May flowers were to follow April showers but it seemed to rain more this month thus far than all of last month!
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I considered for today:
1. Spartan race TX
2. FAU card 5k
3. save the tiger 5k
4. Eric patrie memorial 5k
5. covenant house 5k
6. hugs for hope (fisp) 5k
7. golden panther chase
8. tour of the gables 5k
9. heal the stride 5k
This was an athletes dream as far as choices. You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). The last 2 would make the most sense (closest in proximity) but also had the worst categories. I chose the furthest race on the FL east coast. It also seemed to be the largest. By the grace of God, I escaped with a podium appearance (2 ag) despite the ten year grouping. Another blessing was squeezing in an afternoon event and picking up a win, first in 2-3 years; praise the Lord!
Sunday agenda-race!
This is what I considered for this day:
1. Spartan race TX
2. rnr marathon Portland
3. Naples reverse tri
4.double road race
5. down and dirty race
6. FIU triathlon
7. run for relief 5k
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I considered the next event, especially since I could do a double header at the same race but I already committed to the tri. I normally have Inga do the swim, while I get someone else to run (or bike) but didn't this time to satisfy my favorite athlete. She always wanted to run on a relay so she began and anchored on the team. It was windy & humid, bad for me on the bike. The course had a section full of speed bumps and rumble strips. One of them knocked an item loose, hitting the wheel on my bike, forcing me to stop to adjust. Despite that and 4th place on exchange, I was the fastest relay cyclist and her as a runner. We took the title, like the Miami heat (outfit I was wearing).
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Mother's day weekend
Mother's day weekend is upon us! For all actual, expecting or potential moms, have a good one.
Saturday agenda-race!
Not much today but here's what's on the docket:
1. Spartan race MT
2. wine country half marathon
3. 5k turtle trot
4. women for women 5k/10k
5. ALS 5k/10k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Since the next was on the other side, I passed on that. I was not allowed to do #4 (no man for that matter), therefore, guess what? Either don't race or the latter; you what I chose.
First, I had to get over a mental block since this is the same venue as the tax event I couldn't race due to injury. Next, the weather; it was humid and windy. Luckily, the clouds kept down some of the heat. Also, the course itself has rolling bumps and twist and turns in the 2nd mile. By the grace of God, I closed out the top ten and wound up 2nd (somebody slipped by me). Blessed to make the podium.
Sunday agenda-race?
Let's see whats happening on mom's day:
Saturday agenda-race!
Not much today but here's what's on the docket:
1. Spartan race MT
2. wine country half marathon
3. 5k turtle trot
4. women for women 5k/10k
5. ALS 5k/10k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Since the next was on the other side, I passed on that. I was not allowed to do #4 (no man for that matter), therefore, guess what? Either don't race or the latter; you what I chose.
First, I had to get over a mental block since this is the same venue as the tax event I couldn't race due to injury. Next, the weather; it was humid and windy. Luckily, the clouds kept down some of the heat. Also, the course itself has rolling bumps and twist and turns in the 2nd mile. By the grace of God, I closed out the top ten and wound up 2nd (somebody slipped by me). Blessed to make the podium.
Sunday agenda-race?
Let's see whats happening on mom's day:
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Cinco de Mayo prelude
Cinco de Mayo prelude weekend.
Friday agenda-race!
I got in rare TGIF race that was aptly named TGi5k. Glass time:
Half full: got in a weekday race, hardware-finishers medal, finish into sunfest
Half empty: hot, humid, windy, bad cat (40-99), didn't place
Saturday agenda-race!
Back to normal. These are my choices for the first Saturday of May:
1. Spartan race CO
2. turtle trot 5k
3. heroes in recovery 6k
4. big cardio 5k
5. Nat Moore scholarship run
6. the glory run
You can automatically rule out the first (out of FL). The rest were all good races but I decided to return to a tried and true event and the only 1 with an unusual distance. This was my redemption race. By the grace of God, I returned to a more normal position, top ten and a podium finish; that's the glass half full. Glass half empty- 2 ag and award was a towel (no trophy nor medal (except finisher).
