Today marks the official day of the autumnal equinox, otherwise known as fall. However, I am also referring to occurrences. On Friday night, of all nights, I got injured while training on the treadmill, 1st time ever! My knee mysteriously got hurt, feeling as if I took a FALL & served as a hindrance, both that night through the next day.
Saturday agenda-bridge buster 5k
Ya'll know how stubborn I am. I had to FALL for Jon's offer. Since the injury occur ed within 12 hours, I decided to continue as planned. This was an inaugural race; that, coupled with the injury left me in a state of not knowing what to expect. The race was challenging enough with that dreaded blue heron bridge, located in singer island, and was used in the du that I did just weeks ago. Add to that, the heat, humidity & the injury and wa la! I carpooled with Jon & Jeff & we went up to W palm beach. I had to wrap up my knee, then grin & bear it (the pain). Naturally, those 2 took off. I had to struggle just to make it to the finish line. Despite setting my worst 5k time of the year, I just squeaked in to make it to the podium. Although I was seconds from second, that also applied to missing hardware. I thank the lord for giving me enough to make it, & for not giving up, I was rewarded with a plaque. I almost had to take a FALL by virtue of the circumstances. This qualified as a 3 1/2 to 4 star flash race with the amenities. This biggest plus, besides the massage, was the free pictures that were taken & given out.
Sunday agenda-key Biscayne trilogy
Originally known as the Miami SS tri/du, it was changed to be known as the bonus round of the key Biscayne trilogy. This wild card race allowed anyone to drop the lowest or make up a missed race & if in the tri, 3 of 4 put you in that series. Well, after the nasty comments, rudeness & underhanded tactics of the team captain & dad of the father & son relay, I had a wild card up my sleeve. Our team was leading the series until that team that claimed they weren't going to singer island to race, did just that twice, to win contested. They wanted us to FALL to 2nd. Our anchor runner decided to race a 5k elsewhere, so I decided for at least 1 race to recruit someone who specialized in cycling while I do what I do best-run. I selected the same guy I used once last year, K.C., an Olympian, with the intention of achieving the same result-the overall victory. No doubt this came to fruition. However, unexpected was how well this combo would do & what reaction we'd get. Having never beaten our lead runner, Gene, the kid was compelled to overexert to finally get the monkey off his back. While both ran the mile sprint in a record time, tying with a 5:22, that move lead to his downfall on the anchor run against our team. The jerk of a dad (totally opposite of the humble & kind son) was cheating by placing his back on the edge of the rack to gain an advantage. That effort was futile against KC as he was smoked by our cyclist, who set a new course record of 22 & 1/2! Then came my turn. Having just struggled the day prior, I was not sure if I'd even been in the 19's. By the grace of God, I got my 2nd fastest course time & best of the year with an 18 & 1/2. It turned out that the cyclist could not take the same medicine he was dishing out, and like a wimpy cry baby, he protested to remove the points, which were naturally astronomical. He had been bitching & complaining the minute he discovered a minor change had occurred & couldn't believe that I could out think him in terms of strategy nor could he stand the feeling of disgust similar to what he served to my teammates, enough to discourage them from competing in 2 other events I really wanted them to do. Whether the points will count or not, I was worth it to me. Turnabout's fair play. Oh, and the owner of multirace is himself a cyclist, so he obviously sided with the jerk. Birds of a feather flock together. As quick as Rob is, KC outrides him as well. That was an error on my part not to take that into consideration; oh well. What I do know is that if our team does not win the du title, I will no longer pay to compete in his events because it is not right to change the rules during the game. According to both printed (S Fl multisport guide he published & even distributed through competitor SE) & his online site, any relay may have 2 or 3 members; we chose the latter. Also, there is no mention barring substitutions. if there were, it would be stupid because a member maybe unavailable due to illness, injury or another commitment; the latter applied. Remember that even in the Olympics, a replacement was used. I have introduced many, including Gene, via substitution & many of those are now solo competitors, making that company more money. I have been with that company since its inception. I sacrificed so many better events to commit to the series. Once I pull out, all the perks he enjoys will be gone with the wind.
