Tarzan

Hey, I told you I was running out of titles! This was considered a slow weekend for me as I did only 1 race. The other I didn't even consider because they had only top ten male & female awards & half those slots would likely be filled by members of the sponsor of the race- runner's depot. The winner of the prediction run would get a watch. Plus, the fee was high & the race was located in broward;last night, I traveled even further to West Palm Beach. In light of that, today was cross-training day. I rode the bike about 30 miles to train for my newly acquired role on the triathlon relay team. Although not my specialty, whatever I am assigned to do, I want to excel at it. Even if it is not the best, I plan on doing my best.

Saturday agenda- part 2 of the Dreyer park summer series 5k

I am not keen on night races but I elected to do this series because of the following:
1. Dave Ragsdale, head man of Florida Sports & Palm Beach road runners club
2. I like series races
3. Next year, I do not plan on doing short races in Palm Beach, or farther, due to its distance (gas getting too high).

I called a friend (FF), who is an avid cyclist, to ask him if he wanted to ride today. He replied, "no. I'm in the hospital". Naturally, I had to visit. Since it was on the way up to the race, I did so but nearly missed the race. I arrived a quarter to the start & had to hustle to get the packet & change. People who knew me, including the race director, DR, was surprised I was not prompt or early as usual, but this day was not normal. The theme of this race was called run through the zoo, hence the idea of the title. Well, the race went off & I ventured off my usual strategy. I got excited & took the lead over my series rival, Dale Ruby, who beat me by 4 seconds in the first 5k to snag the master's title. I successfully held that for a mile then he picked up while I struggled with the heat, humidity & some exhaustion from both the pre-race activities & the effort to lead. That tactical error was the catalyst for his personal record & triumph over me again. Much as I wanted to complain, I couldn't because, despite all adversity, God gave me the ability to match my performance of the last race & I still placed. The good news is that he didn't take the master title from me like last time. The bad news is that someone else did & therefore I fell to second in the age group. In the final race, I'd like to beat him for the master title to tighten up the points & make it appear as though there was a challenge. At this juncture, he has already won the series, based on points accumulation & performance. I need to hang on to my position, which is right after him, & redeem myself by winning at least one race.

Note on my position of night races.

Although many like these type of races, I don't because of the following:

1. Get's dark & sometimes hard to see.
2. Weather, particularly, heat & humidity build up, at its worse
3. Preparation toward event-must watch what you do, eat & drink with great scrutiny prior to participation.
4. Adjustment-includes travel to & fro plus the day's activity

Christmas in July

Well, since I'm running out of titles, this will due. The 25th is an unofficial, commercially created holiday & it follows this weekend. It seems appropiate because I feel like my team & I received the gift of exercise from God. Furthermore, our efforts were rewarded by being able to place. Thank you, Lord.

Saturday agenda-hot to trot 5k

This event was very special to me because:

1. My brother came with me & showed up for the first time to a 5k road race.
2. I brought my camcorder & he was willing to record.
3. Teammate JM (lead runner of relay team Du Tri Harder, the 2006 duathlon relay champion) surprised me by coming upon my advice, plus his father was with him. This was a wise decision because he won the race!
4. I was able to place 9th overall & earn the master's title despite the weather & the fact I was about 20th at start.

This was not the race to set records. To make the 5k, it required 3 loops. It was hot & humid plus the course was mostly narrow paths that were riddled with twists & turns. So much so, that I missed the final turn to the finish & lost to someone I know (CW), who was so desperate to stay in front of me (he was in the top 3 at start of race) that he started blocking in the last mile when he dropped back to my pace. When I checked the results, I discovered he was running bandit, indicating this was a pride issue to him (he's younger than me). For me, I was content to let to him play his game because I was out of top 3 contention & needed only to secure my own division. Sometimes, it's better to run smarter, not harder.

This one had the poorest post race ammenties. They had only bagels & coffee, none of which I like. Awards were less than stellar. Despite awarding to the top 3 overall, only the overall male (luckily, my teammate JM got this) & female received trophies. There was only top master (I thank god I got it) and first place in age group (this penalized 2 kid friends of mine, JT & SN) when normally it's 3. Also, no T-shirts but the CSPRR staff made up for this by giving me a club tank, which I used the next day to help promote them.

