Spring forward! Daylight saving time is this weekend!
Saturday agenda-race!
I needed a tune up but this is what I had to consider:
1. brain tumor 5k (CA)
2. shamrock walk & run (winter haven)
3. savage race (adventure)
4. st Patrick's 4 miler
You can automatically rule out #1. #2 is quite far but at least in FL. I will normally choose a more normal race rather than an adventure one, so #4 wins!
Not my distance so I tried my best. It was hot & humid so struggle, I did. Despite being way off pace, by the grace of God, I won my age group! I loved the st paddy theme, including the awards.
Sunday agenda-race!
Although I like all of the following events, I could only choose 1:
a. Sarasota half
b. cooper city Richardson 5k
c. 25.75 triathlon
With lack of a swimmer, c. is out. I love b. but I am still in the endurance stage of my season. Therefore, a. wins!
I had an ulterior motive. I wanted to complete the Florida 4 series (special medal for that) without doing the full distance. This means I had to get a partner (Mike) to do the relay. Last year, Gene & I won the top title with me as the anchor (longer distance) but since only 1 glass award was given for the team, I let him hold it (he claims I have too many awards anyway). When the dust cleared, similar results & outcome but role reversal for me. Therefore, once again, I go home with nothing but a finishers medal. I enjoyed the free meal afforded race winners. If I get somebody else next year, probably have the same situation.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March madness
March madness is near in NCAA basketball but begins for me now!
Saturday agenda-race!
These are on my radar:
1. gasparilla distance classic (day 1)
2. run for the health of it 5k
3. march for hunger 5k
4. run for compassion 5k
Normally, I would've taken #1 because of the many challenges. day 1= 15k followed by 5k, day 2=half then 8k (previously, i did a full, the ultimate challenge); not this year. Instead, I chose to do a double header, ruling ot #2. I need a tune up run but got 2 and both were supporting good causes.
race 1: march for hunger 5k
This began 7:30 & was held at the Hollywood broadwalk. Wind conditions were horrific on the turn around, therefore I failed to break 20. I was blessed to make the top ten & win age group; I found out after the fact since I had to leave immediately to get to the next event.
race 2: run for compassion 5k
This began after 9 in a state park but was held on the beach. That's right, I had to run on the sand, mostly soft. This was a total surprise & was the last thing I wanted to deal with. It started going south (opposite of the previous race) against the wind. Once I hit harder surface & with the wind, I advanced from like 20th to finish 3rd overall. Unfortunately, no such title was given so I had to settle for yet another age group win.
Sunday agenda-race!
This is my selection for this day:
a. gasparilla distance classic (day 2)
b. rnr new Orleans
c. hooters to hooters half
d. autism speaks 5k
e. family fitness 5k
f. 13.1 Miami beach
Rule out any out of state (b.). If I pass on day 1, I usually pass on day 2; a. is out. My dad & I got cheated out at c., so no long distance loss anytime soon again. I want to got for the big 3 again so the remaining 5ks are out, leaving the last event.
I knew I'd struggle with f. but didn't realize to what extent until the dust cleared. It was extremely hot, humid & windy, all of which I despise. On top of that, it was the most challenging course, with 5 bridges! I posted my worst time of the year here but got the distinction I sought upon completion. Oh, by the way, my dad did too; congrats, pops!
Saturday agenda-race!
These are on my radar:
1. gasparilla distance classic (day 1)
2. run for the health of it 5k
3. march for hunger 5k
4. run for compassion 5k
Normally, I would've taken #1 because of the many challenges. day 1= 15k followed by 5k, day 2=half then 8k (previously, i did a full, the ultimate challenge); not this year. Instead, I chose to do a double header, ruling ot #2. I need a tune up run but got 2 and both were supporting good causes.
race 1: march for hunger 5k
This began 7:30 & was held at the Hollywood broadwalk. Wind conditions were horrific on the turn around, therefore I failed to break 20. I was blessed to make the top ten & win age group; I found out after the fact since I had to leave immediately to get to the next event.
race 2: run for compassion 5k
This began after 9 in a state park but was held on the beach. That's right, I had to run on the sand, mostly soft. This was a total surprise & was the last thing I wanted to deal with. It started going south (opposite of the previous race) against the wind. Once I hit harder surface & with the wind, I advanced from like 20th to finish 3rd overall. Unfortunately, no such title was given so I had to settle for yet another age group win.
