Final weekend of September. Gotta put up or shut up!
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I had in mind for the final Saturday:
1. Spartan race CD, PA
2. quad cities marathon
3. twilight zone tower of terror
4. mr ft Desoto du/tri
5. the charity run 5k
6. sickle cell 5000
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). With enough local races, eliminate the next 2. Originally, I picked the latter but with money to top winners and ten year age groups featured, I passed on that for the remaining. Besides, I don't recall ever doing it.
I found out the hard way that the race I ultimately chose also was ten year age groups, and worse, no master title (the latter had top 3). Fortunately, even though it was a decent to high quantity race, it was a low quality (not that many fast runners) one. It featured both a 5k & 10k, but after last week, forget about the latter.
Time for my favorite cowboy western actor, Clint Eastwood:
The good: 19:18! top master, 4 oa, finisher medal
The bad: course short, medal (not trophy)
The ugly: given top ag (no master title), ten year groups
I had a chance for a double header (race not listed) but had to forfeit in lieu of tri expo.
Sunday agenda-race!
This is what I had in mind for the final Sunday:
1. Spartan race CD, PA
2. color me rad RI
3. zero prostate cancer 5k
4. FRRC 5k
5. marco island tri
6. escape to Miami tri
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). The last 2 requires a swimmer; luckily, Inga stepped up to the plate. The choice was closest in proximity, wiping out the rest.
Now for the final Clint Eastwood synopsis for the month:
The good: 2nd overall and mixed sprint team, finisher medal
The bad: weather (rain and wet ground, medium wind, humidity)
The ugly: only 1 award per category given (bumped off podium), too long to get results (next day despite chip timing)
I felt like I wasted my time and money. I would've place in the races I passed on to do this one, thus forfeiting possibly 2 podium awards (race I missed Saturday plus this day). Likely will pass on this one in the future unless they return to top 3 as was in the past.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
west coast madness!
Since I didn't race locally, i shall deem this west coast madness!
Saturday agenda-race!
This is my selection for day 1 of the weekend:
1. rnr marathon CO
2. spartan race VT, UK
3. color me rad 5k NV, MT, NY
4. 5k fun run
5. beach bash 5k
6. Miami children's 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL/USA). The latter was original & wisest choice (closest in proximity) but it and #5 passed over using the been there, done that rule.
Although labeled a fun run because no age group awards were given, the top 39 were eligible to receive prizes based on overall position. That's the fun; you had some power to control your destiny!
My summation, Clint Eastwood style:
the good: made top ten, thus ending the losing streak
the bad: got a prize limited to the area
the ugly: time
Sunday agenda-race!
This is my selection for the last day of the weekend:
1. rnr marathon CD
2. spartan race VT, UK
3. paradise coast du/tri/10k
4. power man du
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). The latter was would be the wisest choice (closest in proximity) but it was passed over using the loyalty rule. Also, considering i have never done an international duathlon by myself, i chose the lesser of 2 evils. #3 used 5/40/10 k format, which was more than enough challenging for me, while the die hards, especially cyclists, would have preferred the other, using 10/60/10 k format.
I made a grave error the night before and proceeded with daylight savings time. Naturally, that made me 'late' to the race (late meaning less than 15 minutes till the start). Listen to my woes:
pre start: got stuck in muddy grass parking; thankfully someone helped me out. next, had to prep bike. got in air but set up not possible. thankfully I got a legal assist to place the bike in transition.
run 1 (5k): stop to rest room, since unable to go prior to start
T1: slowest of all because I had to find bike, get helmet, gloves, glasses & shoes on (no pre set up)
bike (40k): struggled through due to previous blunder plus magnet kept hitting throughout
T2: still slow, feeling effects of racing
run 2 (10k): came off bike with right foot injury (2 miles till less pain), shuffled through out, fell out at end (heat exhaustion)
My summation, Clint Eastwood style:
the good: made top 15 (as tri), placed in age category
the bad: time
the ugly: the aforementioned problems, heat & humidity
I praise the Lord for allowing me to finish my first solo international duathlon (or so I can remember), despite the short comings and medical situation.
Saturday agenda-race!
