Luck of the Irish? I saw a woman with a T-shirt that read, "kiss me, I'm not Irish";I second that notion. Ha ha! Happy St. Patrick's day. Actually, the title shall refer to how events turned out this weekend.
Saturday morning agenda-Miramar 5k
This day had so many to choose from. Far away, was race for the cure & close was a fun beach walk, both of which I passed on. I turned down one of my favorites, run like a bunny 5k, in lieu of this one. Jon won this one with ease. The battle was for second. At first, I paced with Steve (ultimately 4th overall, 1st in age group), but kept thinking in mind to adjust to whomever vies for the 2nd position. Kid wonder, Jeff, stepped up to the plate, passing us both. He lead till mile 2, then I decided to pace side by side with him. Once the opportunity was right, I used my patented master kick to earn that position. Since top 3 overall was not offered, I fell to top master, & he to age group. Runner's depot captured the top titles, which were plaques. Jeffrey got 1st in age group with the 3rd overall slot, earning a trophy. Note that 3rd place in age group received medals.
Saturday afternoon agenda-Miami mile
Due to a conflict last year, I missed this one when it was in the morning on Miami beach. This year, they wisely put it toward the night, plus it was close to home. The course was out & back on the busway! I hated the turn around but they really had no choice. I entered two of the 5 events.
Trivia 1: guess which two I did:
a. fast mile
b. stroller mile
c. master & student mile
d. march madness mile
e. open mile
Trivia 2: guess which ones Brian Sharkey did:
a. fast mile
b. stroller mile
c. master & student mile
d. march madness mile
e. open mile
In the fast mile, runners are supposed to run sub 6, but that didn't happen last year. This year was quite different as the winners of this event (only top 3 overall awards given) all broke 5 minutes!
In the stroller mile (my idea was ripped off), runners had to use a stroller to compete. Only overall (male & female ) was given to those who had a live child inside. No man entered, ruling out both he & I.
In the master & student mile, two generations were mixed, with the young toward the east & the other toward the west. Ramon P showed up to race. The student mile included primary & secondary levels. A master must be at least 40 years old. The top 5 male masters broke 6 minutes! Same occurred with the middle school division. Remarkably, the top 3 in these group beat high school entrants! In the mixed heat, the 2 fastest were 'old' guys.
In the march madness mile, participant dressed according to their selected schools, such as Miami Central High or UM. Amazing, none of those were represented. Only overall given.
In the open mile, age groups were given. This one was another battle. Going up (south) against the wind, I was about 10th place & but on the return trip, I finished in 6th, by passed a couple of kids & masters.
And now the moment you've been waiting for. Trivia 1=c & e. In c, good news & bad news. Bad=I got out sprinted in the last half mile, falling to 2nd. Good=I beat Ramon for the 1st time ever, causing him to drop out of e. In e, I won my age group (40-49). Trivia 2=a, d & e. In the last event, he had to battle back for the victory. Brian was the only person to get 3 golds. Only medals were given.
Sunday agenda-Miami International Triathlon
This was an inaugural event put on by Elite cycling (sponsored 2 of the trilogy races for our team last year) & swim, bike & run. The venue was held at the dilapidated Miami marine stadium, a place I had never been in my entire running career. That did make this intriguing. I had Kevin, a teammate last year in a du relay, on the bike & he hand picked Karla (was 2nd overall out of the water at escape last year) to swim. Mike N picked Cody, a pro, to bike & Felipe to run. Unfortunately, the inexperience of the race directors showed as there were no categories. Mike was smart to form an all male team, as they naturally won. Our team was the top co-ed relay, but since no such title was given, we had to settle for 2nd overall relay. I quickly informed staff as to how unfair this is. An all female team would have no chance, unless they had elites. Most elites don't do relays. They had a pre race dinner but I had to miss that in order to compete. The post race refreshments were good. Top notch were that trophies were given.
Honorable mention
* Freddy got 1st age at miramar
* Berta did the march madness as a Gator & got 3rd in the open.
* George won again at miramar plus at shamrock
* Louis got 2nd (after George)
* Jon placed also at shamrock
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Spring forward
Well, it's that time of the year again. We gotta spring forward early (in the past, it was closer to and/or within my month). Along with the spring forward, I have to bounce back. First, from my worst bout of the flu that lasted about a month. Secondly will be addressed after my agendas.
