Summer time! It's upon us. The longest day of the year (Tuesday) officially began the summer season. Mark my words, it already started down here in Miami! Sadly, this weekend also marks 2 years since Michael Jackson was murdered.
Friday agenda-doral business run
I decided to do this one because it was an inaugural. I had to get some time off of work to pull this off. I was expecting extreme heat & humidity (6:30 start) but instead got lots of rain. Let's sum it up Clint Eastwood style:
The good: I won my age group
The bad: time was among the worst
The ugly: no overall, master or any place other than first in age group
Saturday agenda-race!
Seems like everybody picked this day schedule events. Unfortunately, I could only pick one:
1. rnr Seattle marathon & half
2. spartan death race (VT)
3. sugden 5k
4. freedom 5k
I automatically passed on anything outside of FL. I like the last 2 but could do one. #3 wins because I return as defending champion. Unfortunately, I'm not in as great shape. By the grace of God, I was able to fight off another master in the final mile & take the top master title. Ironically, I was 4th overall, as in the past. I was honored with a picture framed of the starting line of the inaugural race ever for elite & of this series ( I picked that). Jon W was 2nd overall.
Sunday agenda-train
The only local race I could find was a trail one at Oleta. There was also a tri in clearwater but with no swimmer, that's off. I decided to train & pulled out my inlines. I rolled a 10k then followed with 2 sprints (run element). It was a change of pace.
Congrats to all who raced.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's day weekend
Father's day weekend is upon us. Celebrated commercially tomorrow but all good dad deserve recognition daily. Have a happy one!
Saturday's agenda-race!
Although there were choices, a 5k was elusive.
a. muddy buddy (NY)
b. mid Atlantic spartan sprint (adventure in VA)
c. summer sizzler 5k
d. Tarzan's cup 5k/10k (adventure)
Due to finances, I pass on anything outside of FL. I contemplated the last one but it's a little pricey. So with the offer to carpool, I chose the remaining.
It was hot & humid as expected. On top of that, the trip was long (west coast of FL) and I had to help drive. I woke up really early (1:30) to get ready for this also. With my current struggles and those factors, I was fortunate (blessed) to win my age group & be in the top ten. Not happy with my time but satisfied with the position & results. Since only 1 place was given for overall, masters, grandmasters & senior grandmasters, I had to settle for a generic medal instead of a trophy.
Sunday's agenda-race!
This was the first race of the trilogy series. Spencer & I come in as defending duathlon relay champions. They offered a sprint & international for triathlon but it didn't matter since I'm a du'er, not a tri'er! I was afraid of disastrous results since it rained & was extremely windy Saturday night. Well, God is good. The external conditions were good (low wind & dry) and this time, internal conditions were as well; I felt strong.
Spencer delivered as expected posting the fastest run splits of all duathletes. I tried hard not to hold back the team. This year, I focused solely on one discipline, the bike. Based on last year, I made a dramatic improvement of about 4 minutes! Believe it or not, the team we beat was a minute faster on the bike split despite my average being only 2 seconds off of 22! We won game 1 and are 2 away from a successful title defense. Plus, we had the 3rd fastest overall time of all duathletes; thank you Lord.
Saturday's agenda-race!
Although there were choices, a 5k was elusive.
a. muddy buddy (NY)
b. mid Atlantic spartan sprint (adventure in VA)
c. summer sizzler 5k
d. Tarzan's cup 5k/10k (adventure)
Due to finances, I pass on anything outside of FL. I contemplated the last one but it's a little pricey. So with the offer to carpool, I chose the remaining.
It was hot & humid as expected. On top of that, the trip was long (west coast of FL) and I had to help drive. I woke up really early (1:30) to get ready for this also. With my current struggles and those factors, I was fortunate (blessed) to win my age group & be in the top ten. Not happy with my time but satisfied with the position & results. Since only 1 place was given for overall, masters, grandmasters & senior grandmasters, I had to settle for a generic medal instead of a trophy.
Sunday's agenda-race!
This was the first race of the trilogy series. Spencer & I come in as defending duathlon relay champions. They offered a sprint & international for triathlon but it didn't matter since I'm a du'er, not a tri'er! I was afraid of disastrous results since it rained & was extremely windy Saturday night. Well, God is good. The external conditions were good (low wind & dry) and this time, internal conditions were as well; I felt strong.
