Trick or treat, Trick or treat, give me something good to eat. That's the line for those celebrating Halloween. I like to dress up but do not consider that celebrating. Why? Whenever I celebrate, I put up decorations on & about the house & in this case, would buy candy to give out; ain't none of that happenin'. I typically avoid ghoulish costumes, except for aliens. In fact, I usually wear authentic outfits & uniforms, such as the fatigues soldiers wear. However, the trick or treat I'm referring to is my life this weekend. I thought it would be a treat to visit my ex girlfriend to remove the ex (rekindle) but ended up being a trick that wasted valuable time (over 7 hrs, including travel) , money (gas for 100+ miles of travel), & emotions (colder than the AC running, considering no affection & inconsiderate to a guest (noisy cleaning) that thought he was welcome. Oh well, that was yesterday, now the past.
Saturday agenda-race!
A nice tri-county selection (treat):
a. aruna 5k (w palm bch)
b. spooktacular 5k
c. safewalk-run 5k
d. ironman 70.3 (Miami)
e. reason to run 5k (Miami)
f. Miami dade heart walk (Miami)
d. automatically scratched due to cost & need of a swimmer. a. ruled out due to distance. f. is a fun run/charity so with no awards, cut off the list. I like b. & c. and originally planned on c. until the fallout, which called for a last minute decision, much like a pinch hitter; e. wins!
Unfortunately, I had to pay the race day rate (trick) for a chance to win hardware (treat). I never did this one before even though it was the 3rd annual. I later heard that Jonathan won it last year & many other fast kids showed up; the last thing I wanted to hear after just signing up. I didn't know what to expect, especially since I had only 2 1/2 hours of sleep (bailed out of hell hole in the early morning to get back to heaven, my home). This was the one time I was glad the race started at 8, and on top of that, the second closest ever to my house. There was only 1 person I really knew, Leo from the STOL run at nike, who showed up, looking to crack 19 & perhaps the win. Once the run started, I stayed with the overall runner (female) for over 2 miles until someone passed us both. He became the new bullseye & forced me to run even faster. I had to endure many surges but by the grace of God, succeeded (STOL training) and came up with another overall victory (treat)! Number 3 for the year, tying my inaugural year with runner's depot. Unfortunately, I found out that no awards were offered for any body (trick). However, the race director did hear me out & offered me a raffle prize; I give him credit.
TREATS:
1. supports cause to help kids
2. good post race party
3. mile markers
TRICKS:
1. no awards, not even finishers medals
2. only 1 clock (finish) but it didn't work properly (I don't know my time
3. no chip timing nor recorded results
Sunday agenda-race!
Happy Halloween!
Found various events but most too far:
a. marine corp marathon (OH)
b. Halloween halfathon (tampa)
c. Halloween half (Jensen beach)
d.Halloween half (Miami beach)
This was a no brainer. Due to the number of my favorite events (5k), this was a must do to work on my endurance. I need a race to force me to do long runs. This was that day.
Let me break it down (turn of events) Halloween style:
Treats:
1. completed my first half of the season
2. wore a costume (rasta runner)
3. met up with friends
4. Bryan wins it for runners depot
5. awesome 5 star post race party at nikki beach
Tricks:
1. external conditions bad (the course itself, it rained plus was very humid, forcing me to carry the dread wig most of the race and was compelled to slow down on wet boardwalk)
2. internal conditions bad (was very tight, felt tired (sleep issue from previous day) & had to carry that wig.
3. misdirection made the course a half mile longer. Me & many other at front line wound up looping to the back behind walkers, having to dodge frequently. that probably wore me down but I didn't really suffer until after the bridge.
4. all of the above cause me to fail to place when the age group times are doable when I am in my prime.
Happy this weekend closes out the month. Although I finish on a low (trick), I picked up two great highs (treat) along the way; praise the Lord!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Full moon
Friday began the full moon and it seemed to transform me into the monster I was in the past!
Saturday agenda-5k
There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one (note: I found more outside this area & passed due to proximity):
a. Halloween 5k ghost run (n. palm beach)
b. tradewinds 5k
c. steps to independence 5k
d. schott 5k
e. 5k crunch run (sobe)
I ruled out a. due to proximity. I originally planned on c. (1 of 3 in Broward, the most of any county) but my original plans fell through so I took the closest to my home. Besides that, it was an inaugural in one of the most popular places in Florida-SoBe! It began in an unusual area of south beach- at 8th on A1A. The course headed north on the broadwalk & the turn around was just about the beginning of the boardwalk. The temperature was good but it was windy. I ran a moderate pace versus the wind but once we turned around, the race was on. I have to jump the gun and praise the Lord for allowing me to win but it wasn't easy. Mile 1 was about 6 & the next 20 secs slower. After mile 2, the guy I beat picked up his pace to a blistering level (sub 6). Thanks to God & the STOL nike runs, I was able to match his pace then close out with my master kick. However, barely. I beat him by a split second; ironic, because that's who was timing the event. It was my first 5k victory in over 2 years!
Sunday agenda-5k
Dejavu-There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one:
1. Myrtle beach mini marathon (inaugural)
2. muddy buddy (TX)
3. wellington horse country 10 miler (& 5k)
4. Boca cross country challenge
5. FAU 5k fun run (late start)
6. sarcoma cure 5k
7. buddy walk & 5k run
You can rule out 1 & 2 automatically. I'll make it easy for you this time. I could not resist the honor of being selected by an elite runner (Spencer) to be on a team & running among the elites (Josh & Bryan) with the goal of capturing the open male title currently held by BRRR; #4 was the choice. As a bonus, #5 was possible since it starts at 10 am.
