Monday, April 21, 2008
Patriot's day
Happy a happy one. Congratulations to all finishers of the Boston marathon today. I commemoriam, I skated 14 miles in training, then capped off with a couple of sprints.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Passover weekend
To those of the Jewish, happy passover. The term also applied to certain events this weekend.
Saturday agenda-Stampede in the park 5k
Yesterday was more than expected, both good & bad. It began bad. I got caught in traffic both in Dade & Broward, due to accidents & road construction. To avoid the latter, I took an exit (I tried to passover the delay) & got pulled over (wish I were passed over). The Lord above got me outta that, but it added to my delay. I got to the race later than I wanted. Luckily, I left early enough to absorb these incidents. I didn't have the time to warm up. When the gun went off, I was in about 12th place, I cut it half near mile 2. The last mile was the thriller, as it came down to a battle for the third slot. I knew that 3rd overall trophy was smaller than the 1st overall master. I, once again, was faced with the dilemma-go for size (of the prize) or honor (best possible position)? What would pre do? the latter, of course! I managed to outsprint the challenger to earn my spot.
Surprisingly, they had a pancake breakfast, but with lack of other goodies (only basic oranges, & bagels), I rate it as 4 stars.
I passed over the walk and roll-athon because it was a non-competitive event that would interfere with the competitive race chosen.
Bonus activity
A runner told me that she does dragon boat races & that event was gonna start shortly, right near where the 5k was. Naturally, I went to check it out. It was interesting and looked like fun. The team captain want me to join them but ya'll know that running supersedes other events (it passed over it) & they hold them on Saturdays, interfering with 5k's.
Upon leaving that, I saw some college event featuring football. I passed over that for the next event.
Perhaps the best unexpected treat was the walk for wildlife event. It was catered to pets, with a couple of events, like dog rodeo and several tents dedicated to pets. Fitting that pet supermarket was a title sponsor. For adults, there was a 2 0r 3 mile walk, with or without pets. There were activities for kids, like a bounce house & games; truly an event for family. An Italian restaurant gave out samples & many booths had giveaways, largely for pets. I got a few things for my brother.
After taking care of business with my team sponsor, Runner's Depot, I discovered there was a health fair across the street! There, you can get many tests that normally will cost you, for free. Plus, you meat eaters could have a hot dog or hamburger with a soda.
Sunday agenda-Multirace.com
I called it by the name of race director because they offered both a du and triathlon. I chose the former as a team. Gene had to run twice on the same for the first time ever; I couldn't get another person. Did I forget to mention that I got there later than I wanted by passing over intended exit(took wrong exit)? We had to hustle to get the packets and then set up within half an hour! He ran an incredible 5:36 mile, the 2nd best overall of all duathletes, relay or not. Today, I rode the bike and got a personal best of 38:08 for ten miles, breaking 21 minutes for 1st time ever! He did anchor run just under a six minute pace, also, the 2nd best overall, best among the relays. My record breaking ride was 2nd overall among duathletes. Our team won, basically because of the run. Luckily, my bike time was competitive enough to allow him to be within range to beat her running. Gene put us in the lead, so much so I almost got lost (I never started on the bike as a race leader before). When the dust cleared, we dropped to 15th place, including both du & triathletes. He cut that down greatly. Biggest blunder-failure to provide t-shirts to pre-registered athletes! Amenities were good, no hot meals.
I passed over the aids walk Miami because it was a non-competitive event that would interfere with the competitive race chosen.
Honorable mention
* Walthon (the one I got by) & Humberto won in the master division.
* Gary, co-owner of Premier, my former team, won age group.
* Despite injury, George wins category on both days.
