Many decisions and/or activities can be altered by circumstances. This was the case this winter weekend. I decided to close out my last race weekend (next week is actually the last but races are difficult to find) of the year with a triple header! I had to pass on the inaugural royal 5k due to cost & day of week (Thursday).
Saturday agenda-race!
Of the list of races available, I was able to select 3; woo hoo! 1. classics by the sea 10k/5k 2. turn on the light 5k 3. its a wonderful run 5k 4. n creek explorer 5k Ironically, all the races were timed by Accuchip.
First race = #2
I dont remember if it was an inaugural but it was my first time doing it. To my dismay, some of the best masters showed up. By the grace of God, I managed to get 3rd master & place in the top ten despite barely breaking 20; circumstances. However, I didn't know this until later because I left immediately after crossing the finish line. On top of that, I could not pick up the award because of that. Due to the failure of by designee, I have to wait to next year to pick it up far far away.
Second race = #3
This become one of the most memorable races of year because of the outcome. I arrived over 3 minutes late (considered lucky) due to the car accident that occurred at the entrance to tradewinds prior to the first race. That caused the race to be delayed 15 minutes, the thing I most feared. I began last under all and by the grace of God, advanced to the 'spirit of' 76 overall despite using a training pace (8 minutes per mile). On top of that, the pathetic time I logged in qualified to place in my age group! I stuck around for the festivities & some rest because the day is not over.
Third race = #4
I didn't have to worry about the timing since hours separated this from the previous event. However, it had been raining since the 1st 2 events. I forgot that last year, the top ten overall not only qualified for the honor but also free entry into this event; can you say title defense? Praise the Lord, it came to pass. However, I was 3 seconds slower than last year. If it's any consolation, I won the 40-44 age class for the last time & got a trophy; all others get a medal. Also, the time was the best of the day! They had a pretty good post race & loved the long sleeve cotton shirts, previously the best you get until tech shirts were invented.
Sunday agenda-race!
Much easier to decide: a. parkland 5 mile b. jcc 5k (Dade) Proximity rules! However, to my dismay, some of the best masters showed up (Jon W & Walthon) to take the top titles. Despite a pathetic time, I still won my age group and placed within the top ten. For all the races I arrived on time, I made the top ten; circumstances to praise the Lord. This race tied the top position of all the races, 6th overall. Except for the titles, medals were given. Decent post race festivities.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
12 11 10 ...
12 11 10 ... 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 the count down! However, those numbers in the title actually represent the date of the weekend start. I got a rare opportunity race on hump day. Might as well since I didn't get to...
Wednesday agenda-holiday mile
I took a risk & signed up for this race since getting the word of my temporary re-assignment to another office. My first gamble failed, as you read in my previous blog but apparently, I'm a gambling man. Jonathan, the vice CEO of STOL, issued a challenge to many of the runners I train with at Niketown. I set a goal of 5:30, an attainable one that didn't seem likely based on some of my performances. Plus, this was a state championship mile race, which means the best show up to compete. Another disadvantage was ten year age group, my ultimate demise. I left work while it was hot but when I arrived in Boca, the temp had dropped; that's a plus. Once the gun went off, I took off like a bat out of hell. I was battling another master & lost by split seconds according to Accuchip; I would have been 3rd under normal 5 year age groups. However, I won, in a sense, by getting a PR & beating all elite women! On top of that, I was only 4 seconds behind Jon W, the age group winner. A surprising post race. Didn't have much but what they did have was hot pizza on a cold night; just what the doctor ordered!
Saturday agenda-race!
2 5k's: run to remember & holiday run. The latter was close, less than 2 miles away, & had a 10k as well. Also, fight 4 air climb, in which I skipped. What I remember is that I was so tight, I wound up forfeiting an overall victory for a master win, based on the winning time. My legs were so heavy it wasn't funny; I am blessed to get a great title despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
3 for me to do!
a. mistletoe toe 5/10k
b. Boca raton road runners 5/10k
c. run for tomorrow 5
I selected c. & brought my dad so he could run. Our tradition is cat & mouse. After my 5k, went out and did over 11.5 miles since I still need to get in a long run. This year, I finally caught my dad! Once my mission was accomplished, I went at his pace to the finish. My time in the 5k was only slightly better than the previous day but was good enough to get 2nd master. I was disappointed with the scaled down post race (no pancakes). I closed the weekend still on a drought (failed to break 19) and am on the countdown to end this negative streak.