Honorable mention
I went from worst (Fri & sat) to first (sun) by the grace of God. Athletes, beware never to underestimate me. I shock many not only with athletic prowess, but my uncanny mental ability. After all, I am a chess & video game player that has dabbled with poker. You never know what I could come up with.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Triple H
In the WWE, triple H is currently a champion & it stands for Hunter Hearst Helmsly, or something to that effect. However, I am referring to a triple Header, which means 3 events in a single weekend. Like WWE's triple H, I am going for the gold, however, not the belt but in 2 series.
Friday night agenda-powerade 5k
I normally avoid this race due to the generic medals, the exorbitant fee and the all (soft) sand course but this year, ESM created the grand prix 5k series & in order to qualify, one must complete 3 races plus the championship race. To win, one must earn the most points by placing as high as possible, but only the top ten overall yield points. This was the final of the regular season. With Jon W out, teammate Gene was in because this was his greatest chance to place 1st in his age group. When the race began, I was left in the dust, even by some female, but most took off too fast & dropped off prior to the 1st mile. By this time, my major competitor was also my teammate. Although I did not plan on racing hard, I established a comfortable pace fast enough to win the race and all to my overall victory count for this year.
Under premier running, I've gotten a few top 3 victories, with 2nd as the highest position. With the suggestion of Gary, co-owner of the up & coming shoe store chain, I switched to an already established shoe chain known as Runner's depot. Since doing that, I have attained 3 overall titles, in addition to many top ten finishes. I made the change due to my respect to Gary & the possible strain my success may have been putting on their business, which is struggling to find a niche in a crowded market of running establishments, plus I knew a whole lot more people on that team than where I was. The clincher was the opening of the Aventura store, headed by former Bikila member Diana & the acquisition one of my favorite female elite runners, Carol Postigo. I've always felt good about Renee, owner of Runner's depot & now, I am proud & even more elated to be directly associated with her & the organization through the racing team. No animosity; I still like the team of Gary & Adrienne, the owners of Premier running, soccer & tri.
Saturday agenda-Publix series
The Publix series features the triathlon, their true focus & the duathlon, for folks like me. Also, some other ancillary events, such as swimming & the kid's event. This du was also the final of the regular season. The good-the was the closest event to my home. The bad-run course mostly on sand. The ugly-very windy, hot, humid & has 2 bridges that must be crossed twice. Did I mention the run is mostly on soft sand? This year was better than last in that a part of the run course went over the broadwalk versus all sand. Needless to say, I struggled on the bike due to those conditions but thanks to God, I still placed in the top ten. I was ripped off by ESM with a last minutes category change that displaced me to 2nd in my category, forcing me to accept an award half the size as what I've been getting. The post race amenities were good.
Sunday agenda-strides for safety 5k
This was a poorly advertised, little known event that I thought would be an easy run. To my dismay, even with the absence of Jon W, many of the swift showed up. I had to contend with Gene again, plus Walthon, who came fresh & ready to run. By mile 1, when the dust cleared, I was the caboose of a pack with him leading & Jeffrey Tait, the boy wonder, following close behind. He brought his A game, & I realized I couldn't just get by with a 19. They forced me to run hard! However, unlike them, I was beat down from the prior 2 events, make this one even more challenging. Oh, plus teammate Allen, another master, was here. When I applied my master kick, Walthon outlasted my special move to take the master title by a mere second. Meanwhile, Jeff was a victim of circumstance but still did his best of the year, I believe. The winner was Runner's depot teammate Mike Korir, a fast Kenyan. Stefon was 50 seconds behind & was 2nd overall but was "screwed", as was 3rd overall, by receiving medals similar to top 3 age group winners. The race organizers decided to give plaques only to THE overall male & female winners & the top masters. Although I want to complain about coming up short from that plaque, I really can't because the Lord gave me my best race of the year, in terms of time, since January.
Honorable mention
* Monday marks the middle of the month already
* Gene got 2nd overall on Friday & top in age group Sunday
* George wins age group in 3 events (he did Powerade 5k, publix du & riviera du)
* Mike Korir wins Sunday 5k
* Louis M, runners depot teammate, wins age group
* Garrido wins age group
* Allen N wins age group
* Stefon was 2nd overall in Sunday 5k
* Jeffrey wins age group
Friday night agenda-powerade 5k
I normally avoid this race due to the generic medals, the exorbitant fee and the all (soft) sand course but this year, ESM created the grand prix 5k series & in order to qualify, one must complete 3 races plus the championship race. To win, one must earn the most points by placing as high as possible, but only the top ten overall yield points. This was the final of the regular season. With Jon W out, teammate Gene was in because this was his greatest chance to place 1st in his age group. When the race began, I was left in the dust, even by some female, but most took off too fast & dropped off prior to the 1st mile. By this time, my major competitor was also my teammate. Although I did not plan on racing hard, I established a comfortable pace fast enough to win the race and all to my overall victory count for this year.