* Mike wins age group, despite injury
* Mike's family (wife & 2 kids) won 2nd in co-ed
* The team we beat, both hubby & wife are friends of mine
Saturday agenda-Stampede in the park 5k
Yesterday was more than expected, both good & bad. It began bad. I got caught in traffic both in Dade & Broward, due to accidents & road construction. To avoid the latter, I took an exit (I tried to passover the delay) & got pulled over (wish I were passed over). The Lord above got me outta that, but it added to my delay. I got to the race later than I wanted. Luckily, I left early enough to absorb these incidents. I didn't have the time to warm up. When the gun went off, I was in about 12th place, I cut it half near mile 2. The last mile was the thriller, as it came down to a battle for the third slot. I knew that 3rd overall trophy was smaller than the 1st overall master. I, once again, was faced with the dilemma-go for size (of the prize) or honor (best possible position)? What would pre do? the latter, of course! I managed to outsprint the challenger to earn my spot.
Surprisingly, they had a pancake breakfast, but with lack of other goodies (only basic oranges, & bagels), I rate it as 4 stars.
I passed over the walk and roll-athon because it was a non-competitive event that would interfere with the competitive race chosen.
Bonus activity
A runner told me that she does dragon boat races & that event was gonna start shortly, right near where the 5k was. Naturally, I went to check it out. It was interesting and looked like fun. The team captain want me to join them but ya'll know that running supersedes other events (it passed over it) & they hold them on Saturdays, interfering with 5k's.
Upon leaving that, I saw some college event featuring football. I passed over that for the next event.
Perhaps the best unexpected treat was the walk for wildlife event. It was catered to pets, with a couple of events, like dog rodeo and several tents dedicated to pets. Fitting that pet supermarket was a title sponsor. For adults, there was a 2 0r 3 mile walk, with or without pets. There were activities for kids, like a bounce house & games; truly an event for family. An Italian restaurant gave out samples & many booths had giveaways, largely for pets. I got a few things for my brother.
After taking care of business with my team sponsor, Runner's Depot, I discovered there was a health fair across the street! There, you can get many tests that normally will cost you, for free. Plus, you meat eaters could have a hot dog or hamburger with a soda.
Sunday agenda-Multirace.com
I called it by the name of race director because they offered both a du and triathlon. I chose the former as a team. Gene had to run twice on the same for the first time ever; I couldn't get another person. Did I forget to mention that I got there later than I wanted by passing over intended exit(took wrong exit)? We had to hustle to get the packets and then set up within half an hour! He ran an incredible 5:36 mile, the 2nd best overall of all duathletes, relay or not. Today, I rode the bike and got a personal best of 38:08 for ten miles, breaking 21 minutes for 1st time ever! He did anchor run just under a six minute pace, also, the 2nd best overall, best among the relays. My record breaking ride was 2nd overall among duathletes. Our team won, basically because of the run. Luckily, my bike time was competitive enough to allow him to be within range to beat her running. Gene put us in the lead, so much so I almost got lost (I never started on the bike as a race leader before). When the dust cleared, we dropped to 15th place, including both du & triathletes. He cut that down greatly. Biggest blunder-failure to provide t-shirts to pre-registered athletes! Amenities were good, no hot meals.
I passed over the aids walk Miami because it was a non-competitive event that would interfere with the competitive race chosen.
Honorable mention
* Walthon (the one I got by) & Humberto won in the master division.
* Gary, co-owner of Premier, my former team, won age group.
* Despite injury, George wins category on both days.
* Mike wins age group, despite injury
* Mike's family (wife & 2 kids) won 2nd in co-ed
* The team we beat, both hubby & wife are friends of mine
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tax day
By the time you read this, if you haven't filed, you're too late! When I was growing up, I always wondered why my dad seemed down. I thought it was me. Well, could've been but more likely, it was due to taxing times!
I did the CPA 1040 5k race as previously mentioned. I was a rare weekday night race that sometimes I can't make because of work. Unusual weather, since it was cool; worked to my favor.
Hope ya'll got refunds.
I did the CPA 1040 5k race as previously mentioned. I was a rare weekday night race that sometimes I can't make because of work. Unusual weather, since it was cool; worked to my favor.
