Usually, my dad & I head up to Orlando to get involved with the Walt Disney World marathon weekend, despite how overpriced & overrated it is. However, due to unforeseen & unfortunate circumstances, he could not attend; I had head up solo. Luckily, a relay teammate of the '08 duathlon champion team decided to do his first goofy challenge. Also known as the race and a half, this challenge features a half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday. I met up with him & his sister in law up in Orlando, bringing some sense of familiarity. Due to the rising expenses (especially the entry fees & gas), I decided to make this year my final scheduled entry into the Disney marathon weekend. I wanted to go out with a bang, so I chose the 5th anniversary of the Goofy challenge to accomplish this.
Saturday agenda-half marathon
If I wanted to win award, I would have stayed 'home' & run a couple of 5ks, but I decided to go for endurance racing this weekend to pass my self imposed fitness litmus test. This annual exam requires a minimum of 1 half, 1 full & 3-5 5k races. Upon completion of the goofy, I will meet the endurance portion of that test, leaving my favorites. Therefore, I passed on the following events: * flippany 5k (Sat) * Jonathan Dickinson 5k/10k (Sat) * Spanish river 5k (Sat) * Homestead hospital 5k (Sat) * Bay harbor island 5k (Sun) * lighthouse eye opener 5k (Sun) I had set a comfortable pace goal of between 1:40 & 1:45 in order not to 'burn out' for the main event the next day. Despite extreme cold (35 degrees (-10 wind chill)) & conditions (rain & sleet), we met that goal together throughout the distance. We got the Donald duck medal.
Sunday agenda-full marathon
This is the main event, the distance that dated back 17 years ago. For anyone who did them all, Disney offered a 17 finishers medal. To accomplish the feat that my dad & I did (first two fulls, halves & goofys), we had to forfeit both 15 & 16 year anniversary plaques. I paid for the Goofy early last year to be sure I'm in. Although not wet as on Saturday, it was a record setting low (both for Disney & the city) temperature of 25 degrees at the start. I felt like in the teens with the wind. Despite 3 layers up top, I still was somewhat freezing. I couldn't feel my toes during the event & didn't realize I got a blister until hours later after 'thawing' out. I was so cold that any liquid I spilled on my gloves became frost within minutes! I knew that I struggled with extreme heat, like our summers in Miami but quickly discovered this also applies to extreme lows. This was evident by my personal worst non-injury finishing time in my 18+ athletic career. By the grace of God, I was able to finish without major injures, get my Mickey mouse medal & complete the Goofy challenge. The 5th anniversary Goofy medal was their best ever.
Honorable mention
* Gene finished his 1st goofy.
* various running mates participated & finished their respective events at Disney, including Renee (half), owner of runner's depot, Jon W (half), Asha (goofy), Kamilah (half) & probably Josh.
* George wins in his local races.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
First weekend of the year '10
This is the first weekend of the new year 2010. In keeping with resolution 10, I executed resolutions 2 & 6 by dedicating the weekend to extensive training, in lieu of non local races.
Saturday agenda-run
Not satisfied with last Saturday, I extended the same course to get closer to 10 miles, better suiting to be called a long run. Other than the wind, the weather was perfect for a run because it was cold. Within the 1st mile, I already lost a glove fidgeting with an Ipod contraption, the main reason why I don't usually wear such devices in a race. The next time, I will modify it to go a bit over ten miles; it will really be the tour de park. I passed on a race I have done in the past called the bridge buster 5k.
Sunday agenda-roll
I was on a roll today, literally. I pulled out my best inlines & did my usual 6 lap course, totaling a dozen miles & did it in under an hour! After that, I ran a couple of sprints to work on my lack of speed at the races lately. Normally, I would have done a long ride, but since I haven't been on skates in a little while, I chose to inline. Besides, I can squeeze in the bike during the week. I passed on the river roots & ruts trail run on the west coast to train.
FYI
I am almost always aware of races but take into consideration various factors; this is resolution #5. During the 1st quarter of the year, I typically have to travel to races that are important to me, so insignificant ones may go by the way side. Also, the pinch of the season hits the wallet, so I gotta be prepared through proper allocation of resources. Finally, I am just recovering from injury & illness, therefore I must carefully make my decisions.
Saturday agenda-run
Not satisfied with last Saturday, I extended the same course to get closer to 10 miles, better suiting to be called a long run. Other than the wind, the weather was perfect for a run because it was cold. Within the 1st mile, I already lost a glove fidgeting with an Ipod contraption, the main reason why I don't usually wear such devices in a race. The next time, I will modify it to go a bit over ten miles; it will really be the tour de park. I passed on a race I have done in the past called the bridge buster 5k.
