Astronomical!

What occurred this thanksgiving was Astronomical!

Saturday agenda-jingle down mainstreet 5k

Post black Friday event. I barely survived black Friday which involved 'camping out' in a line beginning on thanksgiving until the store (best buy) opened early, in hopes of getting a complete computer system for dirt cheap. Fortunately, I had a great time with the Nunez family prior to that fiasco. Despite waiting nearly half a day (12 hours), none of us got the deal, due to poor planning & monitoring by the store. The only good was the us guys (my dad, brother & I) got to hang out, rare since my bro doesn't like to run.

Back to my favorite event, the 5k. I has been tradition since its inception that I do this race. I already knew that Walthon was coming, so I was aware that I'd have my work cut out for me, especially since he draws other master contenders. When the dust cleared, I was able to outlast all the other masters except him, as expected. Oh, by the way, my dad made a cameo appearance at the race because afterwards, we had to head up to Melbourne to compete as a team. This was a small flash race that had excellent awards (plaques).

Sunday agenda-space coast marathon.

Pre cyber Monday event. I did not get caught up in this one, especially since my credit is declining rapidly. However, I was drafted to be manager at work. Would you believe that the other 3 weren't available? The top boss was on vacation. The 2nd in charge had to take over another office. The next after was assigned to work as a secretary for the boss of my boss. On top of that, it was a very busy day because the office had been closed for 4 days. I kept thinking to myself, "I am a marathon runner".

This marathon was our (my dad & I) first long distance event of the season and first as a team in about 2 years. Our team was the B.E.S.T., which stands for Bell's Elite Sports Team. I chose to start & by the grace of God, posted the fastest split of any relay team. My dad was the anchor, & in the final half mile, I was with him to close out the race. We were confident we'd finish but had no idea we could win it all (icing on the cake). Twas a 5 star event since pizza was served. The decor & medals were nice but the awards for category winners was great-a framed print of a shot of Florida from outer space.

Thanksgiving

Have a happy one! Remember, it's not just a day to pig out & eat turkey (I'm not a meat eater anyway) but a reminder to be thankful for what the Lord provides. This day usually commemorates a bountiful harvest, or in today's standards, the ability to have food to eat & beverage to drink, you know, sustenance. However, for us athletes, it transcends into running. I thank God I am able to run! Like icing on a cake, the Lord gave me enough speed to place & thus, bring home some hardware.

Today's agenda-Blue Cross, Blue Shield turkey trot

Today is the day for athletes. There's a turkey trot in virtually every county, and definitely numerous in every state. Since I am not an employee on the Star Trek Enterprise, I could not beam from location to location to participate in various events. I had to reluctantly choose only 1 event, even though 2 were held in this race alone. They had both a 5k & a 10k, but both start at the same time. I chose the former because I have a couple of races during the weekend & my chances are better. I have done the Tamarac turkey trot & it's known to be big (1198 finished) & fast (somebody beat Ronnie Hollassie with a 15:12) but today, it may have lost the title. I'd like to do the run for the pies (almost everybody gets a pie and drew 986) but I chose this done due to proximity. According to PR racing, even with no race day registration, it drew over 2,500 and the win time was 15:21! The loss of 9 seconds was probably due to the mass start, which did affect me as well. In fact, it was so darn fast, the overall female & friend Nicole beat Mike (because he backed off intentionally) and myself! A lot of firsts occurred. The aforementioned, plus I got past Leo & Jonathan for the first time ever. However, I took advantage of the fact that they are not at their peak. Hey, I might not get another opportunity like this. I was surprised with the amenities. It was the best but their best. I was so happy about today that I missed out on having more than 1 slice of pumpkin pie. I got the usually medal with no title distinction but am now half way through the minimum requirement to be in their series. Remember, don't eat more than you run!

PS
Don't to forget to workout tomorrow (black Friday) to burn off those calories!

Honorable mention

* Classic Niketown (Leo, Keith, & myself) meets today's (Jonathan, Mike, Gene, Felipe) and all did well.
* I got beat by a giiiiiiiiiirrll. Congrats to Nicole.

