Mid month crisis time again as I struggle to break 19. Luckily, I succeeded once this month, although barely. There was a rare Friday race (Waterford) but I opted out based on past experience (only top overall, no master plus I got jipped a position at award ceremony (posted winner several times on time sheet)). The racewalk division was eliminated, as was my interest. Congrats to Ronnie for winning the event.
Saturday agenda-key run!
There were 2 events with multiple distances:
1. key Biscayne lighthouse run 5k & 1ok
2. key largo bridge run (half, 10k, 5k)
I skipped on #1 when the dual race option was eliminated. On top of that, no award ceremony; look for name & pick up award.
Last year, this event was called the jewfish creek half marathon but was renamed for this year. After I found out the hard way that it was 10 year age groups & no master title, I decided on the short distance 5k so I can have a chance to take home some hardware other than a finishers medal. I wanted an easy run but got challenged by last year's age group winner Allan W, who also set the course record; he was 3rd overall but only the top was given last year. This year, they improved by recognizing the top 3. By the grace of God, I got that last slot. after applying the master kick in the last stretch. With no master title, he was bumped to age group but also successfully defends his title despite dropping a position. Judging by the times, you can see this was a tactical race designed to overcome the challenges (bridges & wind from north) presented to us. I was both happy & disappointed; the latter because I was mere seconds from second! In the fact, the winning time is one I should have beaten; can't really complain.
Sunday agenda-race!
Better selection:
a. muddy buddy (AZ)
b. rock n roll San Antonio half/full
c. Naples on the run 20k
d. 13.1 ft lauderdale
e. Miami man (du/tri)
Passed on the 1st 3 due to proximity. The most logical is e. but considering how much I struggled & how much it cost last year, I went with d. I been there, done that with both events. Besides, this year, the organizers have now created a series medal for doing 3 or more of their races & this was the kick off!
I found out the Spencer was going to be a pacer & chose the 1:30 group, a time I can do on my best day. Weather, minus the wind, was favorable, but not the course (a tunnel & a bridge). Another teammate was with the 1:40 group, a decent time but not one that satisfies me. Well, actually, compared to the Halloween half, it would be a dramatic improvement. This was Spencer's first time a pacer (same for wife Julie (1:50)), so he wound up running ahead of schedule, giving all those who kept up PRs; his wife was spot on. Praise the Lord, I finished between them & got a PR for the year. I told them prior to the start I'd be happy to be sandwiched between them & it came to fruition.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's day
Veteran's day, have a happy one! Please remember to show your props for our troops who have served & are currently serving to protect our freedom because it aint free.
Today's agenda-race!
In honor of the soldiers, some races are being held today and I had a chance to do a double header. I declined on the morning race due to the following:
a. proximity (required a lot of driving)
b. 7 am (normally a plus except when far)
c. cost (distance=more gas & the prices have gone up sharply)
d. scheduling (required lots of adjustments, reducing rest time)
The other race is in the evening, normally a disadvantage. Although still a drive (ft myers), much less than Melbourne, plus I'm able to rest in advance. One plus is that I have done this before so it wont be totally foreign.
Considering the following, I did well:
1. big race (high quantity & quality)
2. bridge
3. wind factor upon return
4. long drive to get to race
I was fortunate to make the podium by capturing the last slot in my age group & was in the top 25. Unfortunately, with no master titles, I was bumped to that when Jon W failed to make the top 3. Although 'microscopic', it was a trophy. Decent post race since massage was available.
Today's agenda-race!
In honor of the soldiers, some races are being held today and I had a chance to do a double header. I declined on the morning race due to the following:
a. proximity (required a lot of driving)
b. 7 am (normally a plus except when far)
c. cost (distance=more gas & the prices have gone up sharply)
d. scheduling (required lots of adjustments, reducing rest time)
The other race is in the evening, normally a disadvantage. Although still a drive (ft myers), much less than Melbourne, plus I'm able to rest in advance. One plus is that I have done this before so it wont be totally foreign.
Considering the following, I did well:
1. big race (high quantity & quality)
2. bridge
3. wind factor upon return
4. long drive to get to race
I was fortunate to make the podium by capturing the last slot in my age group & was in the top 25. Unfortunately, with no master titles, I was bumped to that when Jon W failed to make the top 3. Although 'microscopic', it was a trophy. Decent post race since massage was available.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Fall back !
