President's weekend is upon us! Rather than give Abraham Lincoln is props, 1 day was set aside to incorporate him & George Washington, which will be this coming Monday.
Saturday agenda-race!
Out of about 20 races in Florida, these are the following races under consideration:
1. healthy choice 5k
2. run of the meadow 5k/10k
3. walk for wishes 5k
4. together we see eye run 5k
Of those options, the Lord made it possible to compete in a double header.
Morning agenda-walk for wishes 5k
It was back to zoo Miami for yet another one. I did what I could but barely broke 20. Can you believe I was 3rd overall but fell to age group? Sadly, the one between the race winner & I was a master, therefore claiming that title. With only one overall & master, I had to settle. However, I don't know what I got for an award, maybe a generic medal. Couldn't stay for the post race so I cant elaborate on it.
Evening agenda-together we see eye run 5k
I'm not fond of night races but am of multiple events in a single day. Therefore, I took the challenge. Unfortunately, I was unusually tight & tired (morning run?). The top 15 finishers were to qualify to run another race at night, maybe on a weekday. Sadly, I fell short by 2 slots and shorter, failed to break 20. Despite a worse time & position, I got a better award-trophy!
Sunday agenda-race!
I already predetermined to run the half but these events were scheduled on this day as well:
a. rnr Pasadena half
b. destin 50 beach ultra
c. A1A half/full marathon
d. tribute to the military
You can automatically rule out any out of FL race; a. Considering all my struggles, I'm not ready for an ultra; strike b. I like d. but need to do more distance running, especially during the season so c. wins!
To my dismay, I struggled miserably, logging in my worst time of the year. The wind & humidity was a bit too much, along with a problem with my foot. Also, I felt a bit tight & tired before I even started. Despite that, mission accomplished (got my medal) & yet another completed in the first quarter of the year.
Monday agenda-holiday
Happy President's day! Many, like me, had to work so I almost forgot.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Valentine weekend
Valentine weekend is upon us! Valentine's day is on Tuesday but the weekend preceding will get glory.
Saturday agenda-race!
The following events were considered below:
1. human trafficking 5k
2. ocean dr 5k
3. walk for wishes 5k
#1 was the furthest while the remaining were in my county. I wanted to #2 (Bryan's race) but I had to pass due to:
1. logistics (proximity further from next destination)
2. time (8:30)
3. funds (entry fee & parking)
It was held at zoo Miami, the plus was i can get up normal time. however, the course was twisty, turny & there was wind. Luckily, the cloudiness kept it a bit cool. Even though I got beat by some woman who did a time I shouldve been able to do, by the grace of God, I still made the top ten & won my age group. I barely made it under 20. This was a good family event with free entry that day but couldn't partake in that due to my next event.
The most challenging part of the day occurred afterwards. I had to pick up Gene then head up to the expo. However, on the way up, I needed to pick up a friend (CM), fight traffic & pray to make the deadline to pick up our packets. Our prayers were answered, got 'em, then proceeded to hotel to check in. After that, time to eat then off to bed.
Sunday agenda-race!
On list of races to do:
a. st pete half
b. miles for meso 8k
c. run through central park 5k
I like b. (put on by a fellow NY'er) & normally do c. (put on by runner's depot, sponsor of the racing team) but I had already pre registered for a. last year.
This happened to be the coldest day (40) of the year! To add injury to insult, very windy, with chill factor feeling like low 30's. That's the external challenge. For some reason, I was extremely tight, therefore, I struggled throughout on a relatively flat course, barely breaking 1:44. However, mission accomplished; I got the finishers medal for the inaugural half in st pete.
Once again, the most challenging part occurred afterwards. I had to find package area, get my bag, change, then locate bus to get back to the start where my baby was waiting for us over 2 hours. Im so proud of her because she couldve easily stayed in, warm under the covers & gotten a great comp breakfast but chose to brave the weather to support me. We navigated back, searched for parking, then a long walk to the concert, starring Flo Rida! we missed a chunk but caught most & we all had a great time. Post race otherwise was average at best. Medal was nice.
After dropping her off, & him, I closed out the evening with a Heat victory; sweet! Happy Valentines!