Hope ya'll got refunds.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Birthday blast
I'm having a birthday blast of fitness. I am racing the weekend, advance to intermediate (in my age group), then race on tax day.
Saturday agenda-5k?
Guess which of the following events I did that occurred this day:
1. Talk the talk, walk the walk (tropical park)
2. Tour of the Gables 5k
3. Swim Miami (midtown)
4. Climb (the Wachovia) Miami
5. Walk, run for sickle cell anemia 5k
6. 2008 walk to defeat ALS
7. Kids in distress 5k (Markham park)
Of all those mentioned, for the first time, only one was in Broward, and that wasn't in the north part!
Ok, for all my loyal fans (ha ha), ya'll know you can eliminate #3. Jenny C., swimmer of the 2007 co-ed relay trilogy champions (Du Tri Harder) decided to do this one, foiling my chances of having her on a relay team this weekend.
Next, strike out any event that does not give awards;ya'll know I am a competitor. That'll be numbers 1 & 6.
In the past when I was a gym rat, my knees didn't take kindly to step machines. Although I may consider it sometime now because of my improved physique & conditioning, I can not choose that over a running race. Wipe out four.
The only viable options left are 2, 5 and 7. The former was the closest in proximity and the latter, the furthest.
Runner's Depot had an overall winner between 2 of the 3 above races!
Neither 2. Tour of the Gables 5k, nor 5. Walk, run for sickle cell anemia 5k offered a master title. 7, Kids in distress 5k (Markham park) had the overall master title, the same timing company that put on the race last week where that title eluded me.
Since I was forced to choose one (I'd do multiple if actually possible), I rifled through the aforementioned criteria, plus
a. proximity
b. cause (some health or charity)
c. been there, done that rule
By selecting b., choice 2, the closest to me, was eliminated.
By taking c., choice 2 & 7 lost.
It's been a long time since I ran at Dolphin stadium. When the gun went off, 3 kids sprinted out & had me beat for 500 meters. Sadly for them, this was not a track and field event. Once we hit the corner, they became impediments, forcing me to break stride to avoid collisions. On the same site (formerly Joe Robbie stadium) where I recorded my first overall victory at the now defunct Boyscout 5k, history repeats itself at this one. Biggest difference is that this one is undisputed. At the boyscout race, I was 4th overall, but declared the winner when the top 3 were disqualified by the race director, beloved Dave Shula, for going cutting the course (went the wrong way)! I have to break down my rating in the following manner:
1. 5 stars for meat lovers, since hot dogs & hamburgers were served.
2. 2 stars for all others=bananas, uncut oranges & donuts that disappeared before anyone (runners) could get any.
3. 4 star flash race=lots of giveaways, a health fair & band battle.
4. plaques to overall, and 3d medals for age group.
5. course excellent, flat with only one sharp turn around.
The battle of the bands featured my high school Miami Central Rockets vs Carol City vs the defending champions, Norland. Unfortunately, my Rockets had too many freshman & were eliminated. The other two played great but Carol city had more umph! They had guys who worked cymbals like I never seen, plus a lot more dancing. Therefore, the new champs won a grand for the victory. The former champs got half & Central got a quarter of the top prize.
Also, one of the announcers was 99 Jamz celebrity, Supa Cindy! The winners took a picture with her on stage.