This to me was much like the Miami Heat dream team (Wade, James & Bosh) and I felt like Udonis Haslem (a veteran but not on the level of the 4). The big three finished that way when the dust cleared, meaning our team swept the top 3 slots. They lead the lead pack (5 runners, 1 a top notch cross country champion female) all the way. I battled to emerge as the overall runner not in that pack (6th place) and beat my time of last year by about a minute. We dethroned last year's open cross country champions, the boca raton road runners & won the honor to host the race next year. Plus, on top of that, I will see my name among those great runners engraved on the team trophy, a first for me. Way to go runner's depot racing team! The individual medals stunk but the honor overrides that.
After that, I advised my teammates that I was going to do a fun run for additional training; only Spencer accepted the challenge. It paid off as he was 2nd overall, winning 1 of 9 awards available (top 3 men, women & FAU students). The event was for the FAU homecoming. I was 10th overall at the race, dropped 1 slot online after several hours. No award, but happy to still make the dirty dozen despite a dismal time. I did manage to beat all women. Post race was excellent, about 4 stars. The had homemade smoothies, even veggie sandwiches. In fact, this fun run was better than some races I have done.
Synopsis
An awesome weekend with three events, including 2 race wins, one as an individual & one as part of a team. Pleased to have done a bonus event. Congrats to George winning as usual in other races.
Saturday agenda-5k
There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one (note: I found more outside this area & passed due to proximity):
a. Halloween 5k ghost run (n. palm beach)
b. tradewinds 5k
c. steps to independence 5k
d. schott 5k
e. 5k crunch run (sobe)
I ruled out a. due to proximity. I originally planned on c. (1 of 3 in Broward, the most of any county) but my original plans fell through so I took the closest to my home. Besides that, it was an inaugural in one of the most popular places in Florida-SoBe! It began in an unusual area of south beach- at 8th on A1A. The course headed north on the broadwalk & the turn around was just about the beginning of the boardwalk. The temperature was good but it was windy. I ran a moderate pace versus the wind but once we turned around, the race was on. I have to jump the gun and praise the Lord for allowing me to win but it wasn't easy. Mile 1 was about 6 & the next 20 secs slower. After mile 2, the guy I beat picked up his pace to a blistering level (sub 6). Thanks to God & the STOL nike runs, I was able to match his pace then close out with my master kick. However, barely. I beat him by a split second; ironic, because that's who was timing the event. It was my first 5k victory in over 2 years!
Sunday agenda-5k
Dejavu-There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one:
1. Myrtle beach mini marathon (inaugural)
2. muddy buddy (TX)
3. wellington horse country 10 miler (& 5k)
4. Boca cross country challenge
5. FAU 5k fun run (late start)
6. sarcoma cure 5k
7. buddy walk & 5k run
You can rule out 1 & 2 automatically. I'll make it easy for you this time. I could not resist the honor of being selected by an elite runner (Spencer) to be on a team & running among the elites (Josh & Bryan) with the goal of capturing the open male title currently held by BRRR; #4 was the choice. As a bonus, #5 was possible since it starts at 10 am.
This to me was much like the Miami Heat dream team (Wade, James & Bosh) and I felt like Udonis Haslem (a veteran but not on the level of the 4). The big three finished that way when the dust cleared, meaning our team swept the top 3 slots. They lead the lead pack (5 runners, 1 a top notch cross country champion female) all the way. I battled to emerge as the overall runner not in that pack (6th place) and beat my time of last year by about a minute. We dethroned last year's open cross country champions, the boca raton road runners & won the honor to host the race next year. Plus, on top of that, I will see my name among those great runners engraved on the team trophy, a first for me. Way to go runner's depot racing team! The individual medals stunk but the honor overrides that.
After that, I advised my teammates that I was going to do a fun run for additional training; only Spencer accepted the challenge. It paid off as he was 2nd overall, winning 1 of 9 awards available (top 3 men, women & FAU students). The event was for the FAU homecoming. I was 10th overall at the race, dropped 1 slot online after several hours. No award, but happy to still make the dirty dozen despite a dismal time. I did manage to beat all women. Post race was excellent, about 4 stars. The had homemade smoothies, even veggie sandwiches. In fact, this fun run was better than some races I have done.
Synopsis
An awesome weekend with three events, including 2 race wins, one as an individual & one as part of a team. Pleased to have done a bonus event. Congrats to George winning as usual in other races.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What the...
What the... fill in the blank. It's that kinda weekend. I was informed by Jolie's mom that my eternal partner's birthday was yesterday. What the.... I didn't realize. I miss her & wish her the best in the after life. I'm going up but just not in a hurry.
Saturday agenda-5k
I had 4 options, 2 possible on the same day (from furthest to closest):
a. bulldog 5kdash (Indigo lakes)
b. pumpkin run at FAU (evening at Boca)
c. michaels special 5k (Hollywood )
d. race for the cure (Miami)
Passed on a. & b. due to distance, b. & d. due to cost. After choosing c., all my friend said, 'What the...' when I told them I was gonna pass on b. also because it's a night race. My last experience racing up there was not so pleasant & I'd like to do a bang up job for the main event tomorrow.
Since it was both an inaugural and for a cause, c. it was. I also was attracted to it because it featured athletes pushing riders (with disabilities). I thought this was a requirement until I discovered otherwise on race day. This put me at a slight disadvantage since I didn't wear racing flats but instead heavier ones with better traction.
Now for Clint Eastwood style:
The good-I placed in top ten, got 2nd. Guaranteed hardware (finisher's medals to all)
The bad-gift certificates with denominations determined by place as awards; what the....
