MLK jr weekend

MLK jr weekend is upon us. Other than Jesus Christ, he is a true hero. With the blessing of God, he spawned radical, positive change to a racist society, who chose to ignore what was in the constitution and the bible, as far as I am concerned, in regards to equal rights and fair treatment to all humans, just based on skin color.

Saturday agenda-race?

These are the events I on my radar today:

1. st Pete beach classic 5k/10k
2. Bahamas marathon (and 4p relay/half/5k) weekend
3. ringling bridge run
4. running through the decades 5k
5. sunshine state games (half, 5k)
6. human run
7. Zo's family health
8. 5k for kids

You can automatically rule out the second (out of US). I pass on the former #2 and #3 (enough local races). I ended up doing the latter. Clint time:

The good: 2nd grand master (first time getting title in that group)
The bad: 2nd grand master (I missed first by 7 secs)
The ugly: no finisher medals, award=medal

Sunday agenda-race?

These are the events I selected for this day:

a. Bahamas marathon (and 4p relay/half/5k) weekend
b. vista view 360 ultra
c. bay harbour islands 10k/5k
d. Naples half
e. steps of life 5k
f. key west half and 5k

You can automatically rule out the former (out of US). By the grace of God, I have a long streak of going Naples half, so the latter and all else is automatically eliminated. Last year, I was disappointed that the race got cancelled due to weather. Yes, there was lightning but it stopped about an hour before the scheduled event. Although the pre/post race refreshment could have been served, it wasnt. Medals, also could have given out but was delayed until next day; by then, most had to go home, including me.

Well, this year went off as planned. When the race started, I had immediate pain in both knees (a rarity), in addition to my heels. I wanted to quit but God said no. I figured I'd have to walk a lot, but by the grace of God, I didnt walk at all. When the dust cleared, although I failed to break 2 hours (missed by 7 minutes), I got my best time in a half since 2015! Notable: this was the first time the finishers medal doesnt have a pelican on it!

Monday agenda-Martin Luther King jr 5k old

Clint style synopsis:

The good: top 3, beat Juan again, time improved
The bad: originally skipped at award ceremony, still injured
The ugly: lost overall in .1 by 1 second

This race became what I hoped to avoid due to my injury-a challenge. In a nutshell, I battled to stay with Juan until we both got passed at mile 2. After that, I switched off to the other, using the same strategy, until mile 3. We both picked up the pace but I failed to hold on due to my right knee. Afterwards, I was told by a friend that he was a former Cuban Olympian. I can accept the loss better with that info.

PS

Guys, no more bikes up, guns down. Dont equate your fun with all the serious work Dr. King did to advance civil rights. Plus, tickets and seizures are to follow.