Sunday agenda-race!
These are my choices for the first Sunday of May:
1. Spartan race CO
2. flying pig marathon
3. tropicool 5k
4. red bull wings for life 60 miler
5. madd dash 5k
6. westglades 5k
7. walk for wishes 5k
8. tri Miami
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Take out the next since the rest are on the east side of FL. Definitely not ready for #4. I passed on the latter without a swimmer, unless I want to do the du; I didn't. If I followed Jon's path, I could've done a double header with #6 but I slipped on my research and just did his second #7.
Ironically, I was at this location (parrot jungle) last week for an organ donor event. I represented my office as a champion for the cause and met many other co-workers I knew. This time, I came to race. I almost missed the start but the Lord above got me to the line just in time. The final mile was technical but scenic once inside the park and finished within. Let me close out Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top ten and master, clouds kept down the heat
The bad: humid and windy, no finisher medal as priors
The ugly: late start, missed double header that Jon did, medal
In closing: I am pleased to move from zero to hero with steady improvement throughout. Observe:
Race 1: 24 oa, 7 ag, 6:48 no award
Race 2: 7 oa, 2 ag 6:49 (pace slightly worse but longer distance)
Race 3: 4 oa, top master, 6:38
Friday agenda-race!
I got in rare TGIF race that was aptly named TGi5k. Glass time:
Half full: got in a weekday race, hardware-finishers medal, finish into sunfest
Half empty: hot, humid, windy, bad cat (40-99), didn't place
Saturday agenda-race!
Back to normal. These are my choices for the first Saturday of May:
1. Spartan race CO
2. turtle trot 5k
3. heroes in recovery 6k
4. big cardio 5k
5. Nat Moore scholarship run
6. the glory run
You can automatically rule out the first (out of FL). The rest were all good races but I decided to return to a tried and true event and the only 1 with an unusual distance. This was my redemption race. By the grace of God, I returned to a more normal position, top ten and a podium finish; that's the glass half full. Glass half empty- 2 ag and award was a towel (no trophy nor medal (except finisher).
Sunday agenda-race!
These are my choices for the first Sunday of May:
1. Spartan race CO
2. flying pig marathon
3. tropicool 5k
4. red bull wings for life 60 miler
5. madd dash 5k
6. westglades 5k
7. walk for wishes 5k
8. tri Miami
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Take out the next since the rest are on the east side of FL. Definitely not ready for #4. I passed on the latter without a swimmer, unless I want to do the du; I didn't. If I followed Jon's path, I could've done a double header with #6 but I slipped on my research and just did his second #7.
Ironically, I was at this location (parrot jungle) last week for an organ donor event. I represented my office as a champion for the cause and met many other co-workers I knew. This time, I came to race. I almost missed the start but the Lord above got me to the line just in time. The final mile was technical but scenic once inside the park and finished within. Let me close out Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top ten and master, clouds kept down the heat
The bad: humid and windy, no finisher medal as priors
The ugly: late start, missed double header that Jon did, medal
In closing: I am pleased to move from zero to hero with steady improvement throughout. Observe:
Race 1: 24 oa, 7 ag, 6:48 no award
Race 2: 7 oa, 2 ag 6:49 (pace slightly worse but longer distance)
Race 3: 4 oa, top master, 6:38
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Pop's weekend!
Pop's weekend! Why? Well, today is his birthday for starters. Also, beautiful Florida weather (hot, sunny and no rain). All things must come to an end; this statement refers to the fact this is the last weekend of April this year. Prior to today, the corporate run occurred on Thursday; I had to miss due to time and distance from event.
Saturday agenda-race?
Here's what I have on my plate for the last Saturday of April:
1. rnr Nashville marathon
2. Spartan race IN
3. stomp out child abuse 5k
4. meek and mighty tri
5. the courage challenge
6. 5k ruck run
7. peak 5k
8. chase dream 5k
9. human race
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). If I included an obstacle type event #6, a double header was possible, but not! The next 2 were on the west coast; I didn't feel like that much of a drive. Instead, I did something different. I chose a 'fun' run that gave out medals to the first 50 finishers. I wanted to test out my feet after injury without having to push. However, this plan kind of fell by the wayside when Luis showed up and decided to jog with me. That jog was near race pace for me at 7. Believe it or not, I was 4th overall without major effort but finished feeling more confident.