The ugly-footworks age groups (top overall only, and no master categories). I was 2nd because of that (Jon W was 2nd overall but bumped me in my age group); what the....
Technically, the gift certificates were good considering the organizers were gonna Indian give (not give out age group awards despite advertising that on their brochures); what the.... Plus, those awards were redeemable at runner's depot; supurb!
Sunday agenda-race!
The following events were up for grabs:
1. muddy buddy (Portland, OR)
2. central FL women's sports festival (tri)
3. long leaf tri
4. 15k/30k training run
5. oleta trail run
6. Miami equalizer du/tri
7. homestead speedway (bike festival)
I passed on 1, & 2 due to distance, 3 for that plus would need a swimmer. I skipped 4 because its a fun run since no awards and 7 because its a fun ride. Since the trilogy award ceremony was to be held after #6, and knowing I planned on racing, I chose that over #5.
The Miami equalizer du/tri is the last scheduled sprint for this year. The Olympic was also offered. I decided to du only as an individual, particularly since this was not part of a series. The weather, not including the wind, was nice, allowing for a great start. I was estimating about a 6:10 for the mile sprint but by the grace of God, I broke 6. Although hampered by the wind, the Lord allowed me to at least exceed 20 mph for a 20k ride. It was only my 2nd time using the disc, first in Miami. What truly amazed me was off the bike onto the anchor run. For the first time this season, I broke 20 (I was only 4 seconds slower than when I ran only a 5k the previous day)! Could it be the shoes (debut of Konas)? The post race featured pancakes I never got because they took too long to make them. Not much else to eat, it was quite disappointing. They gave finisher medals for olympic, medals for sprint category winners & plastic plaque for Olympic. Wooden plaques for trilogy series winners. Our team got ripped off since only 1 was given for 2 people to share; what the .... I was actually 3rd master but was given first in my age group. Florida fleet elite was the overall relay team champion. This team featured Spencer West as the runner. We both are a part of history with wins in the inaugural duathlon trilogy series.
Saturday agenda-5k
I had 4 options, 2 possible on the same day (from furthest to closest):
a. bulldog 5kdash (Indigo lakes)
b. pumpkin run at FAU (evening at Boca)
c. michaels special 5k (Hollywood )
d. race for the cure (Miami)
Passed on a. & b. due to distance, b. & d. due to cost. After choosing c., all my friend said, 'What the...' when I told them I was gonna pass on b. also because it's a night race. My last experience racing up there was not so pleasant & I'd like to do a bang up job for the main event tomorrow.
Since it was both an inaugural and for a cause, c. it was. I also was attracted to it because it featured athletes pushing riders (with disabilities). I thought this was a requirement until I discovered otherwise on race day. This put me at a slight disadvantage since I didn't wear racing flats but instead heavier ones with better traction.
Now for Clint Eastwood style:
The good-I placed in top ten, got 2nd. Guaranteed hardware (finisher's medals to all)
The bad-gift certificates with denominations determined by place as awards; what the....
The ugly-footworks age groups (top overall only, and no master categories). I was 2nd because of that (Jon W was 2nd overall but bumped me in my age group); what the....
Technically, the gift certificates were good considering the organizers were gonna Indian give (not give out age group awards despite advertising that on their brochures); what the.... Plus, those awards were redeemable at runner's depot; supurb!
Sunday agenda-race!
The following events were up for grabs:
1. muddy buddy (Portland, OR)
2. central FL women's sports festival (tri)
3. long leaf tri
4. 15k/30k training run
5. oleta trail run
6. Miami equalizer du/tri
7. homestead speedway (bike festival)
I passed on 1, & 2 due to distance, 3 for that plus would need a swimmer. I skipped 4 because its a fun run since no awards and 7 because its a fun ride. Since the trilogy award ceremony was to be held after #6, and knowing I planned on racing, I chose that over #5.
The Miami equalizer du/tri is the last scheduled sprint for this year. The Olympic was also offered. I decided to du only as an individual, particularly since this was not part of a series. The weather, not including the wind, was nice, allowing for a great start. I was estimating about a 6:10 for the mile sprint but by the grace of God, I broke 6. Although hampered by the wind, the Lord allowed me to at least exceed 20 mph for a 20k ride. It was only my 2nd time using the disc, first in Miami. What truly amazed me was off the bike onto the anchor run. For the first time this season, I broke 20 (I was only 4 seconds slower than when I ran only a 5k the previous day)! Could it be the shoes (debut of Konas)? The post race featured pancakes I never got because they took too long to make them. Not much else to eat, it was quite disappointing. They gave finisher medals for olympic, medals for sprint category winners & plastic plaque for Olympic. Wooden plaques for trilogy series winners. Our team got ripped off since only 1 was given for 2 people to share; what the .... I was actually 3rd master but was given first in my age group. Florida fleet elite was the overall relay team champion. This team featured Spencer West as the runner. We both are a part of history with wins in the inaugural duathlon trilogy series.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ten & tradition!
Ten! On a scale from 1-10, I am often rated as such but this time I'll give it to the weekend. In fact, today is all that-10/10-10! However, the weekend began yesterday & for some (not me), includes tomorrow (Columbus day); happy Columbus day. Traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition).
Saturday morning agenda-adva 5k
Before any main event, I need a tune up race; this was it. I haven't done this race in a few years due to its proximity (Delray). I remember that the post race was quite good but the awards were not (medals). In fact, I remember not getting one on the same day due to some snafu & waited weeks to get it in the mail. The weather was nice for the start but the temperature was rising quickly as the race progressed. I was barely in the top ten at the start but gradually, as people fell off, I advanced until ultimately I was third. My time could have been better, but without being pushed, I felt no need to 'kill' myself when I knew I had a championship on the line the next day. After George & I got our awards & bit of rest, off we went to Tradition.