Sunday agenda-triathlon
Two were scheduled this day- FAU wellness and Nautica. The former is a well established sprint triathlon that draws a competitive field and is far for me (Boca raton). The latter is an inaugural with strange distances. By the time I could get a swimmer to pay, nautica was sold out. I wanted to compete so bad, I travelled far to do that dreaded all or nothing relay up in boca. The cyclist was the husband of elite woman triathlete, Diane. He picked a swimmer & he was happy I wanted to run because he was facing double duty. Unfortunately for us, our swimmer struggled and took twice as long as the swimmer of the winning team. Although he (Keith, the cyclist) had his best time and I was the fastest runner of all the teams, the deficit was too great to overcome. We were the first losers (2nd place) and now this year, I suffered my first relay defeat, 2nd team loss & 3rd time leaving an event without any hardware. What a lousy way to close out my sophomore year! I'm gonna cling onto Saturday. I give the race 4 1/2 stars for the amenities, because there was plenty to eat and drink. They missed 5 stars because no hot meal was served. I give them only 1 star for depriving relays of awards. I advise all athletes to avoid relays in this event because it is treated as low as cockroaches & the race director basically didn't care. She won't budge on her idea of how the event can be improved and left me with the notion, "if you don't like it, don't do it"; I'll second that and pass in the future, especially if I have to pay.
Monday agenda-advancement
I age another year by advancing to intermediate in my age group. Unfortunately, it's not getting any easier. Other than my training ride, this day is uneventful. However, I am thankful for all that God gives me.
Tuesday agenda-run on tax day
Normally, this day is reserved for training at Niketown. However, it fell on the tax deadline day. The purpose of training is to race, therefore an event will override. The CPA 1040k was held, hosted by PR racing. They offered a 10k, which went off first, then the 5k. I chose the latter for the following reasons:
1. 10k fee is higher
2. on a sub 19 drought for weeks
3. night race (don't like them but will accept)
4. poor success rate with this distance
I seemed to struggle in the first mile as Jeffrey & Gene passed me, despite the sub 6 minute pace. By mile 2, I got in a groove and began to get on track. When the dust cleared, somebody in my age group beat me. Since no master titles were given, I dropped to 2nd. No big deal, since the only difference with the medals were the color of the ribbons. 3 1/2 to 4 stars as a flash race. Plenty to eat. I don't like the mock raffle but it was held.
Honorable mention
* Teammate Jon Williams won (kids in distress) taking steps 5k & 2nd overall in the cpa 5k
* Freddy took 3rd overall (sickle cell)
* Berta won 2nd in age group (sickle cell) & did the cpa 5k
* I saw Sammy's friend (walked) but not her
* Adam of Niketown won (overall) his 1st race (tour of gables).
* George won his age group (taking steps 5k) & runner up at fau
* Diane Calloway places again (fau)
* Teammate Allan completes 5k (kids) & fau
* Cassie completes a tri (nautica)
* Felipe takes 2nd (nautica) & top age group in cpa 10k (4th overall)
* Gene got 2nd age group at cpa
* Jeffrey topped his age group & broke 19
* Rosa, a teammate of my 1st Miami man, did the 10k
* Terry, the other teammate of my 1st Miami man, also did the 10k
Saturday agenda-5k?
Guess which of the following events I did that occurred this day:
1. Talk the talk, walk the walk (tropical park)
2. Tour of the Gables 5k
3. Swim Miami (midtown)
4. Climb (the Wachovia) Miami
5. Walk, run for sickle cell anemia 5k
6. 2008 walk to defeat ALS
7. Kids in distress 5k (Markham park)
Of all those mentioned, for the first time, only one was in Broward, and that wasn't in the north part!
Ok, for all my loyal fans (ha ha), ya'll know you can eliminate #3. Jenny C., swimmer of the 2007 co-ed relay trilogy champions (Du Tri Harder) decided to do this one, foiling my chances of having her on a relay team this weekend.
Next, strike out any event that does not give awards;ya'll know I am a competitor. That'll be numbers 1 & 6.
In the past when I was a gym rat, my knees didn't take kindly to step machines. Although I may consider it sometime now because of my improved physique & conditioning, I can not choose that over a running race. Wipe out four.
The only viable options left are 2, 5 and 7. The former was the closest in proximity and the latter, the furthest.
Runner's Depot had an overall winner between 2 of the 3 above races!
Neither 2. Tour of the Gables 5k, nor 5. Walk, run for sickle cell anemia 5k offered a master title. 7, Kids in distress 5k (Markham park) had the overall master title, the same timing company that put on the race last week where that title eluded me.
