March madness '09

This month is known as such for NCAA basketball but also applies to me. Yesterday was my brother's birthday and today closes out the month.

Saturday agenda-palm100

The team I joined, runner's angels (angles on the van), comprised of 6 athletes that did just like an NWA rap song, "100 miles & running". I passed up on two traditional 5k's to do something i have never done before, you know, the been there, done that rule. Although I did not run the give a life 5k in palm beach, it was a 5k similar to the run like a bunny, which I did do a couple of years back. I got off to bad start, even before the race. Going up I95, I discovered the hard way that the entire highway was closed due to construction & everyone was rerouted to city streets. Obviously, it took longer so the arrangement to park was off, even though the team captain was kept abreast of a situation beyond my control. I decided to park near Birch & get picked up along the route. The morning started cool but all day, it was extremely windy from the south. In honor of Jolie, my fallen partner, I chose to run my first leg from mile 17, which is just south of Sample rd, the same street where her mom & dad work to mile 27, just north of Yamato, where they live. The 10 mile stretch was the longest of any team member & also was my strategy because, not only is that ten percent of the entire distance, but makes sense because I would be running with the wind & would be able to hold about a 7 minute pace. I have to thank the almighty God I was able to do this because I had not fully recovered from illness & my training was scaled back due to it. When I started, we had about a 2 minute lead, but I doubled that lead even though I began to fade. Due to parking, I had done nearly a half mile over my planned leg. After that, I did 3 more legs, estimated at 3 miles, 3 miles & 2 miles respectively, against the wind; thank goodness for chi running. Everyone struggled against the wind, with most pecking away with 2 mile legs. Our team was the overall winner with half a day & 18 minutes.

Sunday morning agenda-5k

The challenge now was if I could recover well enough to do my normal speed distance. I did let my people run. With the help of my mentor Linda, I was able to prepare for this better than otherwise. Oh, and she surprised me by entering this event on the fly! Thanks to the running Gods (we know there's only one), the attendance & competition was light. Even with a substandard performance (sick + tight), I captured the master title. I came back to jog next to Linda & guide her in.

Sunday afternoon agenda-Raven run

This was not a race but seemed as such with all the runners who showed up. Jeffrey Tait, Jon W, Lisa Dorfman, Frankie, & Jonathan, just to name a few of many I recognized. The Raven had been running 8 miles on south beach (sand), everyday since January 1st, 1975. The holds the longest streak in U.S. history and would reach 100,000 miles on this day. That's more miles than my brother has on his Jeep & Elantra combined! I had to be a part of history. Several TV stations & ESPN were there to record the momentous occasion. Although this was a free event (he is a big advocate of that), it cost me $33 (parking ticket & Raven t-shirt with Lisa's help). It was worth it to pay homage.

Spring '09

Friday marked the official start of spring (vernal equinox) this year. The end of this month will also close out the 1st quarter of the year.

Saturday agenda-race!

I had to turn down one of my favorite events, the riverwalk, in order to defend my title gained last year at the sickle cell 5k. First, I'd like to congradulate Runner's Depot for all the individual and team victories attained at the riverwalk. That event held both a 5k & a 5 mile road race. The latter was required to be in the three for the road series. Mike Korir won the 5 miler despite a running wild volunteer's effort to cost him a victory by failing to do his/her job of directing (runners). Jeffrey Tait was our highest rank in the 5k with 3rd overall. As for me, the run course was totally changed (longer) and this year took to the streets. After a quarter mile, I was thrust into the lead. Unbeknownst to me, the driver of the lead vehicle (a white pick up truck) was in co-hoots with Miami-Dade county, or at the very least, in the employ. The 1st right turn was executed properly because it was visible to all the trailing runners. The truck was too close to me, slowing my pace. The 2nd right turn, the truck stopped, forcing me off the road. I had to run over private driveways & grass to get to the sidewalk. I was motioning to the vehicle to speed up & returned to the road. Can you believe that that idiot did it to me again on the 3rd right turn? Yep. I had to dodge it to avoid running into it. The 4th turn was to the left, toward the crowd so the vehicle pulled away & we had to figure that we would be returning from whence we came. Since the rest of the participant spread out, I had to run outside of the cones until turning back to the stadium grounds. After all that interference, I was trying to hang on to now a slim lead. Yep, because of him, my large lead evaporated and the person they wanted to win achieved that after 3 miles. To add insult to injury, I appeared to be slower than normal due to the longer course & the inaccurate time. Even though he barely got me by a second, it was reported as if I got blown away by 7. With some major cheating, that dog got his day.