Under premier running, I've gotten a few top 3 victories, with 2nd as the highest position. With the suggestion of Gary, co-owner of the up & coming shoe store chain, I switched to an already established shoe chain known as Runner's depot. Since doing that, I have attained 3 overall titles, in addition to many top ten finishes. I made the change due to my respect to Gary & the possible strain my success may have been putting on their business, which is struggling to find a niche in a crowded market of running establishments, plus I knew a whole lot more people on that team than where I was. The clincher was the opening of the Aventura store, headed by former Bikila member Diana & the acquisition one of my favorite female elite runners, Carol Postigo. I've always felt good about Renee, owner of Runner's depot & now, I am proud & even more elated to be directly associated with her & the organization through the racing team. No animosity; I still like the team of Gary & Adrienne, the owners of Premier running, soccer & tri.
Saturday agenda-Publix series
The Publix series features the triathlon, their true focus & the duathlon, for folks like me. Also, some other ancillary events, such as swimming & the kid's event. This du was also the final of the regular season. The good-the was the closest event to my home. The bad-run course mostly on sand. The ugly-very windy, hot, humid & has 2 bridges that must be crossed twice. Did I mention the run is mostly on soft sand? This year was better than last in that a part of the run course went over the broadwalk versus all sand. Needless to say, I struggled on the bike due to those conditions but thanks to God, I still placed in the top ten. I was ripped off by ESM with a last minutes category change that displaced me to 2nd in my category, forcing me to accept an award half the size as what I've been getting. The post race amenities were good.
Sunday agenda-strides for safety 5k
This was a poorly advertised, little known event that I thought would be an easy run. To my dismay, even with the absence of Jon W, many of the swift showed up. I had to contend with Gene again, plus Walthon, who came fresh & ready to run. By mile 1, when the dust cleared, I was the caboose of a pack with him leading & Jeffrey Tait, the boy wonder, following close behind. He brought his A game, & I realized I couldn't just get by with a 19. They forced me to run hard! However, unlike them, I was beat down from the prior 2 events, make this one even more challenging. Oh, plus teammate Allen, another master, was here. When I applied my master kick, Walthon outlasted my special move to take the master title by a mere second. Meanwhile, Jeff was a victim of circumstance but still did his best of the year, I believe. The winner was Runner's depot teammate Mike Korir, a fast Kenyan. Stefon was 50 seconds behind & was 2nd overall but was "screwed", as was 3rd overall, by receiving medals similar to top 3 age group winners. The race organizers decided to give plaques only to THE overall male & female winners & the top masters. Although I want to complain about coming up short from that plaque, I really can't because the Lord gave me my best race of the year, in terms of time, since January.
Honorable mention
* Monday marks the middle of the month already
* Gene got 2nd overall on Friday & top in age group Sunday
* George wins age group in 3 events (he did Powerade 5k, publix du & riviera du)
* Mike Korir wins Sunday 5k
* Louis M, runners depot teammate, wins age group
* Garrido wins age group
* Allen N wins age group
* Stefon was 2nd overall in Sunday 5k
* Jeffrey wins age group
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Running season
Although running is year round, September marks the unofficial start of the "running season". My dad gauges himself with this system, so he will soon surface on the running scene. Question is, when? My system is kinda like the USAT criteria for age (*) classification-by the year, in which my racing season began new year's day & ends just before midnight new year's eve (*). Since I am involved in multi-sport, the gap in the Running season is bridged. You might say I am similar to Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat, who competed in the Olympics between basketball seasons.