Saturday agenda continues
Once we arrived, we picked up our packets, secured lodging then off to Cici's for carbo loading. I was aware of an evening 5k but made no plans for it. It is difficult for me to turn down a race so....
Saturday evening agenda-publix 5k
George was saying that he was gonna pass on this race. I was thinking, 'yeah, right'. Guess who was correct? I told him my plan was to run this easy, especially since the quality & quantity is typically low and the fact that the real race would be the next day. I stuck to this plan until the last half mile, where some youngster forced to me to move faster in order to defend my position. I was the 3rd overall runner but the results will show 4th by including a hand cycle athlete. George was 16th overall with his age group win. Unlike me, he ran the best he could. I usually avoid these 5ks due to the cost & the award (generic medal) but got caught up in the moment.
Sunday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to conclude the publix duathlon series:
a. down2earth trail run (5k/10k/half)
b. the bare dare 5k (land o lakes, Fl)
c. girls wanna run 5k (women only)
As previously mentioned, traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition). This year, the race was held in-tradition! It's a town in port saint Lucie. Once again, the weather was cool but even better the wind subsided. This allowed for the debut of my disc wheel. This turned out to be an amazing event for me. The first mile was long, so my time appeared pathetic. My overall position barely made the top 25. The bike, however, was the best ever, almost clocking a 23 average. Despite that, it ranked 17, allowing me to advance a bit. During the latter stages, Lisa (the overall female) & I traded places but she edged me out with an aggressive move in the dismount area. With that & my poor transitioning, she was a country mile in front but still visible. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I felt strong & was steadily closing in on her. It took 2 1/2 miles to catch her, then I took over. Praise the Lord, I made the dirty dozen & beat all women in the process. Post race refreshments were superb but with no hot meal, 4 stars. We got a medal for the race but series winners also got a curved glass plaque. With elite missing, I won my age group for the series.
Saturday morning agenda-adva 5k
Before any main event, I need a tune up race; this was it. I haven't done this race in a few years due to its proximity (Delray). I remember that the post race was quite good but the awards were not (medals). In fact, I remember not getting one on the same day due to some snafu & waited weeks to get it in the mail. The weather was nice for the start but the temperature was rising quickly as the race progressed. I was barely in the top ten at the start but gradually, as people fell off, I advanced until ultimately I was third. My time could have been better, but without being pushed, I felt no need to 'kill' myself when I knew I had a championship on the line the next day. After George & I got our awards & bit of rest, off we went to Tradition.
Saturday agenda continues
Once we arrived, we picked up our packets, secured lodging then off to Cici's for carbo loading. I was aware of an evening 5k but made no plans for it. It is difficult for me to turn down a race so....
Saturday evening agenda-publix 5k
George was saying that he was gonna pass on this race. I was thinking, 'yeah, right'. Guess who was correct? I told him my plan was to run this easy, especially since the quality & quantity is typically low and the fact that the real race would be the next day. I stuck to this plan until the last half mile, where some youngster forced to me to move faster in order to defend my position. I was the 3rd overall runner but the results will show 4th by including a hand cycle athlete. George was 16th overall with his age group win. Unlike me, he ran the best he could. I usually avoid these 5ks due to the cost & the award (generic medal) but got caught up in the moment.
Sunday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the following events to conclude the publix duathlon series:
a. down2earth trail run (5k/10k/half)
b. the bare dare 5k (land o lakes, Fl)
c. girls wanna run 5k (women only)
As previously mentioned, traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition). This year, the race was held in-tradition! It's a town in port saint Lucie. Once again, the weather was cool but even better the wind subsided. This allowed for the debut of my disc wheel. This turned out to be an amazing event for me. The first mile was long, so my time appeared pathetic. My overall position barely made the top 25. The bike, however, was the best ever, almost clocking a 23 average. Despite that, it ranked 17, allowing me to advance a bit. During the latter stages, Lisa (the overall female) & I traded places but she edged me out with an aggressive move in the dismount area. With that & my poor transitioning, she was a country mile in front but still visible. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I felt strong & was steadily closing in on her. It took 2 1/2 miles to catch her, then I took over. Praise the Lord, I made the dirty dozen & beat all women in the process. Post race refreshments were superb but with no hot meal, 4 stars. We got a medal for the race but series winners also got a curved glass plaque. With elite missing, I won my age group for the series.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Awk 2 bray
Awk 2 bray, that's how October sounds to me in Spanish. What an interesting start of the month for me.
Saturday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the Jacksonville marine corps and the USAT national championship half due to the distance. On top of that, the latter requires swimming; not my cup of tea. So, I did yet another sickle cell 5k. This one was in cooper city & began at an odd time-7:15. This is my required tune up race to prepare for the main event. Once the race started, I knew that tactics would be necessary to not only conserve energy but to secure the best position possible. This is what came to pass; the finishing time was irrelevant. By the grace of God, I won the top master slot & trophy, setting the tone for the next race. Not a great post race but the awards made up for that.