Spencer delivered as expected posting the fastest run splits of all duathletes. I tried hard not to hold back the team. This year, I focused solely on one discipline, the bike. Based on last year, I made a dramatic improvement of about 4 minutes! Believe it or not, the team we beat was a minute faster on the bike split despite my average being only 2 seconds off of 22! We won game 1 and are 2 away from a successful title defense. Plus, we had the 3rd fastest overall time of all duathletes; thank you Lord.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Drought
A Drought is evident as there has been a lack of rain for months. However, the Drought I'm speaking of is in regards to running. First of all, I haven't broken 19 and the year is almost half done! Second, this weekend, there were no races within my normal range other than track and field. Finally, the Miami heat after game 3 in Dallas. First time they lost 3 in a row but at an inopportune time-the finals.
Saturday agenda-train
I learned of a track and field event in miramar last night, which was insufficient time to participate. Therefore, I could only train. Since I cycle weekdays, I chose to roll again. This time, I cut it to a 10k so as not to fatigue prior to the next day. I followed it with 2 sprints to satisfy the run element.
Sunday agenda-race!
The buddy muddy (ATL) caught my eye but is quite distant. I remained 'home' & returned to the NW track & field classic. This year, I only did the 1500 meter racewalk and the 3000 meter run. Somebody jogged to catch me from behind to take the racewalk title from me; I settled for 2nd overall. However, I have no excuses for the 3K; I simply got beat so I settled for 2nd in age group. I didn't feel well after these events so I forfeited the 400 meter dash (would have had to wait nearly 4 hours). No MVP this year but I take my medals & run. This was my speed training for the week.
Saturday agenda-train
I learned of a track and field event in miramar last night, which was insufficient time to participate. Therefore, I could only train. Since I cycle weekdays, I chose to roll again. This time, I cut it to a 10k so as not to fatigue prior to the next day. I followed it with 2 sprints to satisfy the run element.
Sunday agenda-race!
The buddy muddy (ATL) caught my eye but is quite distant. I remained 'home' & returned to the NW track & field classic. This year, I only did the 1500 meter racewalk and the 3000 meter run. Somebody jogged to catch me from behind to take the racewalk title from me; I settled for 2nd overall. However, I have no excuses for the 3K; I simply got beat so I settled for 2nd in age group. I didn't feel well after these events so I forfeited the 400 meter dash (would have had to wait nearly 4 hours). No MVP this year but I take my medals & run. This was my speed training for the week.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Hurricane season
Hurricane season began officially this past Wednesday, so this weekend is the first since that. Already disaster has struck but not due to a hurricane; the Heat lost for the first time in the playoffs at home! A game they should've won considering they were in the lead by 15 with 5+ minutes remaining.
Saturday agenda-race!
Based on the races I considered, the choice was simple:
1. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
2. 13.1 Chicago
3.7k for amputees in Haiti
I chose the latter & raced within my county. I came in as defending champion but knew I would lose this title to someone; question was, who? I thought Walthon would but some young guy did, costing me the sole master title, even though I was 3rd overall! Not happy with my time but happy I withstood attack from 2 other master legends, Keith and Fred, plus any other runner, whether I knew them or not. I love the race director but organization was not so good (admittedly) due to the number of activities planned. Except for overall, the medals were not available on site (to be mailed) but I am pleased that the recognition was, as the normal ceremony (less awards) was there & pictures were taken. I applaud them however for their efforts because it takes guts to try to improve. It was family oriented & offered a festival, free to participants.
Sunday agenda-race
Based on races I considered, the choice was also simple:
a. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
b. RNR San Diego marathon & 1/2
c. twilight 5k
Remain local! I planned on c., eliminating the rest but believe it or not, I was convinced by the master of ceremonies, Berta, to pass on this for a get together with friends I have known within my running 'career'. You know she is good if she can get the runner who has & could win again at c., Ronnie Hollassie. On top of that, the legendary Fred Franklin. Everybody knows there is a better chance of the Panthers getting to the playoffs than convincing me to skip a race but her timing was right. In addition, another legend Louis Best was there. I was happy to see Jose & Selma after so many years, plus Dee with Ronnie's child. We got to watch the heat take control of the series so it was a great day despite not racing.
Of course, I did train! Since I hadn't rolled in a while, I pulled out my inlines & did 12 miles in the morning, battling the wind. Lucky for me, I was only a minute off my time.
Saturday agenda-race!
Based on the races I considered, the choice was simple:
1. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
2. 13.1 Chicago
3.7k for amputees in Haiti
I chose the latter & raced within my county. I came in as defending champion but knew I would lose this title to someone; question was, who? I thought Walthon would but some young guy did, costing me the sole master title, even though I was 3rd overall! Not happy with my time but happy I withstood attack from 2 other master legends, Keith and Fred, plus any other runner, whether I knew them or not. I love the race director but organization was not so good (admittedly) due to the number of activities planned. Except for overall, the medals were not available on site (to be mailed) but I am pleased that the recognition was, as the normal ceremony (less awards) was there & pictures were taken. I applaud them however for their efforts because it takes guts to try to improve. It was family oriented & offered a festival, free to participants.
