Conclusion

Well, 2007 is coming to an end. I did my last scheduled race of the year yesterday & my last scheduled long ride today. Tomorrow=final skate?

Saturday agenda-Key West 5k

I have been sick all week & it continued through yesterday. Fortunately, I was not so ill I could not compete. I reluctantly passed up on the Florida marathon because of the distance (Clermont) & cost. I would have to leave directly from my job up alone at night to compete the next day. Next option would be the resolution 5k, but that's just a pick your prize fun run; no true age group awards nor time listings. Therefore, I accepted Jon's offer & travelled south. Thanks to God, all my days training even when under the weather, paid off. I broke 19 by 1 second & still captured the master title! Oh, and I was in the top 10 (6th) overall despite my condition; thank you Jesus. The gift of health is very important. I won movie tickets in the raffle but gifted them to my buddy Jon Williams, the one who drove us down to bring back hardware to Miami. He placed top in age group, 2nd overall & promptly warned me that I have but 11 months to bask in glory before he enters as a freshman in my age group and advances officially as a master! Like this year, all good things must come to an end.

Sunday agenda-long ride

God works in mysterious ways. Although I woke up on time, I encountered problems in the morning that made my original plan to cycle from home to Ponce middle site to meet up once again with a group impossible. After a makeshift adjustment on the aerobar, I decided to head south on the busway. When I reached "the end" (264 St), I discovered it extended further. I felt pretty good today, unlike yesterday, so I decided on the fly to continue until I reach the new end. On the way, I took a mini path detour (black lake or something) north to 127 ave, then returned to continue on my normal route. The busway took me through Homestead to Florida city and ended on 340 something St. However, the path did not. In keeping with my promise, I kept going until I made to past Krome & 352 St. (you can see the Holiday Inn) to U.S. 1, where I could see a sign advising of Card sound road. This was the longest I had ever gone south from my home. Twas a windy crosswind day but I was up for the challenge. After burning 5 minutes marvelling at my achievement, I realized I have to return. Luckily, the crosswind was slightly in my favor.

Hope ya'll had I great athletic year.

Honorable mention

Felipe won his age group & finished in front of me.

Merry Christmas 07!

A long, long time ago, a child like no other was born. He was no doubt the greatest gift to mankind, & we will never be able to repay this debt; guess we'll die trying. Thank you, our father up in heaven for Jesus Christ. He is the true reason for the season.

While there are an overwhelming number of, as we say in the hood, "playa haters", or better, non believers of Christ, we must keep our faith & remember what this day symbolizes, the birth of THE BEST- Jesus. So for all of you 'politically correct' followers who fall in the trap of giving holiday cards and wrapping holiday gifts with holiday wrap, then putting them under a holiday tree decorated with holiday decorations in this holiday season, I , like the uncle Scrooge, say bah humbug! The corporations removed Christ, much like in the abbreviation for Christmas, & replaced it with the word holiday to capitalize on the 'all-mighty' dollar. On that note, it could refer to valentine's day or independence day. Most ask what did you get, rarely what did you give. Many complain about what they receive, not realizing or caring about those who don't get anything. I try hard to wish a merry Christmas rather than a happy holiday, except to the Jewish or Muslims, out of respect. I don't know about you, but I enjoy giving Christmas cards and wrapping Christmas gifts with Christmas wrap, then putting them under a Christmas tree decorated with Christmas decorations during this Christmas season!

That's my take, what's yours?

Workout weekend

Since there were no local races, this became a workout weekend.

Saturday agenda-long run

Believe it or not, I passed up a race (Marco island 5 miler) to prepare for Disney. The decision was based largely by proximity & finances, but I also realize the importance of the long run during the marathon season. It was a nice day (60+ degrees) so I ended up running longer & faster than planned. I completed over 15 miles in under 2 hours!

Sunday agenda-long ride

I had set a personal route which begins & ends from my house, but upon notice & recommendation from good friend & elite athlete Mike, I rode with a group that began at a school near my job. I started with them & we rode from the Grove to halfway within Miami Beach. On the way back, the stopped at a cafe. I don't like stopping, plus I came up there broke, so I deviated & headed toward a former team cyclist. Granted it was early by non runner standards (around 8:30 am), I got snubbed trying to wish a merry Christmas by the lobby phone. I continued from there using the marathon path (I395, I think) where there were two challenging bridges. I wanted that workout because it was lacking on the way up with the group. I eventually linked up with a few cyclists upon the return on the main path around Mercy hospital. I forgot my watch so the time was unknown, just like the distance (new path for me). I estimated a minimum of 30 miles & the time was over 2 1/2 hours.