5k frenzy

A great weekend for a multi sport athlete. I had a double header on Saturday before running on Sunday, hence a 5k frenzy. All the events I chose were to help some cause. Also, buddy Jon Williams went on a vacation, so many took advantage of this to win or place better.

Saturday morning agenda-Nike race for the kids 5k

I passed on my favorite race, Delray turkey trot, on advice of Mike, partner at Niketown. I did that race last year & got a trophy. The was their 2nd running of the 5k, but my 1st time doing it officially. According to the sponsor of this event, 100 % of the money goes to whatever schools were selected. Less the wind, it was a picture perfect day- cool to cold, with no rain in sight. This race drew the largest crowd with over 850 finishers, comprised mostly of youngsters, of the 3 events I did this weekend. It was worth not getting that trophy just to see Jonathan, also a buddy from Niketown, run again. Before the race even began, I called the race winner prior to the start to all at the starting line. After 2 1/2 miles, a battle ensued for 2nd place. You see, my prediction was coming true regarding the overall winner. I knew Jonathan would be in the top 3, despite the race rust. I fought hard with my 'master' kick near the end & almost finished behind Mike but unfortunately, some kid named smiley & Jonathan utilized their youth & beat me out. The bad news for my buddy was that he could not be scored without the chip, therefore I advanced to 3rd. Although no overall or master title was issued, all involved parties were aware of their positions. Food & drink was good, near 4 stars. Award was a nice plaque. Did I forget to mention the Michael Nunez won the race?

Saturday evening agenda-sunset 5k

This inaugural event went to support the Tyler Scott Goldberg foundation, in memory of his untimely death.A master title was at stake.

The good- I broke 19 and placed
The bad-I was slower than in the morning, thus losing the master title.
The ugly-I didn't even win my age group (2nd) & ironically, the time I did earlier was the master winning time for this race!

This was a 5 star event, with both pizza (vanquished quickly) & pasta. It had cookies & fruit, also, as well as drinks. All award recipients got a plaque.

Sunday agenda- Wilton manor 5k

Finally, I did a race I have done officially in the past, not an inaugural. Because it was staged in Broward & I was aware that Walthon was coming, I knew I was in for a fight. When I arrived, more fuel to the fire was added because another well respected master runner Allen Notkin showed up plus the kid with the cycling dad came with hopes to upstage me. This event benefited the PACE center for girls 8-17. Weather was similiar to the past day, except with threat of rain. When the race began, the kid bust out so fast he beat the overall winner in the 1st half mile before circumming to the consequences of going out to fast. After 2 miles, he was within reach. Halfway through the final mile, I beat him out for the 4th slot. Walthon ran so fast, he squeezed in the top 3, allowing me to earn the top master slot. This event had the legendary announcer who bills the race as if it was an Olympic trial;he was very enthusiastic, energetic & just simply enjoyed doing what he does. The award was a beautiful, crystal like flat trophy. The event fell short of a 5 star flash race due to lack of a hot meal but earned the 4 stars with all the food and drink. The time was a mere second slower than the previous day;gratifying. In fact, I was so stoked I did a spin class with a friend of Louis Best for about a half hour before calling it a day.

Honorable mention

* The return of Jonathan.
* Mike's 1st overall victory & official defeat of master teacher (me).
* Gene wins age group with absence of Jon W.
* Leo shows up at race.

Veteran's day 07

I hope y'all join me & salute those who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedom. This is the actual day, according to my calendar, but it celebrated the 1st Monday following, which is tomorrow. I'll even go as far as honor the fallen, despite that the day for that (memorial day) is already is reserved. Also, those who currently serve.

Saturday agenda-smile 5k

This year, I skipped the Key Biscayne event, despite it was an anniversary one (30th) for an inaugural 5k. Why would I do that?
a. too far
b. too fast
c. award/categories
d. cost
e. 2 of above.