Saturday agenda-race!
The following events were considered below:
1. human trafficking 5k
2. ocean dr 5k
3. walk for wishes 5k
#1 was the furthest while the remaining were in my county. I wanted to #2 (Bryan's race) but I had to pass due to:
1. logistics (proximity further from next destination)
2. time (8:30)
3. funds (entry fee & parking)
It was held at zoo Miami, the plus was i can get up normal time. however, the course was twisty, turny & there was wind. Luckily, the cloudiness kept it a bit cool. Even though I got beat by some woman who did a time I shouldve been able to do, by the grace of God, I still made the top ten & won my age group. I barely made it under 20. This was a good family event with free entry that day but couldn't partake in that due to my next event.
The most challenging part of the day occurred afterwards. I had to pick up Gene then head up to the expo. However, on the way up, I needed to pick up a friend (CM), fight traffic & pray to make the deadline to pick up our packets. Our prayers were answered, got 'em, then proceeded to hotel to check in. After that, time to eat then off to bed.
Sunday agenda-race!
On list of races to do:
a. st pete half
b. miles for meso 8k
c. run through central park 5k
I like b. (put on by a fellow NY'er) & normally do c. (put on by runner's depot, sponsor of the racing team) but I had already pre registered for a. last year.
This happened to be the coldest day (40) of the year! To add injury to insult, very windy, with chill factor feeling like low 30's. That's the external challenge. For some reason, I was extremely tight, therefore, I struggled throughout on a relatively flat course, barely breaking 1:44. However, mission accomplished; I got the finishers medal for the inaugural half in st pete.
Once again, the most challenging part occurred afterwards. I had to find package area, get my bag, change, then locate bus to get back to the start where my baby was waiting for us over 2 hours. Im so proud of her because she couldve easily stayed in, warm under the covers & gotten a great comp breakfast but chose to brave the weather to support me. We navigated back, searched for parking, then a long walk to the concert, starring Flo Rida! we missed a chunk but caught most & we all had a great time. Post race otherwise was average at best. Medal was nice.
After dropping her off, & him, I closed out the evening with a Heat victory; sweet! Happy Valentines!
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Super bowl XLVI weekend!
Super bowl XLVI weekend! Before I watch that, I have my own line up of super events. The tradition began when I was born, so my USAT age matches that of the biggest game in sports.
Saturday agenda-race!
This weekend is super because I have the chance to be involved in 2 events on the same day!
Below are the following events up for consideration today:
a. 2nd Annual Sari Center 5K
b. PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
c. walk for wishes 5k
Race 1- PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
This was my first time doing this one & the first time I remember running a race on the other side of tradewinds (west of sample). Therefore, the course was totally foreign. To both my surprise & dismay, there was a better turnout than expected (higher quality, lower quantity). I failed to break 19 but at least I was in the low range. I was fortunate to make the dirty dozen but didn't win my age group (2nd). I found this out after the fact because I had to leave immediately to go to the next race.
Race 2-walk for wishes 5k
By the grace of God, I made it in time to begin this race; this was partly due to a later start. Unfortunately, it was much hotter & more humid, coupled with the fact that I ran. I got my worst 5k time of the year, a personal worst. Remarkably, I won my age group & made the top ten (high quantity, low quality) despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
Below are the following events up for consideration this day:
1. tybee run fest (GA)
2. Melbourne & beaches music marathon (& half)
3. dade city half marathon
4. butterfly 5k
Rule out any race outside of FL (strike 1). I'm in the distance race season, so I pass on the latter; also, that race is too challenging for me (age cat). I chose #2 over #3 because of the relay option.
I used Mike K, normally for the run in a tri, as the anchor for this team. I was afraid it was gonna be windy, like it was yesterday but praise the Lord, it subsided. On top of that, it was cloudy all day keeping the temperature at a nice cool level. I had a fast start but declined rapidly. Fortunately, I was still within a decent pace til I hit the bridge. I did what I could going up then opened up a bit on the descent. I passed off to him then waited for the bus. I was on it but I didn't leave for quite a while. I got thirty & stepped off for a moment to get a drink but when I turned around, it was gone! That guy left me on purpose so I had to stand in wet clothes twice as long; next time, I bring dry clothes! When I finally got back, my buddy told me he was in a heated battle near the end to help pull off our victory. Much like the super bowl it was close but we came out on top just like the Giants.