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my plate for the last Sunday of April:
1. the big sur marathon
2. rnr Madrid marathon
3. st Anthony's triathlon
4. the courage challenge
5. run from the rays 5k
6. pill box 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). Without a swimmer, strike #3. I wound up picking the latter (proximity). Almost a disaster for me, because #1-no master titles and #2 high quality field. It began and finished on a concrete track. By the grace of God, I got the last ag spot & last time on podium this month. Let's do the glass synopsis:
Half full: podium (3 ag), 5 star post race (waffles, eggs, etc)
Half empty: no master titles, near generic medal
Saturday agenda-race?
Here's what I have on my plate for the last Saturday of April:
1. rnr Nashville marathon
2. Spartan race IN
3. stomp out child abuse 5k
4. meek and mighty tri
5. the courage challenge
6. 5k ruck run
7. peak 5k
8. chase dream 5k
9. human race
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). If I included an obstacle type event #6, a double header was possible, but not! The next 2 were on the west coast; I didn't feel like that much of a drive. Instead, I did something different. I chose a 'fun' run that gave out medals to the first 50 finishers. I wanted to test out my feet after injury without having to push. However, this plan kind of fell by the wayside when Luis showed up and decided to jog with me. That jog was near race pace for me at 7. Believe it or not, I was 4th overall without major effort but finished feeling more confident.
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my plate for the last Sunday of April:
1. the big sur marathon
2. rnr Madrid marathon
3. st Anthony's triathlon
4. the courage challenge
5. run from the rays 5k
6. pill box 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). Without a swimmer, strike #3. I wound up picking the latter (proximity). Almost a disaster for me, because #1-no master titles and #2 high quality field. It began and finished on a concrete track. By the grace of God, I got the last ag spot & last time on podium this month. Let's do the glass synopsis:
Half full: podium (3 ag), 5 star post race (waffles, eggs, etc)
Half empty: no master titles, near generic medal
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Easter weekend !
Easter weekend is upon us! In terms of racing, it began Thursday with the cpa 1040k. They offered both a 5k and 10k, but due to injury, I couldn't race either. I did complete a 5k distance as training/recovery.
Yesterday (good Friday), I found a night race far on the west coast of FL but due to the aforementioned, weather, and car problems (old), I had to pass.
Saturday agenda-race?
Due to Easter, all organizers who put on a race this weekend picked today to do it. Here is what was under consideration:
1. do the right thing 5k
2. awareness 5k
3. Rooney's 5k
4. run for the bunny 5k
5. mr egg hunt tri/du
The weather report affected my decisions, then finances. I wanted to do the first 2 for a double header, despite the financial strain but rain was coming from that direction plus old car problem changed that. I passed on the latter due to finances but ultimately would have been the most feasible and closest in proximity. I originally planned on #4 and made, only to find out it was cancelled. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get to #3 due to the distance (furthest on my list for races on my coast). Therefore, I made it to 2 race sites but unable to race either of them.
Sunday agenda-race?
Not! This day is avoided due to Easter; have a happy one! Guess what? Clint Eastwood time:
The good: I am grateful for god's greatest gift-Jesus Christ!
The bad: no races for this day
The ugly: no races for me at all for the entire Easter weekend; car problems still.
Monday agenda-race?
Yes and no. In the colonial states, it's a holiday-patriot's day. In bean town, it's race day; the legendary boston marathon (118th). Unfortunately, I was working, not racing.
Yesterday (good Friday), I found a night race far on the west coast of FL but due to the aforementioned, weather, and car problems (old), I had to pass.
Saturday agenda-race?