Saturday agenda-Ocean drive 5k
A repeat visit, thanks to long lasting friend Steve, who helped me to sign up. Post race was at Nikki's beach in SoBe. Already affected by the previous day (still no treadmill, amongst all), I didn't look good. Samm dropped due to injury & my dad, already shaky about the sprint races, was discouraged by the weather. I got caught in the rain on the way up & when I got there, there was a gigantic lake, uh, puddle, at the finish line! On top of that, it was windy. I kept thinking to myself that I've trained in worse plus everybody else is subjected to this as well. I laid the load on the Lord & decided to see how it would play out. By mile 1, some unknown woman passed me & wound up as the overall female winner. By mile 2, I was in a battle with the 2nd overall woman, the same one that online appeared to beat me, when reality, she did not. I paced with her until the sprint zone & then put on the master kick. By the grace of God, I won the master title! While waiting for the awards, I hung out with fellow athletes, eating & chatting, as usual. The post race refreshment, though good, was average. The glass awards were nice but given only to the top 3 overall, top 3 overall masters, and top age group;everyone else got medals.
Sunday agenda-Cooper city 5k
I remember doing this one but forgot why. When I saw the trophies, my memory was jogged. Today was nearly the opposite. It was cool & dry & although still windy, I was much less. I expected to do a lot better but that didn't pan out. I, unfortunately, lost the battle for the master title because many of the heavy weights showed up aiming for the Jim Richardson honor. The winner gets his name engraved amongst all previous winners on a gigantic trophy (you do not get) & some extra incentive. I had to settle for the top of my age group. However, I felt the need to get past teammate Allan & a noticeably struggling Walthon, both of which were in front of me early in the race. This event had a better post race 'party', about 3 1/2 - 4 stars.
Synopsis of 3 day occurrence. Clint style:
The good: I placed on both days with time under 19 & to the best of my knowledge, we are still friends.
The bad: today's time was worse than yesterday, despite better weather (cool & dry), plus the master titles were swept by much faster comrades. I didn't get to see my lady friend.
The ugly: yesterday, it rained while going to the event. That was enough to discourage my dad from doing it. Sammy still needed to recover from injury;get well soon. Before all this, I got the 'dear john' call I dreaded to think about prior to the race.
Honorable mention
* Gene placed despite poor performance (self-judged).
* Rubio family does well, with felipe 3rd overall!
* George tops his group on both days.
* Jon did well at gate river 15k, won today's event.
* Fred raced again * Silvia wins again
Saturday agenda-Ocean drive 5k
A repeat visit, thanks to long lasting friend Steve, who helped me to sign up. Post race was at Nikki's beach in SoBe. Already affected by the previous day (still no treadmill, amongst all), I didn't look good. Samm dropped due to injury & my dad, already shaky about the sprint races, was discouraged by the weather. I got caught in the rain on the way up & when I got there, there was a gigantic lake, uh, puddle, at the finish line! On top of that, it was windy. I kept thinking to myself that I've trained in worse plus everybody else is subjected to this as well. I laid the load on the Lord & decided to see how it would play out. By mile 1, some unknown woman passed me & wound up as the overall female winner. By mile 2, I was in a battle with the 2nd overall woman, the same one that online appeared to beat me, when reality, she did not. I paced with her until the sprint zone & then put on the master kick. By the grace of God, I won the master title! While waiting for the awards, I hung out with fellow athletes, eating & chatting, as usual. The post race refreshment, though good, was average. The glass awards were nice but given only to the top 3 overall, top 3 overall masters, and top age group;everyone else got medals.
Sunday agenda-Cooper city 5k
I remember doing this one but forgot why. When I saw the trophies, my memory was jogged. Today was nearly the opposite. It was cool & dry & although still windy, I was much less. I expected to do a lot better but that didn't pan out. I, unfortunately, lost the battle for the master title because many of the heavy weights showed up aiming for the Jim Richardson honor. The winner gets his name engraved amongst all previous winners on a gigantic trophy (you do not get) & some extra incentive. I had to settle for the top of my age group. However, I felt the need to get past teammate Allan & a noticeably struggling Walthon, both of which were in front of me early in the race. This event had a better post race 'party', about 3 1/2 - 4 stars.
Synopsis of 3 day occurrence. Clint style:
The good: I placed on both days with time under 19 & to the best of my knowledge, we are still friends.
