Who lee oh! That's how you pronounce Julio, spanish for July.
I kicked off the day (Saturday) with a group ride that began at Elite cycling. I rode with them to midway into Key Biscayne & Virginia key. When they decided to turn around at the foot of the east end of the Rick, I didn't & instead returned early because I had planned on racing in the evening & could not afford to burn myself out.
Saturday evening agenda-Hemingway days 5k
Put on by the southern most runners club down in key west, it was the only race Jon & I could find. Dejavu for us but a pleasant new addition was Linda. We all carpooled up there, survived the traffic & made it in time to sign up. I thought, at best, I may see one other person I may know; not! Running wild & GFLRRC came down, with Don W as their fastest rep (3rd overall). We met Chuck & his family, so Runners Depot was well represented. Jon was 2nd overall & yours truly, top in age group (lost a master title due to poor training as a result of the back injury). Andres, from Niketown, won the top title. Although the heat was held down by the clouds, the humidity and wind was strong & the course itself lousy (unpaved section & with various turns). The post race was great. Both Linda & Jon won something in the raffle; poor me. The post race refreshments was excellent, 5 star. The had pizza, beer & even chocolate covered key lime pie.
Sunday agenda
Rest. At least my version of that, since I only did a 1/2 mile on the treadmill as speed training due to the rain.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Du tri hard
1st was the du, then was the hard, followed by a tri. Doesn't make sense until you read on.
Saturday morning agenda-Publix series
ESM offers both a triathlon (feature event) and a duathlon; naturally, I chose the latter. Today would be the season opener for both George & I. We come in as defending champions in our respective categories. I started off a bit tired & slightly rusty due to the back injury but did train throughout to maintain some level of fitness. My first run was great, as I was 2nd overall. I did the best I could on the bike but dropped two positions. I hung on in the final run without further loss to win in my category. Although Linda forewent the event, her services as a volunteer were greatly appreciated by all.
Saturday evening agenda-5k
Dubbed the Dreher park dash, it was the only 5k I could find for this weekend, so I anticipated high participation & was not disappointed regarding that. However, due to lightning, the race was first delayed then cancelled (postponed to a later, unspecified date); hard for us avid runners! Although this happened, I agree with that decision because it is still to be held but on another date and for the safety of all participants, not to mention avoid possible legal ramifications.
Sunday agenda-trilogy
This is race #2 of the series. Like ESM, it held both a triathlon (part of the trilogy series) and a duathlon (not). I chose the former as a relay team & my job was on the bike. The team-Du tri harder-return as defending champions. The name is based on my work ethic. I had to secure another runner because last year's selection was not available to compete. Due to construction on the bridge (not the Rick) leading to Crandon, the course was altered. Jenny performed as expected, coming out as the fastest female swimmer (only a male could beat her & that was by mere seconds). The runner struggled with the MIT run course, which is much like narrow cross country paths with rolling hills and failed to break 21; remarkably, that was the 3rd fastest time of 16 co-ed teams. The biggest shocker was with me, especially since the course was different & I had never raced through Virginia key. For the first time I can remember, I had the fastest bike split of all teams and built up enough of a cushion to absorb the dismal run. This is proof positive that all team mates must work hard for the ultimate goal of the victory. Although pleased, I consider ourselves luck to have dodged a bullet considering the runner up team lost due to poor transitioning. Last year, I lost 2nd master because of that at Riviera beach. In any case, we now lead in the series & must maintain this to win.
Du (on Sat) Tri (on Sun) Hard (to take) (missed 5k), got it?
Honorable mention
* Linda completes yet another triathlon, all by herself
* Linda reaches 15 races, perhaps surpassing any previous year already
* George wins his category at both events
Saturday morning agenda-Publix series
ESM offers both a triathlon (feature event) and a duathlon; naturally, I chose the latter. Today would be the season opener for both George & I. We come in as defending champions in our respective categories. I started off a bit tired & slightly rusty due to the back injury but did train throughout to maintain some level of fitness. My first run was great, as I was 2nd overall. I did the best I could on the bike but dropped two positions. I hung on in the final run without further loss to win in my category. Although Linda forewent the event, her services as a volunteer were greatly appreciated by all.