Daylight savings time! Fall back! time to set the clocks back an hour & in the autumn, you get an extra hour of sleep; woo hoo!
Saturday agenda-5k
I had quite a selection to deal with but unfortunately, could only pick one:
1. wellington community fitness run & walk (palm beach)
2. CCA 5k
3. medal of honor 5k
4. walk for food allergy (Dade)
5. MDCC 5k (Dade) (unconfirmed, heard thru grapevine)
Passed on the last 2; #4=2 mile fun run/walk, however, was possible to do if I rushed over. #5 since unconfirmed, & heard thru grapevine, I couldn't chance doing another like last Saturday. #1 declined due to proximity. I originally planned on #3 (inaugural) but remembered doing #2.
Fall back also applies to racing, unfortunately. Judging by the results, I should've done #3; hindsight is 20/20. I selected to return to this event. The weather was cold but refreshing. When the race started, I was barely in the top 20 but as it progressed, many dropped until I was blessed to be in the top ten (5th overall). Despite that, I didn't win my age group! I was unaware that there was no master title here (bummer, since it was at the race I wanted at first). On top of that, the top 6 were all masters except 3rd overall! However, with the lackluster time, I was fortunate to place at all. The time fell back from my sub 19 and the position fell back from my overall win.
Sunday agenda-race!
The decision was eazy- pass on muddy buddy (CA) and the NYC marathon (dislike lottery entry) due to proximity, and on the carl sagan day 5k (fun run) because I didnt know about til afterwards, to do the boca pal. Next was either do the half or the 5k. I chose the latter for redemption but finally did a tack on workout and completed over 7 miles after the fact, for a total mileage of ten this day. This way, I got the best of both worlds.
It was a mass start for both the 5k & the half. Once the turnaround came, I could better see my position. I was pleased to have a sub 6 first mile but unfortunately, did not maintain this average pace. I sprinted in the last stretch of the mile and was blessed to break 19, even if it was by a split second. I fell short of 2nd master by 3 seconds, forcing me to settle for the last master slot; a decent consolation. They had a 5 star post race with the pancakes & waffles, in addition to the other goodies. Top 3 overall & masters got plaques, all else, clear mugs. Weather was still cold enough to wear tights & long sleeve.
Honorable mention
* runners depot dominates at the NYC
* Courtney W was 4 oa at half
* George wins ag both days
Saturday agenda-5k
I had quite a selection to deal with but unfortunately, could only pick one:
1. wellington community fitness run & walk (palm beach)
2. CCA 5k
3. medal of honor 5k
4. walk for food allergy (Dade)
5. MDCC 5k (Dade) (unconfirmed, heard thru grapevine)
Passed on the last 2; #4=2 mile fun run/walk, however, was possible to do if I rushed over. #5 since unconfirmed, & heard thru grapevine, I couldn't chance doing another like last Saturday. #1 declined due to proximity. I originally planned on #3 (inaugural) but remembered doing #2.
Fall back also applies to racing, unfortunately. Judging by the results, I should've done #3; hindsight is 20/20. I selected to return to this event. The weather was cold but refreshing. When the race started, I was barely in the top 20 but as it progressed, many dropped until I was blessed to be in the top ten (5th overall). Despite that, I didn't win my age group! I was unaware that there was no master title here (bummer, since it was at the race I wanted at first). On top of that, the top 6 were all masters except 3rd overall! However, with the lackluster time, I was fortunate to place at all. The time fell back from my sub 19 and the position fell back from my overall win.
Sunday agenda-race!
The decision was eazy- pass on muddy buddy (CA) and the NYC marathon (dislike lottery entry) due to proximity, and on the carl sagan day 5k (fun run) because I didnt know about til afterwards, to do the boca pal. Next was either do the half or the 5k. I chose the latter for redemption but finally did a tack on workout and completed over 7 miles after the fact, for a total mileage of ten this day. This way, I got the best of both worlds.