The bad: today's time was worse than yesterday, despite better weather (cool & dry), plus the master titles were swept by much faster comrades. I didn't get to see my lady friend.
The ugly: yesterday, it rained while going to the event. That was enough to discourage my dad from doing it. Sammy still needed to recover from injury;get well soon. Before all this, I got the 'dear john' call I dreaded to think about prior to the race.
Honorable mention
* Gene placed despite poor performance (self-judged).
* Rubio family does well, with felipe 3rd overall!
* George tops his group on both days.
* Jon did well at gate river 15k, won today's event.
* Fred raced again * Silvia wins again
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
SAMMtastic
Well, as you all know, Samm & I really 'dig' each other. This year, I feel as though I won the ultimate prize for my efforts through the years. This professor is no doubt SAMMtastic!
Friday agenda-Calle 8
This event was changed for the worst. Last year, they had the traditional 8k run, as this year, but eliminated awards for the 5k walk. Knowing my chances were slim at best, plus the fact that I'll be racing over the weekend, I did not sign up for the event. However, it did not mean I was not going to be a part of it. I used the event as training run, especially necessary since my treadmill has been broken for about a week. Planned was a mile rabbit for a fantastic 4 teammate, Gene, to start him off well. Can you believe we ran that mile under 6 minutes? I dropped to a fast walk then paced a friend to mile 2; she continued, I turned around. Upon the turnaround, I was at mile 3(cut off a mile from the 8k course). I then paced with 2 sisters, the younger, faster one first till mile 4. I paced with the other one until the finish. I worked out more than planned. Now, for the complaints. From those who stuck around (I left early because I didn't park in a proper place), the paella was not there, instead small portions of some type of meat;I would have left hungry even if they were large amounts. The award was that Styrofoam crap I got last year, only a bit thicker. Also, less giveaways. Plus side, finisher medals for the fast, minus for the slow.
Saturday agenda-5k for a better day
This day actually started on some bad notes. #1, I had to go back to get my wallet, #2, I left later than desired & the worst, Samm not only couldn't run (injured) but didn't make it to the event, although with good reason. However, since I knew we'd meet sometime after the race & my performance as a rabbit, I was reassured. For the first time since I got sick (almost a month), I finally broke 19 and had decent mile splits. I turned out that that was required to guarantee a spot on the podium. Split second timing screwed up on the timing and swapped my time & position with the overall female. Although that did not affect the awards, online, it wipes out the fact that I beat all the women and was 9th overall with my age group victory. Finally, a decent award-a dolphin clock mounted on a 'marble' base. The post race refreshments were fine.
Sunday agenda-Hooters to Hooters half marathon
As a man, the title alone got my attention. Seriously, it was an inaugural event with low online turnout. In addition to that, I felt the need to redeem myself from the dismal A1A performance. With all support I received from Samm, I felt as though I was in a win-win situation. She promised she'd be there at the finish & kept to that. The day started off nice and cool, borderline cold. For the first time ever, I had about a 6 minute first mile. I had to cut that back though in order to finish this distance. I remained largely on target until I hit the bridge. Twas at this point I got passed up by many runners. Also, I decided to use the Nike+ Ipod system. When I made it through the finish line, #1 I saw I missed my mark (break an hour and a half) by about a minute, #2 gave my baby a big hug, #3 she took off my chip. For a meat eater, a 5 star race with the legendary chicken wings. For the first time in years, I placed in a distance and had to wait for it. They extended the wait with the bogus raffles & palm beach pick (jump around the age groups, leaving me near last). The gave out a glass mug & had the winners take a picture with a back drop of at least a dozen Hooter girls; neat.
Road trip
The pre half marathon trip consisted of the drive from Broward to Ft Myers after a great, home cooked meal; Samm made it seem quick. Maybe it's true that time flies when you're having fun. After I got the packet, we found a place, ate, and had a good time together.
We finally made to a beach to settle down then began the post half marathon trip. It was the reverse of the previous day, but I helped out a little bit. Before I went home, I was invited to 'mama's kitchen', a gourmet restaurant as far as I am concerned for the post race meal.
Honorable mention
* Sammy, for going to an event she did not compete in
* Sammy, for volunteering, caring as usual.
* Samm's mom, 'chef' of the wonderful meals.
* Jon placed 4th in the half
* Chuck (co-owner of Runner's depot) & wife competed, she placed.
* In the 5k, a teammate of last year, Inga, placed.