Saturday night agenda-inaugural wine & dine half marathon
I chose this because of the following:
1. inaugural
2. my first night half, although as a relay
3. 1st time Disney offered a relay in any of their running endurance events
The challenge was not so much the race itself but rather the turn of events leading up to it. All that I planned on my end was falling into place; praise the Lord. Unfortunately, my teammate had problems. He got a flat last night that lead to this morning. He figured it would be a simple task so he waited kinda late. He was delayed further due to complications & wasn't sure he'd make it before the expo closing (4 pm). Ironically, he was worried previously if I'd make it after doing a 5k but everything went as scheduled for me; again, praise the Lord. Luckily, he sped like a NASCAR driver & got there in a nick of time. Step 2, we both had to make the transportation deadline. Because of that, the most rest I could get between the expo & that was a half hour. Disney made everyone park at EPCOT & then be bussed to either the starting line (wide world of sports) or for relay member #2 (me), the animal kingdom. Step 3, I had to wait over an hour & half before any athletes reached the 5 mile mark where we were positioned. The relay was divided as the start being an 8k while the anchor was a 13k. Gene prefers the shorter so he ran the 8k & was the 2nd fastest one in, putting pressure on me to perform. The longer the distance, the slower I get, but I generally fair better than him despite that when it comes to distance. I held the top male position until mile 7 when someone doing a 6 minute pace blew by. I managed to keep a near 7 minute pace, great for me in regards to that distance. We finished 3rd overall amongst over 600 teams & were runner up in the male division. Post race was great but logistics were horrific. I couldn't figure out how to exit & needed help, especially since time was of the essence.
Sunday agenda-5k
Title eliminates the 13.1 in Atlanta & the diva's half at long island (women only). Still had a great selection to chose from (from furthest to closest to my home):
a. Dunns' run 5k & 5 miles
b. race for the kids 5k
c .race judicata 2010
Considering I am coming from Orlando, the furthest from my home was actually the closest and thus my selection. I left half past midnight & arrived half past 4. I, unfortunately, had to sleep in my car for a couple of hours so I already knew my performance would suffer. On top of that, the course goes over a bridge & there were some hills to contend with. In order to have a chance, I had to employ a technique I used years back at the edison festival of lights. I stretched then did striders. Despite the aforementioned conditions & the wind, I made the top ten and was able to win my age group. Although the post race was good, the awards were not; medals.
Honorable mention
* Spencer wins the sickle cell 5k
* Anton van zyl, runners depot teammate, won the disney half
* Jonathan won the disney 5k
* Jonathan was 4th overall at disney, wins age group
* Leo wins master in my absence at race for kids 5k
* George won age group at all the 5ks I did.
Saturday morning agenda-race!
I passed on the Jacksonville marine corps and the USAT national championship half due to the distance. On top of that, the latter requires swimming; not my cup of tea. So, I did yet another sickle cell 5k. This one was in cooper city & began at an odd time-7:15. This is my required tune up race to prepare for the main event. Once the race started, I knew that tactics would be necessary to not only conserve energy but to secure the best position possible. This is what came to pass; the finishing time was irrelevant. By the grace of God, I won the top master slot & trophy, setting the tone for the next race. Not a great post race but the awards made up for that.
Saturday night agenda-inaugural wine & dine half marathon
I chose this because of the following:
1. inaugural
2. my first night half, although as a relay
3. 1st time Disney offered a relay in any of their running endurance events
The challenge was not so much the race itself but rather the turn of events leading up to it. All that I planned on my end was falling into place; praise the Lord. Unfortunately, my teammate had problems. He got a flat last night that lead to this morning. He figured it would be a simple task so he waited kinda late. He was delayed further due to complications & wasn't sure he'd make it before the expo closing (4 pm). Ironically, he was worried previously if I'd make it after doing a 5k but everything went as scheduled for me; again, praise the Lord. Luckily, he sped like a NASCAR driver & got there in a nick of time. Step 2, we both had to make the transportation deadline. Because of that, the most rest I could get between the expo & that was a half hour. Disney made everyone park at EPCOT & then be bussed to either the starting line (wide world of sports) or for relay member #2 (me), the animal kingdom. Step 3, I had to wait over an hour & half before any athletes reached the 5 mile mark where we were positioned. The relay was divided as the start being an 8k while the anchor was a 13k. Gene prefers the shorter so he ran the 8k & was the 2nd fastest one in, putting pressure on me to perform. The longer the distance, the slower I get, but I generally fair better than him despite that when it comes to distance. I held the top male position until mile 7 when someone doing a 6 minute pace blew by. I managed to keep a near 7 minute pace, great for me in regards to that distance. We finished 3rd overall amongst over 600 teams & were runner up in the male division. Post race was great but logistics were horrific. I couldn't figure out how to exit & needed help, especially since time was of the essence.
Sunday agenda-5k
Title eliminates the 13.1 in Atlanta & the diva's half at long island (women only). Still had a great selection to chose from (from furthest to closest to my home):
a. Dunns' run 5k & 5 miles
b. race for the kids 5k
c .race judicata 2010
Considering I am coming from Orlando, the furthest from my home was actually the closest and thus my selection. I left half past midnight & arrived half past 4. I, unfortunately, had to sleep in my car for a couple of hours so I already knew my performance would suffer. On top of that, the course goes over a bridge & there were some hills to contend with. In order to have a chance, I had to employ a technique I used years back at the edison festival of lights. I stretched then did striders. Despite the aforementioned conditions & the wind, I made the top ten and was able to win my age group. Although the post race was good, the awards were not; medals.
Honorable mention
* Spencer wins the sickle cell 5k
* Anton van zyl, runners depot teammate, won the disney half
* Jonathan won the disney 5k
* Jonathan was 4th overall at disney, wins age group
* Leo wins master in my absence at race for kids 5k
* George won age group at all the 5ks I did.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Fall
Fall is what I wish my times would do, like under 19. Seriously, Thursday marked the first day of autumn. While the humidity is still here, the temperature has fallen a bit.