Sunday agenda-race!
This is my selection for this day:
a. gasparilla distance classic (day 2)
b. rnr new Orleans
c. hooters to hooters half
d. autism speaks 5k
e. family fitness 5k
f. 13.1 Miami beach
Rule out any out of state (b.). If I pass on day 1, I usually pass on day 2; a. is out. My dad & I got cheated out at c., so no long distance loss anytime soon again. I want to got for the big 3 again so the remaining 5ks are out, leaving the last event.
I knew I'd struggle with f. but didn't realize to what extent until the dust cleared. It was extremely hot, humid & windy, all of which I despise. On top of that, it was the most challenging course, with 5 bridges! I posted my worst time of the year here but got the distinction I sought upon completion. Oh, by the way, my dad did too; congrats, pops!
Friday, March 09, 2012
Feh brer oh!
Feh brer oh! That's Spanish for February. This weekend is the last for the shortest month of the year & black history month. By the way, Hispanics were given one of the longest months.
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I had on my list for a tune up race:
1. brevard autism coalition 5k (brevard)
2. race for faith
3. panthers 5k run
4. 5k for a better day
I didn't feel like travelling longer than I had for my ex-girlfriend back in the day, ruling out the first 2. Unfortunately, I couldn't do both of the remaining, so I picked the one that logistically made sense. My next event was close to the east so #4 won.
Although I ran my best, I fell short of breaking 20 & didn't make the top ten. However, I did make the dirty dozen & take a master title (3rd). This served as a tune up for the main event the next day.
Sunday agenda-race!
I was aware of these events listed below:
a. Disney princess half
b. stand among friends 5k
c. spartan race
d. carnaval Miami 5k/10k
c. is an adventure type race, which cant overrule a standard one. Definitely not d. because only the overall winners get an award. I may have done b. but opted to repeat in a team at a.
I had to get a new partner since the one I had last year was non responsive. Amazingly, it was her first race at Disney. This was only my second time a relay in the event catered to women. Many may knock me for doing it at all but if you think clearly, wouldn't it be a real man's dream to be surrounded by thousands of women?
Except for wind, the weather was great. When the dust cleared, we posted descent times. I had my best time of the year (far short of my PB) despite foot problems and delays (had to past hundreds of slower runners), while she got her personal best, only a minute behind me. I never got to see her since she was in corral A, which began 15 minutes prior to the best corral position allowed for men, C. We missed the podium by 1 slot (4th place) but still had a blast.
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I had on my list for a tune up race:
1. brevard autism coalition 5k (brevard)
2. race for faith
3. panthers 5k run
4. 5k for a better day
I didn't feel like travelling longer than I had for my ex-girlfriend back in the day, ruling out the first 2. Unfortunately, I couldn't do both of the remaining, so I picked the one that logistically made sense. My next event was close to the east so #4 won.
Although I ran my best, I fell short of breaking 20 & didn't make the top ten. However, I did make the dirty dozen & take a master title (3rd). This served as a tune up for the main event the next day.
Sunday agenda-race!
I was aware of these events listed below:
a. Disney princess half
b. stand among friends 5k
c. spartan race
d. carnaval Miami 5k/10k
c. is an adventure type race, which cant overrule a standard one. Definitely not d. because only the overall winners get an award. I may have done b. but opted to repeat in a team at a.
I had to get a new partner since the one I had last year was non responsive. Amazingly, it was her first race at Disney. This was only my second time a relay in the event catered to women. Many may knock me for doing it at all but if you think clearly, wouldn't it be a real man's dream to be surrounded by thousands of women?