I had also the option to go to the Boca christian 5k but that was ruled out by option a. & maybe b. The course for this new event was out & back, plus the weather, less the wind, was perfect. Ok, I'll let cha off da hook. I'd accept either c. or e. The latter would include b. since both cost the same. I came under the realization that no matter how fast I ran, the best I could get was age group, while the race I chose offered a master title. The top 3 went out real fast & 2 of the kids maintained that, while one dropped back. After 2 miles, he was in danger of losing to an 'old' man, yours truly. Realizing that, when it came to the final sprint, he took advantage of his youth & out kicked me, bumping me out from the 3rd overall slot. I actually was fortunate to be close to any of those cross country kids but because I failed to hang, I had to settle for my original intent-the master title. I was pleased with my time (18:09). To the dismay of the overall winners & myself, our award was a marble-esk foam title with a race sticker detailing the event. They had descent stuff to eat & did have a raffle.

Sunday agenda-smile train 5k

For the 1st time ever, I did not compete at the Miami man triathlon. Since I got shut out, I picked another inaugural 5k. The external conditions (cool) were good, except for the wind but the internal conditions were not. Apparently, the good time came with a price-tight, heavy legs. I not only got spanked by Walthon, the guy who won that last race at my expense, but failed to break 19. By the grace of God, they went 3 deep in all categories & that flat time was sufficient to get 2nd master. This was an unusual race. Guess why.

a. sponsor gave out Patron to overall winners & masters
b. the course had a figure 8 pattern
c. they encouraged headphones & strollers
d. the course was entirely on grass

Accuchip timed the event & needless to say, everybody who placed got medals. After this event, I rushed down to Larry & Penny Thompson park, my training ground & site for the Miami man. I ran 1 loop & a bit (about 7 miles) as both training & punishment because I was not satisfied with my poor performance. I hung around chatting with fellow athletes & friends, then volunteered for over 5 hours helping to break down the large transition area for Multirace.com, the organizers of this event.

Honorable mention

*At Sunday's race, Adrienne won the woman's title & hubby, Gary, took the final master slot, which means that Premier running, soccer & tri teammates got a lotta booze; a. is the correct answer!
*Mike broke the 18 barrier & placed at the lighthouse run

Oh, so close

Saturday agenda-Zonta abc 5k

It's been awhile since I've been to Key West, so when gool ol' Jon said he was going, I was game. There was a 'closer' race in Wellington. He liked the odds on this one, therefore I invoked the 'been there, done that' (Bell) rule. We hoped to finish 1,2 but not! However, we were oh, so close. We did finish 1,2 in terms of those from Miami. Since there was only top overall & top master, we both got bumped to age group; we were on top in our respective categories. He was 2nd to the overall winner, while I was 2ns to the master winner that he edged out. I had to fight hard in the mile to get past another runner from Miami in order to gain that position. Except for the wind, the weather was nice. Not much to eat for me but plenty of water. Small marble plaques were given to the overall race, master & age groups; ribbons to 2nd & 3rd age groups.

Sunday agenda-lifestyle 5k

This was in conjunction with a health expo (that began the previous day)& various ancillary activities (spinning, push up contest, etc). Timed by split second & organized by a friend I met at the independence day duathlon, this event drew nearly 200 finishers. For the 1st time, I volunteered at the registration table until 15 minutes prior to start. My goal: break 19 & take the master title. Here's the break down. At start, I was maybe in 10th place. By mile 1, I was in the top 5. Mile 2, I was basically up against the same guy I beat for the master title last week. However, this time & to my surprise, it was for the grand prize-overall! Even though he never fell behind me (always lead), we were basically neck to neck until about a half mile from the finish. Unfortunately for me, me legs began to tighten from apparent anaerobic activity (lactic acid buildup), forcing me to back down. I was oh so close to being the best. To my dismay, I squandered my opportunity to win the entire race & allowed him to vindicate himself; oh well. I consoled myself with the fact that he usually is faster than me & he focused all his energy on this race, having not raced the day prior as I. The top overall & masters got similar plaques, while the age groupers got nice ribbons. This was oh, so close to being a 5 star flash race (4).

Honorable mention

My buddy Mike placed, as I, 2nd overall in a triathlon!