Saturday morning agenda-5k
I passed on a closer fun run (broward) to race! I had to travel over 2 hours to northern palm beach county to do the bridge buster 5k in lake park. Last time I did this race, I carpooled with Jon & Jeffrey plus was badly injured. Now, my problem is illness. To add to my misery, it was windy. Well, I did the best I could & despite the dismal time, by the grace of God, I won my age group & made the top ten (7th). There were many festivities but the post race wasn't so good unless you paid at the concession. Except for title winners, those who placed got medals. However, since they were spinners, I give them credit for the awards.
Saturday evening agenda-5k
Initially, I planned on skipping this race (twilight 5k) because of the following:
a. I had to return to Miami to meet team, pick up packet & drop off my bike at the escape to Miami expo, then would have to come back to palm beach several hours later.
b. I have to front the money (put on by an opposing racing team)
c. ten year age groups
d. night race (typically hot & humid)
George recommended I give it a try but I told him it depends on circumstances. After I was done with the expo, it was 2 hours from that race start or go home; sorry, but I couldn't turn down a race. I had a hell of a time just trying to find it, even with the GPS. The race started with several females on quads (roller skates) & us runners had to dodge them along the curvy trails & side walks. It was hot & humid as expected. When the dust cleared, I was 6th overall but could not stay because I had the long drive home to get ready for the main event tomorrow. George agreed to pick up my award & told me I was 2nd & he was ripped off. He would've been first in his normal category but instead was pitted against 60 year olds; totally unfair. The post race seemed to be great but I missed all the festivities to be at my best for the team.
Sunday agenda-triathlon.
There were 2 triathlons available-tropical & escape to Miami. I passed on the former & chose the latter due to proximity. There were 2 distances at the escape to Miami triathlon: sprint & Olympic. As team captain, I chose the former because the swimmer is really a runner & she says that's her worst discipline; she does just fine. Technically, cyling is my worst in comparision to running. The team captains job is to get the best out of the athletes by focusing on the needs of the team & allocate the resources appropriately. We were a team of 3 runners. She was the only who could swim, I was the most experience & currently the fastest of all of us & Spencer is definitely the fastest runner of all of us. She had a great swim this day, my cycling was the 2nd fastest of all teams & he blew away the field with his running. We were so fast (2nd overall), we were mistaken for an all male team! We had to have that corrected later as the top co-ed team. After I finished my task for the team, I noticed someone from another team who seemed to be down on his luck. He told me that he just same earlier and the runner didn't show (supposedly sick but he suspected he went out the previous night) & now he'd have to run. I told him I'd be willing to run. Naturally, he was shocked & stated I might be too tired having just finished cycling. I replied, 'oh, I forgot. You don't know who I am. I am Jasper! Well, he took the chance & it paid dividends. I passed over a hundred people & that team was the 4th fastest of all teams, 2nd in male division. Remarkable, considering all that could go wrong for them was occurring before I started-runner quit & their biker took a spill. I had all kinds of hardware around my neck this day. It was my first 5k (actually 3.9 miles according to Spencer's Garmin) at the escape.
Superb weekend, 4 awards, 2 individual & 2 teams.
Honorable mention
* George placed 2nd overall in fun run 5k
* Linda was 4th overall in fun run 5k
* Both the aforementioned ran the twilight 5k
* Bryan got 2nd overall in twilight 5k
* Jon W got 3rd overall in twilight 5k
Saturday morning agenda-5k
I passed on a closer fun run (broward) to race! I had to travel over 2 hours to northern palm beach county to do the bridge buster 5k in lake park. Last time I did this race, I carpooled with Jon & Jeffrey plus was badly injured. Now, my problem is illness. To add to my misery, it was windy. Well, I did the best I could & despite the dismal time, by the grace of God, I won my age group & made the top ten (7th). There were many festivities but the post race wasn't so good unless you paid at the concession. Except for title winners, those who placed got medals. However, since they were spinners, I give them credit for the awards.
Saturday evening agenda-5k
Initially, I planned on skipping this race (twilight 5k) because of the following:
a. I had to return to Miami to meet team, pick up packet & drop off my bike at the escape to Miami expo, then would have to come back to palm beach several hours later.
b. I have to front the money (put on by an opposing racing team)
c. ten year age groups
d. night race (typically hot & humid)
George recommended I give it a try but I told him it depends on circumstances. After I was done with the expo, it was 2 hours from that race start or go home; sorry, but I couldn't turn down a race. I had a hell of a time just trying to find it, even with the GPS. The race started with several females on quads (roller skates) & us runners had to dodge them along the curvy trails & side walks. It was hot & humid as expected. When the dust cleared, I was 6th overall but could not stay because I had the long drive home to get ready for the main event tomorrow. George agreed to pick up my award & told me I was 2nd & he was ripped off. He would've been first in his normal category but instead was pitted against 60 year olds; totally unfair. The post race seemed to be great but I missed all the festivities to be at my best for the team.
Sunday agenda-triathlon.
There were 2 triathlons available-tropical & escape to Miami. I passed on the former & chose the latter due to proximity. There were 2 distances at the escape to Miami triathlon: sprint & Olympic. As team captain, I chose the former because the swimmer is really a runner & she says that's her worst discipline; she does just fine. Technically, cyling is my worst in comparision to running. The team captains job is to get the best out of the athletes by focusing on the needs of the team & allocate the resources appropriately. We were a team of 3 runners. She was the only who could swim, I was the most experience & currently the fastest of all of us & Spencer is definitely the fastest runner of all of us. She had a great swim this day, my cycling was the 2nd fastest of all teams & he blew away the field with his running. We were so fast (2nd overall), we were mistaken for an all male team! We had to have that corrected later as the top co-ed team. After I finished my task for the team, I noticed someone from another team who seemed to be down on his luck. He told me that he just same earlier and the runner didn't show (supposedly sick but he suspected he went out the previous night) & now he'd have to run. I told him I'd be willing to run. Naturally, he was shocked & stated I might be too tired having just finished cycling. I replied, 'oh, I forgot. You don't know who I am. I am Jasper! Well, he took the chance & it paid dividends. I passed over a hundred people & that team was the 4th fastest of all teams, 2nd in male division. Remarkable, considering all that could go wrong for them was occurring before I started-runner quit & their biker took a spill. I had all kinds of hardware around my neck this day. It was my first 5k (actually 3.9 miles according to Spencer's Garmin) at the escape.