Since I was forced to choose one (I'd do multiple if actually possible), I rifled through the aforementioned criteria, plus
a. proximity
b. cause (some health or charity)
c. been there, done that rule
By selecting b., choice 2, the closest to me, was eliminated.
By taking c., choice 2 & 7 lost.
It's been a long time since I ran at Dolphin stadium. When the gun went off, 3 kids sprinted out & had me beat for 500 meters. Sadly for them, this was not a track and field event. Once we hit the corner, they became impediments, forcing me to break stride to avoid collisions. On the same site (formerly Joe Robbie stadium) where I recorded my first overall victory at the now defunct Boyscout 5k, history repeats itself at this one. Biggest difference is that this one is undisputed. At the boyscout race, I was 4th overall, but declared the winner when the top 3 were disqualified by the race director, beloved Dave Shula, for going cutting the course (went the wrong way)! I have to break down my rating in the following manner:
1. 5 stars for meat lovers, since hot dogs & hamburgers were served.
2. 2 stars for all others=bananas, uncut oranges & donuts that disappeared before anyone (runners) could get any.
3. 4 star flash race=lots of giveaways, a health fair & band battle.
4. plaques to overall, and 3d medals for age group.
5. course excellent, flat with only one sharp turn around.
The battle of the bands featured my high school Miami Central Rockets vs Carol City vs the defending champions, Norland. Unfortunately, my Rockets had too many freshman & were eliminated. The other two played great but Carol city had more umph! They had guys who worked cymbals like I never seen, plus a lot more dancing. Therefore, the new champs won a grand for the victory. The former champs got half & Central got a quarter of the top prize.
Also, one of the announcers was 99 Jamz celebrity, Supa Cindy! The winners took a picture with her on stage.
Sunday agenda-triathlon
Two were scheduled this day- FAU wellness and Nautica. The former is a well established sprint triathlon that draws a competitive field and is far for me (Boca raton). The latter is an inaugural with strange distances. By the time I could get a swimmer to pay, nautica was sold out. I wanted to compete so bad, I travelled far to do that dreaded all or nothing relay up in boca. The cyclist was the husband of elite woman triathlete, Diane. He picked a swimmer & he was happy I wanted to run because he was facing double duty. Unfortunately for us, our swimmer struggled and took twice as long as the swimmer of the winning team. Although he (Keith, the cyclist) had his best time and I was the fastest runner of all the teams, the deficit was too great to overcome. We were the first losers (2nd place) and now this year, I suffered my first relay defeat, 2nd team loss & 3rd time leaving an event without any hardware. What a lousy way to close out my sophomore year! I'm gonna cling onto Saturday. I give the race 4 1/2 stars for the amenities, because there was plenty to eat and drink. They missed 5 stars because no hot meal was served. I give them only 1 star for depriving relays of awards. I advise all athletes to avoid relays in this event because it is treated as low as cockroaches & the race director basically didn't care. She won't budge on her idea of how the event can be improved and left me with the notion, "if you don't like it, don't do it"; I'll second that and pass in the future, especially if I have to pay.
Monday agenda-advancement
I age another year by advancing to intermediate in my age group. Unfortunately, it's not getting any easier. Other than my training ride, this day is uneventful. However, I am thankful for all that God gives me.
Tuesday agenda-run on tax day
Normally, this day is reserved for training at Niketown. However, it fell on the tax deadline day. The purpose of training is to race, therefore an event will override. The CPA 1040k was held, hosted by PR racing. They offered a 10k, which went off first, then the 5k. I chose the latter for the following reasons:
1. 10k fee is higher
2. on a sub 19 drought for weeks
3. night race (don't like them but will accept)
4. poor success rate with this distance
I seemed to struggle in the first mile as Jeffrey & Gene passed me, despite the sub 6 minute pace. By mile 2, I got in a groove and began to get on track. When the dust cleared, somebody in my age group beat me. Since no master titles were given, I dropped to 2nd. No big deal, since the only difference with the medals were the color of the ribbons. 3 1/2 to 4 stars as a flash race. Plenty to eat. I don't like the mock raffle but it was held.