Saturday evening agenda-5k
Dubbed the Dreher park dash, it was the only 5k I could find for this weekend, so I anticipated high participation & was not disappointed regarding that. However, due to lightning, the race was first delayed then cancelled (postponed to a later, unspecified date); hard for us avid runners! Although this happened, I agree with that decision because it is still to be held but on another date and for the safety of all participants, not to mention avoid possible legal ramifications.
Sunday agenda-trilogy
This is race #2 of the series. Like ESM, it held both a triathlon (part of the trilogy series) and a duathlon (not). I chose the former as a relay team & my job was on the bike. The team-Du tri harder-return as defending champions. The name is based on my work ethic. I had to secure another runner because last year's selection was not available to compete. Due to construction on the bridge (not the Rick) leading to Crandon, the course was altered. Jenny performed as expected, coming out as the fastest female swimmer (only a male could beat her & that was by mere seconds). The runner struggled with the MIT run course, which is much like narrow cross country paths with rolling hills and failed to break 21; remarkably, that was the 3rd fastest time of 16 co-ed teams. The biggest shocker was with me, especially since the course was different & I had never raced through Virginia key. For the first time I can remember, I had the fastest bike split of all teams and built up enough of a cushion to absorb the dismal run. This is proof positive that all team mates must work hard for the ultimate goal of the victory. Although pleased, I consider ourselves luck to have dodged a bullet considering the runner up team lost due to poor transitioning. Last year, I lost 2nd master because of that at Riviera beach. In any case, we now lead in the series & must maintain this to win.
Du (on Sat) Tri (on Sun) Hard (to take) (missed 5k), got it?
Honorable mention
* Linda completes yet another triathlon, all by herself
* Linda reaches 15 races, perhaps surpassing any previous year already
* George wins his category at both events
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thank heaven
Thank heaven for 7 eleven, remember that slogan? Well, I am not talking about the convenient store chain, but rather, that today is the 11th of July & it kinda applies.
Saturday agenda-5k
I Thank heaven that Jon W found a race (2 actually) somewhere in Florida. Like a blind date, I had no idea what I'd be getting into. Near the last moment, I was told it was in Ormond, a place I have never been. After the fact, I discovered the details, such as the name of the race (race for the loop, the feature cause), time, age groups, course, etc. I Thank heaven I was able to do it, considering I am still recovering from a back injury and due to that, the reduced training lead to a poor performance. I Thank heaven because despite that, I still won the master title!
Sunday agenda-ride
I originally planned on the Frank Stark ride, but due to the distance to go there (boca) and my back injury, I opted to train at home. Although a quarter of the metric century, I still got a good workout. I closed out the weekend with my brother at Zo's summer groove.
Saturday agenda-5k
I Thank heaven that Jon W found a race (2 actually) somewhere in Florida. Like a blind date, I had no idea what I'd be getting into. Near the last moment, I was told it was in Ormond, a place I have never been. After the fact, I discovered the details, such as the name of the race (race for the loop, the feature cause), time, age groups, course, etc. I Thank heaven I was able to do it, considering I am still recovering from a back injury and due to that, the reduced training lead to a poor performance. I Thank heaven because despite that, I still won the master title!
Sunday agenda-ride
I originally planned on the Frank Stark ride, but due to the distance to go there (boca) and my back injury, I opted to train at home. Although a quarter of the metric century, I still got a good workout. I closed out the weekend with my brother at Zo's summer groove.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
4
Have a happy one;it's Independence day! We are free from England's rule to subject ourselves to other crazy taxes & laws. Be sure to thank our troops, past & present, for our freedom. While we celebrate, their lives are under real fireworks.
Saturday agenda-j4 5k
Today, just about every city and/or county has some kinda race. Unfortunately, I had to chose one.