The post race was awesome, 5 star, with both pancakes & pizza among the usual items. We got nice awards for being the overall relay winners. We also had the honor of helping Sonia, the overall female winner, get back 'home', to her hotel. It was truly a super weekend.
Afterward, toward the evening, time to watch the super bowl & the commercials.
In conclusion, my struggles continue but I refuse to retire. God is good as I still find my way to the podium.
Saturday agenda-race!
This weekend is super because I have the chance to be involved in 2 events on the same day!
Below are the following events up for consideration today:
a. 2nd Annual Sari Center 5K
b. PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
c. walk for wishes 5k
Race 1- PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
This was my first time doing this one & the first time I remember running a race on the other side of tradewinds (west of sample). Therefore, the course was totally foreign. To both my surprise & dismay, there was a better turnout than expected (higher quality, lower quantity). I failed to break 19 but at least I was in the low range. I was fortunate to make the dirty dozen but didn't win my age group (2nd). I found this out after the fact because I had to leave immediately to go to the next race.
Race 2-walk for wishes 5k
By the grace of God, I made it in time to begin this race; this was partly due to a later start. Unfortunately, it was much hotter & more humid, coupled with the fact that I ran. I got my worst 5k time of the year, a personal worst. Remarkably, I won my age group & made the top ten (high quantity, low quality) despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
Below are the following events up for consideration this day:
1. tybee run fest (GA)
2. Melbourne & beaches music marathon (& half)
3. dade city half marathon
4. butterfly 5k
Rule out any race outside of FL (strike 1). I'm in the distance race season, so I pass on the latter; also, that race is too challenging for me (age cat). I chose #2 over #3 because of the relay option.
I used Mike K, normally for the run in a tri, as the anchor for this team. I was afraid it was gonna be windy, like it was yesterday but praise the Lord, it subsided. On top of that, it was cloudy all day keeping the temperature at a nice cool level. I had a fast start but declined rapidly. Fortunately, I was still within a decent pace til I hit the bridge. I did what I could going up then opened up a bit on the descent. I passed off to him then waited for the bus. I was on it but I didn't leave for quite a while. I got thirty & stepped off for a moment to get a drink but when I turned around, it was gone! That guy left me on purpose so I had to stand in wet clothes twice as long; next time, I bring dry clothes! When I finally got back, my buddy told me he was in a heated battle near the end to help pull off our victory. Much like the super bowl it was close but we came out on top just like the Giants.
The post race was awesome, 5 star, with both pancakes & pizza among the usual items. We got nice awards for being the overall relay winners. We also had the honor of helping Sonia, the overall female winner, get back 'home', to her hotel. It was truly a super weekend.
Afterward, toward the evening, time to watch the super bowl & the commercials.
In conclusion, my struggles continue but I refuse to retire. God is good as I still find my way to the podium.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
the ING weekend
Once again, the last days of January are dedicated to Miami, the ING weekend! Yes, this time I remained at 'home' down here in Miami to compete, instead of travelling, to fulfil my desire & destiny of being an athlete for life.
Saturday agenda-tropical 5k
I stuck to my tradition of using the tropical 5k as a tune-up for the main event the following day. That means I had to pass on other races. Like last time, I wanted to help pace Leo, Gene if necessary, since both were in attendance. However, this year, I got left behind & just hoped to finish well enough to place. I wanted only to do enough to make the top 5 in my age group but since they got stingy by not offering a master title and reduced it to only 3, my 5th place age finish didn't make the podium. If it hadn't been a finishers medal, I would've walked away empty handed, or neck, if want to be technical. To add insult to injury, the post race refreshments were pathetic, with only bagels & bananas (no oranges or sweets). Afterwards, I went to the expo to pick up my packet & met up with lots of fellow athletes, most of whom were planning on running tomorrow. I met with current 'old' friends, such as Courtney, Louis Best (at race) & some newer ones, like Allan W, Tamara, Lisa Dorfman. I had the honor to speak to & cool down with the legendary coach GP (3rd overall @ 5k). The second, also a legend, was Lisa Dorfman.
