Nocturnal

Well, at least I found a race, better than when there isn't any in a weekend.

Which of the following applied to the only race available this weekend?
a. night race
b. far
c. over 700 participants
d. all of the above

if you chose d., is means it was not in Dade county. Where do you think it was held?
a. Broward
b. Monroe
c. Palm beach
d. Martin

Jumping the gun, this qualified as a 5 star flash to all meat eaters & some partial vegetarians (fish) because it was the 3rd annual race & cookout!
As far as today, it was crosstraining day, with my #1 crosstraining activity-cycling

Saturday agenda-Dreher park dash 5k

Ok, enough suspense. This was organized by Dave Ragsdale, owner of competitorse, formerly known as Florida sports. He also owns the Palm beach road runners club. Because this was the sole event, & included a 1k kiddie dash, it seemed like everybody who was anybody showed up. Although some notables did not make it, all of the speedy threats did, especially the young, current & former cross country athletes. Although I always hope for the best, I expected an average performance, at best. It was nearly a hundred mile drive up, in hot & humid weather, & was a nocturnal race (y'all know I dread them). Judging from past experiences, this organizer like to drag on the event by jumping age groups & rigged raffles intertwined that are time consuming, forcing me to leave last (or near that) to face that same long drive back. I do like how he announces (he gives me good prop, making it somewhat worthwhile), & it is a reason way he's selected at various other events.

This was an extremely fast race. The top 3 overall winners were 20 or less in age. Top male master was in the mid 17's, & it was not Luiz!

Several surprises. Guess which is not true?

a. Jon W got 2nd age group
b. I broke 18
c. Aldo V becomes a master late this year
d. Andres Q was the top male master
e. Adrienne was 3rd overall female

I was able to get past Walthon & stave off Charlie G to get my personal best on this course (I ran this last year). During a cool down run, I discovered c., which means that whenever he decides to show up, the master title is his, not mine. Luckily, he doesn't race often. Currently, he is still a submaster, making a. factual. Co-owner of Premier running, soccer & tri, brought her kids for the kiddie run & they ran well, much like she did. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, leaving the not so obvious. I asked & was told that Andres will race next week in a tri. Still don't know? I am proud to say that....I broke it & I had to, just to win my age group. I was amazingly only 11 seconds behind Jon, but I won by a smaller margin. Can you believe that an 18 flat was 24th overall. I bettered that by only 2 positions, proving the tempo of this race. The good time was made possible by the grace of god, who brought the clouds in to block the sun just 15 minutes prior to the start. Once that happened, my outlook improved dramatically, since everyone knows I don't run well in the heat. I thank all who believed I could (my dad, mike, Jonathan, among others). Now the pressure is on to continue to be within that range. Because I am a conditional runner, I can't guarantee this until maybe the winter or another weather reprieve, or maybe luck or a blessing.

Keep up the training.

Compelled to choose

The activities selected were more by design than by choice. As you read on, the answers to the trivia questions will be revealed.

Trivia #1 What activity did I do on Saturday, the 21st?
a. Diabetes dash 5k
b. International Distance Classic duathlon
c. International Distance Classic triathlon
d. Hemming way days 5k
e. all of the above
f. none of the above

Trivia #1A, if you chose b or c, what was my role?
1a. International Distance Classic duathlon solo
1b. International Distance Classic duathlon relay
1c. International Distance Classic triathlon solo
1d. International Distance Classic triathlon relay

Ok, I'll be nice on the first one. If humanly possible, e. would be correct but it 3 of the events mentioned began at the same time, so strike that one. If you picked f., that would mean I opted to train in lieu of racing. This rarely occurs, but has happened. To let you off the hook, I did one of the events listed, although 2 was possible.
Trivia #2 which of the following organizations/race directors did NOT associate with one of the above events?
a. PR racing
b. Split Second Timing
c. ESM
d. Southernmost road runners

Saturday agenda-diabetes dash 5k

I originally planned on doing a relay for the IDC because the venue was moved from Delray to sunny Miami Beach but I couldn't get any partners because....
trivia #3:
a. expensive
b. doing the same event solo
c. involved in similar activity next day
d. short notice

Trivia #4, which is not a reason why I passed on the International Distance Classic duathlon?
a. expensive
b. have to run on the sand
c. is very far from my home
d. is risky to do the long distances prior to relay next day

I am usually aware of 90 percent of events happening; this time, I was victim to the 10% because I found out about this one by word of mouth, good friend Mike. Also, not usual for me, I registered for the event on race day before picking up the bib number & t-shirt. Event was held in midtown Miami, near the site of the beat the heat duathlon. Although hot & humid, it was better than when I trained at Niketown this past Tuesday.
Oh, by the way, if you picked c or d for #3, I accept either one as most correct, even though it was a bit pricey & as I got turned down by most whom I asked, many did not have much time to accept & pay. Considering that the duathlon & triathlon applies to both today & tomorrow, I accept both answers. Plus, many of my friends are involved either in single, or relay competition.

