Labor day weekend

Happy labor day to all of you.

Saturday agenda- summer sizzler 5k #3

Today was the final race of the series. Since this was the only local race listed on the popular sites, attendance increased. Although it was 'cooler' than previously at the start, the humidity was high & the heat index rose rapidly as the race progressed. Despite having my fastest time during this series, my position was the worst (8th, due to rise in quantity & quality of athletes). By the grace of God, I outlasted the same teenager from last time, even though his time was better than mine of #2! This one was so tough that even Luiz Souza, winner of the previous 2 events, got beat;granted, it was by mere seconds by a teenager (a new member of Premier). Gary came out to support him, & discovered I was there. After a mile & half, I watched my master title slip by. This was disappointing but actually, I was surprised he wasn't in front all the time, since he normally runs in the 17's & places at or near the top 3. He beat me by a mere 3 seconds, winning this battle. However, I won the war(series). Like the NASCAR points series, if you place consistently at or near the top, you can collect enough to win. Like last time, I had the honor of placing 3rd behind Luiz (#1) & Jon Williams, the only other athlete I know capable of racing as frequently as me. The good new continues, as Emilio Gomila, rival & friend was able to capture the master series award because I was advanced to the upper echelon.

Of interest:
* (good) The guy who sprinted past me with authority in race #1 (Almir), failed to beat me in the last two.
* (bad) I had to run with a nagging injury, possibly the plantar one. Plus, 2 master runners finished in front of me.
* (ugly) The same kid (Mohammed) I edged out to take 3rd overall in #2 with my worst time of the series, smoked me today despite my best time!

Sunday agenda-crosstrain

Still suffering from a possible plantar problem, I rode my bike for nearly a hour, avoiding running activity for a day. This was my version of rest.

Monday agenda-MDA 5k

Thanks to Jon Williams, I accepted his challenge & we went to a race he selected. I reluctantly hand over my title as the master of event locating, because I was totally unaware of this event & it turned out to be among the best in my history of running. I've been to umpteen annual events that were poorly run, but this one was just the 3rd ever & everything went smoothly & quickly. In fact, it was a 3-4 star flash event, falling short by failing to have a hot meal. Also, it was for a good cause: Muscular Dystrophy. Despite lack of rest, I felt good, especially since it was even cooler than Saturday & remained that way through the start. Yes, it did get back to normal Florida weather but by then, I was acclimated. We were amazed at the awards, all trophies. Like thieves in the night, we took the top 2 positions, & thus the biggest spoils as well. For him, he won easily once he got past the young pack after about a mile. For me, another story. At mile one, I fought to be in the top ten, just getting by another master competitor. However, by the turn around, it was a battle for 2nd place. The 'kid' was tough, & it took over two miles & all my experience to finally edge him out. I then had to struggle to maintain that position, plus not get lost, since the margin between me & the leader was large. I was nice to clearly see him on the straightway, because no one was between us a half mile from the finish. They gave out only top positions: overall, master, grandmaster & senior grandmaster, then 3 deep in age groups. Although I was 2nd overall, I 'fell' to master. I realize in hindsight that even if the kid beat me, that title was secured, but at the time, we both thought it would be top 3 overall & 1 master. Besides, I am stingy;you must earn the right to pass me, I am not giving anyone anything!