Sunday agenda-main event!
The main events are distance races, the half & full marathon. Having completed the first five as marathons, I am satisfied & now choose the former on my quest to a decade with this event. I dub it as the main event because #1, the marathon and half are the feature events and #2, we're talking about distance, which requires endurance. I am on par to get the ten year jacket so other races (like the Ocala marathon) have to wait.
It started off a decent 70 degrees with not much rain in sight. It remained cloudy throughout keeping the heat down but, it was seemed humid and a bit windy. This is my 3rd half of the year (& month), and coupled with the fact that this course is not exactly flat & forgiving, I didn't expect a great race.
I had a great start and made some personal accomplishments, such as being with Leo till 5k point, Gene & Leo in sight on ocean dr, still within target range through 10k, in front of Louis M till near 15k; it went downhill from there. Fortunately, I escaped without any serious physical harm, even though my pinky toe hurt like the dickens. I have officially completed all ten of their events! Now I gotta fight to get my jacket, like 5 years ago. The post race refreshments were 3 1/2 star (no oranges). The finishers medal was by the far the best ever. No official mylar blankets were given out.
Congrats to all runners who finished, especially runners depot teammates .
Sunday, January 22, 2012
E nair row
E nair row, that's the closest i can sound out the Spanish word for January.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had 3 on my radar, although more were available if travelling:
1. everglades ultras
2. boca christian torch run 5k
3. the race to walk
#1 is a little too much distance for me, especially considering my struggles with the half. I enjoyed & intended to do #2 but plans fell through. besides, it was kind of far, considering that's in palm beach county; #3 wins!
I'm gonna break it down Clint Eastwood style:
The good: won age group; top ten performance
The bad: failed to break 20, generic medal (some info)
The ugly: I was dusted by nearly 3 minutes by the master winner; no one between us.
Sunday agenda-race!
3 events sparked my interest:
a. key west half marathon
b. an angel among us 5k
c. bal harbor 5k/10k
For me, the choice was simpler. When #2 above failed, I picked #3. I enjoyed a. but based on my previous 2 halves this year, coupled with the travel to get there, I passed on it this year. b. was held at tradewinds; I didn't want to race at the same park as I did yesterday so c. wins.
Although the 6th annual, it was my first time there. It's time for the famous Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: beat yesterday's time & won master title; top ten performance
The bad: failed to break 20, generic medal (no info), hot (late start) with bridge
The ugly: 2 kids beat me, time improvement was only 2 seconds, late start (8:10).
Saturday agenda-race!
I had 3 on my radar, although more were available if travelling:
1. everglades ultras
2. boca christian torch run 5k
3. the race to walk
#1 is a little too much distance for me, especially considering my struggles with the half. I enjoyed & intended to do #2 but plans fell through. besides, it was kind of far, considering that's in palm beach county; #3 wins!
I'm gonna break it down Clint Eastwood style:
The good: won age group; top ten performance
The bad: failed to break 20, generic medal (some info)
The ugly: I was dusted by nearly 3 minutes by the master winner; no one between us.
Sunday agenda-race!
3 events sparked my interest:
a. key west half marathon
b. an angel among us 5k
c. bal harbor 5k/10k
For me, the choice was simpler. When #2 above failed, I picked #3. I enjoyed a. but based on my previous 2 halves this year, coupled with the travel to get there, I passed on it this year. b. was held at tradewinds; I didn't want to race at the same park as I did yesterday so c. wins.
Although the 6th annual, it was my first time there. It's time for the famous Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: beat yesterday's time & won master title; top ten performance
The bad: failed to break 20, generic medal (no info), hot (late start) with bridge
The ugly: 2 kids beat me, time improvement was only 2 seconds, late start (8:10).
Monday, January 16, 2012
MLK jr weekend
MLK jr weekend is upon us! Also, this is my first mid month crisis of the year.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had the following on my radar:
1. the Honda classic 5k
2. 5k 4 kids 5k
3. JFS 5k
4. Miramar 5kk/10k
I selected the race most logistically located toward my next event destination; #4.