Due to Easter, all organizers who put on a race this weekend picked today to do it. Here is what was under consideration:
1. do the right thing 5k
2. awareness 5k
3. Rooney's 5k
4. run for the bunny 5k
5. mr egg hunt tri/du
The weather report affected my decisions, then finances. I wanted to do the first 2 for a double header, despite the financial strain but rain was coming from that direction plus old car problem changed that. I passed on the latter due to finances but ultimately would have been the most feasible and closest in proximity. I originally planned on #4 and made, only to find out it was cancelled. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get to #3 due to the distance (furthest on my list for races on my coast). Therefore, I made it to 2 race sites but unable to race either of them.
Sunday agenda-race?
Not! This day is avoided due to Easter; have a happy one! Guess what? Clint Eastwood time:
The good: I am grateful for god's greatest gift-Jesus Christ!
The bad: no races for this day
The ugly: no races for me at all for the entire Easter weekend; car problems still.
Monday agenda-race?
Yes and no. In the colonial states, it's a holiday-patriot's day. In bean town, it's race day; the legendary boston marathon (118th). Unfortunately, I was working, not racing.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Birthday weekend!
Birthday weekend! Even though I advance to junior in my normal age group (45-49) within 48 hours, I am still in that group. This is my last weekend before the change.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my docket for the last Saturday before I age up:
1. singer island 5/10/half
2. support our troops 5k
3. Spartan race/biggest loser FL,NY
Not much to do so selection is easier. Rule out the latter since its off road, obstacle style event, even though closest in proximity. I passed on the former because I don't want to do a half then follow up next day with a 5k. They offered a 5k but that race is also the furthest in FL, so #2 wins.
I been there, done that but forgot the categories. Even though also in palm beach, it was the closest normal 5k. Although external conditions were acceptable, my internal conditions were not. Let's sum this up Clint Eastwood style:
The good: podium (3 oa)
The bad: distance to race, medals to winners
The ugly: categories-only 1 oa, no master, ten yr ag (stripped me of 3 oa in lieu of 2 ag)
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my docket for the last Sunday before I age up:
1. divas half TX
2. rnr Raleigh marathon/half
3. tour de Georgia gran fondo
4. run wild in the park
5. thin mint sprint
6. gumbo limbo green turtle gallop 10k
7. ives 5
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). I chose the latter because #1- closest in proximity and #2-the remaining are all in the county I just raced in yesterday or worse! Let me add some additional reasons: #3 put on by runners depot and #4 an inaugural.
I am not keen on cross country races so I didn't know how I would fair, since this is one of those. Worse, I had to do loops, including a steep climb. By the grace of God, I finished in the top ten and won my age group. To my surprise, the time was faster than yesterday despite the external conditions. However, my internal conditions were much better. Best of all, I got a nice trophy!
Monday agenda-race?
Not! It's my birthday! Plus, its a weekday, not a nationally observed holiday. Of course, you know I will still train.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my docket for the last Saturday before I age up:
1. singer island 5/10/half
2. support our troops 5k
3. Spartan race/biggest loser FL,NY
Not much to do so selection is easier. Rule out the latter since its off road, obstacle style event, even though closest in proximity. I passed on the former because I don't want to do a half then follow up next day with a 5k. They offered a 5k but that race is also the furthest in FL, so #2 wins.
I been there, done that but forgot the categories. Even though also in palm beach, it was the closest normal 5k. Although external conditions were acceptable, my internal conditions were not. Let's sum this up Clint Eastwood style:
The good: podium (3 oa)
The bad: distance to race, medals to winners
The ugly: categories-only 1 oa, no master, ten yr ag (stripped me of 3 oa in lieu of 2 ag)
Sunday agenda-race!
Here's what I have on my docket for the last Sunday before I age up:
1. divas half TX
2. rnr Raleigh marathon/half
3. tour de Georgia gran fondo
4. run wild in the park
5. thin mint sprint
6. gumbo limbo green turtle gallop 10k
7. ives 5
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). I chose the latter because #1- closest in proximity and #2-the remaining are all in the county I just raced in yesterday or worse! Let me add some additional reasons: #3 put on by runners depot and #4 an inaugural.