This is my selection for day 1 of the weekend:
1. rnr marathon CO
2. spartan race VT, UK
3. color me rad 5k NV, MT, NY
4. 5k fun run
5. beach bash 5k
6. Miami children's 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL/USA). The latter was original & wisest choice (closest in proximity) but it and #5 passed over using the been there, done that rule.
Although labeled a fun run because no age group awards were given, the top 39 were eligible to receive prizes based on overall position. That's the fun; you had some power to control your destiny!
My summation, Clint Eastwood style:
the good: made top ten, thus ending the losing streak
the bad: got a prize limited to the area
the ugly: time
Sunday agenda-race!
This is my selection for the last day of the weekend:
1. rnr marathon CD
2. spartan race VT, UK
3. paradise coast du/tri/10k
4. power man du
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/USA). The latter was would be the wisest choice (closest in proximity) but it was passed over using the loyalty rule. Also, considering i have never done an international duathlon by myself, i chose the lesser of 2 evils. #3 used 5/40/10 k format, which was more than enough challenging for me, while the die hards, especially cyclists, would have preferred the other, using 10/60/10 k format.
I made a grave error the night before and proceeded with daylight savings time. Naturally, that made me 'late' to the race (late meaning less than 15 minutes till the start). Listen to my woes:
pre start: got stuck in muddy grass parking; thankfully someone helped me out. next, had to prep bike. got in air but set up not possible. thankfully I got a legal assist to place the bike in transition.
run 1 (5k): stop to rest room, since unable to go prior to start
T1: slowest of all because I had to find bike, get helmet, gloves, glasses & shoes on (no pre set up)
bike (40k): struggled through due to previous blunder plus magnet kept hitting throughout
T2: still slow, feeling effects of racing
run 2 (10k): came off bike with right foot injury (2 miles till less pain), shuffled through out, fell out at end (heat exhaustion)
My summation, Clint Eastwood style:
the good: made top 15 (as tri), placed in age category
the bad: time
the ugly: the aforementioned problems, heat & humidity
I praise the Lord for allowing me to finish my first solo international duathlon (or so I can remember), despite the short comings and medical situation.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
mid month crisis (last of summer)
mid month crisis (last of summer). I cant wait till winter; maybe ill run better in the cooler weather. A whole bunch of activity leading up to and including this weekend. Wednesday marked a dozen years since terrorist attack on America. Yesterday was Friday, the 13th (for all those superstitious). I am not normally, but that seemed to continue onto today (read below), which means I need to observe yom kippur, just like the Jewish.
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I have on my schedule today:
1. color me rad 5k IN, CA
2. remember the fallen 5k
3. Jeff Anna's memorial 5k
4. freedom run 5k
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). The next was not in the tri county area, so I picked the one I never did from the remaining (the latter, been there, done that).
Since I went down much like his adversaries, time for the Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: got hardware (albeit a finisher medal) for first time in weeks
The bad: time, hot & humid, parking
The ugly: did not place (missed on trophy), 3 losses in a row, personal worst losing streak
Sunday agenda-race!
A bit more to do this day, the way I like it:
1. rnr marathon PA
2. Spartan race UK
3. club med tri
4. coral springs 5k
5. optime 5k
6. trilogy bonus round
7. bayfront tri
8. zoo run 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Without a swimmer, take out the tri's, however 6 was possible as a du. since no series awards were given last year nor for this year, I pass. I planned on the latter, but without sufficient notice, it was sold out plus no race day sign up allowed. Among the remaining, I took the closest in proximity. To my dismay, it turned out to be a major league race, so I copy and paste (dejavu) with modifications:
The good: got hardware (albeit a finisher medal) for 2nd time in weeks
The bad: time, hot & humid, parking
The ugly: did not place (missed on medal), 4 losses in a row, personal worst losing streak
This travesty must end next week, right before the fall equinox!
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I have on my schedule today:
1. color me rad 5k IN, CA
2. remember the fallen 5k
3. Jeff Anna's memorial 5k
4. freedom run 5k
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). The next was not in the tri county area, so I picked the one I never did from the remaining (the latter, been there, done that).