Sunday agenda-race
Based on races I considered, the choice was also simple:
a. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
b. RNR San Diego marathon & 1/2
c. twilight 5k
Remain local! I planned on c., eliminating the rest but believe it or not, I was convinced by the master of ceremonies, Berta, to pass on this for a get together with friends I have known within my running 'career'. You know she is good if she can get the runner who has & could win again at c., Ronnie Hollassie. On top of that, the legendary Fred Franklin. Everybody knows there is a better chance of the Panthers getting to the playoffs than convincing me to skip a race but her timing was right. In addition, another legend Louis Best was there. I was happy to see Jose & Selma after so many years, plus Dee with Ronnie's child. We got to watch the heat take control of the series so it was a great day despite not racing.
Of course, I did train! Since I hadn't rolled in a while, I pulled out my inlines & did 12 miles in the morning, battling the wind. Lucky for me, I was only a minute off my time.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial day weekend
Memorial day weekend is upon us. Let us all show our respect for the troops who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect & defend our freedom. Too many people enjoy the off at the beach while, for the soldiers, life is a bitch! Also, this is the last weekend in May.
Saturday agenda-train!
Believe it or not, I did not race. The last ride by Elite cycling was on. I rode to the store but had shift/slipping problems. Had to get that fixed then rode back home.
Sunday agenda-race!
Very simple for me, either tradewinds tri or off trail run. After choosing the former, do I solo or relay? After selecting my teammates from the season opener tri, same venue, the race was on! Mike K was coming off an injury plus a new one (mostly soreness) created having by fun the previous day. Fortunately, Pam got a PR, as did I, in our respective disciplines. We not only won the relay (co-ed) division but was the only team to break an hour! Praise the Lord!
Monday agenda-race!
I had to chose between proximity & tried and true (weston memorial) over the other one in Boca; big mistake! Despite logging in my fastest 5k time of the year (by a second), I didnt even make the top 5 in my age group (off by 1), whereas in the previous group, I would've gotten 3rd. If it hadn't been for the finishers medal (1st time ever doing this), I would've walked away empty handed (less a tshirt). They had a pancake breakfast but that was about it. I took off to get my penalty run (required if I fail to break 19 or make the podium) out the way then back to the drawing board!
Saturday agenda-train!
Believe it or not, I did not race. The last ride by Elite cycling was on. I rode to the store but had shift/slipping problems. Had to get that fixed then rode back home.
Sunday agenda-race!
Very simple for me, either tradewinds tri or off trail run. After choosing the former, do I solo or relay? After selecting my teammates from the season opener tri, same venue, the race was on! Mike K was coming off an injury plus a new one (mostly soreness) created having by fun the previous day. Fortunately, Pam got a PR, as did I, in our respective disciplines. We not only won the relay (co-ed) division but was the only team to break an hour! Praise the Lord!
Monday agenda-race!
I had to chose between proximity & tried and true (weston memorial) over the other one in Boca; big mistake! Despite logging in my fastest 5k time of the year (by a second), I didnt even make the top 5 in my age group (off by 1), whereas in the previous group, I would've gotten 3rd. If it hadn't been for the finishers medal (1st time ever doing this), I would've walked away empty handed (less a tshirt). They had a pancake breakfast but that was about it. I took off to get my penalty run (required if I fail to break 19 or make the podium) out the way then back to the drawing board!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The end?
A whole bunch of hype was made by some religious group looking for publicity, I think, that today would be the last day of earth, (judgement day) then rapture for those who qualify. While I hope to go up to meet & stay with my maker, now is not the time. Man likes to set concrete dates and times; only God knows what & when he wants to do something. Pray and do your best. Special props to the troops; it's armed forces day.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had a nice selection today:
1. muddy buddy (TN)
2. madeira beach mini tri
3. club med race series (5k/10k/sprint/Olympic)
4. covenant house 5k
5. siennas steps 5k
6. tarzans cup adventure race
7. tour de gables 5k
Eliminate 1, 2 & 3 due to distance. #6 is not a standard run. The last one was the closest but also has among the worst age divisions; I pass. I like both 4 & 5 but can only choose 1. Using the been there, done that rule, #5 won.