Superb weekend, 4 awards, 2 individual & 2 teams.
Honorable mention
* George placed 2nd overall in fun run 5k
* Linda was 4th overall in fun run 5k
* Both the aforementioned ran the twilight 5k
* Bryan got 2nd overall in twilight 5k
* Jon W got 3rd overall in twilight 5k
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, I heard the day of atonement. I need to do that & rest because I had been sick all week since last Sunday night.
Saturday agenda-5k
The United states air force marathon took place in Ohio, but why do that when there were 3 to choose from locally-1 in Dade, 1 in Broward, 1 in Palm beach; I chose the former for the following reasons:
a. sick all week & was forced to curtail training
b. proximity
c. inaugural
Plus, having skipped the local race on independence day cost me a lot of money so I thought I couldn't go wrong; I couldn't have been further from the truth.
Dade= united way 5k, Broward=cell-ebration 5k, Palm beach=firefighter 5k. Check this out:
Mine drew 268 finishers, Broward, only 55
Top winner 16:50, Broward-18:55
Top master 18:41, 4 oa while Broward-25:20, 10 oa
Top woman broke 19 while Broward-23:51 3rd overall here was low 17 while Broward over 21! My time today was good enough for 2nd overall over there in Broward; what a shame!
Today was like dejavu of last weekend but all on 1 day. Sickle cell (Broward race) & firefighter (Palm beach race) 5k's. Kinda like a shift up north in counties.
Choosing events is like rolling the dice, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Hind sight is 20/20 so I have to deal with my decision. In fact, I actually need to praise the Lord because I still haven't fully recovered from illness & still made the top ten with a low 19! I got past a STOL teammate who actually led for nearly 2 miles. This qualified me to win my age group. Post race was very basic. Awards here were medals for anyone not overall.
Sunday agenda-the finale!
There was a marathon (fox cities) in Wisconsin & a rec bike ride in Clermont but there was no way I could miss the trilogy bonus round. It is the series finale and at stake-my age group and relay division inaugural duathlon titles! This truly would be a bonus round for me as I added a tri international relay to the plate. Having not fully recovered from illness, this would be an extreme challenge. I thank the Lord for deferring that somewhat & allowing me compete at nearly 90 %, still a viable threat. Multirace offered both sprint & Olympic distances for both the duathlon & triathlon. So much went down that it is best I surmise the events separately even though it was basically strung through.
Duathlon (individual)
I pre-registered for all 4 races of the inaugural sprint duathlon series and this bonus round was the finale. I was injured in #2, posting my worst bike & run times. Unfortunately, that bike time counted toward the relay as well, jeopardizing my chances of getting the elite runner to agree to a series. Since God is good, he did continue & I will expound on that next. Returning to the solo, I now need a good performance this day to drop that bad one. I ran conservatively (14 oa) to reserve strength for a decent ride. I had to fight the wind going to the bridge, it subsides temporarily, then reversed while headed due west. Once I turned around, I had to fight an even stronger head wind going back east. I was lucky to break a half hour & make the dirty dozen. After that, the 5k. I am still disappointed running over 21 minutes but remarkably, that made the dirty dozen. The transitions were slower as expected because I have to pass off a chip to my teammate. The combined times propelled me into the top ten; excluding relays, top 8. Also, my highest podium placement with 3rd overall master. I have officially won my age group for the inaugural du! Of note, also within the top ten highest points of the series winners.
Duathlon (relay)
Many wonder why I would be crazy enough to 'du' as an individual & a team. This was not my original intention but came out of chance. Running races were hard to find during the summer which is why I do multisports so Spencer West (an elite runner & runner's depot teammate) asked me about races he could possibly do between seasons, since he's heard about the number of events I do each year (100+). Naturally, as an experienced team captain, I suggested he run on a relay. We won despite my struggles aforementioned so I told him I'd understand if he didn't want to do any more with me. He was gracious & said 'non sense' and agreed to make history by signing on for the remainder races; I felt like Pat Riley when he got back Wade and signed up LeBron & Bosch. We never looked back since and are now the very first relay team to win the inaugural du series, plus on top of that, 4th overall highest points of the series winners. If we decide to the defend this title, in order to improve on that dismal T1 time that shows, I will have to commit. Regarding this race, he posted the fastest run splits of any athlete, including the overall winner! My ride was within the dirty dozen. We placed 4th overall thanks to him.
Triathlon (relay)
Many wonder why I would be crazy enough to enter into a triathlon relay after 'du'ing both as an individual & a team. This also was not my original intention but came out of chance. A triathlete sought me for the run, & at first, I said no because I already committed to a relay. As an experienced team captain, I have to be aware of possibilities, timing & positioning. Another sprint was impossible but the new distance of international was added; inaugural for the trilogy. After some calculations and realization that more history could be made (the first team to enter this distance & my first involvement at this distance at a trilogy), I reconsidered & had to convince them I could do it (succeeded in the past). By the grace of God, as Hanibel of the A-team would say, 'I love it when a plan comes together'. I made it back after completing the 2 categories with ample time to get the chip from Andre's son. I had an average run but it was good enough for us to win, making more history. The swimmer (Andre's brother) was the fastest of all finishers, including the overall winner! The cyclist matched my time but for double the distance; awesome. We got an inaugural commemorative finisher's medal in addition to the category win.