Except for wind, the weather was great. When the dust cleared, we posted descent times. I had my best time of the year (far short of my PB) despite foot problems and delays (had to past hundreds of slower runners), while she got her personal best, only a minute behind me. I never got to see her since she was in corral A, which began 15 minutes prior to the best corral position allowed for men, C. We missed the podium by 1 slot (4th place) but still had a blast.
Friday, March 02, 2012
President's weekend
President's weekend is upon us! Rather than give Abraham Lincoln is props, 1 day was set aside to incorporate him & George Washington, which will be this coming Monday.
Saturday agenda-race!
Out of about 20 races in Florida, these are the following races under consideration:
1. healthy choice 5k
2. run of the meadow 5k/10k
3. walk for wishes 5k
4. together we see eye run 5k
Of those options, the Lord made it possible to compete in a double header.
Morning agenda-walk for wishes 5k
It was back to zoo Miami for yet another one. I did what I could but barely broke 20. Can you believe I was 3rd overall but fell to age group? Sadly, the one between the race winner & I was a master, therefore claiming that title. With only one overall & master, I had to settle. However, I don't know what I got for an award, maybe a generic medal. Couldn't stay for the post race so I cant elaborate on it.
Evening agenda-together we see eye run 5k
I'm not fond of night races but am of multiple events in a single day. Therefore, I took the challenge. Unfortunately, I was unusually tight & tired (morning run?). The top 15 finishers were to qualify to run another race at night, maybe on a weekday. Sadly, I fell short by 2 slots and shorter, failed to break 20. Despite a worse time & position, I got a better award-trophy!
Sunday agenda-race!
I already predetermined to run the half but these events were scheduled on this day as well:
a. rnr Pasadena half
b. destin 50 beach ultra
c. A1A half/full marathon
d. tribute to the military
You can automatically rule out any out of FL race; a. Considering all my struggles, I'm not ready for an ultra; strike b. I like d. but need to do more distance running, especially during the season so c. wins!
To my dismay, I struggled miserably, logging in my worst time of the year. The wind & humidity was a bit too much, along with a problem with my foot. Also, I felt a bit tight & tired before I even started. Despite that, mission accomplished (got my medal) & yet another completed in the first quarter of the year.
Monday agenda-holiday
Happy President's day! Many, like me, had to work so I almost forgot.
Saturday agenda-race!
Out of about 20 races in Florida, these are the following races under consideration:
1. healthy choice 5k
2. run of the meadow 5k/10k
3. walk for wishes 5k
4. together we see eye run 5k
Of those options, the Lord made it possible to compete in a double header.
Morning agenda-walk for wishes 5k
It was back to zoo Miami for yet another one. I did what I could but barely broke 20. Can you believe I was 3rd overall but fell to age group? Sadly, the one between the race winner & I was a master, therefore claiming that title. With only one overall & master, I had to settle. However, I don't know what I got for an award, maybe a generic medal. Couldn't stay for the post race so I cant elaborate on it.
Evening agenda-together we see eye run 5k
I'm not fond of night races but am of multiple events in a single day. Therefore, I took the challenge. Unfortunately, I was unusually tight & tired (morning run?). The top 15 finishers were to qualify to run another race at night, maybe on a weekday. Sadly, I fell short by 2 slots and shorter, failed to break 20. Despite a worse time & position, I got a better award-trophy!
Sunday agenda-race!
I already predetermined to run the half but these events were scheduled on this day as well:
a. rnr Pasadena half
b. destin 50 beach ultra
c. A1A half/full marathon
d. tribute to the military
You can automatically rule out any out of FL race; a. Considering all my struggles, I'm not ready for an ultra; strike b. I like d. but need to do more distance running, especially during the season so c. wins!
To my dismay, I struggled miserably, logging in my worst time of the year. The wind & humidity was a bit too much, along with a problem with my foot. Also, I felt a bit tight & tired before I even started. Despite that, mission accomplished (got my medal) & yet another completed in the first quarter of the year.
