Many, including myself, will have Monday off. Most will do some fun activity, such as go to the beach, barbecue, & in my case, do a race. We must not forget that it really the day to recognize & honor those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice- their lives- to protect our freedoms. Remember, freedom ain't free.
Saturday agenda-tour of the gables 5k
Except for racewalking, I have never placed here. Like the Marlins, I am currently on a losing streak after a great start. My mid month crisis continued as I struggled with the heat, humidity & wind in the last mile, despite a great 1st mile. I left the race the same way I came in-with nothing. To top it off, they ran out of t-shirts. Although I got one, I gave it to Linda since she has never done this event before & I care so much about her. Speaking of her, she did her best time ever since beginning in march, when we officially hooked up. Jonathan placed top in his age group, since only overall was recognized.
Sunday agenda-?
Part of my mid month crisis has been the lack of races; this day was no exception.
Monday agenda-memorial day
Hats off to our troops. I found 3 races this day, with the furthest in Martin county. I narrowed it down to Boca or Weston. I thought about the former, since I never did it before but chose the latter because Linda liked that one. Don't get me wrong, I liked it too but I've been there umpteen times.
This holiday also served as a day of reckoning. I was aware that victory would not be easy, as this race always draws the most in quantity & quality. After that disappointing loss, I needed this one to redeem myself. Although I failed to beat Almir once again, I got down to where I left off prior to the slump- sub mid-eighteens. I captured the last master title & avoided the ceramics given out in lieu of the traditional medals. 5 star post race with the pancake breakfast.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mid month crisis
I going through a mid month crisis. Why? I could only find 1 race within 75 miles of my house & it was not even one of my desired distances.
Saturday agenda-fit 2 run 4 miler
To all the military, happy armed forces day.
I really don't like distances greater than a 5k but since I couldn't find one, if I wanted to race, I had to settle for this one. It featured a biased club challenge. Why? Because even though I entered the Goldcoast runners club, we we rent even mentioned. External conditions were bad-hot, humid, rolling hills, windy & curvy. Internal was bad too because I was tired. Competition was stiff & to my dismay, Jon brought another master in my age group. I got displaced & left the way I came-empty handed. Luckily, they were only giving out a stupid medal, so I didn't miss much. Meanwhile, Linda, despite having a lousy start of the day, did very well with her run. We went out to celebrate but much like our tough time at the race, we left the restaurant that way (sick to our stomachs)
Sunday agenda-rest
We had to recover from the previous day
My mid month crisis was the failure on Saturday (2nd of the year, 1st as an individual), getting sick after eating out and no training or race on Sunday. Hope to bounce back next week.
Saturday agenda-fit 2 run 4 miler
To all the military, happy armed forces day.
I really don't like distances greater than a 5k but since I couldn't find one, if I wanted to race, I had to settle for this one. It featured a biased club challenge. Why? Because even though I entered the Goldcoast runners club, we we rent even mentioned. External conditions were bad-hot, humid, rolling hills, windy & curvy. Internal was bad too because I was tired. Competition was stiff & to my dismay, Jon brought another master in my age group. I got displaced & left the way I came-empty handed. Luckily, they were only giving out a stupid medal, so I didn't miss much. Meanwhile, Linda, despite having a lousy start of the day, did very well with her run. We went out to celebrate but much like our tough time at the race, we left the restaurant that way (sick to our stomachs)
Sunday agenda-rest
We had to recover from the previous day
My mid month crisis was the failure on Saturday (2nd of the year, 1st as an individual), getting sick after eating out and no training or race on Sunday. Hope to bounce back next week.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mom '09
Happy Mother's day!
Saturday agenda-5k
Normally, I would have chosen the ALS race because, #1 it was closer to my home & #2 it was for a good cause (Alzheimer's) but, thanks to pretty, I made a change of plans and picked the run for the roses. I thought it was a great choice for Linda because of the following:
#1 proximity
#2 race catered to women (men had to wait 5 minutes then try to catch 'em if we can)
#3 couple competition-top 5 get special awards
I have done both of these races, usually not scheduled on the same day. Judging by her pace, I calculated that I'd catch Linda before the 1st mile. This would have come to fruition except for the fact that she decided on getting a PR for this year! Our team name was hand picked by her - Sweet pea & honey bee; awesome. We missed placing by 1 slot; there were 9 teams vying for a position. I am very proud of her. As far as myself, I had to battle for mid-master position. The winner was also a Runners depot teammate, Mike T. I was disappointed with the medal (I knew that was what was in store at the other race) but am glad it was not worse (I have gotten some funky prizes from this race director in the past). Not to berate the race director because it is nice that she doesn't always give out the same old thing, but once in while, they aren't what is hoped for. Although I must say she has done well lately (last year & current). I give a A for originally & creativity though. For those who like surprises &/or hate repetition, you will always be satisfied.