On the plus side, this race was inexpensive in comparsion to other races & had the quickest results posting I have ever seen. The awards ceremony went off so fast from the final finisher that I had no time to change to dry clothes, as I traditionally do. It is well run & I plan on doing the next one.

Sunday agenda-race 2 of Mack cycle triathlon trilogy

This event was also special because:

1. The swimmer (EW) was still on board with the team & placed 4th among the co-ed relays plus did better than last year.
2. This was my first time cycling in competition in Key Biscayne. I was able to help the team advance 1 position plus my time was better than that of the cyclist (RS) of last year.
3. JM (winner of hot to trot 5k) ran in my stead so that I could fill the void left when the biker quit. He improved on last year's run time that was set by yours truly & helped advance the team to its final position, despite having to start under a huge deficit.
4. We (Triple Teem) finished second, only to the store bought team. Runner's depot can afford to pay the best to compete. The owner (RG) was a pretty good swimmer plus she purchased the services of a great cyclist (I hammered hard & lost by only 2:20) & a champion kenyan runner to guarantee a victory because last year, Triple Teem beat them.
5. All the times of last year were beaten by our efforts of this year.

I was involved in relay action this race, our division- co-ed. Because the cyclist quit, I, as team captain, had to make adjustments. Luckily, I cross-train on the bike so I accepted that role on the team & recruited a better runner (JM, a proven success) to take my spot. Although disappointed we didn't win, I was pleased we placed & performed well under the circumstances. I was excited because the was my first time riding as part of team in Key Biscayne, home of the dread Rickenbacker causeway.

As team captain, sometimes tough decisions have to be made. Because we did not win, I was considering replacing the cyclist (myself) with someone who could ride about 4 minutes faster & sit out the final race of the trilogy in the best interest of the team. However, after speaking with JM & crunching the numbers, I realized that we still would have finished in the same position plus I would miss out on being a part of the winning team (we can still win the series). Therefore, the team will remain intact.

The event offered decent post race ammenties & posted results relatively quick. The awards ceremony started faster than expected, as well.

In conclusion, the swimmer EW happily accepted her gift. JM & I proudly accepted our presents and we all give thanks to our father up above. Merry Christmas (in July)!

The good, the bad & the ugly (independence day update)

The Good

* We won the series (relay division).
* The plaques were customized with an action photo of the participants. That was one of the most innovative ideas yet by Multirace.

The Bad

* JM was added to the team in the final 2 of the 6 events & was instrumental in the team's victory but did not get a series award because he didn't meet the minimum requirement (4/6) to be in series.

The Ugly

* JJ & myself were denied the amenities that the other champions received because we could not miss work to attend the awards ceremony that was held on a weekday; paramount to my denial to be in person to watch the Miami Heat parade.

I expect a repeat of the good, and the ugly can be solved by having JM in them all but the ugly is contingent on the race director. He can easily have the awards ceremony on a Saturday or Sunday night to solve that.

Update regarding run, ride, roll

Although I had a blast, ESM made numerous mistakes. If you check results, I, along with many others who finished, were listed as Did Not Start! Bad enough that the times were way off & splits weren't posted on-site. Our collector finisher medals meant nothing, apparently. I'm sure all the victims, as I, are gonna stay on this because it also robs us of the points we earned & need to be in series. The timing was pathetic. The line for corrections was longer than that to get lunch & that one was long. After waiting in that line for longer than anyone would even at a drivers license office, many still left without correct results/awards. What is sad for me is that the relay results were wrong & the duathlon results were correct. On Monday, a reversal occurred, stripping me of points, after all that effort I put forth in my event; at least, my team was vindicated. I pray this is all resolved before my next one with this company.

On Saturday, the post race refreshments were plenty but the next day, they were scarce. Awards, if you can get one, were plaques on Saturday but next day, medals. Plus, on Sunday, both events did not include neither overall nor master positions, only age group.

Run, ride & roll!

This was my dream weekend. I was in four different events, 2 of which occurred at the same time. This weekend tapped all of my talents minus the racewalk-run, cycle & inline skate. All events were put on by one company-Exclusive Sports Marketing.