External conditions were bad (hot, humid & a bit windy). I wasn't at my best so I was not pleased when Walthon, Humberto & Gene showed up. The former won as expected and I was challenged by the latter as I feared for an elite position. Even though my time was nothing to write home about, I was blessed by the Lord to overcome 3 great masters (I was 5th beginning final mile) & take the last overall position (3rd). The guy I passed near last moment turned out to be a master & had I failed, I would've fallen to age group since no master title was offered. Medals were given to all who placed.
Sunday agenda-race!
Easier to choose from this list:
a. madeira beach sprint tri
b. walk-it! challenge 5k (fun run)
c. stride for hope 5k
d. let my people run 5k
a. requires a swimmer so that's out. I won't do fun runs over local races; strike b. I don't remember where c. was nor if awards were available so I took a tried & true.
It was run on a familiar course (fantasy of lights) unlike the last one. Remarkably, I did much worse but left pleased because the good Lord gave me enough power & speed to get past a runner I didn't realize was a master to take that title. Luckily, 4th overall clinched that position, a fight that was won in the final mile. Plaques to overall & master, medals to the rest.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had a nice selection today:
1. muddy buddy (TN)
2. madeira beach mini tri
3. club med race series (5k/10k/sprint/Olympic)
4. covenant house 5k
5. siennas steps 5k
6. tarzans cup adventure race
7. tour de gables 5k
Eliminate 1, 2 & 3 due to distance. #6 is not a standard run. The last one was the closest but also has among the worst age divisions; I pass. I like both 4 & 5 but can only choose 1. Using the been there, done that rule, #5 won.
External conditions were bad (hot, humid & a bit windy). I wasn't at my best so I was not pleased when Walthon, Humberto & Gene showed up. The former won as expected and I was challenged by the latter as I feared for an elite position. Even though my time was nothing to write home about, I was blessed by the Lord to overcome 3 great masters (I was 5th beginning final mile) & take the last overall position (3rd). The guy I passed near last moment turned out to be a master & had I failed, I would've fallen to age group since no master title was offered. Medals were given to all who placed.
Sunday agenda-race!
Easier to choose from this list:
a. madeira beach sprint tri
b. walk-it! challenge 5k (fun run)
c. stride for hope 5k
d. let my people run 5k
a. requires a swimmer so that's out. I won't do fun runs over local races; strike b. I don't remember where c. was nor if awards were available so I took a tried & true.
It was run on a familiar course (fantasy of lights) unlike the last one. Remarkably, I did much worse but left pleased because the good Lord gave me enough power & speed to get past a runner I didn't realize was a master to take that title. Luckily, 4th overall clinched that position, a fight that was won in the final mile. Plaques to overall & master, medals to the rest.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Mid month crisis (May)
The Mid month crisis has returned, this time in May. Yesterday was the infamous Friday the 13th. I have yet to break 19, however, I refuse to retire.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had a plethora of choices but could only do 1:
a. river rock sports festival (VA)
b. carolinas super spartan
c. muddy buddy (2 days in Austin)
d. fit2run 4 miler
e. pal of hallandale 5k
f. MS breakaway to key largo (2 day)
g. keys 100
Eliminate the first 3 due to distance. I was invited to join a team with Spencer, an elite runner, but was informed with too short a notice and was unable to get the finances together; scratch. f. is a non competitive fund raising ride and you know running races override. With 5k as my favorite distance, plus the proximity rule, d. loses!
I was also drawn to e. because, in the 20+ years I've been racing, I never did one that had us run on a horse track. Technically, no matter what I do, I get a PR. The race began with the famous horn tune that begins a horse race. We bagan on the hard packed dirt track and the lap was almost a mile. The 2nd mile took us through the parking lot and concession area (weaving) then back on the track for the final mile. It seemed funny seeing those furlong markers. I tried to stay near the rail but mostly wanted to be on the hardest paths. When the dust cleared, I made the dirty dozen and won my age group. I was not happy that I failed to beat someone I usually do but now I'm in a different category. I was actually surprised I broke 20 considered 2/3 of the race was on dirt! The top 3 masters all broke 19; Allan W was not in that number! He did win is his age group, my former. Sadly, he moves into mine in a few months. Gotta take advantage while I can. All overalls got special awards, plus a medal. The rest of us who placed just got medals. I was hoping for a master title but lost the bet!
Sunday agenda-race!