Saturday agenda-5k
Normally, I would have chosen the ALS race because, #1 it was closer to my home & #2 it was for a good cause (Alzheimer's) but, thanks to pretty, I made a change of plans and picked the run for the roses. I thought it was a great choice for Linda because of the following:
#1 proximity
#2 race catered to women (men had to wait 5 minutes then try to catch 'em if we can)
#3 couple competition-top 5 get special awards
I have done both of these races, usually not scheduled on the same day. Judging by her pace, I calculated that I'd catch Linda before the 1st mile. This would have come to fruition except for the fact that she decided on getting a PR for this year! Our team name was hand picked by her - Sweet pea & honey bee; awesome. We missed placing by 1 slot; there were 9 teams vying for a position. I am very proud of her. As far as myself, I had to battle for mid-master position. The winner was also a Runners depot teammate, Mike T. I was disappointed with the medal (I knew that was what was in store at the other race) but am glad it was not worse (I have gotten some funky prizes from this race director in the past). Not to berate the race director because it is nice that she doesn't always give out the same old thing, but once in while, they aren't what is hoped for. Although I must say she has done well lately (last year & current). I give a A for originally & creativity though. For those who like surprises &/or hate repetition, you will always be satisfied.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
May I?
The corporate run was the last event of my month. It's always scheduled on a Thursday but this time not in May; I would've missed if not for a reminder at Niketown by a fellow runner. About 20,000 participated, mostly weekend warriors & walkers. I used it as a training 'run' & used Linda as sort of a rabbit (target).
Saturday agenda-5k
This weekend was especially tough because I had to choose among a smorgasbord of events.
a. Sunsmart 5k (key Biscayne)
b. run to remember (Hollywood)
c. cardio 5k (Coconut Creek)
d. MS ride (Dade to Monroe county)
Normally, I would have chosen a. due to proximity but due to a wonderful, significant other, I made a change of plans. Racing will override fun runs & rides, eliminating d., including the next day. My next choice would have been b., the same race chosen by Jon & Jeffrey but by proximity rule, c. was closer to her place. This race was a disaster. They started almost a half hour late, misdirected the 2 race leaders to disqualification & I got out sprinted from behind by Almir, who, in an unsportsmanlike manner, gloated by raising & flailing his arms as he won. The awards ceremony was scheduled to be held after a cardio class. Problem was it took well over an hour, maybe 2. I had to leave without the cheesy medal, probably never to see it again.
Sunday agenda-5k
Well, since I missed the MS ride (Dade to Monroe county), forget about the return trip on this day. In protest to the unfair race changes, I did the race for the finish 5k instead of competing at the tri-miami, even though the du option was open. In fact, George skipped it as well. This 5k was way better organized. Although overall position & time was worse (better competition), the feeling I got from the race was better. I lost some time, in part, due to the course itself being with hills & turns. I got a nice paper weight for the age group victory. Post race was 4 star, losing 1 for not having a hot meal.
Saturday agenda-5k
This weekend was especially tough because I had to choose among a smorgasbord of events.
a. Sunsmart 5k (key Biscayne)
b. run to remember (Hollywood)
c. cardio 5k (Coconut Creek)
d. MS ride (Dade to Monroe county)
Normally, I would have chosen a. due to proximity but due to a wonderful, significant other, I made a change of plans. Racing will override fun runs & rides, eliminating d., including the next day. My next choice would have been b., the same race chosen by Jon & Jeffrey but by proximity rule, c. was closer to her place. This race was a disaster. They started almost a half hour late, misdirected the 2 race leaders to disqualification & I got out sprinted from behind by Almir, who, in an unsportsmanlike manner, gloated by raising & flailing his arms as he won. The awards ceremony was scheduled to be held after a cardio class. Problem was it took well over an hour, maybe 2. I had to leave without the cheesy medal, probably never to see it again.
Sunday agenda-5k
Well, since I missed the MS ride (Dade to Monroe county), forget about the return trip on this day. In protest to the unfair race changes, I did the race for the finish 5k instead of competing at the tri-miami, even though the du option was open. In fact, George skipped it as well. This 5k was way better organized. Although overall position & time was worse (better competition), the feeling I got from the race was better. I lost some time, in part, due to the course itself being with hills & turns. I got a nice paper weight for the age group victory. Post race was 4 star, losing 1 for not having a hot meal.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Spring break 09
I usually take a spring break for the purposes of spring cleaning around my birthday; did so again. However, I got very little done because of various interruptions, both pleasant & not. The latter included jury duty, car recall, dental appointment & a day of illness. Pleasant was the tax day 5k and a mini-vacation with a close friend. Also, Sunday was my dad's birthday;have a happy one.
Weekend agenda-race!