Friday agenda-Calle 8
This event was changed for the worst. Last year, they had the traditional 8k run, as this year, but eliminated awards for the 5k walk. Knowing my chances were slim at best, plus the fact that I'll be racing over the weekend, I did not sign up for the event. However, it did not mean I was not going to be a part of it. I used the event as training run, especially necessary since my treadmill has been broken for about a week. Planned was a mile rabbit for a fantastic 4 teammate, Gene, to start him off well. Can you believe we ran that mile under 6 minutes? I dropped to a fast walk then paced a friend to mile 2; she continued, I turned around. Upon the turnaround, I was at mile 3(cut off a mile from the 8k course). I then paced with 2 sisters, the younger, faster one first till mile 4. I paced with the other one until the finish. I worked out more than planned. Now, for the complaints. From those who stuck around (I left early because I didn't park in a proper place), the paella was not there, instead small portions of some type of meat;I would have left hungry even if they were large amounts. The award was that Styrofoam crap I got last year, only a bit thicker. Also, less giveaways. Plus side, finisher medals for the fast, minus for the slow.
Saturday agenda-5k for a better day
This day actually started on some bad notes. #1, I had to go back to get my wallet, #2, I left later than desired & the worst, Samm not only couldn't run (injured) but didn't make it to the event, although with good reason. However, since I knew we'd meet sometime after the race & my performance as a rabbit, I was reassured. For the first time since I got sick (almost a month), I finally broke 19 and had decent mile splits. I turned out that that was required to guarantee a spot on the podium. Split second timing screwed up on the timing and swapped my time & position with the overall female. Although that did not affect the awards, online, it wipes out the fact that I beat all the women and was 9th overall with my age group victory. Finally, a decent award-a dolphin clock mounted on a 'marble' base. The post race refreshments were fine.
Sunday agenda-Hooters to Hooters half marathon
As a man, the title alone got my attention. Seriously, it was an inaugural event with low online turnout. In addition to that, I felt the need to redeem myself from the dismal A1A performance. With all support I received from Samm, I felt as though I was in a win-win situation. She promised she'd be there at the finish & kept to that. The day started off nice and cool, borderline cold. For the first time ever, I had about a 6 minute first mile. I had to cut that back though in order to finish this distance. I remained largely on target until I hit the bridge. Twas at this point I got passed up by many runners. Also, I decided to use the Nike+ Ipod system. When I made it through the finish line, #1 I saw I missed my mark (break an hour and a half) by about a minute, #2 gave my baby a big hug, #3 she took off my chip. For a meat eater, a 5 star race with the legendary chicken wings. For the first time in years, I placed in a distance and had to wait for it. They extended the wait with the bogus raffles & palm beach pick (jump around the age groups, leaving me near last). The gave out a glass mug & had the winners take a picture with a back drop of at least a dozen Hooter girls; neat.
Road trip
The pre half marathon trip consisted of the drive from Broward to Ft Myers after a great, home cooked meal; Samm made it seem quick. Maybe it's true that time flies when you're having fun. After I got the packet, we found a place, ate, and had a good time together.
We finally made to a beach to settle down then began the post half marathon trip. It was the reverse of the previous day, but I helped out a little bit. Before I went home, I was invited to 'mama's kitchen', a gourmet restaurant as far as I am concerned for the post race meal.
Honorable mention
* Sammy, for going to an event she did not compete in
* Sammy, for volunteering, caring as usual.
* Samm's mom, 'chef' of the wonderful meals.
* Jon placed 4th in the half
* Chuck (co-owner of Runner's depot) & wife competed, she placed.
* In the 5k, a teammate of last year, Inga, placed.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Masterless
During the last weekend prior to the leap day, I attempted another triple header.
Saturday morning agenda-lakes of meadow
This event offered the 5k and the 10k. The latter was chosen by my fellow teammates. This one is known to be an inexpensive race. Due to the weather (hot), I did not switch from the 5k to the 10k as I did last year. Good move, as I struggled to finish still suffering from remnants of that illness. With the poor time I posted, I was fortunate to win my age group. Unless you were in the top 3 overall or master, the best you can get were medals. They had decent post race refreshments.