Sunday agenda-roll
I was on a roll today, literally. I pulled out my best inlines & did my usual 6 lap course, totaling a dozen miles & did it in under an hour! After that, I ran a couple of sprints to work on my lack of speed at the races lately. Normally, I would have done a long ride, but since I haven't been on skates in a little while, I chose to inline. Besides, I can squeeze in the bike during the week. I passed on the river roots & ruts trail run on the west coast to train.
FYI
I am almost always aware of races but take into consideration various factors; this is resolution #5. During the 1st quarter of the year, I typically have to travel to races that are important to me, so insignificant ones may go by the way side. Also, the pinch of the season hits the wallet, so I gotta be prepared through proper allocation of resources. Finally, I am just recovering from injury & illness, therefore I must carefully make my decisions.
Friday, January 01, 2010
In with the new '10
Happy new year! Wishing you all an active, injury free athletic year. I wanna put all the bad experiences of last year behind & move on to hopefully better ones this year. I shall cherish the positive memories of last year, but unfortunately, be compelled to deal with any lingering situations this year. Traditionally, we make resolutions, & like bones, they may be broken. My top ten list will include the usual, some will be continuations, some may be possible & some may be improbable, but it doesn't hurt to dream. Come to think of it, didn't Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr do that? Obama is certainly thankful.
Top ten resolutions for this year (not necessarily in order):
1. Continued athletic success, especially with racing & competition.
2. Health.
3. Wealth.
4. Wisdom.
5. Employment.
6. Training (stepped up).
7. Change.
8. Teamwork.
9. Diet.
10. Travel.
Now it's time to expound on those resolutions.
1. Last year, I did 102 races, 3 less than the previous year. Although I'd like to match or beat that, my main goal is continuation; march will mark 19 years since I began.
2. To do the aforementioned, I must maintain good health, largely through fitness & diet. That means I still won't smoke or drink, and naturally, do my best to avoid injury & illness.
3. This resolution has always failed but you never know;this might be the year. Maybe I'll get rich the easy way by winning in the powerball or the hard way with some breakthrough opportunity.
4. Hopefully, as I progress, this continues to improve. I made it this far through trial & error, & experiences. Thus far, 2 out of 3 (healthy, wealthy & wise) has been my case.
5. Since the quick fix (lottery) has thus far never panned out, I'll need to keep my job to survive.
6. To get the glory (race win), one must train. I plan to up the ante with quality workouts, such as a 3 mile blast at Niketown.
7. Obama's slogan. He is the change America needs. However, I too, must utilize this. I revolve to make some adjustments in my normal scheme of things.
8. I want to continue doing relays, both as a team captain & participant. Last year, I eliminated most series participation, in lieu of individual events because I sacrificed too many running races that I loved the previous year. I will likely adhere to this resolution this year.
9. Continue & hopefully improve upon my nutritional regimen, such as my no meat diet.
10. I will travel as necessary, meaning doing only races that have some significance or purpose to me. I'll avoid just racing to race if it is far.
Today's agenda-1st race of the year
Once again, I did the run, walk, crawl 5k. I picked the middle option because it is extremely difficult to find a racewalk with awards. I failed to beat my time of last, partly because of the warmer weather & several cutoffs from slower runners. Despite that, I still was the overall racewalker. The generic medal was bad (sticker with race data) but not as horrible as last year's that had absolutely no info was on it at all; I had to write on the medal, the event, date, & result. Today, I was the lone representative for runner's depot. Last year, I was joined by Jon, Jeffrey and Louis M.
FYI
You may have noticed much of this blog seemed like a carbon copy of the previous year's post. Testament to how life can be similar yet different. Get out & run!
Top ten resolutions for this year (not necessarily in order):
1. Continued athletic success, especially with racing & competition.
2. Health.
3. Wealth.
4. Wisdom.
5. Employment.
6. Training (stepped up).
7. Change.
8. Teamwork.
9. Diet.
10. Travel.
Now it's time to expound on those resolutions.
1. Last year, I did 102 races, 3 less than the previous year. Although I'd like to match or beat that, my main goal is continuation; march will mark 19 years since I began.
2. To do the aforementioned, I must maintain good health, largely through fitness & diet. That means I still won't smoke or drink, and naturally, do my best to avoid injury & illness.
3. This resolution has always failed but you never know;this might be the year. Maybe I'll get rich the easy way by winning in the powerball or the hard way with some breakthrough opportunity.
4. Hopefully, as I progress, this continues to improve. I made it this far through trial & error, & experiences. Thus far, 2 out of 3 (healthy, wealthy & wise) has been my case.
