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