I am not keen on cross country races so I didn't know how I would fair, since this is one of those. Worse, I had to do loops, including a steep climb. By the grace of God, I finished in the top ten and won my age group. To my surprise, the time was faster than yesterday despite the external conditions. However, my internal conditions were much better. Best of all, I got a nice trophy!
Monday agenda-race?
Not! It's my birthday! Plus, its a weekday, not a nationally observed holiday. Of course, you know I will still train.
Saturday, April 05, 2014
Genesis of April
Genesis of April is upon us, the first weekend. The first event was on Thursday up in ft Lauderdale-corporate run.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here is what I considered for the first Saturday of April:
1. ragnar relay so cal
2. Hollywood half (CA)
3. rayz awareness 5k
4. roar thru ybor
5. run for the turtles 5k
6. great American bacon race
7. caba 5k
8. run to stop MS 5k
9. 7 mile bridge run
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Strike #3 (furthest in my FL selection). It only took 1 rejection for me to lose desire to be in the latter, so that's out. There was actually a chance for a double header but after my struggles last week, I just focused on one. I picked the closest in proximity.
In a horrible twist of fate, I began the month with a loss that should have been a podium finish. Check it out Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top ten (6 moa), finishers medal, weather
The bad: late start (was to be a great 7 am start), no split clocks, can't see finish clock till after cross
The ugly: categories (only 1 oa, no master, ten yr ag) cost me a podium slot, say lost by 1 second
The course was interesting. It began and ended on the track and used a lot of narrow trails.
Glass half full: new course was interesting
Glass half empty: narrow, curvy paths, start at finish was bad
Sunday agenda-race!
Here is what I considered for the first Sunday of April:
1. April fools half
2. south beach triathlon
3. trisickle 5k
4. pilates 5k
5. rugged runner challenge
6. wellington kids tri
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I cant do the next without a swimmer. I'm not allowed to the latter, even if I had a swimmer. Since the remaining were events I have never done, I picked closest in proximity.
The course was also interesting. It began and ended near the finish and after mile 1, for 1 mile, used a lot of narrow trails.
Let me break it down Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top 3, weather, 7 am start
The bad: no split clocks, double loop mid race and not on asphalt
The ugly: I couldn't get 2nd overall, award, PR didn't count (short)
I have to put something but the race was well done and worth a revisit. At least I closed out the weekend on top.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here is what I considered for the first Saturday of April:
1. ragnar relay so cal
2. Hollywood half (CA)
3. rayz awareness 5k
4. roar thru ybor
5. run for the turtles 5k
6. great American bacon race
7. caba 5k
8. run to stop MS 5k
9. 7 mile bridge run
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Strike #3 (furthest in my FL selection). It only took 1 rejection for me to lose desire to be in the latter, so that's out. There was actually a chance for a double header but after my struggles last week, I just focused on one. I picked the closest in proximity.
In a horrible twist of fate, I began the month with a loss that should have been a podium finish. Check it out Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top ten (6 moa), finishers medal, weather
The bad: late start (was to be a great 7 am start), no split clocks, can't see finish clock till after cross
The ugly: categories (only 1 oa, no master, ten yr ag) cost me a podium slot, say lost by 1 second
The course was interesting. It began and ended on the track and used a lot of narrow trails.
Glass half full: new course was interesting
Glass half empty: narrow, curvy paths, start at finish was bad
Sunday agenda-race!
Here is what I considered for the first Sunday of April:
1. April fools half
2. south beach triathlon
3. trisickle 5k
4. pilates 5k
5. rugged runner challenge
6. wellington kids tri
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I cant do the next without a swimmer. I'm not allowed to the latter, even if I had a swimmer. Since the remaining were events I have never done, I picked closest in proximity.
The course was also interesting. It began and ended near the finish and after mile 1, for 1 mile, used a lot of narrow trails.
Let me break it down Clint Eastwood style:
The good: top 3, weather, 7 am start
The bad: no split clocks, double loop mid race and not on asphalt
The ugly: I couldn't get 2nd overall, award, PR didn't count (short)
I have to put something but the race was well done and worth a revisit. At least I closed out the weekend on top.
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