5. Since the quick fix (lottery) has thus far never panned out, I'll need to keep my job to survive.
6. To get the glory (race win), one must train. I plan to up the ante with quality workouts, such as a 3 mile blast at Niketown.
7. Obama's slogan. He is the change America needs. However, I too, must utilize this. I revolve to make some adjustments in my normal scheme of things.
8. I want to continue doing relays, both as a team captain & participant. Last year, I eliminated most series participation, in lieu of individual events because I sacrificed too many running races that I loved the previous year. I will likely adhere to this resolution this year.
9. Continue & hopefully improve upon my nutritional regimen, such as my no meat diet.
10. I will travel as necessary, meaning doing only races that have some significance or purpose to me. I'll avoid just racing to race if it is far.
Today's agenda-1st race of the year
Once again, I did the run, walk, crawl 5k. I picked the middle option because it is extremely difficult to find a racewalk with awards. I failed to beat my time of last, partly because of the warmer weather & several cutoffs from slower runners. Despite that, I still was the overall racewalker. The generic medal was bad (sticker with race data) but not as horrible as last year's that had absolutely no info was on it at all; I had to write on the medal, the event, date, & result. Today, I was the lone representative for runner's depot. Last year, I was joined by Jon, Jeffrey and Louis M.
FYI
You may have noticed much of this blog seemed like a carbon copy of the previous year's post. Testament to how life can be similar yet different. Get out & run!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Out with the old '09
This is the final day of this year, 2009. Kinda glad to see it go in many ways. Time to recap the year with Conan Obrien's (now host of the tonight show) top ten (not necessarily in order), Clint Eastwood style. *=Many are the same as last year. + is positive, - is negative (still bad).
The good:
10. I am still alive. +
9. Still a member of Runner's Depot!
8. The bush nightmare era ended officially upon Obama's inauguration.
7. Linda BC (Before Change surrounding the death of Danny (1st 6 months since March good)).
6. My cycling improved, enough to be competitive for team action. +
5. 4 person marathon team wins 2nd overall, losing only to a 'store bought' team.
4. I was part of the inaugural Palm 100 (mile) ultra marathon relay, which was overall winner.
3. I completed 6 halves & 2 full marathons within the 1st quarter of the year.
2. Du Tri Harder relay team wins overall Trilogy triathlon co-ed title again.
1. I won 2nd overall title 5 times, 3rd overall twice!
The bad:
10. Three car accidents within immediate family, 2 involving yours truly, in the last quarter.
9. Team got 2nd overall, top male team at Miami (not) nice tri but only 1 award, cyclist kept it.
8. Team (special) gets only 1 trophy at publix championship but member with 0 pts kept it.
7. Linda AD (After Danny), I became victim of her depression & anger.
6. Recession (yes, they say it's getting better, but I don't notice it personally yet). -
5. Struggles to stay under 19 in races -, worse, to get under 20 in the last 2 months.
4. Injuries (back in July, heel & illness at times in final quarter of year.
3. 1st relay team of year loses (no award).
2. Got sick for over 2 weeks after final relay of the year.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties & celebrations). -
The Ugly:
10. Miami Heat & Dolphins seasons end without playoffs.
9. Extreme difficulty forming teams as a team captain.
8. Relationship ends on Thanksgiving day by 3 strike 'baseball' rule (major violations).
7. No raises, office closures. -
6. Credit card debt. -
5. I lost a race due to lead vehicle intentionally impeding my progress to allow friend to overtake
4. No overall victories.
3. Farah Fawcett, among others, died.
2. Michael Jackson murdered (drug overdose).
1. Jollie passed away a year ago.
Happy new year! See you next year.
The good:
10. I am still alive. +
9. Still a member of Runner's Depot!
8. The bush nightmare era ended officially upon Obama's inauguration.
7. Linda BC (Before Change surrounding the death of Danny (1st 6 months since March good)).
6. My cycling improved, enough to be competitive for team action. +
5. 4 person marathon team wins 2nd overall, losing only to a 'store bought' team.
4. I was part of the inaugural Palm 100 (mile) ultra marathon relay, which was overall winner.
3. I completed 6 halves & 2 full marathons within the 1st quarter of the year.
2. Du Tri Harder relay team wins overall Trilogy triathlon co-ed title again.
1. I won 2nd overall title 5 times, 3rd overall twice!
The bad:
10. Three car accidents within immediate family, 2 involving yours truly, in the last quarter.
9. Team got 2nd overall, top male team at Miami (not) nice tri but only 1 award, cyclist kept it.
8. Team (special) gets only 1 trophy at publix championship but member with 0 pts kept it.
7. Linda AD (After Danny), I became victim of her depression & anger.
6. Recession (yes, they say it's getting better, but I don't notice it personally yet). -
5. Struggles to stay under 19 in races -, worse, to get under 20 in the last 2 months.
4. Injuries (back in July, heel & illness at times in final quarter of year.
3. 1st relay team of year loses (no award).