Honorable mention
* Teammate Jon Williams won (kids in distress) taking steps 5k & 2nd overall in the cpa 5k
* Freddy took 3rd overall (sickle cell)
* Berta won 2nd in age group (sickle cell) & did the cpa 5k
* I saw Sammy's friend (walked) but not her
* Adam of Niketown won (overall) his 1st race (tour of gables).
* George won his age group (taking steps 5k) & runner up at fau
* Diane Calloway places again (fau)
* Teammate Allan completes 5k (kids) & fau
* Cassie completes a tri (nautica)
* Felipe takes 2nd (nautica) & top age group in cpa 10k (4th overall)
* Gene got 2nd age group at cpa
* Jeffrey topped his age group & broke 19
* Rosa, a teammate of my 1st Miami man, did the 10k
* Terry, the other teammate of my 1st Miami man, also did the 10k
Sunday, April 06, 2008
April showers
Friday marked an anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a man, I feel, was sent by God to improve the civil rights of the oppressed. Although black Americans were the largest recipients, we were not the only ones. Most Hispanics today forgot how they were classified on our level in the past. Although men loved women, it was not shown in terms of civil rights. As Dr. King stated he might not get there (the promised land of freedom) with us, his dream did become reality, not perfect, but way better than before he got involved. He knew that he, like Jesus, would be persecuted and ultimately murdered, for making changes to benefit society. Oh, by the way, those are my heroes. Let us all pay our respects to the ultimate civil rights leader.
Saturday agenda-5k?
Two 5k events were held, one south and one north. I passed on both of them, due to the distance. I now must forfeit some races because of the rising gas prices. The one south was turtle kraals 5k in key west and the north was an inaugural-Rooney's 5k in Jupiter. Instead, I cross trained on inline skates, going 1.1 miles short of a half marathon in under an hour, among my best times, despite the wind! Normally, I avoid strenuous work prior to a race, but I heard it was going to rain for sure on Sunday, so I cut the grass. It's a big yard, so that took several hours to do that solo.
Sunday agenda-5k?
Yes! It was called let my people run. Although it barely drew a hundred people, the top guys were high quality & I was in danger of leaving without an award. I didn't realize how much all that I did yesterday was going to affect me today. On top of that, I got a nagging foot injury last week that has not left yet. I failed to break 19, and like Serena Williams did in game #2 of the finals yesterday, I literally gave away the master title. I had to settle for a generic age group medal while he stayed awhile, all giddy (yep, he left when he lost the last 2 times) with his trophy. I got a wake up call! I can't assume he running well. He did a time I should of, while my below par performance left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Although nothing great to write home about, they had their best post race refreshment party. Did I mention that it was raining & was windy before and during the race, especially after the 15 minute delay for no valid reason? Without time splits, I was unaware how poorly I was running. Since God did allow me to place, I have no real right to complain, but hey, that's human nature.
Honorable mention
* the April showers let loose in the evening
* teammate Allen won his age group
* george won again
Saturday agenda-5k?
Two 5k events were held, one south and one north. I passed on both of them, due to the distance. I now must forfeit some races because of the rising gas prices. The one south was turtle kraals 5k in key west and the north was an inaugural-Rooney's 5k in Jupiter. Instead, I cross trained on inline skates, going 1.1 miles short of a half marathon in under an hour, among my best times, despite the wind! Normally, I avoid strenuous work prior to a race, but I heard it was going to rain for sure on Sunday, so I cut the grass. It's a big yard, so that took several hours to do that solo.
Sunday agenda-5k?
