Adversity vs tried & true

Unfortunately, not all events go as planned. In such a case, one's handling of an unexpected circumstance can determine the outcome of future. It can make or break whether or not there will be any success.

Saturday agenda: 5/20=Publix family fitness weekend- deerfield

The original plan for me was to compete as a soloist in a duathlon and be the anchor in a triathlon co-ed relay. The former was scapped due to the actions of a cab driver in Miami beach. While transporting my bike & that of the team's cyclist, my car was struck in rear when the cabbie make a lane change from left to right across 3 lanes. The rear wheel of my bike & front of teammate's bikes were bent out of shape (unusable). We also had time constraints to deal with. With only a half hour till race start, I had the wherewithal to switch my front wheel (unscathed) to her bike, set up the meter & at least salvage one of my intended events- tri relay. She wound up with a p.r. on the bike & our team placed 2nd. That was good enough consolation for me considering how bleak it looked just to compete at all. She thought it was over but I never had quit in my mind. I knew I had to find a way to overcome adversity. As a marathon runner & chess player, I know that you cannot determine the race or game solely on early circumstances. It aint over till it's over, therefore do all you can until it is literally impossible; case in point, the duathlon requires a bike to complete but I sacrificed my personal desire for the need of the team &, therefore, my event was impossible.

Sunday agenda: 5/21=Let my people run 5k

This event proceeded without major incident but did require some strategy. I was in 6th or 7th position for about 2 miles with the overall female 'pushing me', keeping with my pace of 6:05 (& setting a pr for herself). After I realized I was below pace (6 flat), I picked up to race pace utilizing JM's (previously mentioned duathlon runner teammate) negative split running style and advanced to 4th overall, shaking off the female competitor and holding for top master position. This strategy was effective & I broke my personal goal of under 19 by 20 seconds; I consider this tried & true. Why? Because I tried this before & it truly helped.