2. Got sick for over 2 weeks after final relay of the year.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties & celebrations). -
The Ugly:
10. Miami Heat & Dolphins seasons end without playoffs.
9. Extreme difficulty forming teams as a team captain.
8. Relationship ends on Thanksgiving day by 3 strike 'baseball' rule (major violations).
7. No raises, office closures. -
6. Credit card debt. -
5. I lost a race due to lead vehicle intentionally impeding my progress to allow friend to overtake
4. No overall victories.
3. Farah Fawcett, among others, died.
2. Michael Jackson murdered (drug overdose).
1. Jollie passed away a year ago.
Happy new year! See you next year.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The last weekend '09
This Christmas weekend is also the final weekend of the year. Yesterday, I did the 'last' skate as a warm up prior to the Christmas run with my dad.
Saturday agenda-run
Often referred to as the last run (of the weekend), I was scheduled to head south for a race. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out, leaving the resolution 5k as the last event option. Ya'll know I'm not a big fan of paying for a fun run so I opted for a long overdue long training run. I need to prepare for the upcoming distance races I have planned, and due to racing, have not done much more than 5k's. Besides, I'd have to head up north, early in the morning, wasting gas, when I can (& did) get similar camaraderie down here closer to home. I began around the circle, went over the Rick then turned around at the base to return, gaining 14 or so additional mileage. Weather was wonderful for a run, minus the wind.
Sunday agenda-ride
Also referred to as the last ride (of the weekend), this is my chance to cross train long because I have been limited to time trials due to the busy holiday schedule at work, & in my life, in general. The ride begins from home utilizing the busway & paths to reach US 1 in Florida city; that's approximately 15 miles out! Going up was a breeze (literally) but the return trip required going against the wind; superb training. I completed it all under 2 hours on a tri retro-fitted, steel road bike. Judging by how I felt, I need to do this over the 5 mile race I almost did. I must prepare for the new year!.
Saturday agenda-run
Often referred to as the last run (of the weekend), I was scheduled to head south for a race. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out, leaving the resolution 5k as the last event option. Ya'll know I'm not a big fan of paying for a fun run so I opted for a long overdue long training run. I need to prepare for the upcoming distance races I have planned, and due to racing, have not done much more than 5k's. Besides, I'd have to head up north, early in the morning, wasting gas, when I can (& did) get similar camaraderie down here closer to home. I began around the circle, went over the Rick then turned around at the base to return, gaining 14 or so additional mileage. Weather was wonderful for a run, minus the wind.
Sunday agenda-ride
Also referred to as the last ride (of the weekend), this is my chance to cross train long because I have been limited to time trials due to the busy holiday schedule at work, & in my life, in general. The ride begins from home utilizing the busway & paths to reach US 1 in Florida city; that's approximately 15 miles out! Going up was a breeze (literally) but the return trip required going against the wind; superb training. I completed it all under 2 hours on a tri retro-fitted, steel road bike. Judging by how I felt, I need to do this over the 5 mile race I almost did. I must prepare for the new year!.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas '09
Merry Christmas, everybody! Also, for those not into Jesus, happy holidays.
Some people can't understand me, or worse, dislike me because I never celebrate any holiday in the traditional sense, especially obvious because all begin with either training or racing, but I do honor and enjoy the special day in some fashion.
Including noche buena, I got to see all my family that's still in town. My dad was afraid that this year I would not be available for our traditional Christmas training run. As fate had it, I called him because I knew he couldn't drive down as usual. By the grace of God, we met up and put in a good hour or so together and were thankful of the greatest gift we could have- our ability to exercise, especially the run. Correction, second greatest because Jesus Christ is THE BEST! I did a skate warm up prior to the training, as well. It brought back memories because it trained where we originally did, way back 18 years ago, on our rise from the unknown. The Bell name is now well known and respected in the athletic community, & to some, feared (in a race); ha ha. I don't worry about receiving gifts but am always concerned about my health & ability to compete.
Some people can't understand me, or worse, dislike me because I never celebrate any holiday in the traditional sense, especially obvious because all begin with either training or racing, but I do honor and enjoy the special day in some fashion.