Saturday agenda-publix coca cola triathlon (relay) & powerade duathlon.

I had a personal agenda to accomplish yesterday. I wanted to complete an impossible mission-participate in two races at the same time! When I initially signed up, the race director informed me that he'd be willing to transfer one event to another date because I apparently made a mistake while registering. He felt it is impossible to do both a triathlon relay & duathlon solo since both events start at the same time- 7 am! Due to my vast experience, I tried my best to explain how it could be done & then, later, was allowed to attempt this amazing feat. What I noticed in the past is that relays have to start in the last wave. The duathlon starts after the 1st wave. I calculated that I could do the first run & the bike and be back in time to accept the chip from the relay cyclist. This came to fruition, with time to spare;so much so, I was able to do a wardrobe change! If I was captured in all my splits, this will be evident when the pictures go online. Both the team & myself placed first in the respective categories. However, in regards to the team, we had to fight for that. We were placed second to a team that cheated. How? Well, it is literally impossible for a co-ed team that started in the last wave to beat the overall elite male that started in the first & do that over 7 minutes faster! 33 minutes & change versus 40 minutes & change. We surmised that the time was most likely only the bike split & that they started in an earlier wave. We waited nearly 2 hours to ensure we got what we deserved. The swimmer (jg) said she did one of her best swims & the cyclist (jj) did well, considering lack of sleep, among other things. 2 down, 2 to go in the series!

Sunday agenda-10k inline skate & 5k run.

The inline skate was held 8 am. My outfit was a University of Miami theme, similar to the Disney inline half I did but a different get up. I rolled to one of my fastest times but came up short in the hardware department. I placed sixth in my age group despite the record time but noticed that I weren't forced become a master, I would've 2nd (35-39).

The 5k was held about 9 am. At this time, it was very hot & humid & I was a bit fatigued after the rolling warm-up. Based on the conditions, I estimated that I'd be lucky to be around 20 minutes & maybe slip in at 3rd in age group. I forgot that the Lord works in mysterious ways. I used my run comfortable strategy & remained in the top ten throughout the race. However, I was able to advance in position after a mile & a half to two miles. All the time, I was aware that at least one runner was in my age group & I did my best to keep him in sight, even thought he was at least 250 ft ahead. After 2 miles, I started to be like Stella-get my groove back. I began to pick up slightly as he was declining. Once I smelled blood, I was able to pass him & take the age group with a decent time just below the mid 19's. Unfortunately, ESM gives neither overall nor master titles, strictly age group. Because of that, the pressure was on me to perform & God gave it to me.

Although I could not sweep in the award recipient category, I was pleased with my performance & in terms of the team, theirs. Now the title should make sense. I ran on both days, rode (du) on sat & rolled (skate) today.

Record setting day

Let's begin with yesterday (sat). I did a late (9 am) training exercise & on the way back home, I got a call from the cyclist of triple teem (rs) stating that not only was he not going to make the race today but also he was withdrawing himself from the team & forfeiting the entire season, you know, kinda like Ricky Williams, for personal reasons. I was unable to fill the bike slot on such short notice, therefore as captain, I have to go down with the ship;I was forced to do my slot (run) & his. The weekend looked like it was taking a turn for the worst. When presented with such a challenge, I have two choices, give up or step up;I chose the latter.

Sunday=Double header. As teammate Jonny put it, "2 venues, 6 events"

Morning agenda=multirace's singer island tri (co-ed relay)

The drive to this event was longer than the race itself. Fortunately, the swimmer (ew) did not quit & agreed to participate in race #4 of the sfts (s fla tri series). Although it looked bleak, I told her that I believe we could still win prior to even going up there. You see, I am Jasper. I live on challenges. Like the immortal James Brown, "can I hit it or quit it?";I chose the former. Hit me 2 times! Most everyone, including myself, was amazed with my performance on the bike, my second best event & primary cross-training exercise. I am average at best but performed above average for myself-over a 20 mph average! a new pb (personal best) & first time in my history of multi-sport that I was not passed (formerly restricted only to when I run). However, that took from my primary skill, running. Somehow, I mustered a 19 flat for 3 miles, which is good, considering I just did a 10 mile bike over the bridge twice & that run included that same bridge but the run was less than stellar for my taste. Among the teams, my bike was 2nd best (45 seconds slower against an avid cyclist) & my run was the best, despite failing my personal litmus test in comparison to my normal pace. This was the swimmer's first race back from illness so the lack of training reflected but it was expected as with any sport. Naturally, I expect her to get back on schedule & get back to single digit swims. We placed second by only 16 seconds! I'd prefer lose by a small margin, proving that we were in a similiar ability range rather than be blown away by a large margin, stating that we were not even in their league (much like what happened to the 2nd place team in the duathlon series).