Saturday agenda featured the 7 mile bridge run, an event highly over-rated. The race organizer purposely make it difficult to impossible to get entry, raising the stock on an otherwise average event. No worry, I was certain I'd find something to race and I was right. In fact, I found a challenge with a total distance of 9.3 miles! A 15k challenge was the combined times of the 10k followed by a 5k.
1st agenda-10k
This would be my 1st straight 10k of the year! I was a bit nervous because 5k is my true niche but I reassured myself with the fact that I've been there, done that. The course was scenic in that it looped around a couple of lakes and challenging because it featured rolling hills, most of which rolled upwards. On top of that, the heat & humidity began to kick in halfway through. At that point, I was in the low 19's but the final tally revealed that I slowed down in the latter half. I fortunate to place 2nd but due to poor race management, anyone who chose the 15k challenged & placed, were inadvertently pulled from each individual race. They gave my trophy to someone who was 8 minutes slower than me! I had to wait to the end of the ceremony to get an equivalent that had an age group I am not in a hurry to get to-70- 74.
2nd agenda-5k
The 10k began at 7. I had to wait till 8:15 for the 5k start in order to complete the 15k challenge. I had so much time, I decided to use the bathroom & change wardrobe from Runner's Depot to UM attire; that heat had me sweating up a storm. Halfway through, I passed Linda, who unknowingly went off course due to poor signage. When the dust cleared, I finished 3rd overall but was given the master title after my insistance; that was the tallest trophy I received. I was also third overall in the 15k challenge. The one who was 2nd, beat me by about 2 minutes in the 10k, while I got him by about a minute in the 5k;he won by net time.
What I loved about the race was: #1 trophies, #2 offered the 15k challenge.
What I did not like: race director felt that each person should only get 1 trophy, even though I called in advance to verify the protocol and that there were 2 separate races. the 15k challenge was the combined time of the 2; a true 15k is from start to finish, no waiting.
Sunday agenda-vacation
I followed Linda's lead by travelling so far so she could meet & be with her friend over the weekend. This compelled me to forfeit racing on this day, & worse, all training. However, I won't complain because I probably needed the rest (nagging injury in right ankle/foot) and did have some fun. I would have done a 5k, either Rooney or Daniela, both events for a cause, but there will be others. Most don't realize that, while I may take a vacation from work, I do not in regards to fitness. It is treated like eat or sleep, it is daily!
Honorable mention
Linda completes seemingly a half marathon, even though registered in the 10k. How did this happen? Her pace caused her to intertwine between the two events. All participants had the same bib number (no differentiation between 5k or 10k (15k had arm bands)). The signage would was say race and show an arrow, but not which race. They had to change many signs for the 5k course & she was misdirected, causing her to run for a longer distance. She didn't give & did finish; for that, I am proud of her.
Weekend agenda-race!
Saturday agenda featured the 7 mile bridge run, an event highly over-rated. The race organizer purposely make it difficult to impossible to get entry, raising the stock on an otherwise average event. No worry, I was certain I'd find something to race and I was right. In fact, I found a challenge with a total distance of 9.3 miles! A 15k challenge was the combined times of the 10k followed by a 5k.
1st agenda-10k
This would be my 1st straight 10k of the year! I was a bit nervous because 5k is my true niche but I reassured myself with the fact that I've been there, done that. The course was scenic in that it looped around a couple of lakes and challenging because it featured rolling hills, most of which rolled upwards. On top of that, the heat & humidity began to kick in halfway through. At that point, I was in the low 19's but the final tally revealed that I slowed down in the latter half. I fortunate to place 2nd but due to poor race management, anyone who chose the 15k challenged & placed, were inadvertently pulled from each individual race. They gave my trophy to someone who was 8 minutes slower than me! I had to wait to the end of the ceremony to get an equivalent that had an age group I am not in a hurry to get to-70- 74.
2nd agenda-5k
The 10k began at 7. I had to wait till 8:15 for the 5k start in order to complete the 15k challenge. I had so much time, I decided to use the bathroom & change wardrobe from Runner's Depot to UM attire; that heat had me sweating up a storm. Halfway through, I passed Linda, who unknowingly went off course due to poor signage. When the dust cleared, I finished 3rd overall but was given the master title after my insistance; that was the tallest trophy I received. I was also third overall in the 15k challenge. The one who was 2nd, beat me by about 2 minutes in the 10k, while I got him by about a minute in the 5k;he won by net time.
What I loved about the race was: #1 trophies, #2 offered the 15k challenge.
What I did not like: race director felt that each person should only get 1 trophy, even though I called in advance to verify the protocol and that there were 2 separate races. the 15k challenge was the combined time of the 2; a true 15k is from start to finish, no waiting.