It was a mass start for both the 5k & the half. Once the turnaround came, I could better see my position. I was pleased to have a sub 6 first mile but unfortunately, did not maintain this average pace. I sprinted in the last stretch of the mile and was blessed to break 19, even if it was by a split second. I fell short of 2nd master by 3 seconds, forcing me to settle for the last master slot; a decent consolation. They had a 5 star post race with the pancakes & waffles, in addition to the other goodies. Top 3 overall & masters got plaques, all else, clear mugs. Weather was still cold enough to wear tights & long sleeve.
Honorable mention
* runners depot dominates at the NYC
* Courtney W was 4 oa at half
* George wins ag both days
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Trick or treat
Trick or treat, Trick or treat, give me something good to eat. That's the line for those celebrating Halloween. I like to dress up but do not consider that celebrating. Why? Whenever I celebrate, I put up decorations on & about the house & in this case, would buy candy to give out; ain't none of that happenin'. I typically avoid ghoulish costumes, except for aliens. In fact, I usually wear authentic outfits & uniforms, such as the fatigues soldiers wear. However, the trick or treat I'm referring to is my life this weekend. I thought it would be a treat to visit my ex girlfriend to remove the ex (rekindle) but ended up being a trick that wasted valuable time (over 7 hrs, including travel) , money (gas for 100+ miles of travel), & emotions (colder than the AC running, considering no affection & inconsiderate to a guest (noisy cleaning) that thought he was welcome. Oh well, that was yesterday, now the past.
Saturday agenda-race!
A nice tri-county selection (treat):
a. aruna 5k (w palm bch)
b. spooktacular 5k
c. safewalk-run 5k
d. ironman 70.3 (Miami)
e. reason to run 5k (Miami)
f. Miami dade heart walk (Miami)
d. automatically scratched due to cost & need of a swimmer. a. ruled out due to distance. f. is a fun run/charity so with no awards, cut off the list. I like b. & c. and originally planned on c. until the fallout, which called for a last minute decision, much like a pinch hitter; e. wins!
Unfortunately, I had to pay the race day rate (trick) for a chance to win hardware (treat). I never did this one before even though it was the 3rd annual. I later heard that Jonathan won it last year & many other fast kids showed up; the last thing I wanted to hear after just signing up. I didn't know what to expect, especially since I had only 2 1/2 hours of sleep (bailed out of hell hole in the early morning to get back to heaven, my home). This was the one time I was glad the race started at 8, and on top of that, the second closest ever to my house. There was only 1 person I really knew, Leo from the STOL run at nike, who showed up, looking to crack 19 & perhaps the win. Once the run started, I stayed with the overall runner (female) for over 2 miles until someone passed us both. He became the new bullseye & forced me to run even faster. I had to endure many surges but by the grace of God, succeeded (STOL training) and came up with another overall victory (treat)! Number 3 for the year, tying my inaugural year with runner's depot. Unfortunately, I found out that no awards were offered for any body (trick). However, the race director did hear me out & offered me a raffle prize; I give him credit.
TREATS:
1. supports cause to help kids
2. good post race party
3. mile markers
TRICKS:
1. no awards, not even finishers medals
2. only 1 clock (finish) but it didn't work properly (I don't know my time
3. no chip timing nor recorded results
Sunday agenda-race!
Happy Halloween!
Found various events but most too far:
a. marine corp marathon (OH)
b. Halloween halfathon (tampa)
c. Halloween half (Jensen beach)
d.Halloween half (Miami beach)
This was a no brainer. Due to the number of my favorite events (5k), this was a must do to work on my endurance. I need a race to force me to do long runs. This was that day.
Let me break it down (turn of events) Halloween style:
Treats:
1. completed my first half of the season
2. wore a costume (rasta runner)
3. met up with friends
4. Bryan wins it for runners depot
5. awesome 5 star post race party at nikki beach
Tricks:
1. external conditions bad (the course itself, it rained plus was very humid, forcing me to carry the dread wig most of the race and was compelled to slow down on wet boardwalk)
2. internal conditions bad (was very tight, felt tired (sleep issue from previous day) & had to carry that wig.
3. misdirection made the course a half mile longer. Me & many other at front line wound up looping to the back behind walkers, having to dodge frequently. that probably wore me down but I didn't really suffer until after the bridge.