Evening agenda-Bikila all comers track meet

This was this club's first ever run event & it went off well. The best showed up here. Many I dont know or remember the names of but those that I do include Aldo, Jonny M(teammate), Carol P, Angela H(top female triathlete), Frankie R with Miami marathon. Notables include teammate Chris C, Jose S (vp of bikila). The following didn't compete but deserve honable mention: Octavio (prez of bikila) & crew, the Bernards & gang of gflrrc, the Andersons & crew of swim, bike & run, crew of Miami marathon/pr racing, Coach love & his Miami milers (many of them gave me a run for my money), Miguel (Aldo's coach). If I missed someone, I apologize but I am getting old.

The meet included four events, in the following order: mile, 400 meter, 800 & 3K. For one price, an athlete can choose any # of events. 1, 2, 3 or all. Hey, you know me! I set personal bests in 3 of 4 events. Below are stats of interest:

1 mile: previous record was in du relay with 5:32 pace for 2 miles. tonight=5:21 (3rd pl)
400 meter: previous set last year at nw track was broken by 3 secs tonight=62 secs (1st pl)
800 meter: previous was nw track this year (2:35) but a transposition clerical error has it posted as 2:53. This event tonight was most important because I had to prove to myself & to those I 'bragged' to that I could meet or beat that. tonight=2:27, lost tie by a millisecond (2nd pl)
3K: time set at nw track this year still stands (11:08). fatigue from previous events set me back & I had to settle for 2nd pl with 11:26.

A surprise at the end was by gflrrc. Cynthia stepped up & offered free entry to her next event (no sweat 5k) for all those who did all events. I & I believe 3 others were proud recipients.

What I have learned from racing & faith in the lord is to 'hang in there'. What may seem hopeless or bleak may actually become hopeful or a blessing. I was granted a blessing to overcome major setbacks, especially with the best closer of the day-teammate Jonny accepted the task of assisting our team (triple teem) with most of the rest of our season after the cyclist went awol. Now, I am confident we can win;just check out the du team (du tri harder).

Independence day

Been so busy, but like a mailman, better late than never. This day was ever so popular for both athletes & non-athletes alike. The latter probably got up late, barbecued or went to a beach & then stayed up late to watch fireworks. The former includes yours truly. I got up early to exercise (compete in a race) and the day went by so fast, I had no time for BBQ & fireworks.

The athlete's day of freedom & fireworks meant being free to do an event, & performing well was tantamount to fireworks. Two friends of mine, C.C. & T.M., did America's largest 10k- Peachtree -in Georgia. Well, I couldn't afford to leave Florida & didn't want to disappoint my teammates, J.M. & J.J., of the co-ed duathlon relay team-Du Tri Harder. We competed in multirace's season finale of the duathlon series. It also was a USAT duathlon grand prix series race and qualifier (for individuals) for the short course duathlon world championship in Gyor, Hungary. It was multirace's largest attendance in history for their du series. J.M. started off the race & was the overall runner in the start run leg with a 5 minute flat pace. Our cyclist, J.J., began as overall cyclist but got passed by 1 person as she struggled to clip in on the bike. Remarkably, she lost only 1 slot & was still the first overall female. Upon return, she came in with the top two individual female competitors even though slipping to 20th position. Last but not least, I was my turn to anchor. With some encouragement from the lead runner, I managed a personal best pace of 5:32 and helped the team advance back to 11th overall position. The next nearest team was about 6 minutes in the hole, a virtually insurmountable deficit. We entered into the event as the leaders & our record performance kept that intact. I was pleased with the addition of J.M. to the team & hope to work with both teammates next year.