Yes! It was called let my people run. Although it barely drew a hundred people, the top guys were high quality & I was in danger of leaving without an award. I didn't realize how much all that I did yesterday was going to affect me today. On top of that, I got a nagging foot injury last week that has not left yet. I failed to break 19, and like Serena Williams did in game #2 of the finals yesterday, I literally gave away the master title. I had to settle for a generic age group medal while he stayed awhile, all giddy (yep, he left when he lost the last 2 times) with his trophy. I got a wake up call! I can't assume he running well. He did a time I should of, while my below par performance left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Although nothing great to write home about, they had their best post race refreshment party. Did I mention that it was raining & was windy before and during the race, especially after the 15 minute delay for no valid reason? Without time splits, I was unaware how poorly I was running. Since God did allow me to place, I have no real right to complain, but hey, that's human nature.
Honorable mention
* the April showers let loose in the evening
* teammate Allen won his age group
* george won again
Saturday, March 29, 2008
March madness
This weekend closes out march madness for me. No, I'm not talking about college basketball, but rather, all my racing.
Saturday agenda-Panther prowl 5k
This was an inaugural event held at the arena known as the Bank United center, where the Florida Panthers (hockey team) play. The last time I remember racing here was the inaugural JAFCO 5k almost 8 years ago! The race started & finished on a hill (entrance area). The course consisted of an outer loop followed by an inner loop to the finish. When the gun went off, I was maybe in 12-15 place, with 2 women in front. After half a mile, I moved up to 6th. After 1 mile, I was passed by both Walthon & Allen (teammate). We remained nearby in a master pack until mile 2. Ya'll know that I like to own the final mile. Believe it or not, I had to get past Walthon first before I could catch Allen, because he was running very good today. We fought hard, but by the grace of God, I won the battle to seize the 3rd overall slot, behind teammate Tim Nicholls. This race also marked the second time that no one was between us. I rate as a top notch 4 star flash race. With packet pickup, I got a quality cap, entry into the Panther's last game (I gave to a former teammate of Premier), in addition to the traditional T-shirt. Amenities included the usual (bananas, oranges, bagels & water) plus Dunkin' donut holes, orange juice, & sports drink. They had a raffle, with some autographed memorabilia. The award was unique (crystal like) & the first I've gotten ever! I'd recommend it again.
Sunday agenda-celebrity 5k
This was the 2nd annual & my 2nd appearance. I had to pass on other events to do this one. Xterra triathlon & duathlon (off-road), and the snowbird century ride were held on the same day. This event drew over two thousand finishers. I struggled in this one due to late start time, the bridge and the wind. When the dust cleared, Ramon redeemed himself by winning the master title. Somebody I don't know won my age group & I discovered I edged out two competitors to get my spot. 3 star flash race. Add a star if you include that finisher's medals were given and trophies to all those fortunate enough to place.
Worthy of mention
* upon leaving sawgrass mills, I stopped at a gas station to play the lottery. I got a horrible scare when the start would not start. After a bit of time, my co-pilot, God, had me play like McGuyver (might be spelled wrong) and I got it going with a make shift repair.
* Kevin (teammate from Nautica tri) placed in top 3 overall.
* Gene (teammate from marathon relay) placed 3rd.
Saturday agenda-Panther prowl 5k
This was an inaugural event held at the arena known as the Bank United center, where the Florida Panthers (hockey team) play. The last time I remember racing here was the inaugural JAFCO 5k almost 8 years ago! The race started & finished on a hill (entrance area). The course consisted of an outer loop followed by an inner loop to the finish. When the gun went off, I was maybe in 12-15 place, with 2 women in front. After half a mile, I moved up to 6th. After 1 mile, I was passed by both Walthon & Allen (teammate). We remained nearby in a master pack until mile 2. Ya'll know that I like to own the final mile. Believe it or not, I had to get past Walthon first before I could catch Allen, because he was running very good today. We fought hard, but by the grace of God, I won the battle to seize the 3rd overall slot, behind teammate Tim Nicholls. This race also marked the second time that no one was between us. I rate as a top notch 4 star flash race. With packet pickup, I got a quality cap, entry into the Panther's last game (I gave to a former teammate of Premier), in addition to the traditional T-shirt. Amenities included the usual (bananas, oranges, bagels & water) plus Dunkin' donut holes, orange juice, & sports drink. They had a raffle, with some autographed memorabilia. The award was unique (crystal like) & the first I've gotten ever! I'd recommend it again.