Midpoint

Allow me to expound. Saturday marked the first official day of winter. Although this post is late, much like the U.S.P.S., it is reference to the past weekend (15th & 16th), which fell between holidays. Since all those who want to capitalize on our wallets want to be politically correct, happy holidays. I believe 2 holidays already past, thanksgiving & Hanukkah. Upcoming are Kwanzaa & the true reason for the season, Christmas. Too many forget about our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ and follow mindlessly into the marketing ploys that replaced him with a fat man in a red suit, better known as Santa Claus. Check on thee holiday for more on this topic.

Saturday agenda-winter duathlon

I passed up on a 5k in Palm beach to this inaugural event. The format was 2-12-2 (miles). I wound up struggling because #1. it was a new course, using mostly the trails & #2. extremely windy. Also, I had the pressure to leave in time to pick up my dad & make the flight for the next day's event. Even though the field was small (less than 100), I was fortunate to place (2nd) despite my poor cycling performance. This almost made 5 stars as a flash race, but failed because the waffles weren't hot.

Sunday agenda-Jacksonville half marathon

This event had both the half & the full. I was glad I did the half, considering the du & the weather (got colder as the day progressed). Because the course was flat & the weather was cool, I ran better than expected. Thankfully, because the vice was humidity; I was expecting worse. When the dust cleared (expression), I broke my 2nd fastest time of the year by nearly 30 seconds.

Masterful weekend

This weekend, I went for races that offered the master title, hence, a masterful weekend.

Saturday agenda-holiday 5k

Hosted by PRracing, this was a part of their running series. This group is notorious for not having a master title & giving out generic medals to age group winners. Sad to say, the latter held true, but happy to say that I had a shot at the master title. I skipped the Islamorada 5k, where I went a couple of years ago & Jon W. this year, because that title was not offered. Friend & rival Luis Mateos, showed up, forcing me to run faster than planned. I originally intended to use this event as a tune up for the next day, but wound up having to race it. By the grace of God, I held off all attacks to capture the title.

Sunday agenda-rotary holiday run

Timed by split second timing, the event directors held the ever popular half marathon & a 5k for those not ready for distance. I officially entered the 5k, & planned on racing this fast. I was quite sure the Walthon would show up & I'd have to settle for 2nd again. Although this came to pass, I wasn't easy. Friend & rival Luiz Souza showed up but ran so fast, he rounded off the top 3 overall. I got pushed by someone who referred to himself as coach joe monks. It took all my previous experience to get past him for a final time within the last mile.

Aware that I need to do long runs, prior to this weekend, I dared my dad to beat me in the half. After the 5k, like last year, I did the half marathon as a training run. Although I was faster last year, this year I encountered a logistics problem due to the course change this year, causing a significant delay. When the dust cleared, he had already finished, but not by much. I got my prize for the 5k & got in that coveted distance training. Ammenties included pancakes that ran out quickly. 4 stars since no shirt.

Fantastic

The end results of both events in west Palm beach was fantastic!

Saturday agenda-marathon of the palm beaches 5k

The race director threw in a 5k in an attempt to compete with PRracing. I forwent the ever popular jingle bell jog to do this one. Since I have to pick up the packets for the team-Thee Fantastic 4, I might as well run up there. The heat index shot up to dangerous level, causing a major decline in my performance. I was fortunate that the field was not as high quality as may be expected. I came from behind to be victorious in the age group. I should've been first but my condition limited me to that which you see.

Sunday agenda-marathon of the Palm beaches

I chose once again to participate in the race, as a part of the marathon relay. The team name was - Thee Fantastic 4. I picked the cream of the crop & for them, their first time as a part of a marathon relay. Caroline, the lone female of the top 5k 5 person team, held by the same event organizers 2 years ago, accepted the role as anchor runner. Aaron, anchor of the top duathlon relay at the final trilogy race this year, agreed to start us off with the 8.7 mile lead leg. He did as I planned & expected and was the 1st relay member to tag off. He exhibited the strength & speed that rocked! Gene, lead runner of the top duathlon relay at the final trilogy race this year, took over & helped maintain the lead. He ran the sprint leg (4.4 miles) like a ball of flame. Yours truly was pressured to perform like Mr. fantastic & go for the long stretch of 7.3 miles, past the elite female & Jon W, to hand off to my partner of previous & present. For 5 miles, she flew past many like she was invisible, & up to the last half mile (.6), was next to or in front of the overall female Sonia Friend-Uhl. 46 teams pre-registered. We beat ALL the teams that finished, including several all male teams. They made me proud to be the team captain. I hope they'll come back for the title defense. If you recognized the references to the fantastic four of the comic world, you were quite keen. I felt like a super hero among fellow super heroes.

Honorable mention

My dad ran & cut off over 20 minutes from his time with the team.