Saturday agenda-race for the Americas 5k
Miami-dade kicked off the season first with this inaugural event. They hosted both a 5k and a 10k. Also, it was the 1st of a series of events by PR racing. Although under new management, the same old practice of giving out generic medals continues. Technically, it was worse because of the use of a sticker instead of a custom design within the medal. The course was basically the reverse of the 5k leg from the trilogy series. It was quite hot & humid, plus a bit windy. Aware of these condition, plus the fact that I planned on racing the next day, I chose the 5k. Jesus Batista came out to train new runners. He sacrificed his place on the podium to help others. He also was flattering by referring to me as a legend but did use that to instill respect in the kids. I hooked up with that pack during the race & I believe everyone placed in their respective age groups;one of the kids out sprinted me but all, I believe, got PR's. Some genius decided to start the 10k first, & the 5k 3 minutes later. Naturally, the faster 5kers had to weave between all the slower 10kers. Even the fast ones had to go a bit slower since the distance is twice as long. I'm still on a drought for the master title locally but at least I broke 19 slump. I had to settle for top in age group;I was blessed to make the top ten.
Sunday agenda-firefighter 5k
Although this was the fifth annual event, it was my first. I missed the inaugural due to the hurricane situation that year. Many events were getting cancelled or moved, most notably was the A1A half. I had to wait to mid week to verify this one would not be another victim, as many others. Unfortunately, I am not rich & cant just throw away money. The organizers refused to cut me some slack, so I opted out & trained instead. Last year, an injury kept me away. Despite various storms, none threatened the east coast so the event was on. This one was put on by Runner's Depot, my team, & was highly represented. It also drew a fast & furious crowd of nearly 800, more than was in the race of America's 2 combined events! I knew I had to bring my A game but couldn't do so with God's help. Despite the weather, I ran my best time since ???, especially with the push from Jeffrey, the kid wonder, who ran his best race. Even though I did my best, I barely placed. Everyone who wanted an award had to break 19 just to stand a chance. The master title was taken by a teammate, as well as the overall title. To my surprise, those who placed got trophies;you know how I like those. I didn't break the top ten but did make it near the mid 18's. Looking at a glass half full, I was in the top baker's dozen.
+Both events had a raffle but as usual, I didn't win. Guess I can't get lucky all the time.
+Both events supported a cause, the former was to help educational needs of Latin American & Caribbean children. The latter, for firefighters.
+Both events were timed by splitsecondtiming, the former using new technology-the D chip-which is embedded in a paper strip initially attached to bib number. The latter used the standard shoe chip.
Honorable mention
* Jonathan placed top in age group, missing the top 3 by mere seconds.
* Jon W placed in both events, beat the aforementioned sat & won age group sun.
* John G, du teammate, faired well but competition was too stiff to place.
* Louis M wins his age group easily
* George pulls a double header & wins age group twice.
* Silvia came down to race & gets 2nd.
* 2 friends placed behind me in age group on sat, Kevin, MIT teammate was 2nd.
* Asha pulls a double header also, wins an award on sat.
* I saw Hector & Leonor, both former teammates in my inaugural relay year.
Saturday agenda-race for the Americas 5k
Miami-dade kicked off the season first with this inaugural event. They hosted both a 5k and a 10k. Also, it was the 1st of a series of events by PR racing. Although under new management, the same old practice of giving out generic medals continues. Technically, it was worse because of the use of a sticker instead of a custom design within the medal. The course was basically the reverse of the 5k leg from the trilogy series. It was quite hot & humid, plus a bit windy. Aware of these condition, plus the fact that I planned on racing the next day, I chose the 5k. Jesus Batista came out to train new runners. He sacrificed his place on the podium to help others. He also was flattering by referring to me as a legend but did use that to instill respect in the kids. I hooked up with that pack during the race & I believe everyone placed in their respective age groups;one of the kids out sprinted me but all, I believe, got PR's. Some genius decided to start the 10k first, & the 5k 3 minutes later. Naturally, the faster 5kers had to weave between all the slower 10kers. Even the fast ones had to go a bit slower since the distance is twice as long. I'm still on a drought for the master title locally but at least I broke 19 slump. I had to settle for top in age group;I was blessed to make the top ten.