Sunday agenda-celebrity 5k
This was the 2nd annual & my 2nd appearance. I had to pass on other events to do this one. Xterra triathlon & duathlon (off-road), and the snowbird century ride were held on the same day. This event drew over two thousand finishers. I struggled in this one due to late start time, the bridge and the wind. When the dust cleared, Ramon redeemed himself by winning the master title. Somebody I don't know won my age group & I discovered I edged out two competitors to get my spot. 3 star flash race. Add a star if you include that finisher's medals were given and trophies to all those fortunate enough to place.
Worthy of mention
* upon leaving sawgrass mills, I stopped at a gas station to play the lottery. I got a horrible scare when the start would not start. After a bit of time, my co-pilot, God, had me play like McGuyver (might be spelled wrong) and I got it going with a make shift repair.
* Kevin (teammate from Nautica tri) placed in top 3 overall.
* Gene (teammate from marathon relay) placed 3rd.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Easter weekend 08
Happy belated Easter! I was so busy, I didn't have time to post on the weekend. I hope you all remember that this is actually a holiday to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection, and not just a day to hunt for buried eggs supposedly left by a bunny rabbit.
Saturday agenda-riverwalk
This event hosted both a 5 miler & a 5k; I chose the latter. The former went off first, then 20 minutes later, my event. The 5 miler was required for anyone who signed up for the 3 for the road series. Since I missed a race (shamrock 4 miler), I decided not to punish myself with the longer distance. After about 2 miles, I caught up to and was getting challenged by someone who appeared to be in my division. Unfortunately, he won the sprint battle to the finish. However, I found out that he was a senior in age group prior, saving me from further defeat. I placed second, only to Tim, teammate, in the master division. This was a 5 star flash race, with IHOP pancake breakfast, in addition to other treats (pastry, jamba juice, etc). The awards were limited edition prints.
Sunday agenda-Easter
To my dismay, no events were available, so I opted to crosstrain on my bike. I made it a long ride, estimated to be at least 40 miles. I went from my home in west Palmetto bay (Perrine) to the end of the busway south (Florida city). Going down was tougher due to wind conditions. Later on, I met up with friends & family and enjoyed the rest of the day, despite the bad weather conditions (lots of rain & some wind).
Honorable mention
* Met with Sam, fill in the missing letters- I L_ _ E U!
*Fred finished
* Silvia & George win again
Saturday agenda-riverwalk
This event hosted both a 5 miler & a 5k; I chose the latter. The former went off first, then 20 minutes later, my event. The 5 miler was required for anyone who signed up for the 3 for the road series. Since I missed a race (shamrock 4 miler), I decided not to punish myself with the longer distance. After about 2 miles, I caught up to and was getting challenged by someone who appeared to be in my division. Unfortunately, he won the sprint battle to the finish. However, I found out that he was a senior in age group prior, saving me from further defeat. I placed second, only to Tim, teammate, in the master division. This was a 5 star flash race, with IHOP pancake breakfast, in addition to other treats (pastry, jamba juice, etc). The awards were limited edition prints.
Sunday agenda-Easter
To my dismay, no events were available, so I opted to crosstrain on my bike. I made it a long ride, estimated to be at least 40 miles. I went from my home in west Palmetto bay (Perrine) to the end of the busway south (Florida city). Going down was tougher due to wind conditions. Later on, I met up with friends & family and enjoyed the rest of the day, despite the bad weather conditions (lots of rain & some wind).
Honorable mention
* Met with Sam, fill in the missing letters- I L_ _ E U!
*Fred finished
* Silvia & George win again
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