I was a return to a race I did in the past & enjoyed. This is my tune up race for the main event (half). I did what I could but thanks to the running Gods (I say that knowing there is only 1), I won the master title. I wish the best to the one who would've won (Ralph), but after 2 miles, pulled over for health reasons. I discovered after the fact that a competitor ran stealth in an attempt to defeat me but by the grace of God, failed; he took 2nd. I love the awards given out (except the medals for 3 in age groups). Gene tagged along to carpool with me to Naples. I was a little peeved he didn't run since he couldve placed.
Sunday agenda-race!
a. rnr AZ
b. marathon Bahamas
c. Naples half marathon
a=out of state, b=out of country; congrats to Brian on PR win at the latter. I am a lifetime member & always enjoy Naples, so of course, I return.
Due to external conditions (extreme cold (mid 40's)) and internal conditions (re injured left hip in 1st half mile), I struggled to get through the half. Remarkably, it is technically a PR for the year and an improvement (by about a minute) despite the dismal time. I got what I came for: the finishers medal. Congrats to Gene on his 2nd best time ever.
Monday agenda-MLK 5k
Dr. Martin Luther King jr is my other hero; Jesus Christ is first. If it hadn't been for him, I would not be able race with & have friends like the Legendary Sylvia & Lisa D., both who did well in their age groups today.
As for me, I suffered my first loss in umpteen years. I was upstaged by a young kid (20 years younger) who beat by best time ever by over ten seconds. I was a little over a minute behind him, forced to settle for runner up. The mid month crisis plagued me once again. Youth prevailed, but remember, he was fresh and this was my 3rd event of the weekend. Eventually, I have to pass the torch to a youngster; today, I was compelled to do such, reluctantly. I'll take my trophy & move on to the next one.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had the following on my radar:
1. the Honda classic 5k
2. 5k 4 kids 5k
3. JFS 5k
4. Miramar 5kk/10k
I selected the race most logistically located toward my next event destination; #4.
I was a return to a race I did in the past & enjoyed. This is my tune up race for the main event (half). I did what I could but thanks to the running Gods (I say that knowing there is only 1), I won the master title. I wish the best to the one who would've won (Ralph), but after 2 miles, pulled over for health reasons. I discovered after the fact that a competitor ran stealth in an attempt to defeat me but by the grace of God, failed; he took 2nd. I love the awards given out (except the medals for 3 in age groups). Gene tagged along to carpool with me to Naples. I was a little peeved he didn't run since he couldve placed.
Sunday agenda-race!
a. rnr AZ
b. marathon Bahamas
c. Naples half marathon
a=out of state, b=out of country; congrats to Brian on PR win at the latter. I am a lifetime member & always enjoy Naples, so of course, I return.
Due to external conditions (extreme cold (mid 40's)) and internal conditions (re injured left hip in 1st half mile), I struggled to get through the half. Remarkably, it is technically a PR for the year and an improvement (by about a minute) despite the dismal time. I got what I came for: the finishers medal. Congrats to Gene on his 2nd best time ever.
Monday agenda-MLK 5k
Dr. Martin Luther King jr is my other hero; Jesus Christ is first. If it hadn't been for him, I would not be able race with & have friends like the Legendary Sylvia & Lisa D., both who did well in their age groups today.
As for me, I suffered my first loss in umpteen years. I was upstaged by a young kid (20 years younger) who beat by best time ever by over ten seconds. I was a little over a minute behind him, forced to settle for runner up. The mid month crisis plagued me once again. Youth prevailed, but remember, he was fresh and this was my 3rd event of the weekend. Eventually, I have to pass the torch to a youngster; today, I was compelled to do such, reluctantly. I'll take my trophy & move on to the next one.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Magical weekend?
Magical weekend? Yes indeed.
Saturday agenda-race!
Ruling out the ragnar relay which began on Friday, a day I couldn't get off, and since the Disney half is today, requiring that packet pickup be prior, I had the following choices:
1. undy 5000
2. run for the animals 5k
3. flippany 5k/10k
All timed by accuchiptiming, by the grace of God, I was able to do a double header; truly magical. This was the first time my dad got to witness me pull this off.