4. all of the above cause me to fail to place when the age group times are doable when I am in my prime.
Happy this weekend closes out the month. Although I finish on a low (trick), I picked up two great highs (treat) along the way; praise the Lord!
Saturday agenda-race!
A nice tri-county selection (treat):
a. aruna 5k (w palm bch)
b. spooktacular 5k
c. safewalk-run 5k
d. ironman 70.3 (Miami)
e. reason to run 5k (Miami)
f. Miami dade heart walk (Miami)
d. automatically scratched due to cost & need of a swimmer. a. ruled out due to distance. f. is a fun run/charity so with no awards, cut off the list. I like b. & c. and originally planned on c. until the fallout, which called for a last minute decision, much like a pinch hitter; e. wins!
Unfortunately, I had to pay the race day rate (trick) for a chance to win hardware (treat). I never did this one before even though it was the 3rd annual. I later heard that Jonathan won it last year & many other fast kids showed up; the last thing I wanted to hear after just signing up. I didn't know what to expect, especially since I had only 2 1/2 hours of sleep (bailed out of hell hole in the early morning to get back to heaven, my home). This was the one time I was glad the race started at 8, and on top of that, the second closest ever to my house. There was only 1 person I really knew, Leo from the STOL run at nike, who showed up, looking to crack 19 & perhaps the win. Once the run started, I stayed with the overall runner (female) for over 2 miles until someone passed us both. He became the new bullseye & forced me to run even faster. I had to endure many surges but by the grace of God, succeeded (STOL training) and came up with another overall victory (treat)! Number 3 for the year, tying my inaugural year with runner's depot. Unfortunately, I found out that no awards were offered for any body (trick). However, the race director did hear me out & offered me a raffle prize; I give him credit.
TREATS:
1. supports cause to help kids
2. good post race party
3. mile markers
TRICKS:
1. no awards, not even finishers medals
2. only 1 clock (finish) but it didn't work properly (I don't know my time
3. no chip timing nor recorded results
Sunday agenda-race!
Happy Halloween!
Found various events but most too far:
a. marine corp marathon (OH)
b. Halloween halfathon (tampa)
c. Halloween half (Jensen beach)
d.Halloween half (Miami beach)
This was a no brainer. Due to the number of my favorite events (5k), this was a must do to work on my endurance. I need a race to force me to do long runs. This was that day.
Let me break it down (turn of events) Halloween style:
Treats:
1. completed my first half of the season
2. wore a costume (rasta runner)
3. met up with friends
4. Bryan wins it for runners depot
5. awesome 5 star post race party at nikki beach
Tricks:
1. external conditions bad (the course itself, it rained plus was very humid, forcing me to carry the dread wig most of the race and was compelled to slow down on wet boardwalk)
2. internal conditions bad (was very tight, felt tired (sleep issue from previous day) & had to carry that wig.
3. misdirection made the course a half mile longer. Me & many other at front line wound up looping to the back behind walkers, having to dodge frequently. that probably wore me down but I didn't really suffer until after the bridge.
4. all of the above cause me to fail to place when the age group times are doable when I am in my prime.
Happy this weekend closes out the month. Although I finish on a low (trick), I picked up two great highs (treat) along the way; praise the Lord!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Full moon
Friday began the full moon and it seemed to transform me into the monster I was in the past!
Saturday agenda-5k
There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one (note: I found more outside this area & passed due to proximity):
a. Halloween 5k ghost run (n. palm beach)
b. tradewinds 5k
c. steps to independence 5k
d. schott 5k
e. 5k crunch run (sobe)
I ruled out a. due to proximity. I originally planned on c. (1 of 3 in Broward, the most of any county) but my original plans fell through so I took the closest to my home. Besides that, it was an inaugural in one of the most popular places in Florida-SoBe! It began in an unusual area of south beach- at 8th on A1A. The course headed north on the broadwalk & the turn around was just about the beginning of the boardwalk. The temperature was good but it was windy. I ran a moderate pace versus the wind but once we turned around, the race was on. I have to jump the gun and praise the Lord for allowing me to win but it wasn't easy. Mile 1 was about 6 & the next 20 secs slower. After mile 2, the guy I beat picked up his pace to a blistering level (sub 6). Thanks to God & the STOL nike runs, I was able to match his pace then close out with my master kick. However, barely. I beat him by a split second; ironic, because that's who was timing the event. It was my first 5k victory in over 2 years!