Since I went down much like his adversaries, time for the Clint Eastwood synopsis:
The good: got hardware (albeit a finisher medal) for first time in weeks
The bad: time, hot & humid, parking
The ugly: did not place (missed on trophy), 3 losses in a row, personal worst losing streak
Sunday agenda-race!
A bit more to do this day, the way I like it:
1. rnr marathon PA
2. Spartan race UK
3. club med tri
4. coral springs 5k
5. optime 5k
6. trilogy bonus round
7. bayfront tri
8. zoo run 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Without a swimmer, take out the tri's, however 6 was possible as a du. since no series awards were given last year nor for this year, I pass. I planned on the latter, but without sufficient notice, it was sold out plus no race day sign up allowed. Among the remaining, I took the closest in proximity. To my dismay, it turned out to be a major league race, so I copy and paste (dejavu) with modifications:
The good: got hardware (albeit a finisher medal) for 2nd time in weeks
The bad: time, hot & humid, parking
The ugly: did not place (missed on medal), 4 losses in a row, personal worst losing streak
This travesty must end next week, right before the fall equinox!
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Let the (running) season begin!
Let the (running) season begin!
September began with labor day, then rosh hashana before the first full weekend starts. This will mark the end of the (race) drought and more choices to contend with.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here's my selection for today:
1. Spartan race NJ, CD
2. wine country half
3. mud dogs mud run Guam
4. septemberfest tri
5. tunnel to towers 5k
6. boot camp 5k/10k
7. ups 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL/USA). No swimmer=no tri. Eliminate non standard running event, leaves 2. I chose the latter (proximity).
What a grave mistake I made! I picked a high quantity (1400+) race with a high quality field (congrats to teammate Brian sharkey for the win) with only 1 overall then 5 yr age groups. Race began extremely hot and humid then rain came along to boot. I knew I was in trouble while warming up (leg problems); that, along with other issues led to my demise. To add insult to injury, I didn't perform well, feeling much like the ranked gators vs the U; no podium.
Sunday agenda-race!
1. Spartan race UK, CD
2. patriot tri
3. firefighter's 5k
Shades of the summer with only 3. You can automatically rule out the first (out of FL/USA), & with no swimmer, this was a no brainer. Unfortunately for me, it is a major league race (rrca FL state champ) and I am not even near race shape. When the dust cleared, it was dejavu- yet another loss, except that I kind of sensed that in advance. Break it down, Clint:
The good: time was better than previous day, advanced a notch within age cat, no rain
The bad: time, late start, still hot and humid
The ugly: no hardware for entire weekend, definitely not top ten & many women beat me both days
While the reason unofficially started, I haven't. While it may be all about the U, it certainly wasn't about me; I went down like the gators. Back to the drawing board.
September began with labor day, then rosh hashana before the first full weekend starts. This will mark the end of the (race) drought and more choices to contend with.
Saturday agenda-race!
Here's my selection for today:
1. Spartan race NJ, CD
2. wine country half
3. mud dogs mud run Guam
4. septemberfest tri
5. tunnel to towers 5k
6. boot camp 5k/10k
7. ups 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL/USA). No swimmer=no tri. Eliminate non standard running event, leaves 2. I chose the latter (proximity).
What a grave mistake I made! I picked a high quantity (1400+) race with a high quality field (congrats to teammate Brian sharkey for the win) with only 1 overall then 5 yr age groups. Race began extremely hot and humid then rain came along to boot. I knew I was in trouble while warming up (leg problems); that, along with other issues led to my demise. To add insult to injury, I didn't perform well, feeling much like the ranked gators vs the U; no podium.
Sunday agenda-race!
1. Spartan race UK, CD
2. patriot tri
3. firefighter's 5k
Shades of the summer with only 3. You can automatically rule out the first (out of FL/USA), & with no swimmer, this was a no brainer. Unfortunately for me, it is a major league race (rrca FL state champ) and I am not even near race shape. When the dust cleared, it was dejavu- yet another loss, except that I kind of sensed that in advance. Break it down, Clint:
The good: time was better than previous day, advanced a notch within age cat, no rain
The bad: time, late start, still hot and humid
The ugly: no hardware for entire weekend, definitely not top ten & many women beat me both days
While the reason unofficially started, I haven't. While it may be all about the U, it certainly wasn't about me; I went down like the gators. Back to the drawing board.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Labor day weekend
Labor day weekend is upon us! This is a transition weekend. One must labor for the fruits of victory.