Regarding Mike, which of the following is correct (trivia 5)?
a. he's doing trilogy #2 as an individual
b. he's doing trilogy #2 as part of a relay
c. skipping competition in lieu of training
d. skipping competition in lieu of vacation

He earned his keep as an elite age grouper, and deserves option d.;most competitors have received a reprieve. Answer to trivia #2 is b. They have nothing for a few weeks. Answer to trivia #4 is c. Remember, they moved it from Delray to Miami Beach. Guess how much this race cost?
a. free
b. $15
c. $20
d. $25
e. $90

Trivia #7 Guess how I did?
a. in top 3 overall
b. in top 3 overall master
c. in top 3 of age group
d. did not finish
e. did not place

7A, if you picked a, b, or c, what award did I get?
a. medal
b. plaque
c. trophy
d. certificate

Regarding #6, remarkably, e. is the actual price for an individual for the International Distance Classic duathlon/triathlon. Since there was no race day registration, I had to pass on that one regarding the relay & it was a little to pricey for me, especially considering I am not doing the series (championship race is in the Bahamas). Due to the short notice, close proximity & unbelievable rarity, my dad opted out under the common rule: if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Since I trusted the sources from which I obtained the info, I discovered it was the opposite; a. is correct!
Amazingly, It qualified as a 4 star flash event (to get 5, a hot meal must be offered). On top of that, it had miles marked & a finishing clock. Of course, you had to jot down your own times. Why? Because this was a fun run, making #7 to be e., except I would not place since 7A did not exist. I used this 5k as training to help pace a fellow Niketown athlete.

Sunday agenda-trilogy #2

Multirace stated that this was their largest turnout, barring the final one of last year. The competition, also, was quite tough. I am currently involved in 3 concurrent series (the number within the parenthesis represent the minimum number of events required to be in that respective series)- S. Fl duathlon (6), S. Fl triathlon (6), & the trilogy (3). In order to fulfill the minimum, I had to compete on 2 relay teams on the same day. I was the start leg of the du team & the anchor of the tri team. On the du team, I had Leo, a cyclist from Mack cycle & co-owner & teammate of Premier running, Gary. I had a record mile sprint & came into transition the overall winner. It was not necessary because no other teams had the guts to enter. However, I still had something to prove. After that, I was primed & ready to take on my role with the tri team. I kept the same members I had from the 1st trilogy, but for the first time, we were representing a store, Elite cycling, owned by KC & JRod, former Olympians! After the swim leg, we were behind by a mere second but with the cyclist out of position, we lost more precious time while she was frantically trying to find him. Although he rode his best, he could not match the speed of 3 other cyclists & the deficit grew. The team positions changed & we slipped to 4th, 1 short of last in the co-ed division. I also was affected by the abandonment of post but adjusted quickly & knew I had my work cut out for me. I ran like the dickens & managed to get past 2 relay runners, with the last one in the final stretches. When the dust cleared, our team lost the top spot by 49 seconds but avoided the last podium slot by 7 seconds! Praise the Lord, we were the 3rd best team, with the fastest team being an all male team placing among the elites in the top ten. The top co-ed team nearly got caught by us but survived, finishing as 2nd overall relay. Fortunately, the top relay was in different category & the one that beat us (every dog has his day) in the battle (series #2) did not compete in the first one, & therefore are ineligible for the series award (the war). The team we did beat at the last minute was a contender, making my need for urgency critical to the team's conquest for victory in the war. That's right, we're still #1! I expect the last one to remain the largest, & therefore, the challenge greater. I pray my members realize this & hope we all bring our A game, as the very best will be required.

Disclaimer: Due to blogger problems, this one was reposted today for last week.

Run, ride & roll '07

Answers to all trivia will be revealed as you read.