Sunday agenda-5k
Dejavu-There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one:
1. Myrtle beach mini marathon (inaugural)
2. muddy buddy (TX)
3. wellington horse country 10 miler (& 5k)
4. Boca cross country challenge
5. FAU 5k fun run (late start)
6. sarcoma cure 5k
7. buddy walk & 5k run
You can rule out 1 & 2 automatically. I'll make it easy for you this time. I could not resist the honor of being selected by an elite runner (Spencer) to be on a team & running among the elites (Josh & Bryan) with the goal of capturing the open male title currently held by BRRR; #4 was the choice. As a bonus, #5 was possible since it starts at 10 am.
This to me was much like the Miami Heat dream team (Wade, James & Bosh) and I felt like Udonis Haslem (a veteran but not on the level of the 4). The big three finished that way when the dust cleared, meaning our team swept the top 3 slots. They lead the lead pack (5 runners, 1 a top notch cross country champion female) all the way. I battled to emerge as the overall runner not in that pack (6th place) and beat my time of last year by about a minute. We dethroned last year's open cross country champions, the boca raton road runners & won the honor to host the race next year. Plus, on top of that, I will see my name among those great runners engraved on the team trophy, a first for me. Way to go runner's depot racing team! The individual medals stunk but the honor overrides that.
After that, I advised my teammates that I was going to do a fun run for additional training; only Spencer accepted the challenge. It paid off as he was 2nd overall, winning 1 of 9 awards available (top 3 men, women & FAU students). The event was for the FAU homecoming. I was 10th overall at the race, dropped 1 slot online after several hours. No award, but happy to still make the dirty dozen despite a dismal time. I did manage to beat all women. Post race was excellent, about 4 stars. The had homemade smoothies, even veggie sandwiches. In fact, this fun run was better than some races I have done.
Synopsis
An awesome weekend with three events, including 2 race wins, one as an individual & one as part of a team. Pleased to have done a bonus event. Congrats to George winning as usual in other races.
Saturday agenda-5k
There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one (note: I found more outside this area & passed due to proximity):
a. Halloween 5k ghost run (n. palm beach)
b. tradewinds 5k
c. steps to independence 5k
d. schott 5k
e. 5k crunch run (sobe)
I ruled out a. due to proximity. I originally planned on c. (1 of 3 in Broward, the most of any county) but my original plans fell through so I took the closest to my home. Besides that, it was an inaugural in one of the most popular places in Florida-SoBe! It began in an unusual area of south beach- at 8th on A1A. The course headed north on the broadwalk & the turn around was just about the beginning of the boardwalk. The temperature was good but it was windy. I ran a moderate pace versus the wind but once we turned around, the race was on. I have to jump the gun and praise the Lord for allowing me to win but it wasn't easy. Mile 1 was about 6 & the next 20 secs slower. After mile 2, the guy I beat picked up his pace to a blistering level (sub 6). Thanks to God & the STOL nike runs, I was able to match his pace then close out with my master kick. However, barely. I beat him by a split second; ironic, because that's who was timing the event. It was my first 5k victory in over 2 years!
Sunday agenda-5k
Dejavu-There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one:
1. Myrtle beach mini marathon (inaugural)
2. muddy buddy (TX)
3. wellington horse country 10 miler (& 5k)
4. Boca cross country challenge
5. FAU 5k fun run (late start)
6. sarcoma cure 5k
7. buddy walk & 5k run
You can rule out 1 & 2 automatically. I'll make it easy for you this time. I could not resist the honor of being selected by an elite runner (Spencer) to be on a team & running among the elites (Josh & Bryan) with the goal of capturing the open male title currently held by BRRR; #4 was the choice. As a bonus, #5 was possible since it starts at 10 am.
