Wash out!

The title refers to the main event & the bellrunning blog. In terms of the latter, it is washed out (original version eliminated) and now in beta format.

Saturday agenda- tropical 5k

This was an out course, versus the wind. I originally set out to mimic last & run about a 20 but got caught up in the moment & placed in low 19's. Although too late, I came to my senses & backed off at end, allowing someone to win my age group by a second; I got 2nd. I ran faster than planned because of the field that showed up but it was not wise, considering I have a marathon to do while others didn't. Also, I got excited because it was my first 5k run of the year.

Sunday agenda- ING Miami marathon

Warmer & more humid than the previous day, another disadvantage was prevalent- rain. These external conditions, coupled by internal conditions (tight from racing too fast, poor sleep) lead to my dismal performance. The bright spots (blessings) was that I was able to salvage the marathon by finishing still under 4 hours (barely) & escape without injury. This is especially gratifying since along the way, I saw one poor runner on a stretcher being loaded into an ambulance. Also, by completing 5 marathons, I qualified for the 5 palm jacket. I had to fight for it because both my dad & i weren't placed on the list. I raised a little hell because that's the last thing i want to hear after suffering one of my worst marathons & having paid top dollar for first three years, before blitz was created, plus watching others get their jackets without incident. I hope they improve this for the 10 palm. I hope I'm not washed up but rather say the event was a wash out.

I believe I can fly

I'll use those famous words from the famous song to describe my experience today.

Today's agenda-Naples half marathon

I beat last year's time & set a new personal best!

Details on beta.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr

First, I'd like to pay homage to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He is one of 2 true heroes that drive me to continue;the one that precedes him is Jesus Christ. Although pegged as a black holiday, it really is a day to remember someone who fought for civil rights. He did not struggle just for African-Americans but for all people who were repressed & mistreated. He dreamt of an America, or better, a world whereas all people would treat & interact with each other as such. It senseless for the United States to declare itself as a great superpower & yet disobey &/or ignore its own constitution which clearly stated that "all men (this is a general term that includes women) are created equal". I cringe when I see much of today's youth seem completely ignorant of all we people went through as a whole & are virtually erasing much of the progress gained. I hate to see those who refuse to vote when many died for this right. I abhor those who think it's cool to be stupid when so many were denied their opportunity to learn, particularly at decent educational institutions. So many weren't allowed their "pursuit of happiness" as in our country's laws, especially when denied normal access to buildings, pay in employment or even decent facilities;things were separate but never equal. I hope all acknowledge all he has accomplished & recognize he has shaped a better U.S.A., one of true opportunity.

Weekend agenda

Both Saturday & Sunday were spent largely on recovery efforts from last week. I opted out of racing, a rare occurrence.

Today's agenda-Dr Martin Luther King Jr 5k run & walk

I chose the latter & placed overall, despite witnesses accounts of the other competitor cheating (trotting) to keep up with my pace.

More on beta.

Goofy again!

My dad & I are goofy again! We completed Walt Disney World's Goofy's race and a half challenge once more. We were'nt the only goofy ones as nearly 5,000 finished as well.

Saturday agenda-(Donald Duck)Disney half marathon

The day started cool & humid but quickly warmed up. Fortunately, the sun was blocked by the clouds, allowing me to finish at a great time.

Sunday agenda-(Mickey Mouse)Disney marathon

Similiar to saturday except foggier & hotter. After about 2 hours, the sun was relentless & there's no shade on the course. I had to start the race extremely tight from the day prior, hence a slower finish. However, I finished better than expected based on conditions.

Mission accomplished=Goofy medal. Trust me, it goofy!

More on beta.

Happy new year!

Praise the Lord, I survived another year!

Today's agenda-Islamorada 5k

After a tumultuous weekend and in light of the upcoming Goofy challenge, I chose to racewalk the event and set a precedence for the new year by beating last year's time;I won the category again.

For 2006 recap, check out beta.