1. weston 5k (most attended race by me)
2. multirace du/tri (usually done as part of a series commitment)
I went by both proximity & the been there, done that rule. This was an inaugural by PR, held atTamiami park. first time doing a race there this millennium. I injured my back last Friday & it still bothered me enough to consider missing a race on independence for the 1st time ever! That thought hurt so bad (more than my back) that I rolled the dice, prayed & hoped for the best under possibly the worst. Although the heat & humidity was relentless, the Lord spared me with low wind. I was blessed, not only to be able to run with a terrible injury & make it in the low 19's but that the poor time was sufficient to win my age group;praise the Lord!
On advice of my dad & with the help of Linda, Sunday, I did something that occurs once in a blue moon-absolutely nothing! I did not race or train at all, in an effort to recover.
I had many blessings to count this independence weekend & I thank God & pretty 4 being a part of it. She is multi-talented & should open up a restaurant.
Honorable mention
* race #14 for Linda; an impressive feat as only a handful can claim a race a month for a year
* George wins age group in du (spared runners of defeat in the 5k's)
Saturday agenda-j4 5k
Today, just about every city and/or county has some kinda race. Unfortunately, I had to chose one.
1. weston 5k (most attended race by me)
2. multirace du/tri (usually done as part of a series commitment)
I went by both proximity & the been there, done that rule. This was an inaugural by PR, held atTamiami park. first time doing a race there this millennium. I injured my back last Friday & it still bothered me enough to consider missing a race on independence for the 1st time ever! That thought hurt so bad (more than my back) that I rolled the dice, prayed & hoped for the best under possibly the worst. Although the heat & humidity was relentless, the Lord spared me with low wind. I was blessed, not only to be able to run with a terrible injury & make it in the low 19's but that the poor time was sufficient to win my age group;praise the Lord!
On advice of my dad & with the help of Linda, Sunday, I did something that occurs once in a blue moon-absolutely nothing! I did not race or train at all, in an effort to recover.
I had many blessings to count this independence weekend & I thank God & pretty 4 being a part of it. She is multi-talented & should open up a restaurant.
Honorable mention
* race #14 for Linda; an impressive feat as only a handful can claim a race a month for a year
* George wins age group in du (spared runners of defeat in the 5k's)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tragic times
Since my last post, so many tragedies occurred, many affecting me directly & indirectly. First, Ed McMan, Johnny Carson's former sidekick on the tonight show passed away. Then, Farah Fawcett, almost every man in my generation loved watching her as one of Charlie's angels. Pop Icon Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest but not a heart attack; I never heard of anything like that. With all those drugs, however, it's no wonder. Death of a salesman- Billy Mays, info-merical icon, died today. I grew up watching & listening to all the aforementioned. More direct to me, today marked 3 months in a relationship with a PYT; a thriller. Like MJ, with no TLC, I had to beat it because no one wants to be defeated. For now, I am the man in the mirror who will return to running & exercise trying to keep up until the force stops, I won't stop still I get enough (thus far, 18 years strong)!
Saturday agenda-freedom 5k
This one was special because my dad returned to race again. I forgot to mention that I hurt my back going to work on Friday, & as of now, I still suffer from the pain, just one of the many tragedies I have to deal with. The Bell standard does not permit me to quit, so no doubt I ran as scheduled. The master title was impossible, as all 3 slots were filled by sub 18 performances. By the grace of God, I did win my age group eventually (initially, I was not listed & had to hunt down the race director to correct this tragedy). Even better, my dad got 2nd in his age group, bringing back memories of our family sweep.
Sunday agenda-ride
Initially, I had intended to do the Lauren Katzenstein celebration ride, metric century distance but that got altered due to my personal life situation. Luckily, I got back early enough to do my favorite ride to Florida city. Even though it was about half the distance originally planned, it still gave me a good workout and provided a slight bit of stress relief. Oh, yeah, there was more tragedy. I discovered I squandered good money by leaving out some formerly frozen food accidentally when I rushed out Friday morning to work. Plus, it started raining before I had a chance to cut the grass & I still have a flat tire to contend with. Lord, please ease up this week for me in regards to troubled times.
Honorable mention
* My dad places in age group.
