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!