12 11 10 ... 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!
Wednesday agenda-holiday mile
I took a risk & signed up for this race since getting the word of my temporary re-assignment to another office. My first gamble failed, as you read in my previous blog but apparently, I'm a gambling man. Jonathan, the vice CEO of STOL, issued a challenge to many of the runners I train with at Niketown. I set a goal of 5:30, an attainable one that didn't seem likely based on some of my performances. Plus, this was a state championship mile race, which means the best show up to compete. Another disadvantage was ten year age group, my ultimate demise. I left work while it was hot but when I arrived in Boca, the temp had dropped; that's a plus. Once the gun went off, I took off like a bat out of hell. I was battling another master & lost by split seconds according to Accuchip; I would have been 3rd under normal 5 year age groups. However, I won, in a sense, by getting a PR & beating all elite women! On top of that, I was only 4 seconds behind Jon W, the age group winner. A surprising post race. Didn't have much but what they did have was hot pizza on a cold night; just what the doctor ordered!
Saturday agenda-race!
2 5k's: run to remember & holiday run. The latter was close, less than 2 miles away, & had a 10k as well. Also, fight 4 air climb, in which I skipped. What I remember is that I was so tight, I wound up forfeiting an overall victory for a master win, based on the winning time. My legs were so heavy it wasn't funny; I am blessed to get a great title despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
3 for me to do!
a. mistletoe toe 5/10k
b. Boca raton road runners 5/10k
c. run for tomorrow 5
I selected c. & brought my dad so he could run. Our tradition is cat & mouse. After my 5k, went out and did over 11.5 miles since I still need to get in a long run. This year, I finally caught my dad! Once my mission was accomplished, I went at his pace to the finish. My time in the 5k was only slightly better than the previous day but was good enough to get 2nd master. I was disappointed with the scaled down post race (no pancakes). I closed the weekend still on a drought (failed to break 19) and am on the countdown to end this negative streak.
12 11 10 ... 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
On the road again
On the road again, that classic country song, certainly applied this weekend.
Friday agenda-waterfront 5k
After finding out I am being temporarily reassigned to different office further north, I took a chance & signed up for this event. In previous years, it was held Saturday morning. If it were blackjack, I hit one too many times; bust! I got stuck in the rush hour traffic and arrived late. To add insult to injury, even though I was pre-registered, my bib # & packet was given away & I had to fight to reissue another number plus take a shirt way larger than I reserved. That added further to the delay. I was told to begin behind the start mat & run, in effect, the race starts when Im ready. So, I pulled a George (similar incident happened to him at the Karhu 5k). afterwards, I was told that someone turned off the mat early so I didn't get my true (net) time. After some convincing, I was at least given the medal I would've gotten had they done it right, even though the clock time recorded won't reflect I placed. When I left work, it was hot but cooled down quickly by the time I got there. The post race was lame unless you were willing to pay.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had 3 choices:
1. Savannah river bridge run
2. OUC half marathon
3. jingle bell jog 5k
#1 is out of state; strike that. The last 2, been there, done that. Therefore, the proximity rule prevailed. I went into this with low expectations. why?
1. never placed at this event, even with great times
2. race within 12 hours of a previous race
3. recent struggles to meet my personal standards
Unfortunately, the tradition continued. On top of that, my time barely broke 20. Much better post race. I had not done the race in, like 5 years and this day reminded me why I haven't.
Sunday agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to continue tradition:
a. Brandon half & 5k
b. k9 cancer walk
c. sfk 5k run for success
d. tri key west
If I were a travelling man, I missed also the Las Vegas marathon & the Jamaican marathon. Speaking of travelling, I passed on a. I dropped b. because it's a fun run. Without a swimmer, I didn't even think about d. plus on top of that, the driving; c it is!