* George wins the golden master title.
Saturday agenda-freedom 5k
This one was special because my dad returned to race again. I forgot to mention that I hurt my back going to work on Friday, & as of now, I still suffer from the pain, just one of the many tragedies I have to deal with. The Bell standard does not permit me to quit, so no doubt I ran as scheduled. The master title was impossible, as all 3 slots were filled by sub 18 performances. By the grace of God, I did win my age group eventually (initially, I was not listed & had to hunt down the race director to correct this tragedy). Even better, my dad got 2nd in his age group, bringing back memories of our family sweep.
Sunday agenda-ride
Initially, I had intended to do the Lauren Katzenstein celebration ride, metric century distance but that got altered due to my personal life situation. Luckily, I got back early enough to do my favorite ride to Florida city. Even though it was about half the distance originally planned, it still gave me a good workout and provided a slight bit of stress relief. Oh, yeah, there was more tragedy. I discovered I squandered good money by leaving out some formerly frozen food accidentally when I rushed out Friday morning to work. Plus, it started raining before I had a chance to cut the grass & I still have a flat tire to contend with. Lord, please ease up this week for me in regards to troubled times.
Honorable mention
* My dad places in age group.
* George wins the golden master title.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dad day
Happy fathers day, plus it's the official start of summer.
Saturday agenda-run for the future 5k
I despise night races but left with the option of race or not, you know ill chose the former. It was hot & humid, as expected. I began feeling a bit tired & tight. Due to these conditions, I failed to make the top 3 but thankfully, the quality in attendance was low, allowing me to win my age group. I would've been top master if that title were offered. Oh, by the way, the age group sucked as it was 41-50, the most difficult (5 year) divisions combined! No big loss as all winners, including overall, got the same medal.
Sunday agenda-key Biscayne trilogy, round 1
The word trilogy indicates 3 but because of greed, a 'bonus' round was added. Anyway, the fastest female swimmer (Jenny) I ever had returned, along with yours truly, to defend our series title as co-ed champions. I selected a young, up and coming new comer to run; this would be his first relay. When the dust cleared, we won the co-ed title for this race on our quest to defend our series title. Both she & he posted the fastest time of all relay participants in their respective discipline. Although I set a personal best on the bike, I was 2nd to the team we beat. We were the only team to break an hour; what an accomplishment. Speaking of that, Linda made the top ten in the beauty pageant.. I mean her age group with a spectacular I run that I'd like to take some credit for. Well, she did the whole triathlon by herself! This was race #13 & her first tri of this year.
Honorable mention
*George wins the 5k & the du age group
Saturday agenda-run for the future 5k
I despise night races but left with the option of race or not, you know ill chose the former. It was hot & humid, as expected. I began feeling a bit tired & tight. Due to these conditions, I failed to make the top 3 but thankfully, the quality in attendance was low, allowing me to win my age group. I would've been top master if that title were offered. Oh, by the way, the age group sucked as it was 41-50, the most difficult (5 year) divisions combined! No big loss as all winners, including overall, got the same medal.
Sunday agenda-key Biscayne trilogy, round 1
The word trilogy indicates 3 but because of greed, a 'bonus' round was added. Anyway, the fastest female swimmer (Jenny) I ever had returned, along with yours truly, to defend our series title as co-ed champions. I selected a young, up and coming new comer to run; this would be his first relay. When the dust cleared, we won the co-ed title for this race on our quest to defend our series title. Both she & he posted the fastest time of all relay participants in their respective discipline. Although I set a personal best on the bike, I was 2nd to the team we beat. We were the only team to break an hour; what an accomplishment. Speaking of that, Linda made the top ten in the beauty pageant.. I mean her age group with a spectacular I run that I'd like to take some credit for. Well, she did the whole triathlon by herself! This was race #13 & her first tri of this year.