This to me was much like the Miami Heat dream team (Wade, James & Bosh) and I felt like Udonis Haslem (a veteran but not on the level of the 4). The big three finished that way when the dust cleared, meaning our team swept the top 3 slots. They lead the lead pack (5 runners, 1 a top notch cross country champion female) all the way. I battled to emerge as the overall runner not in that pack (6th place) and beat my time of last year by about a minute. We dethroned last year's open cross country champions, the boca raton road runners & won the honor to host the race next year. Plus, on top of that, I will see my name among those great runners engraved on the team trophy, a first for me. Way to go runner's depot racing team! The individual medals stunk but the honor overrides that.
After that, I advised my teammates that I was going to do a fun run for additional training; only Spencer accepted the challenge. It paid off as he was 2nd overall, winning 1 of 9 awards available (top 3 men, women & FAU students). The event was for the FAU homecoming. I was 10th overall at the race, dropped 1 slot online after several hours. No award, but happy to still make the dirty dozen despite a dismal time. I did manage to beat all women. Post race was excellent, about 4 stars. The had homemade smoothies, even veggie sandwiches. In fact, this fun run was better than some races I have done.
Synopsis
An awesome weekend with three events, including 2 race wins, one as an individual & one as part of a team. Pleased to have done a bonus event. Congrats to George winning as usual in other races.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What the...
What the... fill in the blank. It's that kinda weekend. I was informed by Jolie's mom that my eternal partner's birthday was yesterday. What the.... I didn't realize. I miss her & wish her the best in the after life. I'm going up but just not in a hurry.
Saturday agenda-5k
I had 4 options, 2 possible on the same day (from furthest to closest):
a. bulldog 5kdash (Indigo lakes)
b. pumpkin run at FAU (evening at Boca)
c. michaels special 5k (Hollywood )
d. race for the cure (Miami)
Passed on a. & b. due to distance, b. & d. due to cost. After choosing c., all my friend said, 'What the...' when I told them I was gonna pass on b. also because it's a night race. My last experience racing up there was not so pleasant & I'd like to do a bang up job for the main event tomorrow.
Since it was both an inaugural and for a cause, c. it was. I also was attracted to it because it featured athletes pushing riders (with disabilities). I thought this was a requirement until I discovered otherwise on race day. This put me at a slight disadvantage since I didn't wear racing flats but instead heavier ones with better traction.
Now for Clint Eastwood style:
The good-I placed in top ten, got 2nd. Guaranteed hardware (finisher's medals to all)
The bad-gift certificates with denominations determined by place as awards; what the....
The ugly-footworks age groups (top overall only, and no master categories). I was 2nd because of that (Jon W was 2nd overall but bumped me in my age group); what the....
Technically, the gift certificates were good considering the organizers were gonna Indian give (not give out age group awards despite advertising that on their brochures); what the.... Plus, those awards were redeemable at runner's depot; supurb!
Sunday agenda-race!
The following events were up for grabs:
1. muddy buddy (Portland, OR)
2. central FL women's sports festival (tri)
3. long leaf tri
4. 15k/30k training run
5. oleta trail run
6. Miami equalizer du/tri
7. homestead speedway (bike festival)
I passed on 1, & 2 due to distance, 3 for that plus would need a swimmer. I skipped 4 because its a fun run since no awards and 7 because its a fun ride. Since the trilogy award ceremony was to be held after #6, and knowing I planned on racing, I chose that over #5.
The Miami equalizer du/tri is the last scheduled sprint for this year. The Olympic was also offered. I decided to du only as an individual, particularly since this was not part of a series. The weather, not including the wind, was nice, allowing for a great start. I was estimating about a 6:10 for the mile sprint but by the grace of God, I broke 6. Although hampered by the wind, the Lord allowed me to at least exceed 20 mph for a 20k ride. It was only my 2nd time using the disc, first in Miami. What truly amazed me was off the bike onto the anchor run. For the first time this season, I broke 20 (I was only 4 seconds slower than when I ran only a 5k the previous day)! Could it be the shoes (debut of Konas)? The post race featured pancakes I never got because they took too long to make them. Not much else to eat, it was quite disappointing. They gave finisher medals for olympic, medals for sprint category winners & plastic plaque for Olympic. Wooden plaques for trilogy series winners. Our team got ripped off since only 1 was given for 2 people to share; what the .... I was actually 3rd master but was given first in my age group. Florida fleet elite was the overall relay team champion. This team featured Spencer West as the runner. We both are a part of history with wins in the inaugural duathlon trilogy series.