What's the tradition? Palm beach marathon relay! I felt like Pat Riley when the big 3 got signed for the heat. Why? I was able to get Jonathan Mederos, an elite athlete & top runner for team STOL. Plus, the return of Gene, from previous teams that have won. Originally, Chris A was to run but unfortunately got injured, so like UM did with Randy Shannon, I had to get a replacement. When Dwayne Wade spoke, the heat listened; so did I when Jonathon spoke. I took his recommendation, Jose N, as a replacement, not clear of his ability because I trust his judgement. As team captain, it's my responsibility to not only acquire the resources but properly allocate them for maximum results. By the grace of God, this came to pass. Our team not only won the male relay & set the course record but beat ALL teams plus was the only team to break 3 hours. On top of that, we had the 4th fastest time overall! Jose was the starter & impressed me by having us already in the lead. The pressure was on me to continue this then pass on to the 'star' of the team. He advanced us from top 20 to top 5 before passing on to the anchor. Gene killed it, running a great time & we took the title. Post race was probably the same as Friday but I wouldn't know since Jonathan & I were stranded at the 3rd leg relay point for a couple of hours. We were all elated we won. Now, I gotta get back on the road again.
Friday agenda-waterfront 5k
After finding out I am being temporarily reassigned to different office further north, I took a chance & signed up for this event. In previous years, it was held Saturday morning. If it were blackjack, I hit one too many times; bust! I got stuck in the rush hour traffic and arrived late. To add insult to injury, even though I was pre-registered, my bib # & packet was given away & I had to fight to reissue another number plus take a shirt way larger than I reserved. That added further to the delay. I was told to begin behind the start mat & run, in effect, the race starts when Im ready. So, I pulled a George (similar incident happened to him at the Karhu 5k). afterwards, I was told that someone turned off the mat early so I didn't get my true (net) time. After some convincing, I was at least given the medal I would've gotten had they done it right, even though the clock time recorded won't reflect I placed. When I left work, it was hot but cooled down quickly by the time I got there. The post race was lame unless you were willing to pay.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had 3 choices:
1. Savannah river bridge run
2. OUC half marathon
3. jingle bell jog 5k
#1 is out of state; strike that. The last 2, been there, done that. Therefore, the proximity rule prevailed. I went into this with low expectations. why?
1. never placed at this event, even with great times
2. race within 12 hours of a previous race
3. recent struggles to meet my personal standards
Unfortunately, the tradition continued. On top of that, my time barely broke 20. Much better post race. I had not done the race in, like 5 years and this day reminded me why I haven't.
Sunday agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to continue tradition:
a. Brandon half & 5k
b. k9 cancer walk
c. sfk 5k run for success
d. tri key west
If I were a travelling man, I missed also the Las Vegas marathon & the Jamaican marathon. Speaking of travelling, I passed on a. I dropped b. because it's a fun run. Without a swimmer, I didn't even think about d. plus on top of that, the driving; c it is!
What's the tradition? Palm beach marathon relay! I felt like Pat Riley when the big 3 got signed for the heat. Why? I was able to get Jonathan Mederos, an elite athlete & top runner for team STOL. Plus, the return of Gene, from previous teams that have won. Originally, Chris A was to run but unfortunately got injured, so like UM did with Randy Shannon, I had to get a replacement. When Dwayne Wade spoke, the heat listened; so did I when Jonathon spoke. I took his recommendation, Jose N, as a replacement, not clear of his ability because I trust his judgement. As team captain, it's my responsibility to not only acquire the resources but properly allocate them for maximum results. By the grace of God, this came to pass. Our team not only won the male relay & set the course record but beat ALL teams plus was the only team to break 3 hours. On top of that, we had the 4th fastest time overall! Jose was the starter & impressed me by having us already in the lead. The pressure was on me to continue this then pass on to the 'star' of the team. He advanced us from top 20 to top 5 before passing on to the anchor. Gene killed it, running a great time & we took the title. Post race was probably the same as Friday but I wouldn't know since Jonathan & I were stranded at the 3rd leg relay point for a couple of hours. We were all elated we won. Now, I gotta get back on the road again.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving weekend actually begins on Thursday with Thanksgiving, then bleeds into black Friday, the official start and busiest day of the Christmas season (holiday for the politically correct). The thanksgiving weekend will conclude with cyber Monday, the high tech version of black Friday (all deals available online).
Saturday agenda-voice of love 5k
With only 1 race in the tri-county area, the selection was simple. It was unusual as this was a cross country race, conducted entire on grass on the par 3 golf course. No doubt, it was scenic but also quite challenging. Noticeably missing-George & Jon; thankfully for me, the latter didn't. Allen N & I traded places throughout & we placed 3rd & 4th overall respectfully. That means he got the master title. It appears I was mere seconds from victory!
Sunday agenda-race!