Honorable mention
*George wins the 5k & the du age group
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mid month madness
Remember the mid month crisis (May)? June brings a similar dilemma. Friday might as well been the 13th. I was rejected like vhf. You know, it was the delay from the original date of February to now for the digital transition. Unlike you had cable, it was the day to lose a lot.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
I still don't know the name of the race but it commemorated 50 years of the incorporation of royal palm beach. Thanks to unclear instructions on the race flyer, Linda & I show up to the location for registration as directed but they (race organizers) neglected to mention this was not for race day. On top of that, my car mysteriously failed to start & we had to get a jump. Thanks to Linda's diligence, after many an incident, we finally arrived at our destination. From there, we had to be bussed to the start. We ran a poorly marked course with no mile markers, clocks or many cones. Later, I overheard that the course was designed to begin where the city began & end at its current location. In the last half mile, a kid & I followed arrows into a grassy field, only to be told to return to the road for the finish; we did more than a 5k, as indicative by my poor time. By the grace of God, I was runner up to teammate Jon Williams, the race winner. I was especially fortunate since, not only did I not have a stellar day, but the age groups were ridiculous. I was in the 18 & up age group.
Saturday afternoon agenda-NW track & field classic
Ever since introduced to it by Freddy, the NW track & field classic has been tradition for me. It serves as both competition (race) and training (track speed work). The events actually began on Friday but I can never make that due to work. I did the 800 meter dash then pleaded to move the 1500 meter to the next day due to the Runner's Depot party scheduled at night. I made it to the event with a significant other whom I refer to as she looks, pretty, & met up with many of my teammates.
Sunday morning agenda-5k
The intense training 5k was an inaugural. Unlike the previous day, this one had chip timing. When I began, I was barely in the dirty dozen but when the dust cleared, I got 2nd master, 5th overall. I was amazed to get trophies in both places. Despite bad weather, Linda & I ran and she did well in her age group.
Sunday evening agenda-5k
This was the final day to participate. When the dust cleared, I still could've gone through the school. They used a course that went through winding, small paths. I broke 19 barely and got 2nd master. I did the 3k and the 400 meter dash; the 1500 meter was missed while changeing. The latter I to run in the rain. Despite the rain & other complications, by nightfall, I had a Linda (pretty in English) good time.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
I still don't know the name of the race but it commemorated 50 years of the incorporation of royal palm beach. Thanks to unclear instructions on the race flyer, Linda & I show up to the location for registration as directed but they (race organizers) neglected to mention this was not for race day. On top of that, my car mysteriously failed to start & we had to get a jump. Thanks to Linda's diligence, after many an incident, we finally arrived at our destination. From there, we had to be bussed to the start. We ran a poorly marked course with no mile markers, clocks or many cones. Later, I overheard that the course was designed to begin where the city began & end at its current location. In the last half mile, a kid & I followed arrows into a grassy field, only to be told to return to the road for the finish; we did more than a 5k, as indicative by my poor time. By the grace of God, I was runner up to teammate Jon Williams, the race winner. I was especially fortunate since, not only did I not have a stellar day, but the age groups were ridiculous. I was in the 18 & up age group.
Saturday afternoon agenda-NW track & field classic
Ever since introduced to it by Freddy, the NW track & field classic has been tradition for me. It serves as both competition (race) and training (track speed work). The events actually began on Friday but I can never make that due to work. I did the 800 meter dash then pleaded to move the 1500 meter to the next day due to the Runner's Depot party scheduled at night. I made it to the event with a significant other whom I refer to as she looks, pretty, & met up with many of my teammates.
Sunday morning agenda-5k
The intense training 5k was an inaugural. Unlike the previous day, this one had chip timing. When I began, I was barely in the dirty dozen but when the dust cleared, I got 2nd master, 5th overall. I was amazed to get trophies in both places. Despite bad weather, Linda & I ran and she did well in her age group.
Sunday evening agenda-5k
This was the final day to participate. When the dust cleared, I still could've gone through the school. They used a course that went through winding, small paths. I broke 19 barely and got 2nd master. I did the 3k and the 400 meter dash; the 1500 meter was missed while changeing. The latter I to run in the rain. Despite the rain & other complications, by nightfall, I had a Linda (pretty in English) good time.
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