Saturday afternoon agenda-rock, walk & run 5k
Jon convinced me to do this one. It was located in Winterhaven, so time was of the essence. I met with him later than planned due to various circumstances, with traffic being #1. We headed up via the turnpike & Jon made up the time lost. The course had rolling hills & it drizzled a bit during the race. This time, I expected to struggle;it came to fruition. However, technically, I did improve over the morning race, although by merely a few seconds. My overall race position (11th) was exactly the same but my age group position slipped to second. Luckily for the both of us, all that placed, including overall, got the same item. It was unique in that it appeared to be a CD and was the 1st time I got something like that ever. There was a lot more to drink than eat, in terms of free refreshments. This event offered a dog run & a booth with free stuff for pets! Disappointing was that all the good food was being sold, even the pizza by one of the race sponsors. If you will were willing to pay, it was a 5 star event.
Sunday agenda-run through central park 5k
This race was put on by my new team, Runner's depot. I told Jon the previous night that I was lucky to get by with those dismal times but that won't cut it for this event; I was 'spot on'. In all 3 races, mile one was about 6:05 and mile 2 around 12:30. With that in mind, there was no real hope there would be any light at the end of the tunnel. However, with the cloudy sky, the temperature was not bad & I felt a bit better. Aware of the competition amongst me, I paced & pushed as hard as possible, especially once I got on the track. It turned out to be a wise move as I edged out the age group victory by a mere second. The slowest placing time was faster than what I've been doing since after the overall win, indicating that I escaped leaving without hardware. I did better & felt better, leaving me with a sense of hope regarding my recovery. Good post race refreshments but bogus raffle. The best of all of them because they gave out trophies. Scary, but I darn near left without one, based on the finishing times.
Why the title, masterless? That title eluded me in all 3 races. Looking at the winning times, I would've, could've, and should've, but didn't, thanks to this horrible illness. However, unlike the previous week, I placed in all events I entered this weekend.
Post race victory celebration
Sammy completes yet another race, despite injury. She always asks if I celebrate after a win & I reply that the award is my reward. However, because I have struggled much like the Miami Heat since I got sick, this time I took her advice & invitation. Wow! I only hope she had as much fun as I did. Being with her in itself is a reward, but any time we spend together just adds to that winning feeling. Thanx.
Honorable mention
* Jon gets an award in all 3 of his events (we met only in one).
* Jonathan edges out friend Mike for 3rd overall
* Mike wins his age group, despite illness
* Fred finishes
* Silvia W placed 2nd for the 1st time in years
Saturday morning agenda-lakes of meadow
This event offered the 5k and the 10k. The latter was chosen by my fellow teammates. This one is known to be an inexpensive race. Due to the weather (hot), I did not switch from the 5k to the 10k as I did last year. Good move, as I struggled to finish still suffering from remnants of that illness. With the poor time I posted, I was fortunate to win my age group. Unless you were in the top 3 overall or master, the best you can get were medals. They had decent post race refreshments.
Saturday afternoon agenda-rock, walk & run 5k
Jon convinced me to do this one. It was located in Winterhaven, so time was of the essence. I met with him later than planned due to various circumstances, with traffic being #1. We headed up via the turnpike & Jon made up the time lost. The course had rolling hills & it drizzled a bit during the race. This time, I expected to struggle;it came to fruition. However, technically, I did improve over the morning race, although by merely a few seconds. My overall race position (11th) was exactly the same but my age group position slipped to second. Luckily for the both of us, all that placed, including overall, got the same item. It was unique in that it appeared to be a CD and was the 1st time I got something like that ever. There was a lot more to drink than eat, in terms of free refreshments. This event offered a dog run & a booth with free stuff for pets! Disappointing was that all the good food was being sold, even the pizza by one of the race sponsors. If you will were willing to pay, it was a 5 star event.
Sunday agenda-run through central park 5k
This race was put on by my new team, Runner's depot. I told Jon the previous night that I was lucky to get by with those dismal times but that won't cut it for this event; I was 'spot on'. In all 3 races, mile one was about 6:05 and mile 2 around 12:30. With that in mind, there was no real hope there would be any light at the end of the tunnel. However, with the cloudy sky, the temperature was not bad & I felt a bit better. Aware of the competition amongst me, I paced & pushed as hard as possible, especially once I got on the track. It turned out to be a wise move as I edged out the age group victory by a mere second. The slowest placing time was faster than what I've been doing since after the overall win, indicating that I escaped leaving without hardware. I did better & felt better, leaving me with a sense of hope regarding my recovery. Good post race refreshments but bogus raffle. The best of all of them because they gave out trophies. Scary, but I darn near left without one, based on the finishing times.