Today, I had 2 choices for been there, done that events:
1. posnack sprint for the finish 5k
2. space coast half & full marathon
Love them both but stuck closer to home. Thank goodness because I didnt realize how much I was affected by yesterday until the race started. My legs felt heavy plus I felt tired. The markham course has hills plus it was windy. Hey, I gotta come up with excuses for my dismal performance. Fortunately, if I were to have a bad day, this was a good day for that. My age group position was not affected by my lackluster showing, only the overall. Although considered low quantity, it was a high quality field. The master winner was so fast that even Walthon couldn't catch him & he had a decent run! Post race was nice, including a raffle I didnt win.
Saturday agenda-voice of love 5k
With only 1 race in the tri-county area, the selection was simple. It was unusual as this was a cross country race, conducted entire on grass on the par 3 golf course. No doubt, it was scenic but also quite challenging. Noticeably missing-George & Jon; thankfully for me, the latter didn't. Allen N & I traded places throughout & we placed 3rd & 4th overall respectfully. That means he got the master title. It appears I was mere seconds from victory!
Sunday agenda-race!
Today, I had 2 choices for been there, done that events:
1. posnack sprint for the finish 5k
2. space coast half & full marathon
Love them both but stuck closer to home. Thank goodness because I didnt realize how much I was affected by yesterday until the race started. My legs felt heavy plus I felt tired. The markham course has hills plus it was windy. Hey, I gotta come up with excuses for my dismal performance. Fortunately, if I were to have a bad day, this was a good day for that. My age group position was not affected by my lackluster showing, only the overall. Although considered low quantity, it was a high quality field. The master winner was so fast that even Walthon couldn't catch him & he had a decent run! Post race was nice, including a raffle I didnt win.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! The Lord has blessed me with yet another & this year is the 10th anniversary in my house. By the grace of God, its also the first time I ever had a celebration with family & friends here; I always go out. The idea was from a friend who is like family & did the leg work; I simply host it here. But before I pig out, you know the deal.
Today's agenda-turkey trot!
You know I am gonna race; nothing new here. The question is, which one?
a. race for the pies 4 miler
b. JCC turkey trot 5k
c. Tamarac turkey trot 5k
d. turkey tri (Broward)
e. turkey trot 5k (Dade)
f. run Miami turkey trot 5k & 10k
1 day I will do a. since it is the only race held previous to this year that I have not done. I skipped b. and the trophy opportunity to do an inaugural; ya'll know I couldn't turn that down. c. was too fast & too many bad experiences. I don't swim so scratch d. The last one had the most entrants & also was fast but I couldve placed still.
I seemed that everything that could go wrong did but I hung in there to log in another master victory. What went wrong. A late start race (8) that was delayed 15-20 minutes. Hot & humid by then plus windy. Ground was wet from previous rain. I was tired for some reason with heavy legs (internal condition). There were mile markers but no clocks. The bib chip system failed so they went to manual scoring. Due to the time constraints, only top 3 overall called & given their medals & gift baskets. Everybody else has to wait for them to be sent by mail. Also, you have to wait to get your official time (none printed or displayed) so I don't know what I did but I did make the top ten and was the fastest old guy who didn't make the top 3.
Post race was average & so little, everything exhausted quickly. I am happy I had an alternative to the tried & true & the guy legitimately tried his best to make this work.
Honorable mention
I know somebody will be missed (too many raced today) & congrats to all but I'm listing the ones I can remember at this time:
* Gene R got 2nd ag (f)
* Leo (STOL) 2nd ag (f)
* Allan W didn't place (4th) but got PR at (c)
* Courtney W got PR & 2nd ag at (c)
* Rachelle G won female overall at (b)
* George tops ag at (f)
Today's agenda-turkey trot!
You know I am gonna race; nothing new here. The question is, which one?
a. race for the pies 4 miler
b. JCC turkey trot 5k
c. Tamarac turkey trot 5k
d. turkey tri (Broward)
e. turkey trot 5k (Dade)
f. run Miami turkey trot 5k & 10k
1 day I will do a. since it is the only race held previous to this year that I have not done. I skipped b. and the trophy opportunity to do an inaugural; ya'll know I couldn't turn that down. c. was too fast & too many bad experiences. I don't swim so scratch d. The last one had the most entrants & also was fast but I couldve placed still.