Sunday agenda-firefighter 5k
Although this was the fifth annual event, it was my first. I missed the inaugural due to the hurricane situation that year. Many events were getting cancelled or moved, most notably was the A1A half. I had to wait to mid week to verify this one would not be another victim, as many others. Unfortunately, I am not rich & cant just throw away money. The organizers refused to cut me some slack, so I opted out & trained instead. Last year, an injury kept me away. Despite various storms, none threatened the east coast so the event was on. This one was put on by Runner's Depot, my team, & was highly represented. It also drew a fast & furious crowd of nearly 800, more than was in the race of America's 2 combined events! I knew I had to bring my A game but couldn't do so with God's help. Despite the weather, I ran my best time since ???, especially with the push from Jeffrey, the kid wonder, who ran his best race. Even though I did my best, I barely placed. Everyone who wanted an award had to break 19 just to stand a chance. The master title was taken by a teammate, as well as the overall title. To my surprise, those who placed got trophies;you know how I like those. I didn't break the top ten but did make it near the mid 18's. Looking at a glass half full, I was in the top baker's dozen.
+Both events had a raffle but as usual, I didn't win. Guess I can't get lucky all the time.
+Both events supported a cause, the former was to help educational needs of Latin American & Caribbean children. The latter, for firefighters.
+Both events were timed by splitsecondtiming, the former using new technology-the D chip-which is embedded in a paper strip initially attached to bib number. The latter used the standard shoe chip.
Honorable mention
* Jonathan placed top in age group, missing the top 3 by mere seconds.
* Jon W placed in both events, beat the aforementioned sat & won age group sun.
* John G, du teammate, faired well but competition was too stiff to place.
* Louis M wins his age group easily
* George pulls a double header & wins age group twice.
* Silvia came down to race & gets 2nd.
* 2 friends placed behind me in age group on sat, Kevin, MIT teammate was 2nd.
* Asha pulls a double header also, wins an award on sat.
* I saw Hector & Leonor, both former teammates in my inaugural relay year.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Labor weekend
Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice many events to do only one. I had to LABOR over that idea, but the one event was a once in a lifetime opportunity. To get the lowest rate, I had to take off Friday to head over to California.
The following sacrifices were made over the labor day weekend:
Saturday
Jon Z 5k-gave out my favorite-trophies. Last year, I was 2nd only to teammate Jon W & took the master title, bringing home my tallest trophy ever. Gone with the wind this year.
Sunday
Human race 10k. I missed all the pageantry but technically, I was involved since I did wear my Ipod.
Monday
Labor day. I had to return to Miami.
Labor day weekend agenda-Disneyland half
I was interested but initially turned down going to this one when the inaugural was announced last year due to its distance & subsequent costs. However, I was convinced by a friend & a special offer to do it this year. On top of that, I just realized that I have never raced or ran on the west coast of the United States. So, I decided to do the inaugural coast to coast challenge. What's that? Disney decided to reward any athlete who competed in Disney world a special finisher's for that accomplishment combined with a finish at the Disneyland half. A whole lot of bad signs occurred to me before the ultimate good one. First, I got discriminated against by some Mexican in California while attempting to purchase my first meal there. I wasn't so hungry that I let him succeed in taking my money to boot! I ate elsewhere. Next, I found out I was given a high race number. Whats the big deal? The Disneyland half has 3 waves (1st at 6 am then 10 minute delays), like in a triathlon. Despite having competed this year in their event, they put me in the last corral (G), final wave. I had to go to a computer & print out proof that I deserve to be at the front! I did this Friday afternoon, prior to my teammate Gene arriving near midnight. I learned from him that the coast to coast participant require a special band. Yep, you're right. They the didn't give me that. I had to return to the expo, this time with him, and prove I ran at Disney world in order to get what I should have been given. I really had to LABOR to compete. I wasn't able to do a tune up race but did do a training run with my teammate the day prior.
Race day
I decided to wear my Ipod so that the race also counted toward the human race. By mile 2, I had trouble with those ear plugs & had to continue without them. Meantime, I lost precious time fidgeting with them, case in point why I don't wear them in any serious race. The weather was nice but not cold enough for a PR. Oh, while running at approximately mile 3, I saw that the last wave was about to start. Despite all that happened, I still finished with a decent time, barely a minute behind him. I completed it within the top 200 finishers, better than the top 2% of the more than 10,000 in attendance. Mission accomplished;I got both finishers medals.
The following sacrifices were made over the labor day weekend:
Saturday
Jon Z 5k-gave out my favorite-trophies. Last year, I was 2nd only to teammate Jon W & took the master title, bringing home my tallest trophy ever. Gone with the wind this year.