Monday agenda-holiday
Happy President's day! Many, like me, had to work so I almost forgot.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Valentine weekend
Valentine weekend is upon us! Valentine's day is on Tuesday but the weekend preceding will get glory.
Saturday agenda-race!
The following events were considered below:
1. human trafficking 5k
2. ocean dr 5k
3. walk for wishes 5k
#1 was the furthest while the remaining were in my county. I wanted to #2 (Bryan's race) but I had to pass due to:
1. logistics (proximity further from next destination)
2. time (8:30)
3. funds (entry fee & parking)
It was held at zoo Miami, the plus was i can get up normal time. however, the course was twisty, turny & there was wind. Luckily, the cloudiness kept it a bit cool. Even though I got beat by some woman who did a time I shouldve been able to do, by the grace of God, I still made the top ten & won my age group. I barely made it under 20. This was a good family event with free entry that day but couldn't partake in that due to my next event.
The most challenging part of the day occurred afterwards. I had to pick up Gene then head up to the expo. However, on the way up, I needed to pick up a friend (CM), fight traffic & pray to make the deadline to pick up our packets. Our prayers were answered, got 'em, then proceeded to hotel to check in. After that, time to eat then off to bed.
Sunday agenda-race!
On list of races to do:
a. st pete half
b. miles for meso 8k
c. run through central park 5k
I like b. (put on by a fellow NY'er) & normally do c. (put on by runner's depot, sponsor of the racing team) but I had already pre registered for a. last year.
This happened to be the coldest day (40) of the year! To add injury to insult, very windy, with chill factor feeling like low 30's. That's the external challenge. For some reason, I was extremely tight, therefore, I struggled throughout on a relatively flat course, barely breaking 1:44. However, mission accomplished; I got the finishers medal for the inaugural half in st pete.
Once again, the most challenging part occurred afterwards. I had to find package area, get my bag, change, then locate bus to get back to the start where my baby was waiting for us over 2 hours. Im so proud of her because she couldve easily stayed in, warm under the covers & gotten a great comp breakfast but chose to brave the weather to support me. We navigated back, searched for parking, then a long walk to the concert, starring Flo Rida! we missed a chunk but caught most & we all had a great time. Post race otherwise was average at best. Medal was nice.
After dropping her off, & him, I closed out the evening with a Heat victory; sweet! Happy Valentines!
Saturday agenda-race!
The following events were considered below:
1. human trafficking 5k
2. ocean dr 5k
3. walk for wishes 5k
#1 was the furthest while the remaining were in my county. I wanted to #2 (Bryan's race) but I had to pass due to:
1. logistics (proximity further from next destination)
2. time (8:30)
3. funds (entry fee & parking)
It was held at zoo Miami, the plus was i can get up normal time. however, the course was twisty, turny & there was wind. Luckily, the cloudiness kept it a bit cool. Even though I got beat by some woman who did a time I shouldve been able to do, by the grace of God, I still made the top ten & won my age group. I barely made it under 20. This was a good family event with free entry that day but couldn't partake in that due to my next event.
The most challenging part of the day occurred afterwards. I had to pick up Gene then head up to the expo. However, on the way up, I needed to pick up a friend (CM), fight traffic & pray to make the deadline to pick up our packets. Our prayers were answered, got 'em, then proceeded to hotel to check in. After that, time to eat then off to bed.
Sunday agenda-race!
On list of races to do:
a. st pete half
b. miles for meso 8k
c. run through central park 5k
I like b. (put on by a fellow NY'er) & normally do c. (put on by runner's depot, sponsor of the racing team) but I had already pre registered for a. last year.
This happened to be the coldest day (40) of the year! To add injury to insult, very windy, with chill factor feeling like low 30's. That's the external challenge. For some reason, I was extremely tight, therefore, I struggled throughout on a relatively flat course, barely breaking 1:44. However, mission accomplished; I got the finishers medal for the inaugural half in st pete.