Saturday agenda-5k
I had 4 options, 2 possible on the same day (from furthest to closest):
a. bulldog 5kdash (Indigo lakes)
b. pumpkin run at FAU (evening at Boca)
c. michaels special 5k (Hollywood )
d. race for the cure (Miami)
Passed on a. & b. due to distance, b. & d. due to cost. After choosing c., all my friend said, 'What the...' when I told them I was gonna pass on b. also because it's a night race. My last experience racing up there was not so pleasant & I'd like to do a bang up job for the main event tomorrow.
Since it was both an inaugural and for a cause, c. it was. I also was attracted to it because it featured athletes pushing riders (with disabilities). I thought this was a requirement until I discovered otherwise on race day. This put me at a slight disadvantage since I didn't wear racing flats but instead heavier ones with better traction.
Now for Clint Eastwood style:
The good-I placed in top ten, got 2nd. Guaranteed hardware (finisher's medals to all)
The bad-gift certificates with denominations determined by place as awards; what the....
The ugly-footworks age groups (top overall only, and no master categories). I was 2nd because of that (Jon W was 2nd overall but bumped me in my age group); what the....
Technically, the gift certificates were good considering the organizers were gonna Indian give (not give out age group awards despite advertising that on their brochures); what the.... Plus, those awards were redeemable at runner's depot; supurb!
Sunday agenda-race!
The following events were up for grabs:
1. muddy buddy (Portland, OR)
2. central FL women's sports festival (tri)
3. long leaf tri
4. 15k/30k training run
5. oleta trail run
6. Miami equalizer du/tri
7. homestead speedway (bike festival)
I passed on 1, & 2 due to distance, 3 for that plus would need a swimmer. I skipped 4 because its a fun run since no awards and 7 because its a fun ride. Since the trilogy award ceremony was to be held after #6, and knowing I planned on racing, I chose that over #5.
The Miami equalizer du/tri is the last scheduled sprint for this year. The Olympic was also offered. I decided to du only as an individual, particularly since this was not part of a series. The weather, not including the wind, was nice, allowing for a great start. I was estimating about a 6:10 for the mile sprint but by the grace of God, I broke 6. Although hampered by the wind, the Lord allowed me to at least exceed 20 mph for a 20k ride. It was only my 2nd time using the disc, first in Miami. What truly amazed me was off the bike onto the anchor run. For the first time this season, I broke 20 (I was only 4 seconds slower than when I ran only a 5k the previous day)! Could it be the shoes (debut of Konas)? The post race featured pancakes I never got because they took too long to make them. Not much else to eat, it was quite disappointing. They gave finisher medals for olympic, medals for sprint category winners & plastic plaque for Olympic. Wooden plaques for trilogy series winners. Our team got ripped off since only 1 was given for 2 people to share; what the .... I was actually 3rd master but was given first in my age group. Florida fleet elite was the overall relay team champion. This team featured Spencer West as the runner. We both are a part of history with wins in the inaugural duathlon trilogy series.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ten & tradition!
Ten! On a scale from 1-10, I am often rated as such but this time I'll give it to the weekend. In fact, today is all that-10/10-10! However, the weekend began yesterday & for some (not me), includes tomorrow (Columbus day); happy Columbus day. Traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition).
Saturday morning agenda-adva 5k
Before any main event, I need a tune up race; this was it. I haven't done this race in a few years due to its proximity (Delray). I remember that the post race was quite good but the awards were not (medals). In fact, I remember not getting one on the same day due to some snafu & waited weeks to get it in the mail. The weather was nice for the start but the temperature was rising quickly as the race progressed. I was barely in the top ten at the start but gradually, as people fell off, I advanced until ultimately I was third. My time could have been better, but without being pushed, I felt no need to 'kill' myself when I knew I had a championship on the line the next day. After George & I got our awards & bit of rest, off we went to Tradition.
Saturday agenda continues
Once we arrived, we picked up our packets, secured lodging then off to Cici's for carbo loading. I was aware of an evening 5k but made no plans for it. It is difficult for me to turn down a race so....