Sunday
Human race 10k. I missed all the pageantry but technically, I was involved since I did wear my Ipod.
Monday
Labor day. I had to return to Miami.
Labor day weekend agenda-Disneyland half
I was interested but initially turned down going to this one when the inaugural was announced last year due to its distance & subsequent costs. However, I was convinced by a friend & a special offer to do it this year. On top of that, I just realized that I have never raced or ran on the west coast of the United States. So, I decided to do the inaugural coast to coast challenge. What's that? Disney decided to reward any athlete who competed in Disney world a special finisher's for that accomplishment combined with a finish at the Disneyland half. A whole lot of bad signs occurred to me before the ultimate good one. First, I got discriminated against by some Mexican in California while attempting to purchase my first meal there. I wasn't so hungry that I let him succeed in taking my money to boot! I ate elsewhere. Next, I found out I was given a high race number. Whats the big deal? The Disneyland half has 3 waves (1st at 6 am then 10 minute delays), like in a triathlon. Despite having competed this year in their event, they put me in the last corral (G), final wave. I had to go to a computer & print out proof that I deserve to be at the front! I did this Friday afternoon, prior to my teammate Gene arriving near midnight. I learned from him that the coast to coast participant require a special band. Yep, you're right. They the didn't give me that. I had to return to the expo, this time with him, and prove I ran at Disney world in order to get what I should have been given. I really had to LABOR to compete. I wasn't able to do a tune up race but did do a training run with my teammate the day prior.
Race day
I decided to wear my Ipod so that the race also counted toward the human race. By mile 2, I had trouble with those ear plugs & had to continue without them. Meantime, I lost precious time fidgeting with them, case in point why I don't wear them in any serious race. The weather was nice but not cold enough for a PR. Oh, while running at approximately mile 3, I saw that the last wave was about to start. Despite all that happened, I still finished with a decent time, barely a minute behind him. I completed it within the top 200 finishers, better than the top 2% of the more than 10,000 in attendance. Mission accomplished;I got both finishers medals.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Key
Considering the heat & humidity, hydration is KEY. Saturday, JW & I went to the southernmost point. Back in the day, Arsenio Hall had a late night program & used to have a segment called, "things that make you go, hmmmm." What would happen if you go to KEY east? hmmmm. Just a play on the name of the city KEY west. Sunday, is held on KEY Biscayne. My title is KEY!
Saturday agenda-conch pride 5k
My buddy Jon W recommended this one & he actually won it, but was listed as 2nd overall. How did this happen? The local favorite was declared the winner despite veering off course in the first mile. Granted, he jumped back in within the mile, but by running stealth for a half mile, I believe he threw off any competition. Most race officials would disqualify a 'course cutter' but that didn't happen. There is even a change he could get the course record for his age group despite not running the entire course! Amazing, huh? Meanwhile, yours truly was the fastest old guy (40+) and earned the distinction of overall master, despite a dismal time. The icing on the cake was winning a raffle prize. The award for the run was a foam tile. Although better than what they were giving for the overall walkers (certificate), it was still disappointing. The walk certificate was the only prize worse than that gift certificate;at least I could buy shoes with a slight discount, whereas the other, not.
Sunday agenda-Key Biscayne trilogy
This is a series for the tri but the du was offered that counted toward that series. This was a close race that we lost much like many athletes versus Michael Phelps. The kick off runner was 3rd overall, to get the team a good start. I set a personal course record on my bike, and although right behind him, the race officials put me back 7 seconds. The anchor had his PR but couldn't out sprint the young kid. Yes, we placed but lost the top slot by a mere 3 seconds! This was KEY for the team, as we still lead in the series. The icing on the cake was winning in another raffle! In both, I got stuff I could use & I don't recall ever winning something in back to back raffles.