Including noche buena, I got to see all my family that's still in town. My dad was afraid that this year I would not be available for our traditional Christmas training run. As fate had it, I called him because I knew he couldn't drive down as usual. By the grace of God, we met up and put in a good hour or so together and were thankful of the greatest gift we could have- our ability to exercise, especially the run. Correction, second greatest because Jesus Christ is THE BEST! I did a skate warm up prior to the training, as well. It brought back memories because it trained where we originally did, way back 18 years ago, on our rise from the unknown. The Bell name is now well known and respected in the athletic community, & to some, feared (in a race); ha ha. I don't worry about receiving gifts but am always concerned about my health & ability to compete.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
D C M bray
D C M bray, that's how you pronounce the Spanish version of December. Although it felt like winter began yesterday, tomorrow officially marks the beginning.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
The classics by the sea offered both a 10k & a 5k. The latter was chosen due to recent circumstances & the fact that this is not the only event planned for the day. Since it was along a1a, it was extremely windy and cold. Plus, the course was not entirely flat or straight. Hoping for an easy run, I was disappointed. Having not completely recovered from illness, I struggled, barely breaking 20. Naturally, that wouldn't cut it for the master title, & sadly, not enough to win the age group. Luckily, I got runner up. The awards were plaques for all who placed.
Saturday afternoon agenda-5k
Although I heard not an inaugural, it was my first time running this one. Jon was a no show at the previous event but came and won this one over Andrew. Even though Drew didn't win, he got all the recognition, having just completed the half at the Barbados marathon a couple of weeks ago, with an interview from media. Meanwhile, I had my little battle. Although my time was better than earlier, it still was substandard, robbing me of a chance to win the master trophy; I was stuck with a generic, spinning medal. Granted, I was pleased to win my age group since I had some competition to deal with. Had I pulled that dismal time in this race, I would have been humiliated. The course was unforgiving, full of turns & many areas on small paths. For a small race, I was amazed they had 5 star post refreshment, especially for meat eaters.
Saturday evening agenda
The GFLRRC holiday pajama party was my last event of the day. It was the most enjoyable in that I did not have to race prior to the refreshments. I found out during the course of the event that it was the 10th anniversary of this special occasion; the Barnards were together for twice that. It drew so many runners I knew & was designed to honor many volunteers who help make their races possible.
Sunday agenda-train
The Jacksonville marathon (& half) occurred today. Well, #1, I'm not at my best & #2, without a plane ticket, I'd have to drive and that's a bit too far, plus so little time after all those activities yesterday. Instead, I went for a medium run (7.5 miles) that I call the tour de park since it went through the park where the Miami man half iron was held. Normally, I would have done a long ride but with a marathon coming up, I gotta put in some mileage.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
The classics by the sea offered both a 10k & a 5k. The latter was chosen due to recent circumstances & the fact that this is not the only event planned for the day. Since it was along a1a, it was extremely windy and cold. Plus, the course was not entirely flat or straight. Hoping for an easy run, I was disappointed. Having not completely recovered from illness, I struggled, barely breaking 20. Naturally, that wouldn't cut it for the master title, & sadly, not enough to win the age group. Luckily, I got runner up. The awards were plaques for all who placed.
Saturday afternoon agenda-5k
Although I heard not an inaugural, it was my first time running this one. Jon was a no show at the previous event but came and won this one over Andrew. Even though Drew didn't win, he got all the recognition, having just completed the half at the Barbados marathon a couple of weeks ago, with an interview from media. Meanwhile, I had my little battle. Although my time was better than earlier, it still was substandard, robbing me of a chance to win the master trophy; I was stuck with a generic, spinning medal. Granted, I was pleased to win my age group since I had some competition to deal with. Had I pulled that dismal time in this race, I would have been humiliated. The course was unforgiving, full of turns & many areas on small paths. For a small race, I was amazed they had 5 star post refreshment, especially for meat eaters.
Saturday evening agenda
The GFLRRC holiday pajama party was my last event of the day. It was the most enjoyable in that I did not have to race prior to the refreshments. I found out during the course of the event that it was the 10th anniversary of this special occasion; the Barnards were together for twice that. It drew so many runners I knew & was designed to honor many volunteers who help make their races possible.
Sunday agenda-train
The Jacksonville marathon (& half) occurred today. Well, #1, I'm not at my best & #2, without a plane ticket, I'd have to drive and that's a bit too far, plus so little time after all those activities yesterday. Instead, I went for a medium run (7.5 miles) that I call the tour de park since it went through the park where the Miami man half iron was held. Normally, I would have done a long ride but with a marathon coming up, I gotta put in some mileage.
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