Trivia #1 which of following disciplines was not used while racing this weekend?
a. cycling
b. running
c. swimming
d. skating

Saturday agenda-Publix triathlon, Powerade duathlon

This was event #2 for me toward the Publix series. To be in the series, you must complete 3 races plus the championship event. If in the top 5, like the nascar's nextel series, you can win for your collective efforts. Some of the best showed up. In the triathlon, the likes of Edmundo & Michael Nunez, elites in book, were there with Lee Zolhman among others. On the duathlon side, I had to contend with Andrew & Tim Nichols, both of those elite guys blew me away after the first transition. Remarkably, I was with them on the primary run. The du was screwed up because the announcer informed us that the first run was a 3/4 mile sprint to transition. Naturally, most adjusted to this by sprinting but once we made it there, an inept volunteer steered us to continue straight, adding nearly 2 miles! Drew was rightfully screaming & cursing about it. Nevertheless, that burned me out for the bike & I recorded an average, at best, time. I recovered somewhat for the anchor run but it was too little, too late. Luckily, I still got hardware for my uncontested division & racked up some points. This is a 5 star flash race. There was plenty to eat & drink plus much to look at. Amazingly, Rollerblade had a booth & were letting people try out skates. I wound up getting a bonus workout by trying out 2 different pairs.

Sunday agenda- publix inline 10k

I had planned on doing it this year but a representative actually agreed to let me borrow a pair upon my suggestion. Therefore, I accepted the challenge. Last year, I did the 5k following the skate, but opted out on the run (rare) for what reason(s)?

Trivia #2
a. I wanted to concentrate on the skate
b. I was too hot & humid
c. It starts late
d. It was too long
e. I was too tired
f. I didn't like the award
g. some of the above

Trivia #3 if you chose (e), which ones were not true?

I borrowed the skates because the ones I have are years old & could not compete against the other skaters. It was a wise move, as I recorded my fastest times ever. Although I shaved off nearly 3 minutes from last year & did not get lapped this year, I was dead last my competitive age bracket. Proof positive that it matters who shows up. Note that I did well versus young athletes. Kudos to Rollerblade for its hospitality. Also, a flash race this year. Oh, FYI- I would have been 2nd overall in the run, assuming I ran my normal times.

Honorable mention

* Michael Nunez placed 2nd to an experienced Lee, despite a snafu on the bike course
* Edmundo was top master in the tri
* Mike's bro finished a tri
* Jenny C completed a tri & lost 3rd by mere seconds

Answers: 1.=c however, I did train on fri by swimming.
2.=g. which leads to 3.=d,e,f;the latter was a medal.

7/7/7

This weekend was all about the numbers game. The million $ question will be answered as you read.

Saturday agenda-summer sizzler series, race 1

7/7/7, a lucky draw to kick off this inaugural series. This race was more brutal than most because

a. the day was very hot and humid.
b. late race start (7:45).
c. 3 loop course.
d. long commute (for me).
e. all of the above.

Luiz Souza, top master runner, showed up. For selfish reasons, I asked him to win this race so that I may have a chance to capture the master title. Jon W got wind of this & felt I was rooting against him. Wrong! I was rooting for Luiz, which could be loosely interpreted as against him. Even if this ploy worked, I have to do my job since it is not a guarantee of victory for me. After three miles, somebody outkicked me using my master kick! Man, the taste of my own medicine was not pleasant. Fortunately, the numbers were in my favor. Although he already looks like a master, he doesn't turn until next year. Therefore, my strategy came to fruition; I won the master title & was 5th overall. Jon W didn't break 18 but still got 3rd overall. The amenities were poor because:

a. no tshirts
b. basically, only bagels & soy bars for food.
c. only water for drink
d. all of the above

Sunday agenda- multirace triathlon

The numbers were stacked against the team. I, team captain, selected George McCuen, 74 year man, to anchor the team. So many people, including friends, felt I made a grave mistake. They said we didn't have a chance & that that 'old' was gonna get blown away. On top of that, I'd put too much pressure on myself as the cyclist, which is not my strong suit. I picked him based on his credentials, 2005 national duathlon champion & consistently placing, usually first, in his age class. I had stepped up my training on the bike with the new work schedule & selected this race as a test. As team captain, I have to be aware of the consequences of my actions. I noticed the following:
1. the tri team is already in the lead in the series
2. only 2 co-ed teams pre-registered, assuring hardware
3. all members picked share my vision of performing to your best ability

Swim-Jenny C performed as expected, & was the fastest female swimmer to return to transition. Also, she was the fastest of all relay swimmers, including men. She set the tone for race, #1.
Bike-in order to participate, I used my #1 crosstraining discipline to fill the position of cyclist. I did my best time ever on this highly technical course & helped to extend the lead.
Run-George was the biggest surprise. He outlasted an early attack from a guy half his age & his efforts helped the team win the title. Initially, it looked as though he'd be decimated but he proved that age is just a number. He used his experience & abilities to extend the lead even further, pulling off an upset in the minds of many. I consider myself lucky to get him, considering he does well by himself & normally competes that way;this was his 1st relay.

Thank you all for such stellar performances. We Du Tri Harder!

