Oh, so close!

Following that dismal performance in NY last weekend, I decided to return to my 'specialty'-the 5k. However, to do this, I had to travel to the county I vowed I would avoid-Palm beach. Since the gas prices have been dropping, the idea has become more plausable. Well, good thing resolutions were made to be broken.

Saturday agenda-walk tall, run free 5k

Sometimes I'm a sucker for races with a cause & this one was for epilepsy. I skipped the local race (lighthouse run) to travel up there because I don't like the direction in which that race is going. What do I mean? Remember that I began running 17 years ago. This event offers both a 5k & a 10k. While this still holds true, back then, not only could you run both, but they offered a discount for taking on such a challenge; now, they both start at the same time. Most races give you the respect of calling out your name to receive your hard fought hardware. Last time I did it, we lined up like in a government cheese line, asked the name & place, then were given a generic frame after stratching the name off the list. Back then, lots of giveaways & food; now, very little of anything & basic food less than what I can get for running at niketown for free.

Ironically, both races were timed by splitsecondtiming. This was my comeback 5k & was selected under the 'been there, done that' rule, overriding the proximity rule. With less than a hundred participants, I had the chance to win. In the first mile, I was the relucant leader. Mile 2, I was in the lead pack. Final mile, the marathon fatique (lactic acid build up) set in & I slipped into a battle for 2nd. Although the lord didn't allow me to win this one as I hoped, he did allow for the next best distinction-overall runner up. On top of that, I was able to break 19, a feat I struggled with, even without the marathon torture. I almost lost that position but the master kick held off that competitor. Top winner & master got a small, crystal object, 2nd & 3rd got plaques. Top age group winners got a trophy, while the silver & bronze were medals. A good amount & variety of food & drink were offered, a 3 to 4 star flash race.

Sunday agenda-herbalife Boca PAL

This event now offers a 5k (2nd annual) in addition to the half marathon. Fresh off a full, I decided to focus on speed, an element sorely lacked last week. My dad did the half & broke another PR by finishing with a 2:01. In addition to that, he tied me in number of age group victories for that distance-one. Yeah, its hard for us to place in distance races. I experience similiar problems that occurred the previous day. Mile 1-ahead of the master winner. 2nd mile, al lado (aside) the master runner. Final mile, lack of recovery=title slipped away. God did grant the top age group title, while finishing under 19 within the top ten. Qualified as a five star flash race because of the pancakes, plus a good amount of other nourishment. All awards were uniform, a ceramic tile with race data. Finisher's medal to all half'ers.

Honorable mention

* Jonathan M got 2nd overall.
* Jon W placed in 2 races.
* Jeffrey broke 18!
* Gary tops his age group.