Why the title, masterless? That title eluded me in all 3 races. Looking at the winning times, I would've, could've, and should've, but didn't, thanks to this horrible illness. However, unlike the previous week, I placed in all events I entered this weekend.
Post race victory celebration
Sammy completes yet another race, despite injury. She always asks if I celebrate after a win & I reply that the award is my reward. However, because I have struggled much like the Miami Heat since I got sick, this time I took her advice & invitation. Wow! I only hope she had as much fun as I did. Being with her in itself is a reward, but any time we spend together just adds to that winning feeling. Thanx.
Honorable mention
* Jon gets an award in all 3 of his events (we met only in one).
* Jonathan edges out friend Mike for 3rd overall
* Mike wins his age group, despite illness
* Fred finishes
* Silvia W placed 2nd for the 1st time in years
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sick & tired
That's how I felt all weekend. 2 weeks down, no racing or quality training & I could feel that.
Saturday morning agenda-race for what matters 5k
I wanted to do this one for the following reasons:
1. finisher's medals given out (no pressure race)
2. team competition available
3. trophies on all levels.
This qualified as flash race with a few giveaways but the raffle was poorly done;I, among others, didn't get a ticket, therefore no chance to win. They botched the award ceremony also by announcing winners in one area then sent the winner to where the awards were but the person there refused to give them out, stating she didn't have the list. I felt a terrible strain & congestion in my chest area due to my illness, & therefore performed miserably (failed to break 19 by a large margin). It cost me the master title. Although I allowed Humberto to beat me for the 1st time since, woooooooo, my time held for the last slot. I could've gotten the biggest trophy in my age group by allowing a grandmaster to beat me for the last master position but dating back to the dilema I had in the past, I chose honor over award size. My new team, Runner's Depot won & I brought it over to Renee at the marathon expo.
Saturday evening agenda-Edison festival of light 5k
I knew I'd probably not place, just based on my performance earlier but I could not let my team down via forfeit by not showing up. So, I made the long drive, did what I could (time was even worse) and once I saw the result, I got outta dodge because I knew I had a big event the next day. This is normally a flash race but I left before the awards were given out, so I can't confirm this year. Ronnie got 3rd overall & his team won. I was told our team was 4th.
Sunday agenda-A1A
ESM offers both a full & half marathon. I did the 1st two fulls & plan on another half marathon next year for bragging rights. The amenities qualified it as a 5 star flash. The pizza company was great & all else were donations. I decided to treat this as a training run due to my internal condition. I set the goal to break 2 hours, thinking I'd barely make it;I was off by only 2 minutes from Disney. I was happy to finish without incident.
Honorable mention
* My dad finished the half (placed in the full, ha)
* Sammy showed up & made the day!
Saturday morning agenda-race for what matters 5k
I wanted to do this one for the following reasons:
1. finisher's medals given out (no pressure race)
2. team competition available
3. trophies on all levels.
This qualified as flash race with a few giveaways but the raffle was poorly done;I, among others, didn't get a ticket, therefore no chance to win. They botched the award ceremony also by announcing winners in one area then sent the winner to where the awards were but the person there refused to give them out, stating she didn't have the list. I felt a terrible strain & congestion in my chest area due to my illness, & therefore performed miserably (failed to break 19 by a large margin). It cost me the master title. Although I allowed Humberto to beat me for the 1st time since, woooooooo, my time held for the last slot. I could've gotten the biggest trophy in my age group by allowing a grandmaster to beat me for the last master position but dating back to the dilema I had in the past, I chose honor over award size. My new team, Runner's Depot won & I brought it over to Renee at the marathon expo.
Saturday evening agenda-Edison festival of light 5k
I knew I'd probably not place, just based on my performance earlier but I could not let my team down via forfeit by not showing up. So, I made the long drive, did what I could (time was even worse) and once I saw the result, I got outta dodge because I knew I had a big event the next day. This is normally a flash race but I left before the awards were given out, so I can't confirm this year. Ronnie got 3rd overall & his team won. I was told our team was 4th.
Sunday agenda-A1A
ESM offers both a full & half marathon. I did the 1st two fulls & plan on another half marathon next year for bragging rights. The amenities qualified it as a 5 star flash. The pizza company was great & all else were donations. I decided to treat this as a training run due to my internal condition. I set the goal to break 2 hours, thinking I'd barely make it;I was off by only 2 minutes from Disney. I was happy to finish without incident.
