Death of 2006

Well, the title maybe a little strong, but in essence, it's true. Since we're on the eve of a new year, the old one will be gone (dead). This year, I've had many ups & downs, but fortunately, more positive than negative experiences resulted with the help of the Lord. As one of my gospel favorites says, "I won't complain".

Saturday agenda-the last long run (of the year)

I completed 14 miles, 7 out & over the bridge, used the port-a-potty, & then returned to base. I was a good part of the Bikila bunch at the end.

Sunday morning agenda-the last ride (of the year)

I pulled out my rarely used recumbent bike & completed approximately 16 miles. That bike was instrumental during a severe injury incurred a year ago that caused me to forfeit my entry in the Jacksonville half.

Sunday afternoon agenda-footworks fun run

This became my last event (of the year). This was a poorly advertised fun run (only 1 sign in store window that many employees were unaware of). I was running (not literally) late because of unexpected traffic, including an accident. I met up with whom I deem 2006's most improved runner, Jonathan Mederos. 2 guys started off the small group (2 females, JM & myself joined the 'leaders'. The course- run from footworks up Sunset Dr to the bridge (at coco plum circle). Jonathan & I did not like the path, so we decided to go to old cutler road toward our normal path to Niketown. We were surprised that someone was still with us. JM didn't want his legs to lock up so we did a fartlek but nearly lost our follower, so we decided not to do that again until comfortable that he could find his way back. Meanwhile, I inadvertently left my water in the car so I had to get some hydration elsewhere. Luckily, JM knew a park was nearby & we stopped there & got another surprise; we bumped to Christopher finishing up his training run. After a brief chat, we continued & once on the (Nike) path, we picked up the pace, leaving the follower behind. In the last 100 meters, I picked up to near race pace to accommodate the accommodater. He was going at a snail's pace to stay with us so I wanted to close the fun run more in tune with his pace, even though it still was slow in comparison to what he can do. What was supposed to be an easy 3 mile fun run was more like a mini long run (7.43 miles) at an average pace (7:38) faster than I planned. We still broke an hour, even with the stop.

I thank the Lord for the experiences & now in the immortal words of Jorge Mas Canosa, "adelante, adelante, adelante!"; let's move on!

Merry Christmas!

'Tis the season to be jolly! I found out about only 1 race but opted against it due to its proximity & chose to train instead. Before I continue, I'd like to wish all readers a very merry Christmas & remind you to always remember the reason for the season- Jesus Christ, our lord & savior. I may get some gifts but the ultimate was given by our father up in heaven, for he gave us his only begotten son to save our souls. Thank you.

This training weekend, I got stood up so I had to train solo. Fortunately, I am not motivated by having a partner(s), but rather by within.

Saturday-long run

I ran 14 miles, including the Rickenbacker causeway & met a few friends along the way. This satisfied my marathon preparation requirement.

Sunday-long ride

I cycled approximately 30 miles, including the Rickenbacker causeway & saw a few friends as well. This satisfied my crosstraining requirement.

Monday-Merry Christmas!

I'll find some way to train. Use your God given gifts.

Winding down

Well, I'm winding down the year with my final marathon of 2006.

Thurday agenda-Nike run hit remix

This event was to me like an NFL game- an unusual night & time. Also, this was a five mile fun run & I treated it as such. I still broke an hour just messin' around.

Main event-Jacksonville marathon

I did it on a dare but the darer didnt show! I finished in good time & feel prepared for the new year.

Details on beta.

Night & day

Title was chosen based on the stereotype the night is bad and day is good & applies to my experiences this weekend.

Saturday agenda-holiday 5k (night)

Put on by an amateur timing company(night)- accuchiptimingusa, this race is considered minor league(night) by my standards because they could not reach the century mark in regards to participants/finishers, & they only held one event, the 5k.

I won the master title but it was given to a friend ((night)actually grand master champion) of the race director, alan harding & I had to settle for the consolation prize of second. I was the lucky one, still in top category (master, grandmaster & Sr grandmaster) This bone-headed move was evidence of favoritism & inexperience & 3 people were bumped out of their rightful positions in that vindictive action(night); they, like I, have legitimate gripes.

The race had the worse amenities(night) -only coffee (I don't drink) & bagels (I don't eat), which is much less than offered at the Niketown training runs! It has also the worst course(night), 3 loops on a trail/parking lot & full of twists & turns, so bad, teammate JM (winner of one of their races) refuses to ever do it again. Also, no raffles(night) but I am kinda glad they didn't because I know that would have been rigged too. I almost forgot, the only gave out medals(night).

Sunday agenda-rotary holiday run & family festival (day)

This event featured two races(day), a 5k & a half marathon & was timed by a professional timing company(day)- splitsecondtiming. This was a major league event(day) that drew over a thousand participants, with many high profile athletes.

I was legitimately second overall master winner(day) because the guy that beat me was 44 & faster! Just to be certain, I went ahead & beat the same guy who was favored yesterday(day). It was an out & back course(day).

I chose this event over one much closer to home because of positive experiences. This one had among the best amenities because they also had a pancake breakfast that was still there after 2 1/2 hours! Plus, it was an out & back course(day) & they even had an honest raffle(day);if you weren't there, you could not win. Most important is that they gave out beautiful trophies (age group) & plaques (upper divisions), definitely day.

For more details regarding night & day, go to beta.

Pathetic

I traveled to the Palm beaches to race, only to discover that those in charge of the marathon of the Palm beaches events have some pathetic views regarding running. They admitted that they did not care about the 5k, as evidenced by only awarding top 3 overall male & female & nothing but finisher medals to all the peasants to paid for the top dog's prizes & the profits of the staff. They stated their main focus was on the half & full marathon. Note that PR racing originated the idea of both & also, respects all the participant. Yes, I was a victim, being 7th overall & 1st master (if it were offered) but yet received no honor or respect. My dad protest races that disrespects participants & rightly skipped this entire weekend; he knew something I didn't. Although not stated as such, neither online nor in print, it was apparently a fun run, unless you are an elite runner. All of us suckers didn't find out directly, but rather through the grapevine. We kept asking, "when are you gonna start the awards ceremony?" and were told that the annoucement of the overall winner was all we were gonna get for our hard earned money. This 5k is now a must-don't!

The main event-marathon of the Palm beaches marathon (relay)

The Good news-our team, All 4 run, still won (2nd only to Bill Rodger's team)!
The Bad news-Caroline couldn't make it so I had to find a substitute.
The Ugly news-no awards given out;I should've seen that comin'

Only positive besides the obvious (team victory) were receiving medals for finishing. Those medals, however, pale in comparison to Miami's.

More details on beta.