Saturday agenda-race?
No if I stuck to local events. This is what I found for the last day of the month (not much):
1. color me rad 5k WI
2. legacy 5k
3. pilot 5k
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I did the latter in the past so it was time for something new.
Weather started out good-no wind, not so hot but still humid. As the race progressed, that changed quickly. The race was won with a fast time but by the grace of God, I secured the master title despite my time and the fact that the winner was pulled out of my age group! On top of that, with only overall given, thankfully, no one else between him and I was at least 40. I did have a battle with the grand master winner but prevailed after 2 miles. All title winners got trophies, the rest medals.
Sunday agenda-race?
Yes because there are local events! This is what I found for the first day of the month:
1. Disney land half
2. rnr half VA
3. wine country half
4.Spartan race UK
5. mr labor day du/tri
6. king of the hill 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 4 (out of FL). Sadly, I am not ready for the major league and remember struggling with the challenge of the hills so it wasn't difficult to pick the remaining event. I don't remember du'ing on labor day so I was in. I decided not to compete solo so I recruited a seasoned veteran, William Worley, to run. He was making a come back from injury so this was a good way to do that. As for me, once again, I experienced equipment failure. This time, an arm rest broke off while trying to fill a tire. This could not be repaired on site so I had to struggle with this throughout the race. When the dust clear, we emerged victorious! Praise the Lord, despite that mishap, I still rode 21+ average! We were rewarded for the finish as well as our efforts with medals.
Monday agenda-race?
Not! I did enough travelling this weekend, therefore, I'm not repeating the canes cross country classic 5k. Oh, and happy labor day! Don't work 2 hard, if at all!
Saturday agenda-race?
No if I stuck to local events. This is what I found for the last day of the month (not much):
1. color me rad 5k WI
2. legacy 5k
3. pilot 5k
You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I did the latter in the past so it was time for something new.
Weather started out good-no wind, not so hot but still humid. As the race progressed, that changed quickly. The race was won with a fast time but by the grace of God, I secured the master title despite my time and the fact that the winner was pulled out of my age group! On top of that, with only overall given, thankfully, no one else between him and I was at least 40. I did have a battle with the grand master winner but prevailed after 2 miles. All title winners got trophies, the rest medals.
Sunday agenda-race?
Yes because there are local events! This is what I found for the first day of the month:
1. Disney land half
2. rnr half VA
3. wine country half
4.Spartan race UK
5. mr labor day du/tri
6. king of the hill 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 4 (out of FL). Sadly, I am not ready for the major league and remember struggling with the challenge of the hills so it wasn't difficult to pick the remaining event. I don't remember du'ing on labor day so I was in. I decided not to compete solo so I recruited a seasoned veteran, William Worley, to run. He was making a come back from injury so this was a good way to do that. As for me, once again, I experienced equipment failure. This time, an arm rest broke off while trying to fill a tire. This could not be repaired on site so I had to struggle with this throughout the race. When the dust clear, we emerged victorious! Praise the Lord, despite that mishap, I still rode 21+ average! We were rewarded for the finish as well as our efforts with medals.
Monday agenda-race?
Not! I did enough travelling this weekend, therefore, I'm not repeating the canes cross country classic 5k. Oh, and happy labor day! Don't work 2 hard, if at all!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Historic weekend!
Historic weekend! i dub it as such because of the following:
1. hurricane andrew occurred over 2 decades ago this day
2. 'I have a dream' speech half a century ago (8/28) by dr martin luther king jr., honored today
3. my personal history, as shall be detailed throughout this blog
saturday agenda-race!
This is what I had scheduled for today:
1. Spartan race VA
2. color me rad 5k TX
3. super hero scramble IL
4. mr ft Desoto du/tri
5. cape 5k
6. rampage 5k
7. tka lions 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL).
sunday agenda-race?