Honorable mention
The following excerpt was taken from email from PRracing & does reflect the opinion of this author:
Run Miami News: Very Important Note About Running Death and Making The Streets Safe for Running: This past weekend, our running community suffered a tragic loss as Carlos Cardenes was struck by a vehicle while on a training run and passed away from the injuries. Our staff and our community of runners would like to offer our greatest sympathy and heavy hearts to his family and we take this opportunity to call upon the running community to respond in honor of Carlos Cardenes, the 12 bikers who were injured this same weekend, and every other athlete who shares the roads with vehicles in order to stay healthy and active. We want our community to always keep safety in mind and take precaution by using lights, reflectors, light colored clothes, running in groups and obeying traffic signals. At the same time, we invite members of the community to help us, our partners at the running stores and clubs to develop guidelines and regulations that we can try to enact on ourselves and hopefully on a legal level by presenting a solution to county and city government. We need more pathways and trails, large sidewalks like the one on Old Cutler Rd. in Palmetto Bay and a greater sense of awareness for drivers. I invite you to send emails to us with your ideas and hopefully we can find a dedicated group to help lead the charge in making the roads safer for runners and cyclists.
Saturday agenda-conch pride 5k
My buddy Jon W recommended this one & he actually won it, but was listed as 2nd overall. How did this happen? The local favorite was declared the winner despite veering off course in the first mile. Granted, he jumped back in within the mile, but by running stealth for a half mile, I believe he threw off any competition. Most race officials would disqualify a 'course cutter' but that didn't happen. There is even a change he could get the course record for his age group despite not running the entire course! Amazing, huh? Meanwhile, yours truly was the fastest old guy (40+) and earned the distinction of overall master, despite a dismal time. The icing on the cake was winning a raffle prize. The award for the run was a foam tile. Although better than what they were giving for the overall walkers (certificate), it was still disappointing. The walk certificate was the only prize worse than that gift certificate;at least I could buy shoes with a slight discount, whereas the other, not.
Sunday agenda-Key Biscayne trilogy
This is a series for the tri but the du was offered that counted toward that series. This was a close race that we lost much like many athletes versus Michael Phelps. The kick off runner was 3rd overall, to get the team a good start. I set a personal course record on my bike, and although right behind him, the race officials put me back 7 seconds. The anchor had his PR but couldn't out sprint the young kid. Yes, we placed but lost the top slot by a mere 3 seconds! This was KEY for the team, as we still lead in the series. The icing on the cake was winning in another raffle! In both, I got stuff I could use & I don't recall ever winning something in back to back raffles.
Honorable mention
The following excerpt was taken from email from PRracing & does reflect the opinion of this author:
Run Miami News: Very Important Note About Running Death and Making The Streets Safe for Running: This past weekend, our running community suffered a tragic loss as Carlos Cardenes was struck by a vehicle while on a training run and passed away from the injuries. Our staff and our community of runners would like to offer our greatest sympathy and heavy hearts to his family and we take this opportunity to call upon the running community to respond in honor of Carlos Cardenes, the 12 bikers who were injured this same weekend, and every other athlete who shares the roads with vehicles in order to stay healthy and active. We want our community to always keep safety in mind and take precaution by using lights, reflectors, light colored clothes, running in groups and obeying traffic signals. At the same time, we invite members of the community to help us, our partners at the running stores and clubs to develop guidelines and regulations that we can try to enact on ourselves and hopefully on a legal level by presenting a solution to county and city government. We need more pathways and trails, large sidewalks like the one on Old Cutler Rd. in Palmetto Bay and a greater sense of awareness for drivers. I invite you to send emails to us with your ideas and hopefully we can find a dedicated group to help lead the charge in making the roads safer for runners and cyclists.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Series weekend
This weekend, I was committed to 2 5k series events. Saturday was on the east coast of Florida, while yesterday was on the west.
Saturday agenda-summer sizzler 5k
It was the usual-a hot, and humid 3 loop course. Up to mile 1, I was right behind my master counterpart, but unfortunately, I faded while he was consistent & he won the master title. He has swept me for that title in this series. However, even though I lost those battles, I won the war (the series). How? By the grace of God. I performed my best in all three events, while he & someone else missed a battle. I have successfully defended my 3rd place overall series winner title! On top of that, the legendary Gene W presented me with a special award- the most distant commuter in the series. He rolled the mini, big wheel pickup truck toward as he announced it. Go out & support him at the King of the hill 5k next Sunday. That race is in his honor.