Once again, the most challenging part occurred afterwards. I had to find package area, get my bag, change, then locate bus to get back to the start where my baby was waiting for us over 2 hours. Im so proud of her because she couldve easily stayed in, warm under the covers & gotten a great comp breakfast but chose to brave the weather to support me. We navigated back, searched for parking, then a long walk to the concert, starring Flo Rida! we missed a chunk but caught most & we all had a great time. Post race otherwise was average at best. Medal was nice.
After dropping her off, & him, I closed out the evening with a Heat victory; sweet! Happy Valentines!
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Super bowl XLVI weekend!
Super bowl XLVI weekend! Before I watch that, I have my own line up of super events. The tradition began when I was born, so my USAT age matches that of the biggest game in sports.
Saturday agenda-race!
This weekend is super because I have the chance to be involved in 2 events on the same day!
Below are the following events up for consideration today:
a. 2nd Annual Sari Center 5K
b. PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
c. walk for wishes 5k
Race 1- PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
This was my first time doing this one & the first time I remember running a race on the other side of tradewinds (west of sample). Therefore, the course was totally foreign. To both my surprise & dismay, there was a better turnout than expected (higher quality, lower quantity). I failed to break 19 but at least I was in the low range. I was fortunate to make the dirty dozen but didn't win my age group (2nd). I found this out after the fact because I had to leave immediately to go to the next race.
Race 2-walk for wishes 5k
By the grace of God, I made it in time to begin this race; this was partly due to a later start. Unfortunately, it was much hotter & more humid, coupled with the fact that I ran. I got my worst 5k time of the year, a personal worst. Remarkably, I won my age group & made the top ten (high quantity, low quality) despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
Below are the following events up for consideration this day:
1. tybee run fest (GA)
2. Melbourne & beaches music marathon (& half)
3. dade city half marathon
4. butterfly 5k
Rule out any race outside of FL (strike 1). I'm in the distance race season, so I pass on the latter; also, that race is too challenging for me (age cat). I chose #2 over #3 because of the relay option.
I used Mike K, normally for the run in a tri, as the anchor for this team. I was afraid it was gonna be windy, like it was yesterday but praise the Lord, it subsided. On top of that, it was cloudy all day keeping the temperature at a nice cool level. I had a fast start but declined rapidly. Fortunately, I was still within a decent pace til I hit the bridge. I did what I could going up then opened up a bit on the descent. I passed off to him then waited for the bus. I was on it but I didn't leave for quite a while. I got thirty & stepped off for a moment to get a drink but when I turned around, it was gone! That guy left me on purpose so I had to stand in wet clothes twice as long; next time, I bring dry clothes! When I finally got back, my buddy told me he was in a heated battle near the end to help pull off our victory. Much like the super bowl it was close but we came out on top just like the Giants.
The post race was awesome, 5 star, with both pancakes & pizza among the usual items. We got nice awards for being the overall relay winners. We also had the honor of helping Sonia, the overall female winner, get back 'home', to her hotel. It was truly a super weekend.
Afterward, toward the evening, time to watch the super bowl & the commercials.
In conclusion, my struggles continue but I refuse to retire. God is good as I still find my way to the podium.
Saturday agenda-race!
This weekend is super because I have the chance to be involved in 2 events on the same day!
Below are the following events up for consideration today:
a. 2nd Annual Sari Center 5K
b. PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
c. walk for wishes 5k
Race 1- PHF Walk / Run 4 Heart 5K
This was my first time doing this one & the first time I remember running a race on the other side of tradewinds (west of sample). Therefore, the course was totally foreign. To both my surprise & dismay, there was a better turnout than expected (higher quality, lower quantity). I failed to break 19 but at least I was in the low range. I was fortunate to make the dirty dozen but didn't win my age group (2nd). I found this out after the fact because I had to leave immediately to go to the next race.
Race 2-walk for wishes 5k
By the grace of God, I made it in time to begin this race; this was partly due to a later start. Unfortunately, it was much hotter & more humid, coupled with the fact that I ran. I got my worst 5k time of the year, a personal worst. Remarkably, I won my age group & made the top ten (high quantity, low quality) despite that.