From the selection below, the choice was simpler:
a. JCC posnack 5k
b. run for relief 5k
c. tri Miami (& du)
d. MS breakaway back to Miami (2 day)
It's the middle of the month! Normally, I would do c. but decided to do an inaugural race, b. It was to help out Haiti and began at peacock park. Again, history, as I have never done a race that began & finished there. The course was better than ALS/CPA as there were only 2 turn arounds, while every where else was straight. The clouds kept it cooler but the winds picked up, making for a challenge. My buddy Gene took off like a bat out of hell & broke the first mile in 5:48. I was happy I broke 6 minutes for the first time in months! However, we both broke down in the subsequent mile, plus his shoe laces came undone; I passed him halfway through that mile. When the dust cleared, I was fifth overall, top master but since that title was not offered, I had to settle for age group. Jon W was in the top 3, getting a specially made award; I picked his up as he went to another event. The rest of us got medals. The crisis continues as I failed to break 19 but at least the success continued as well when I made the podium.
As I proceeded home, I got stuck in traffic (cops held us) waiting for some cyclists to cross. When this happened again toward the busway near home, I realized event d. was in effect. I stopped at the SAG, chatted a bit then went home, got my bike and joined in. When I reached the 2nd SAG, I met up with friends (Suzy & Jacky). I rode with them until I reached a street I knew passes by another friend. It began to rain, I said hello to her then headed home. Yep, it got really bad. Stopped by the original SAG, chatted then concluded the exercise day. I wound up doing about 19 miles in total & got a flat less than a quarter mile from my home; bummer! The crisis continues.
Congrats to all who competed or participated in activities.
Saturday agenda-race!
I had a plethora of choices but could only do 1:
a. river rock sports festival (VA)
b. carolinas super spartan
c. muddy buddy (2 days in Austin)
d. fit2run 4 miler
e. pal of hallandale 5k
f. MS breakaway to key largo (2 day)
g. keys 100
Eliminate the first 3 due to distance. I was invited to join a team with Spencer, an elite runner, but was informed with too short a notice and was unable to get the finances together; scratch. f. is a non competitive fund raising ride and you know running races override. With 5k as my favorite distance, plus the proximity rule, d. loses!
I was also drawn to e. because, in the 20+ years I've been racing, I never did one that had us run on a horse track. Technically, no matter what I do, I get a PR. The race began with the famous horn tune that begins a horse race. We bagan on the hard packed dirt track and the lap was almost a mile. The 2nd mile took us through the parking lot and concession area (weaving) then back on the track for the final mile. It seemed funny seeing those furlong markers. I tried to stay near the rail but mostly wanted to be on the hardest paths. When the dust cleared, I made the dirty dozen and won my age group. I was not happy that I failed to beat someone I usually do but now I'm in a different category. I was actually surprised I broke 20 considered 2/3 of the race was on dirt! The top 3 masters all broke 19; Allan W was not in that number! He did win is his age group, my former. Sadly, he moves into mine in a few months. Gotta take advantage while I can. All overalls got special awards, plus a medal. The rest of us who placed just got medals. I was hoping for a master title but lost the bet!
Sunday agenda-race!
From the selection below, the choice was simpler:
a. JCC posnack 5k
b. run for relief 5k
c. tri Miami (& du)
d. MS breakaway back to Miami (2 day)
It's the middle of the month! Normally, I would do c. but decided to do an inaugural race, b. It was to help out Haiti and began at peacock park. Again, history, as I have never done a race that began & finished there. The course was better than ALS/CPA as there were only 2 turn arounds, while every where else was straight. The clouds kept it cooler but the winds picked up, making for a challenge. My buddy Gene took off like a bat out of hell & broke the first mile in 5:48. I was happy I broke 6 minutes for the first time in months! However, we both broke down in the subsequent mile, plus his shoe laces came undone; I passed him halfway through that mile. When the dust cleared, I was fifth overall, top master but since that title was not offered, I had to settle for age group. Jon W was in the top 3, getting a specially made award; I picked his up as he went to another event. The rest of us got medals. The crisis continues as I failed to break 19 but at least the success continued as well when I made the podium.
As I proceeded home, I got stuck in traffic (cops held us) waiting for some cyclists to cross. When this happened again toward the busway near home, I realized event d. was in effect. I stopped at the SAG, chatted a bit then went home, got my bike and joined in. When I reached the 2nd SAG, I met up with friends (Suzy & Jacky). I rode with them until I reached a street I knew passes by another friend. It began to rain, I said hello to her then headed home. Yep, it got really bad. Stopped by the original SAG, chatted then concluded the exercise day. I wound up doing about 19 miles in total & got a flat less than a quarter mile from my home; bummer! The crisis continues.
Congrats to all who competed or participated in activities.
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