Honorable mention

* teammate Diane C placed again
* Mike N took 1st, despite last minute decision

Easy answers- e & d. million $ ?=I did 3 events, 2 as a relay member.

Happy independence day!

July 4th is the milestone in American history. Although it seems sometimes that we mimic many of the ways of the British (taxation), at least we are free from their rule & control our destiny. We are not ruled by a king or queen selected from a certain privileged family but get to vote for someone to be president who is not limited to certain bloodlines. While most will enjoy fireworks, only the dedicated athlete got up early to race or train.

Thanks to our freedom, lots of events are scheduled on this special day. Unfortunately, I can't do them all, so I have to use a process of elimination. I passed on my favorite race, the Weston 5k, for what I call the inDUpendence regional championship.

Today's agenda-Multirace duathlon

This one was designated by USAT as the duathlon regional championship that will allow overall & top age groupers to qualify for the world regional championship. Premier running had good representation today. Diane C always shows up & wins;she took the master title. David K raced well & was deemed 2nd in his age group. However, the greatest surprise was Adrienne, co-owner of the store & Boston qualified runner, agreed to be on 'my' team & she was the start leg of the relay team-Du Tri Harder. She was the fastest & first female in, despite nearly going the wrong way upon return to transition. The cyclist, Alex, was recommended by my friend Mike, and performed well, even though the bike derailed;he had the where with all to re-rail it while still mounted. Unheard of but smart! Although I was 10 seconds slower this year, I am still happy with time; it was an average of 5:38. Our team was the only one to break an hour, and also never were behind. Yes, we took the top title.

Trivia #1, which of the following were not available for consumption?

a. water
b. Accellerade
c. bagels
d. fig newtons
e. oranges

Trivia #2, which of the following were not a condition of today's event?

a. hot
b. humid
c. wet
d. windy

Trivia #3, which of the following surprises did not occur?

a. Andres (Mack cycle) was 2nd overall
b. Elliott Mason came from behind to win
c. I passed the overall female on the anchor run
d. Rob Childers did the whole duathlon

The only 4th I am happy about is July! Hope everyone is or has enjoyed. As far as the last trivia, this is hump day. You now have a clue, so if you are Sherlock Holmes, this may help you. Otherwise, gotta wait till the weekend for that answer.

If you didn't race, I hope you trained. For many, this is required to get past me. Ha ha ha! Ya'll have a happy holiday & remember to give props to the troops fighting & dying to preserve our freedom.

Answers for today's trivia:

d,c,a. Considering last year, I was shocked about #1.

Transition weekend

I dub this weekend as such because yesterday ended last month (June) & today began a new month (July). I now will introduce trivia for a more interactive experience for all you loyal readers. Most of the time, the answers will be reveal at the conclusion of the blog.

Saturday agenda-freedom 5k

Trivia 1- which of the following applied to yesterday?
a. 7 year anniversary of home "ownership".
b. race reached record number of participants.
c. the day was very hot & humid.
d. all of the above.
e. none of the above.

Trivia 2- which of the following conditions affected my performance?

a. long drive to site (external & internal).
b. weather (external).
c. race course (external).
d. all of the above.

Despite all negative the aspects discerned from the trivia, I was able to beat last year's time by a few seconds. I had to rely on experience, since at the start, I was barely in 30th position, with 3 women in front. By the finish, I cut that in half & beat all the ladies. The field was tough but I outsprinted a master to place 2nd to teammate David K. In fact, Premier running had a good showout & success, shutting down all of runner's depot entrants.

Trivia 3- which of the following occurred at this race?
a. I won a prize for dressing in accordance with independence day.
b. All of the master winners were under 19 minutes.
c. 2 masters that have beaten me in the past, failed to make the cut (be under 19).
d. all of the above.

Trivia 4- which of the following were served at this event?
a. pancakes
b. sports drink
c. beer
d. all of the above
e. none of the above

Today was quite important. Why?

Trivia 5-
a. began a new month
b. served as training
c. relay team meeting
d. all of the above
e. none of the above

Although I missed Mike, I began with 'Don Pan ' riders, but got dropped when an impatient driver cut in front of me. Granted, he had the right of way, but yet still disappointing. I latched on to a slower group till the Rick, then lost them. Since my watch failed, I have to estimate the time & it was about a hour & 45 minutes;not bad for the extended course.

Million dollar question- what events will I do from now until next Monday?

Honorable mention

* Several teammates from Premier racing placed, including both owners, Gary & Adrienne.
* Met with a nice teacher & the teacher's pet
* I did a secondary workout (du practice with Dave K)
* Met many triathlon superstars @ Mike's

Answers=e,d,d,b,d. the million $ one will be revealed next week.