Honorable mention
* My dad finished the half (placed in the full, ha)
* Sammy showed up & made the day!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Horror weekend
I've been sick since the last blog, with barely any training & worse, no racing! I've been forced to miss the following:
Gasparilla 5k, 15k & my intended marathon relay, my friend Mike's 5k, in which I could've been 2nd overall to him, the Sallarulo 5k, in which I could've been top master, multirace du/tri. There were many non competitive events as well.
Honorable mention
The only good news is in this section.
* Mike wins his own race.
* Sammy breaks 40 min
Gasparilla 5k, 15k & my intended marathon relay, my friend Mike's 5k, in which I could've been 2nd overall to him, the Sallarulo 5k, in which I could've been top master, multirace du/tri. There were many non competitive events as well.
Honorable mention
The only good news is in this section.
* Mike wins his own race.
* Sammy breaks 40 min
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Super weekend
This past weekend was super for both good & bad reasons. Naturally, you all know it's the super bowl weekend. For many, the only encounter with sports.
Saturday agenda-Maroone 5k
I originally intended to skip this one this year due to a 2 year drought on success but because my ladyfriend (Sammy) had informed me that she already signed up for it, I had a different motivation to attend. Thanks to her, the losing streak was broken. Not so super was that my time was worse than last year, I allowed the overall female to win with about that time I had last year & did not win neither the master nor the age group title. Super was that I at least placed with the less than stellar time. Sammy herself finished with her better times. I was disappointed with medals instead of trophies that issued over 2 years ago. Also, I officially signed on with Runner's Depot.
Sunday agenda-I care, I cure, I run 5k
I normally do the butterfly 5k but I invoked the 'been there, done that' rule & gave this one a try. It also supported a good cause (Joe Dimaggio childrens hospital). I came in with expectations of a small race. Boy, was I wrong! Over a grand finished. Not so super was the late start & the fact that my illness was increasing since Saturday. This was my debut as a Runner's Depot teammate, so I felt some pressure to represent. When the gun went off, I was in the top ten & for a about a mile, Jeffery, the kid wonder, was leading, while I struggled to keep him & Allan in sight. After that, he suffered from sickness & dropped way back. In the final mile, I was basically me & Allan. By the grace of god, I edged him out for my long overdue overall victory! Total surprise, considering I was under the weather. Because of the sheer number of ammenities (goodies, food & drink), this qualified as a 5 star flash race, even without a hot meal.
Honorable mention
* Sammy completed her 1st back to back by competing Sunday as well.
* Sammy's mom finishes her 1st 5k & almost placed!
* Both of the above helped try to recover from illness.
Saturday agenda-Maroone 5k
I originally intended to skip this one this year due to a 2 year drought on success but because my ladyfriend (Sammy) had informed me that she already signed up for it, I had a different motivation to attend. Thanks to her, the losing streak was broken. Not so super was that my time was worse than last year, I allowed the overall female to win with about that time I had last year & did not win neither the master nor the age group title. Super was that I at least placed with the less than stellar time. Sammy herself finished with her better times. I was disappointed with medals instead of trophies that issued over 2 years ago. Also, I officially signed on with Runner's Depot.
Sunday agenda-I care, I cure, I run 5k
I normally do the butterfly 5k but I invoked the 'been there, done that' rule & gave this one a try. It also supported a good cause (Joe Dimaggio childrens hospital). I came in with expectations of a small race. Boy, was I wrong! Over a grand finished. Not so super was the late start & the fact that my illness was increasing since Saturday. This was my debut as a Runner's Depot teammate, so I felt some pressure to represent. When the gun went off, I was in the top ten & for a about a mile, Jeffery, the kid wonder, was leading, while I struggled to keep him & Allan in sight. After that, he suffered from sickness & dropped way back. In the final mile, I was basically me & Allan. By the grace of god, I edged him out for my long overdue overall victory! Total surprise, considering I was under the weather. Because of the sheer number of ammenities (goodies, food & drink), this qualified as a 5 star flash race, even without a hot meal.
Honorable mention
* Sammy completed her 1st back to back by competing Sunday as well.
* Sammy's mom finishes her 1st 5k & almost placed!
* Both of the above helped try to recover from illness.
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