I only found this day, the Spartan race VA, London. Needless to say, you can automatically rule it out because its out of FL. I planned on a dozen mile skate but it rained on my parade about halfway through. Just like hurricane Andrew, the workout was a disaster anyway (slow plus weather).
1. hurricane andrew occurred over 2 decades ago this day
2. 'I have a dream' speech half a century ago (8/28) by dr martin luther king jr., honored today
3. my personal history, as shall be detailed throughout this blog
saturday agenda-race!
This is what I had scheduled for today:
1. Spartan race VA
2. color me rad 5k TX
3. super hero scramble IL
4. mr ft Desoto du/tri
5. cape 5k
6. rampage 5k
7. tka lions 5k
You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL).
sunday agenda-race?
I only found this day, the Spartan race VA, London. Needless to say, you can automatically rule it out because its out of FL. I planned on a dozen mile skate but it rained on my parade about halfway through. Just like hurricane Andrew, the workout was a disaster anyway (slow plus weather).
Sunday, August 18, 2013
3-2-1!
3-2-1! I had an opportunity to do 3 events, went to 2 events, completed 1. For details, read on!
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I considered for this day:
1. Spartan race CD, HI
2. biggest loser half/5k PA
3. color me rad 5k OH, CD
4. fast cat 5k
5. dreher park dash
6. kick off 5k
I had an opportunity to do a double header this day and a race the next. You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). With enough local events, I passed on #4 due to the distance; that killed the double. The latter was merely a fun run and not a race. Since I had to deal with pms in the ams, I was not entered but did do a training loop easy with friends; I had to save strength for the night race.
I did the inaugural am version of the dreher park dash last month. This is the normal evening version but unlike the past, it featured extreme heat and humidity, and no cloud cover. Only 1 water stop with only water in small cups. This ultimately lead to disaster for me.
First, the famous Clint Eastwood synopsis, then the praises:
The good: podium (3 ag), 2nd ag in dreher park 10k (am 5k plus this one), thanx to the good of ems
The bad: should've won ag (didn't due to incident)
The ugly: final mile, suffered heat exhaustion, extreme heat & humidity, improper hydration, some members of ems were unprofessional and down right mean
To God be the glory. I was in auto pilot (God in control) in the final mile while unknowingly suffering from a medical break down and still placed!
Also, by completing both the am 5k and this pm 5k, I got 2nd ag in the night and day 10k. I tech shirt commemorated this.
Sunday agenda-race?
Drought day schedule:
1. Spartan race
2. rnr marathon RI
3. mr trilogy 3
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL), leaving the latter. Due to events prior day, I opted out and did late training on my inlines. Sadly, I only did half the distance.
Saturday agenda-race!
This is what I considered for this day:
1. Spartan race CD, HI
2. biggest loser half/5k PA
3. color me rad 5k OH, CD
4. fast cat 5k
5. dreher park dash
6. kick off 5k
I had an opportunity to do a double header this day and a race the next. You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). With enough local events, I passed on #4 due to the distance; that killed the double. The latter was merely a fun run and not a race. Since I had to deal with pms in the ams, I was not entered but did do a training loop easy with friends; I had to save strength for the night race.
I did the inaugural am version of the dreher park dash last month. This is the normal evening version but unlike the past, it featured extreme heat and humidity, and no cloud cover. Only 1 water stop with only water in small cups. This ultimately lead to disaster for me.
First, the famous Clint Eastwood synopsis, then the praises:
The good: podium (3 ag), 2nd ag in dreher park 10k (am 5k plus this one), thanx to the good of ems
The bad: should've won ag (didn't due to incident)
The ugly: final mile, suffered heat exhaustion, extreme heat & humidity, improper hydration, some members of ems were unprofessional and down right mean
To God be the glory. I was in auto pilot (God in control) in the final mile while unknowingly suffering from a medical break down and still placed!
Also, by completing both the am 5k and this pm 5k, I got 2nd ag in the night and day 10k. I tech shirt commemorated this.
Sunday agenda-race?
Drought day schedule:
1. Spartan race
2. rnr marathon RI
3. mr trilogy 3
You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL), leaving the latter. Due to events prior day, I opted out and did late training on my inlines. Sadly, I only did half the distance.
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