What a great weekend. This was my first time being involved in 3 distinct events at the same venue, more history! On top of that, 1st time making the podium 3 times at the same event on the same day (history)! Praise the Lord!
Saturday agenda-5k
The United states air force marathon took place in Ohio, but why do that when there were 3 to choose from locally-1 in Dade, 1 in Broward, 1 in Palm beach; I chose the former for the following reasons:
a. sick all week & was forced to curtail training
b. proximity
c. inaugural
Plus, having skipped the local race on independence day cost me a lot of money so I thought I couldn't go wrong; I couldn't have been further from the truth.
Dade= united way 5k, Broward=cell-ebration 5k, Palm beach=firefighter 5k. Check this out:
Mine drew 268 finishers, Broward, only 55
Top winner 16:50, Broward-18:55
Top master 18:41, 4 oa while Broward-25:20, 10 oa
Top woman broke 19 while Broward-23:51 3rd overall here was low 17 while Broward over 21! My time today was good enough for 2nd overall over there in Broward; what a shame!
Today was like dejavu of last weekend but all on 1 day. Sickle cell (Broward race) & firefighter (Palm beach race) 5k's. Kinda like a shift up north in counties.
Choosing events is like rolling the dice, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Hind sight is 20/20 so I have to deal with my decision. In fact, I actually need to praise the Lord because I still haven't fully recovered from illness & still made the top ten with a low 19! I got past a STOL teammate who actually led for nearly 2 miles. This qualified me to win my age group. Post race was very basic. Awards here were medals for anyone not overall.
Sunday agenda-the finale!
There was a marathon (fox cities) in Wisconsin & a rec bike ride in Clermont but there was no way I could miss the trilogy bonus round. It is the series finale and at stake-my age group and relay division inaugural duathlon titles! This truly would be a bonus round for me as I added a tri international relay to the plate. Having not fully recovered from illness, this would be an extreme challenge. I thank the Lord for deferring that somewhat & allowing me compete at nearly 90 %, still a viable threat. Multirace offered both sprint & Olympic distances for both the duathlon & triathlon. So much went down that it is best I surmise the events separately even though it was basically strung through.
Duathlon (individual)
I pre-registered for all 4 races of the inaugural sprint duathlon series and this bonus round was the finale. I was injured in #2, posting my worst bike & run times. Unfortunately, that bike time counted toward the relay as well, jeopardizing my chances of getting the elite runner to agree to a series. Since God is good, he did continue & I will expound on that next. Returning to the solo, I now need a good performance this day to drop that bad one. I ran conservatively (14 oa) to reserve strength for a decent ride. I had to fight the wind going to the bridge, it subsides temporarily, then reversed while headed due west. Once I turned around, I had to fight an even stronger head wind going back east. I was lucky to break a half hour & make the dirty dozen. After that, the 5k. I am still disappointed running over 21 minutes but remarkably, that made the dirty dozen. The transitions were slower as expected because I have to pass off a chip to my teammate. The combined times propelled me into the top ten; excluding relays, top 8. Also, my highest podium placement with 3rd overall master. I have officially won my age group for the inaugural du! Of note, also within the top ten highest points of the series winners.
Duathlon (relay)
Many wonder why I would be crazy enough to 'du' as an individual & a team. This was not my original intention but came out of chance. Running races were hard to find during the summer which is why I do multisports so Spencer West (an elite runner & runner's depot teammate) asked me about races he could possibly do between seasons, since he's heard about the number of events I do each year (100+). Naturally, as an experienced team captain, I suggested he run on a relay. We won despite my struggles aforementioned so I told him I'd understand if he didn't want to do any more with me. He was gracious & said 'non sense' and agreed to make history by signing on for the remainder races; I felt like Pat Riley when he got back Wade and signed up LeBron & Bosch. We never looked back since and are now the very first relay team to win the inaugural du series, plus on top of that, 4th overall highest points of the series winners. If we decide to the defend this title, in order to improve on that dismal T1 time that shows, I will have to commit. Regarding this race, he posted the fastest run splits of any athlete, including the overall winner! My ride was within the dirty dozen. We placed 4th overall thanks to him.
Triathlon (relay)
Many wonder why I would be crazy enough to enter into a triathlon relay after 'du'ing both as an individual & a team. This also was not my original intention but came out of chance. A triathlete sought me for the run, & at first, I said no because I already committed to a relay. As an experienced team captain, I have to be aware of possibilities, timing & positioning. Another sprint was impossible but the new distance of international was added; inaugural for the trilogy. After some calculations and realization that more history could be made (the first team to enter this distance & my first involvement at this distance at a trilogy), I reconsidered & had to convince them I could do it (succeeded in the past). By the grace of God, as Hanibel of the A-team would say, 'I love it when a plan comes together'. I made it back after completing the 2 categories with ample time to get the chip from Andre's son. I had an average run but it was good enough for us to win, making more history. The swimmer (Andre's brother) was the fastest of all finishers, including the overall winner! The cyclist matched my time but for double the distance; awesome. We got an inaugural commemorative finisher's medal in addition to the category win.
What a great weekend. This was my first time being involved in 3 distinct events at the same venue, more history! On top of that, 1st time making the podium 3 times at the same event on the same day (history)! Praise the Lord!
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