Race #1: run for the animals 5k
This event was held at the same place my last race of the year was. It also featured a 1 mile dog walk after the 5k. It was a late start race (8) but luckily, it was a cold morning. Thankfully, virtually no wind. I left almost immediately after finishing in an effort to get to the next event with ample time. I had no idea what time I did or even if I placed, but if so, I had to leave without hardware. To make a long story short, I failed to match or beat the time I did just a week ago but I found out after the fact, I got the same age group position (footworks categories (1 overall, no master)).
Race #2: undy 5000
By the grace of God, I made it in time. It was considerably hotter (9) but the later start allowed for the double header. I did what I could but was nearly 30 seconds slower than the previous race. However, I won my age because thankfully, there was a master slot. Praise the Lord for allowing me to get top ten in both events. The award I got was a medal. Unique with this race was getting underwear bottom in lieu of a t-shirt.
Sunday agenda-race!
This is the main event. I saw it fitting to involve my dad in the inaugural 2 person Disney marathon relay. Why? We did (as individuals) the inaugural marathon, inaugural half marathon and the inaugural marathon and a half (goofy challenge). We are Bell's Elite Sports Team; Truly magical.
It was quite cold, 50 at start, but luckily, no wind. It warmed up to mid 60 as the race progressed. I happy to begin in the first wave, by mile 3ish, when we wrap to pass the starting line, I heard the last wave going off. Sadly, I felt a bit tight, no doubt from lack of sleep & proper rest. After a bit of confusion at split (full vs relay), I tagged off to dad. We both improved on our times from our last distance race, the Latin half. We are now a part of history. We placed 52 out of 111 in the male category & my dad informed me that we were in the top 25% of all teams; impressive. I like the long sleeve tech shirt & finishers medal but didn't care for the post race. The entire experience was well organized. Except for cost, may consider a return.
Saturday agenda-race!
Ruling out the ragnar relay which began on Friday, a day I couldn't get off, and since the Disney half is today, requiring that packet pickup be prior, I had the following choices:
1. undy 5000
2. run for the animals 5k
3. flippany 5k/10k
All timed by accuchiptiming, by the grace of God, I was able to do a double header; truly magical. This was the first time my dad got to witness me pull this off.
Race #1: run for the animals 5k
This event was held at the same place my last race of the year was. It also featured a 1 mile dog walk after the 5k. It was a late start race (8) but luckily, it was a cold morning. Thankfully, virtually no wind. I left almost immediately after finishing in an effort to get to the next event with ample time. I had no idea what time I did or even if I placed, but if so, I had to leave without hardware. To make a long story short, I failed to match or beat the time I did just a week ago but I found out after the fact, I got the same age group position (footworks categories (1 overall, no master)).
Race #2: undy 5000
By the grace of God, I made it in time. It was considerably hotter (9) but the later start allowed for the double header. I did what I could but was nearly 30 seconds slower than the previous race. However, I won my age because thankfully, there was a master slot. Praise the Lord for allowing me to get top ten in both events. The award I got was a medal. Unique with this race was getting underwear bottom in lieu of a t-shirt.
Sunday agenda-race!
This is the main event. I saw it fitting to involve my dad in the inaugural 2 person Disney marathon relay. Why? We did (as individuals) the inaugural marathon, inaugural half marathon and the inaugural marathon and a half (goofy challenge). We are Bell's Elite Sports Team; Truly magical.
It was quite cold, 50 at start, but luckily, no wind. It warmed up to mid 60 as the race progressed. I happy to begin in the first wave, by mile 3ish, when we wrap to pass the starting line, I heard the last wave going off. Sadly, I felt a bit tight, no doubt from lack of sleep & proper rest. After a bit of confusion at split (full vs relay), I tagged off to dad. We both improved on our times from our last distance race, the Latin half. We are now a part of history. We placed 52 out of 111 in the male category & my dad informed me that we were in the top 25% of all teams; impressive. I like the long sleeve tech shirt & finishers medal but didn't care for the post race. The entire experience was well organized. Except for cost, may consider a return.
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