I seemed that everything that could go wrong did but I hung in there to log in another master victory. What went wrong. A late start race (8) that was delayed 15-20 minutes. Hot & humid by then plus windy. Ground was wet from previous rain. I was tired for some reason with heavy legs (internal condition). There were mile markers but no clocks. The bib chip system failed so they went to manual scoring. Due to the time constraints, only top 3 overall called & given their medals & gift baskets. Everybody else has to wait for them to be sent by mail. Also, you have to wait to get your official time (none printed or displayed) so I don't know what I did but I did make the top ten and was the fastest old guy who didn't make the top 3.
Post race was average & so little, everything exhausted quickly. I am happy I had an alternative to the tried & true & the guy legitimately tried his best to make this work.
Honorable mention
I know somebody will be missed (too many raced today) & congrats to all but I'm listing the ones I can remember at this time:
* Gene R got 2nd ag (f)
* Leo (STOL) 2nd ag (f)
* Allan W didn't place (4th) but got PR at (c)
* Courtney W got PR & 2nd ag at (c)
* Rachelle G won female overall at (b)
* George tops ag at (f)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Full moon weekend
I took tell it was a Full moon weekend by the turn of events leading up to & into the weekend. At work, got some of the strangest customers plus found out I'm being reassigned (temporarily) to one of the 'worst' offices (a bit a far) despite a mock survey asking which office is closer to me. I contacted 'friends' who didn't reply & even got a message from someone I don't remember. Read on!
Saturday agenda-5k
The following were up for grabs:
a. ragnar relay (actually began yesterday) from port richey to daytona beach
b. delray turkey trot 5k
c. coral springs turkey trot
d. Dolphins cycling challenge (actually began yesterday)
e. the smart ride (actually began Thursday) from Miami to key west
f. mariner 5k (islamorada)
Scratch c. immediately due to cancellation; it was my first choice (I think inaugural 5k). I was not invited nor could scramble up enough runners for a., so that's out. Running races automatically override any type of cycling tours or rides, eliminating d. & e. Once I realized that c. was no more, I had to choose between b. or f. if I was gonna race at all. I chose b. by recommendation of George plus the 'been there, done that' rule regarding f.
Guess what? It's time for the break down Clint Eastwood style!
The good-I beat Matt T in a 5k for the first time in years plus broke 19! I received a trophy & was 6th overall! Divisions catered to the older athlete (80+).
The bad-footworks style categories (no top 3 nor master), & a mystery runner added, forcing me down to 3rd age group. Average post race.
The ugly-la perra danielle, the bad race director, who gave me a hard time; average looking with ugly heart, as far as I am concerned. I was to be comped, was not; no problem. She really didn't care about my explanation of who I am, circumstances, etc. I was told to & filled out a confusing race ap in the dark that I really shouldn't have had to do then was hassled over a $5 difference when I really shouldn't have had to pay to begin with. She chose not work with me (used can't, the word George warned me about) & gave me an attitude about it. She basically called me a liar. Any intelligent person would know that I would not travel 3 counties, amassing nearly 90 miles one way, just to purger myself. She was also the brain child for those horrific categories for those competitive age groups. On top of that, no clocks at each mile.
I used that negative energy from her to draw positive results; thank you Lord.
Sunday agenda-5k
More choices; love it:
1. runner's classic (Orlando)
2. women's half marathon
3. Tyler S Goldberg sunset run 5k
4. run wild for the environment 5k
5. muddy buddy (Miami)
My original choice was 5. because it finally came down to my county & was an inaugural but could not get a partner so I was forced to pass on it. The reason for skipping 2. is obvious. The next choice was #4. Jon W recommended 1. Since I am single with no one to answer to, I decided on #1, also because I had never done it.
This was both a good & bad decision. The latter would be because I could've been in the top 3 overall, master at worst at #4. Also, the race I did did not give any trophies, plaques or medals.
The former gave out prizes in lieu of awards. However, it was the experience that was priceless. I got to race among 2 legends, Frank Shorter & Bill Rodgers. I got their signatures on my race bib as well as speaking to them both at the start & post race. This had a post race spread like no other, even better than many marathons I've been to. The best 5k post was previously the Edison festival of lights. I was able to beat Joe from a rival racing team & made the top ten. I was 2nd in my category, missing the top position by 3 seconds!
Jon & I had to rush back because we had a triple header weekend!