Sunday agenda-race!
Below are the following events up for consideration this day:
1. tybee run fest (GA)
2. Melbourne & beaches music marathon (& half)
3. dade city half marathon
4. butterfly 5k
Rule out any race outside of FL (strike 1). I'm in the distance race season, so I pass on the latter; also, that race is too challenging for me (age cat). I chose #2 over #3 because of the relay option.
I used Mike K, normally for the run in a tri, as the anchor for this team. I was afraid it was gonna be windy, like it was yesterday but praise the Lord, it subsided. On top of that, it was cloudy all day keeping the temperature at a nice cool level. I had a fast start but declined rapidly. Fortunately, I was still within a decent pace til I hit the bridge. I did what I could going up then opened up a bit on the descent. I passed off to him then waited for the bus. I was on it but I didn't leave for quite a while. I got thirty & stepped off for a moment to get a drink but when I turned around, it was gone! That guy left me on purpose so I had to stand in wet clothes twice as long; next time, I bring dry clothes! When I finally got back, my buddy told me he was in a heated battle near the end to help pull off our victory. Much like the super bowl it was close but we came out on top just like the Giants.
The post race was awesome, 5 star, with both pancakes & pizza among the usual items. We got nice awards for being the overall relay winners. We also had the honor of helping Sonia, the overall female winner, get back 'home', to her hotel. It was truly a super weekend.
Afterward, toward the evening, time to watch the super bowl & the commercials.
In conclusion, my struggles continue but I refuse to retire. God is good as I still find my way to the podium.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
the ING weekend
Once again, the last days of January are dedicated to Miami, the ING weekend! Yes, this time I remained at 'home' down here in Miami to compete, instead of travelling, to fulfil my desire & destiny of being an athlete for life.
Saturday agenda-tropical 5k
I stuck to my tradition of using the tropical 5k as a tune-up for the main event the following day. That means I had to pass on other races. Like last time, I wanted to help pace Leo, Gene if necessary, since both were in attendance. However, this year, I got left behind & just hoped to finish well enough to place. I wanted only to do enough to make the top 5 in my age group but since they got stingy by not offering a master title and reduced it to only 3, my 5th place age finish didn't make the podium. If it hadn't been a finishers medal, I would've walked away empty handed, or neck, if want to be technical. To add insult to injury, the post race refreshments were pathetic, with only bagels & bananas (no oranges or sweets). Afterwards, I went to the expo to pick up my packet & met up with lots of fellow athletes, most of whom were planning on running tomorrow. I met with current 'old' friends, such as Courtney, Louis Best (at race) & some newer ones, like Allan W, Tamara, Lisa Dorfman. I had the honor to speak to & cool down with the legendary coach GP (3rd overall @ 5k). The second, also a legend, was Lisa Dorfman.
Sunday agenda-main event!
The main events are distance races, the half & full marathon. Having completed the first five as marathons, I am satisfied & now choose the former on my quest to a decade with this event. I dub it as the main event because #1, the marathon and half are the feature events and #2, we're talking about distance, which requires endurance. I am on par to get the ten year jacket so other races (like the Ocala marathon) have to wait.
It started off a decent 70 degrees with not much rain in sight. It remained cloudy throughout keeping the heat down but, it was seemed humid and a bit windy. This is my 3rd half of the year (& month), and coupled with the fact that this course is not exactly flat & forgiving, I didn't expect a great race.
I had a great start and made some personal accomplishments, such as being with Leo till 5k point, Gene & Leo in sight on ocean dr, still within target range through 10k, in front of Louis M till near 15k; it went downhill from there. Fortunately, I escaped without any serious physical harm, even though my pinky toe hurt like the dickens. I have officially completed all ten of their events! Now I gotta fight to get my jacket, like 5 years ago. The post race refreshments were 3 1/2 star (no oranges). The finishers medal was by the far the best ever. No official mylar blankets were given out.
Congrats to all runners who finished, especially runners depot teammates .
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