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).