Sunday afternoon agenda-5k
Only one-the Tyler S Goldberg sunset run. Great cause & I was impressed the mom of the deceased spoke to me personally & thanked me for coming. I was very tired, having no rest between races so I knew this would be tactical. On top of that, the course goes over bridges & the wind was greater than it was in morning. Also, it was hotter & more humid since it was in the afternoon. Despite these challenges, the Lord allowed me to win the master title with a dismal time and still make the top ten! Disappointing is that all divisions, even titles, were medals with no designations. Pleased that the categories are good-top 3 & a master title (great=3 in this one). Excellent post race. Great day for runner's depot as all 3 entrants took top titles. Jon won & Chris was the runner up.
Honorable mention
* George completes triple header as well, winning age group in all
* Jon W wins a race on both days, master (4th oa) was worst position.
Saturday agenda-5k
The following were up for grabs:
a. ragnar relay (actually began yesterday) from port richey to daytona beach
b. delray turkey trot 5k
c. coral springs turkey trot
d. Dolphins cycling challenge (actually began yesterday)
e. the smart ride (actually began Thursday) from Miami to key west
f. mariner 5k (islamorada)
Scratch c. immediately due to cancellation; it was my first choice (I think inaugural 5k). I was not invited nor could scramble up enough runners for a., so that's out. Running races automatically override any type of cycling tours or rides, eliminating d. & e. Once I realized that c. was no more, I had to choose between b. or f. if I was gonna race at all. I chose b. by recommendation of George plus the 'been there, done that' rule regarding f.
Guess what? It's time for the break down Clint Eastwood style!
The good-I beat Matt T in a 5k for the first time in years plus broke 19! I received a trophy & was 6th overall! Divisions catered to the older athlete (80+).
The bad-footworks style categories (no top 3 nor master), & a mystery runner added, forcing me down to 3rd age group. Average post race.
The ugly-la perra danielle, the bad race director, who gave me a hard time; average looking with ugly heart, as far as I am concerned. I was to be comped, was not; no problem. She really didn't care about my explanation of who I am, circumstances, etc. I was told to & filled out a confusing race ap in the dark that I really shouldn't have had to do then was hassled over a $5 difference when I really shouldn't have had to pay to begin with. She chose not work with me (used can't, the word George warned me about) & gave me an attitude about it. She basically called me a liar. Any intelligent person would know that I would not travel 3 counties, amassing nearly 90 miles one way, just to purger myself. She was also the brain child for those horrific categories for those competitive age groups. On top of that, no clocks at each mile.
I used that negative energy from her to draw positive results; thank you Lord.
Sunday agenda-5k
More choices; love it:
1. runner's classic (Orlando)
2. women's half marathon
3. Tyler S Goldberg sunset run 5k
4. run wild for the environment 5k
5. muddy buddy (Miami)
My original choice was 5. because it finally came down to my county & was an inaugural but could not get a partner so I was forced to pass on it. The reason for skipping 2. is obvious. The next choice was #4. Jon W recommended 1. Since I am single with no one to answer to, I decided on #1, also because I had never done it.
This was both a good & bad decision. The latter would be because I could've been in the top 3 overall, master at worst at #4. Also, the race I did did not give any trophies, plaques or medals.
The former gave out prizes in lieu of awards. However, it was the experience that was priceless. I got to race among 2 legends, Frank Shorter & Bill Rodgers. I got their signatures on my race bib as well as speaking to them both at the start & post race. This had a post race spread like no other, even better than many marathons I've been to. The best 5k post was previously the Edison festival of lights. I was able to beat Joe from a rival racing team & made the top ten. I was 2nd in my category, missing the top position by 3 seconds!
Jon & I had to rush back because we had a triple header weekend!
Sunday afternoon agenda-5k
Only one-the Tyler S Goldberg sunset run. Great cause & I was impressed the mom of the deceased spoke to me personally & thanked me for coming. I was very tired, having no rest between races so I knew this would be tactical. On top of that, the course goes over bridges & the wind was greater than it was in morning. Also, it was hotter & more humid since it was in the afternoon. Despite these challenges, the Lord allowed me to win the master title with a dismal time and still make the top ten! Disappointing is that all divisions, even titles, were medals with no designations. Pleased that the categories are good-top 3 & a master title (great=3 in this one). Excellent post race. Great day for runner's depot as all 3 entrants took top titles. Jon won & Chris was the runner up.
Honorable mention
* George completes triple header as well, winning age group in all
* Jon W wins a race on both days, master (4th oa) was worst position.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Mid month crisis (Nov)
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 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.
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