Sunday agenda-vacation
I followed Linda's lead by travelling so far so she could meet & be with her friend over the weekend. This compelled me to forfeit racing on this day, & worse, all training. However, I won't complain because I probably needed the rest (nagging injury in right ankle/foot) and did have some fun. I would have done a 5k, either Rooney or Daniela, both events for a cause, but there will be others. Most don't realize that, while I may take a vacation from work, I do not in regards to fitness. It is treated like eat or sleep, it is daily!
Honorable mention
Linda completes seemingly a half marathon, even though registered in the 10k. How did this happen? Her pace caused her to intertwine between the two events. All participants had the same bib number (no differentiation between 5k or 10k (15k had arm bands)). The signage would was say race and show an arrow, but not which race. They had to change many signs for the 5k course & she was misdirected, causing her to run for a longer distance. She didn't give & did finish; for that, I am proud of her.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Topsy turvey
I heard of this but can't spell it. When trying to describe the turn of events this weekend, well actually, my entire birthday week, this is what came to mind.
Saturday agenda-stampede in the park
This race serves as a membership drive & was intended as a tune up for a main event; the former was consistent. Generally, this race is not that competitive but since there were no other races in broward, it attracted some of the best. Although the number in attendance was low, the level of competitiveness was high. Some of the best masters showed up, forcing me to have to run! With the likes of Walthon, Ralph G (strider), Humberto, Almir (premier) and Jeff P, I had to bring my A game. It was windy & the course was changed to include trails. Despite that, I was able to keep pace with Almir, but I lost in the .1 by .1. Yes, we finished with the same time but he edged me out. He truly earned the distinction of 2nd overall because once completed, he was laid out on the ground for 5 minutes;he spent everything for the title. I made him work hard for the honor; i was not generous. Our battle pulled me to my best time in years & we both were just 2 seconds from breaking 18!
Sunday agenda-triathlon
Despite the all or nothing concept for relays, I intended to compete using 2 new athletes. The runner was new to the business (multi-sport) but shows promise. The swimmer was experienced, but due to internal conditions (& possibly external (rip currents), she chose not to compete. Without a swimmer, I was compelled to fore go the event all together and merely train. I chose to cycle 14 miles because my role was to be on the bike.
Saturday agenda-stampede in the park
This race serves as a membership drive & was intended as a tune up for a main event; the former was consistent. Generally, this race is not that competitive but since there were no other races in broward, it attracted some of the best. Although the number in attendance was low, the level of competitiveness was high. Some of the best masters showed up, forcing me to have to run! With the likes of Walthon, Ralph G (strider), Humberto, Almir (premier) and Jeff P, I had to bring my A game. It was windy & the course was changed to include trails. Despite that, I was able to keep pace with Almir, but I lost in the .1 by .1. Yes, we finished with the same time but he edged me out. He truly earned the distinction of 2nd overall because once completed, he was laid out on the ground for 5 minutes;he spent everything for the title. I made him work hard for the honor; i was not generous. Our battle pulled me to my best time in years & we both were just 2 seconds from breaking 18!
Sunday agenda-triathlon
Despite the all or nothing concept for relays, I intended to compete using 2 new athletes. The runner was new to the business (multi-sport) but shows promise. The swimmer was experienced, but due to internal conditions (& possibly external (rip currents), she chose not to compete. Without a swimmer, I was compelled to fore go the event all together and merely train. I chose to cycle 14 miles because my role was to be on the bike.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Taxing
Well, today is tax day. It is the official deadline for filing your taxes to the IRS and is naturally a taxing experience for most people. Thus far, this is not the only taxing day I've had this week. Easter Sunday did not go down as planned because I not only missed my normal workout (no races) but church. Monday might as well been Friday the 13th because I got the Brittany Spear style rejection, a dear John text. Now I truly understand how Kevin Federline felt;a really taxing moment. On top of that, my lawnmower stopped working in the middle of the job (of cutting). Luckily, we kinda worked this out by yesterday, my birthday. It was taxing as well because I still felt that sting plus I had 2 appointments scheduled prior to Niketown. First, I brought in car for a scheduled recall (took up the whole morning & an hour into the afternoon) then I had to go the dentist in less than hour (no rest). I had to pay for the procedure due to limits in insurance; taxing.
The high notes were doing the Niketown training run with fellow runners at a very easy pace with some of the fastest in field, (Jon, Jonathan, Jeffrey) and renewed communication with my love. Now tonight, I must do my best in a rare mid-week night race. Not my favorite but I must be prepared for anything, even for a taxing experience!
My honorable mention goes to Asha, who actually remembered it was my birthday.
The high notes were doing the Niketown training run with fellow runners at a very easy pace with some of the fastest in field, (Jon, Jonathan, Jeffrey) and renewed communication with my love. Now tonight, I must do my best in a rare mid-week night race. Not my favorite but I must be prepared for anything, even for a taxing experience!
My honorable mention goes to Asha, who actually remembered it was my birthday.
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