Saturday evening agenda-publix 5k
George was saying that he was gonna pass on this race. I was thinking, 'yeah, right'. Guess who was correct? I told him my plan was to run this easy, especially since the quality & quantity is typically low and the fact that the real race would be the next day. I stuck to this plan until the last half mile, where some youngster forced to me to move faster in order to defend my position. I was the 3rd overall runner but the results will show 4th by including a hand cycle athlete. George was 16th overall with his age group win. Unlike me, he ran the best he could. I usually avoid these 5ks due to the cost & the award (generic medal) but got caught up in the moment.
Sunday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to conclude the publix duathlon series:
a. down2earth trail run (5k/10k/half)
b. the bare dare 5k (land o lakes, Fl)
c. girls wanna run 5k (women only)
As previously mentioned, traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition). This year, the race was held in-tradition! It's a town in port saint Lucie. Once again, the weather was cool but even better the wind subsided. This allowed for the debut of my disc wheel. This turned out to be an amazing event for me. The first mile was long, so my time appeared pathetic. My overall position barely made the top 25. The bike, however, was the best ever, almost clocking a 23 average. Despite that, it ranked 17, allowing me to advance a bit. During the latter stages, Lisa (the overall female) & I traded places but she edged me out with an aggressive move in the dismount area. With that & my poor transitioning, she was a country mile in front but still visible. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I felt strong & was steadily closing in on her. It took 2 1/2 miles to catch her, then I took over. Praise the Lord, I made the dirty dozen & beat all women in the process. Post race refreshments were superb but with no hot meal, 4 stars. We got a medal for the race but series winners also got a curved glass plaque. With elite missing, I won my age group for the series.
Saturday morning agenda-adva 5k
Before any main event, I need a tune up race; this was it. I haven't done this race in a few years due to its proximity (Delray). I remember that the post race was quite good but the awards were not (medals). In fact, I remember not getting one on the same day due to some snafu & waited weeks to get it in the mail. The weather was nice for the start but the temperature was rising quickly as the race progressed. I was barely in the top ten at the start but gradually, as people fell off, I advanced until ultimately I was third. My time could have been better, but without being pushed, I felt no need to 'kill' myself when I knew I had a championship on the line the next day. After George & I got our awards & bit of rest, off we went to Tradition.
Saturday agenda continues
Once we arrived, we picked up our packets, secured lodging then off to Cici's for carbo loading. I was aware of an evening 5k but made no plans for it. It is difficult for me to turn down a race so....
Saturday evening agenda-publix 5k
George was saying that he was gonna pass on this race. I was thinking, 'yeah, right'. Guess who was correct? I told him my plan was to run this easy, especially since the quality & quantity is typically low and the fact that the real race would be the next day. I stuck to this plan until the last half mile, where some youngster forced to me to move faster in order to defend my position. I was the 3rd overall runner but the results will show 4th by including a hand cycle athlete. George was 16th overall with his age group win. Unlike me, he ran the best he could. I usually avoid these 5ks due to the cost & the award (generic medal) but got caught up in the moment.
Sunday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to conclude the publix duathlon series:
a. down2earth trail run (5k/10k/half)
b. the bare dare 5k (land o lakes, Fl)
c. girls wanna run 5k (women only)
As previously mentioned, traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition). This year, the race was held in-tradition! It's a town in port saint Lucie. Once again, the weather was cool but even better the wind subsided. This allowed for the debut of my disc wheel. This turned out to be an amazing event for me. The first mile was long, so my time appeared pathetic. My overall position barely made the top 25. The bike, however, was the best ever, almost clocking a 23 average. Despite that, it ranked 17, allowing me to advance a bit. During the latter stages, Lisa (the overall female) & I traded places but she edged me out with an aggressive move in the dismount area. With that & my poor transitioning, she was a country mile in front but still visible. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I felt strong & was steadily closing in on her. It took 2 1/2 miles to catch her, then I took over. Praise the Lord, I made the dirty dozen & beat all women in the process. Post race refreshments were superb but with no hot meal, 4 stars. We got a medal for the race but series winners also got a curved glass plaque. With elite missing, I won my age group for the series.
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