Honorable Mention

Actually, this independence day marked a one year anniversary since we (J.J., du team cyclist)met & she has made an impact on my life, as well versus the other teams. She is quite competitive & willing to participate in many events. I was able to spend time with the family of the cyclist & possibly encourage a younger generation to enter the realm of multi-sport; only time will tell.

Next weekend will mark a one year anniversary since I met Samantha Cooper, a professor, while doing an ancillary event (skating). While I was in the wings waiting for my team, she started her first ever duathlon. I was confident she could do it but she wasn't sure until she did; congrats to her for finishing what she started. Amazingly, she placed in that effort.

I am proud of all my friends for competing & completing, whether in individual competition, like Ms. Cooper, or team, as my buddies, J.M., fellow faster runner & J.J., cyclist & aspiring swimmer. Keep up the good work.

Who am I?

As of yesterday, I ran for the first time, officially, as a member of the Premier racing team. I competed in GFLRRC freedom 5k. I was able to earn 2nd overall Master, edging out a competitor by 3 seconds, despite horrific heat & humidity. However, there were actually 2 masters in front of me. The fastest was so quick, he placed 3rd overall, meaning only 2 other younger runners could beat him. I was 5 runners behind him (8th). Premier had a good turnout of members & it seemed most of them placed. In fact, the winner was one of ours! The Silver family, founders of Premier running, soccer & tri, also competed, as well as be a sponsor of the event. Also, on a rare occasion, I won a prize in the raffle; a teammate had to come & get me.

My running teammate (jm) of the duathlon relay team, among others, asked me what do I consider myself as. I am sometimes referred to as Master, Coach & Team Captain. All of the above apply. read below for my reasons.

Master Bell - earned by virtue of getting over the hill. Yes, I am now forty! However, I feel I have earned the title, much like martial arts masters, due to my fifteen years of active duty in the sports community. I started off as strictly a runner but now have various genres to my resume. Years ago, I decided to incorporate my experience & talent to assist others in team action. For some, they may win awards as part of team that may not have been possible individually but the greatest feeling is accomplishment. We don't have to win to get that feeling. It is earned by competing to the best of your ability. Remember that your best may not be the best but if you gave your best, there is nothing to be ashamed of; you are the best by doing your best.

Team captain - the one responsible to organizing a team. Technically, this started back with just my dad & I for the 2 person marathon relay of the gulf beaches. My first official encounter with this task was with the 1st annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches. It was my first time organizing & working with non family runners. At that time, my dad & I were racing multiple half marathons, so I felt we should be cautious of doing a full. However, I wanted to be a part of the inaugural event & incorporate other runners who were not prepared to do either or full but also wanted the experience. Originally, I want 2 runners who got injured from the Marine Corp Marathon. Both wound up backing out & I had to scramble to get paying participants. I was to get a female (rl) who just ran a marathon & therefore, not ready for a half or full, 2 other men, c.c. & t.m., in addition to my dad & yours truly. The team of the 5 marathoneers was formed & we completed the first & last 5 person marathon relay team. C.c also took part in the first, & possibly last, ever 5k 5 person team & is schedule to run this year's first four person marathon relay. I feel I am blessed now to be able to put together teams of avid athletes & have a sixth sense on who should be on & what should be done. I am proud to have worked with all of whom I have asked & selected & hope to continue to be in contact with each person. This position requires strategic decisions & ability to switch/fill slots on a team as necessary. Sometimes this could be due to injury, illness or for the benefit of the team. Any team member, including myself, may be substituted, if it is in the best interest of the team, especially to avoid forfeiture & sometimes to increase likelihood of success.

Coach Bell - title earned by both direct & indirect assistance & interaction with other athletes. This title is often associated with the fact that the team captain has a position much like a coach of basketball or football team. I prefer to be an active coach, much like how coach Love started. An active coach is one who not only guides but participates.

example of direct= run with athlete, much like a rabbit, or give advice that leads to success.
example of indirect= lead by example, particularly in an event. Many have come & told me that they admire what I do or have done & it encourages them to start or continue with physical fitness.

I am thankful of all kind comments. I graciously accept any or all of the above titles but need no title to be happy. What pleases me is that everyone continues to be health conscious. Now, let's get out there!