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.