Sunday agenda-Powerade 5k
At the recommendation of teammate Jon W, I decided to declare my entry into this series by competing at Ft desoto. For the first, I traveled a long distance solo just to do a 5k. With the support of friends, I was able to reduce travel time on the same day going to the event. From their house, it took 2 hours;imagine from mine! The top 4 winners were from Miami & were last minute entries. Yeah, I was the last one of the aforementioned but took my age group. Unlike the top 3 overall, I am in the series, gunning for the victory in the war. They simply served as spoilers, reducing my points.
The above mentioned events gave out medals. I don't like that so much but its a whole lot better than the useless gift certificate that won last week. It is extremely limited (can only be used toward regularly priced shoes before Oct of this year at that running store).
The highlight of the weekend was my long awaited meeting with a famous author, poet and professor at a book show in Sunrise. Anyone well educated knows the importance of SAMMantics. Yep, I have a new found love for language.
Saturday agenda-summer sizzler 5k
It was the usual-a hot, and humid 3 loop course. Up to mile 1, I was right behind my master counterpart, but unfortunately, I faded while he was consistent & he won the master title. He has swept me for that title in this series. However, even though I lost those battles, I won the war (the series). How? By the grace of God. I performed my best in all three events, while he & someone else missed a battle. I have successfully defended my 3rd place overall series winner title! On top of that, the legendary Gene W presented me with a special award- the most distant commuter in the series. He rolled the mini, big wheel pickup truck toward as he announced it. Go out & support him at the King of the hill 5k next Sunday. That race is in his honor.
Sunday agenda-Powerade 5k
At the recommendation of teammate Jon W, I decided to declare my entry into this series by competing at Ft desoto. For the first, I traveled a long distance solo just to do a 5k. With the support of friends, I was able to reduce travel time on the same day going to the event. From their house, it took 2 hours;imagine from mine! The top 4 winners were from Miami & were last minute entries. Yeah, I was the last one of the aforementioned but took my age group. Unlike the top 3 overall, I am in the series, gunning for the victory in the war. They simply served as spoilers, reducing my points.
The above mentioned events gave out medals. I don't like that so much but its a whole lot better than the useless gift certificate that won last week. It is extremely limited (can only be used toward regularly priced shoes before Oct of this year at that running store).
The highlight of the weekend was my long awaited meeting with a famous author, poet and professor at a book show in Sunrise. Anyone well educated knows the importance of SAMMantics. Yep, I have a new found love for language.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Olympics
Well, the awesome opening ceremonies occurred yesterday, along with some events. Today, definitely, the games have begun! However, I have my own sports history to make. It may not be of Olympic proportions, but it these races mean a lot to me, and that's what counts. Whenever I can win, it is tantamount to getting the gold.
Saturday agenda-ING kick off 5k
This was considered a fun run but actually it was better. Although no age group awards were offered, they did give an incentive-top 30 male & female would receive finishers medals. My mission was to get that without over exertion. I helped pace Gene & set my qualifying time at 20 minutes; I was only 2 seconds slower.
Sunday agenda-Babbette Kulka celebration 5k
I normally don't do gift certificate as prize races but this was for a good cause. The race was for someone I knew through her coach, Hector, whose team I joined & began my relay team participation. Babette was an iron girl, triathlete, runner, you name it and died the way I'd prefer-doing something I like, rather than a stupid way, like a robbery, drunk driver, etc. The good=age group awards, including a master slot. The bad=hot& humid. The ugly-gift certificates in lieu of trophies. By the grace of God, I got under 19 & won my age group; the master title was elusive. Only seconds separated me from the 2nd.
Go USA & mike phelps!
Saturday agenda-ING kick off 5k
This was considered a fun run but actually it was better. Although no age group awards were offered, they did give an incentive-top 30 male & female would receive finishers medals. My mission was to get that without over exertion. I helped pace Gene & set my qualifying time at 20 minutes; I was only 2 seconds slower.
Sunday agenda-Babbette Kulka celebration 5k
I normally don't do gift certificate as prize races but this was for a good cause. The race was for someone I knew through her coach, Hector, whose team I joined & began my relay team participation. Babette was an iron girl, triathlete, runner, you name it and died the way I'd prefer-doing something I like, rather than a stupid way, like a robbery, drunk driver, etc. The good=age group awards, including a master slot. The bad=hot& humid. The ugly-gift certificates in lieu of trophies. By the grace of God, I got under 19 & won my age group; the master title was elusive. Only seconds separated me from the 2nd.
Go USA & mike phelps!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
