that some young, fresh kids could win easily while I risk injury trying to run faster than the prior 5k's. I got an even bigger weekend coming up so I humbled myself.
15k of exercise completed with 3 hour span between 2 counties; praise the Lord!
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what was on my event list:
a. spartan TX beast
b. Dallas marathon
c. santa hustle (TN and daytona beach)
d. run for tomorrow half/5k
e. wellington mile
Eliminate the first 3 due to distance. I couldve done the last 2 for another double but decided not to push my luck. I cant afford injury, especially now.
I gonna go Clint Eastwood style:
The good: won age group*, broke 20
The bad: small plexi-award, humid, location
The ugly: was 2nd master* but given age, post race refreshments (no more pancakes)
Wednesday agenda-holiday boca mile
I did this once & got a PR but lost by a split second. I couldn't make it this year because I had to close at my job. Congrats to my teammates who did well.
Friday agenda-jingle bell by the river
Similar scenario (work) except I not close. Since race is in bradenton, cant make that one.
Saturday agenda-race!
Most races scheduled for today:
1. spartan TX beast
2. USATF jr Olympics CC national championships (NM)
3. its a wonderful run
4. strides for education (broward)
5. strides for education (boca)
6. turn on the light 5k
7. steps for healing 5k
8. rumrunner run 5k
Ok, you can rule out the first 2, out of FL. #7 was closer to home but I was attempting a triple header, so I ruled that out along with 8. However, those 2 would allow a double header. #4 could work but limits me to the same cause & hind sight reveals was too risky that I wouldn't place, in addition to cost.
I wound up with a double header in races, triple in events. I left the first 2 without knowledge of how I did nor the awards. Day began cooler but got progressively hotter.
first agenda-turn on the light 5k
A return event, was small and by the grace of God, I made the top ten & found out by amigo and teammate Louis M that I won the master title. I missed breaking 20 by 2 seconds.
second agenda-its a wonderful run
Another return event, by contrast was large (500+). On top of that, the fatigue & heat factor slowed me by a minute & half. Praise the Lord, the same friend informed me I won my age group while I was at last scheduled event.
third agenda-strides for education (boca)
My first time here and was a very late start (10). I usually don't like that, except in this case, where I want multiple races. I almost signed up to race it until I heard only top 3 overall, no age categories. Considering both internal (just did 2) and external (now hot & humid, unknown course) conditions, I decided to walk the 5k as a cool down for those races. Hindsight reveals I could've won a medal (hearsay) but previous, I considered the fact that some young, fresh kids could win easily while I risk injury trying to run faster than the prior 5k's. I got an even bigger weekend coming up so I humbled myself.
15k of exercise completed with 3 hour span between 2 counties; praise the Lord!
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what was on my event list:
a. spartan TX beast
b. Dallas marathon
c. santa hustle (TN and daytona beach)
d. run for tomorrow half/5k
e. wellington mile
Eliminate the first 3 due to distance. I couldve done the last 2 for another double but decided not to push my luck. I cant afford injury, especially now.
I gonna go Clint Eastwood style:
The good: won age group*, broke 20
The bad: small plexi-award, humid, location
The ugly: was 2nd master* but given age, post race refreshments (no more pancakes)
Saturday, December 01, 2012
first of last
first of last, what? Yep, this is the first weekend of the last month of 2012. Christmas is just 2 dozen days away!
Friday agenda-race
The marathon of palm beaches held a 5k & 10k last night but due to distance & duties (close at work), I had to pass on it. Congrats to those who raced, especially teammate Jon W. Heard both events were longer than usual.
Saturday agenda-race?
Found a lot of events today:
1. reggae marathon (half & 10 k)
2. spartan race CA
3. Savannah river bridge run
4. Santa hustle IL
5. the royal 5k
6. cca 5k
7. reindeer trot
8. cross country jingle bell jog
9. running with Danny road race
You may automatically eliminate all events out of FL: 1-5. I don't know where #7 was held nor #9 so scratch those. I like both of the remaining so I chose normal footing over grass.
External conditions=comfortable but windy, internal conditions=stomach & tired. I had to contend with a lot of kids plus the aforementioned but when the dust cleared, I won my age group, praise the Lord. However, time was still unacceptable & position worse (not even in bakers dozen). Everybody got medals. Average post race.
Sunday agenda-race?
Some more events today:
a. spartan race CA
b. Brandon half & 5k
c. palm beaches marathon (& half)
d. Hollywood half
With enough in tri-county area, wipe out a & b. I normally go to c. but decided on the inaugural instead. It was poorly done but hopefully will improve next year. What I liked were the finishers medal, friendly race organizers & a new course for a change.
The following short comings must be rectified:
1. cotton T's to men (ladies got tech shirts)
2. only top 3 overall, no age groups
3. insufficient water stations
4. no sports drink offered
5. insufficient restroom facilities (had ladies in men's room)
6. horrific post race (only bananas & water)
7. website kept referring to CA when info regarding FL needed
8. fee, especially considering what was offered
9. no clocks at mile markers (a great option)
I used this as a training run and was an unofficial sub 2 hour pacer and had fun, so I recommend others to give it a try, especially if you want a new experience.
Friday agenda-race
The marathon of palm beaches held a 5k & 10k last night but due to distance & duties (close at work), I had to pass on it. Congrats to those who raced, especially teammate Jon W. Heard both events were longer than usual.
Saturday agenda-race?
Found a lot of events today:
1. reggae marathon (half & 10 k)
2. spartan race CA
3. Savannah river bridge run
4. Santa hustle IL
5. the royal 5k
6. cca 5k
7. reindeer trot
8. cross country jingle bell jog
9. running with Danny road race
You may automatically eliminate all events out of FL: 1-5. I don't know where #7 was held nor #9 so scratch those. I like both of the remaining so I chose normal footing over grass.
External conditions=comfortable but windy, internal conditions=stomach & tired. I had to contend with a lot of kids plus the aforementioned but when the dust cleared, I won my age group, praise the Lord. However, time was still unacceptable & position worse (not even in bakers dozen). Everybody got medals. Average post race.
Sunday agenda-race?
Some more events today:
a. spartan race CA
b. Brandon half & 5k
c. palm beaches marathon (& half)
d. Hollywood half
With enough in tri-county area, wipe out a & b. I normally go to c. but decided on the inaugural instead. It was poorly done but hopefully will improve next year. What I liked were the finishers medal, friendly race organizers & a new course for a change.
The following short comings must be rectified:
1. cotton T's to men (ladies got tech shirts)
2. only top 3 overall, no age groups
3. insufficient water stations
4. no sports drink offered
5. insufficient restroom facilities (had ladies in men's room)
6. horrific post race (only bananas & water)
7. website kept referring to CA when info regarding FL needed
8. fee, especially considering what was offered
9. no clocks at mile markers (a great option)
I used this as a training run and was an unofficial sub 2 hour pacer and had fun, so I recommend others to give it a try, especially if you want a new experience.
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