Sunday agenda-redemption

This was the weekend for: #1 doing races in my own county of Dade, #2 returning to races I did last year & #3 participating in races for a cause. Today's cause was for the homeless. It is dubbed the celebrity 5k because many tv personalities were present. The only one I considered to be a celebrity was the Raven, the famous SoBe beach runner who advocates "run for free" & has run every single day despite the weather since 1975! Now I had something to prove. I gotted ribbed for that dismal time that was posted. Unfortunately, this was an unforgiving course. It is an out (no back) course east toward Nikki beach. External condition was very windy and there's a bridge within the final mile. Fueled by my internal fury as to what occurred the previous day,& God's help, I ran my best time ever on that course, only 10 seconds off what I would do on a flat course, plus made it in the top 10! I missed the master title by seconds but since I never ran this fast prior, it didnt matter. The 1st place age group trophy & respectable time served as vindication. The post race refreshments were among the best they ever offered.

Honorable mention

* Lisa dorfman won her age group
* Lisa also agreed to be on a relay team with me;what an honor
* Louis Molina got 2nd
* George wins again
* Fred Franklin won his age group on Sat.

Blarney stone

Happy St. Patrick's day, in advance. On Saturday, my luck was like kissing on the Blarney stone, but Sunday was more like it was hurled at me (and connected).

Saturday agenda-5k

Since I am not in the three for the road series once again, I passed on the St paddy 4 miler and returned to race for woman's wellness 5k that I did last year. This served as a tune up and was a cause race as well. I saw the owners of Premier running, Gary & addrienne. In fact, that team finally showed up, meaning they had a good number of athletes winning. The overall & 3rd overall was from my former team. In fact, I fell victim to the latter when he outsprinted me in the .1 to retain his lead. I had to settle for top master, not a bad consolation. The 2nd master was teammate Louis Molina;he most definitely deserved that. We both were great representatives for Runner's Depot here. Sadly, like losing the four leaf clover, the one who should've won the race, Jeffrey, was sick & despite that, was in the top 3 lead pack for 2 miles. He abruptly stopped & pulled out of the race due to the illness, allowing Premier to get the victory. Although he may not have been able to win the whole race in his condition, I believe he would have at least won his age group, even in the lesser state;I've done that on numerous occasions.

Sunday agenda-triathlon (relay)

Although the triathlon season officially began last month, the Miami International Triathlon was my first entry this year. I could not get who I really wanted so I allowed Miami Pace, a sort of sports club, to select my teammates. Much like a blind date, you don't know what you are gonna get or what to expect. For them both, it was their first relay, so they were excited. Asha, a runner who trains a Niketown like me, was going against me on another team. I first had my mind set on us being the overall relay team. However, I quickly lowered my standards to top co-ed team when at the expo I noticed his bike did not have aerobars & it was quite windy outside. Our swimmer had never swum a 1.5k competitively so this was quite the challenge. The swim time reflected that she struggled because the cyclist left out near last. Unless he had a killer ride, we would be lucky to 3rd in our category. Unfortunately, what I suspected came to fruition, he struggled with the wind & course. Now, plan C was to attempt to win the split, meaning I wanted to have the fastest time of all relays on my leg. When he finally made it in, I just hoped that we, #1 don't end up last & #2 finish. Although the course was improved (more pavement), still a good portion was cross-country & worse, a double loop. Because we were so behind, the foot traffic was incredible;it slowed me down passing so many people. We all left before all the awards were given out. I was disponded because no splits were shown onsite. To add insult to injury, there were no categories, just top 3 overall; female teams need not apply. At night, I finally discovered that I accomplished my goal but without a team victory, like Dwayne Wade scoring 40+ points & still the team still loses, that effort is basically futile. I had fun working hard to help the team but this race I may skip from now on due to the unfair team award distribution. I was knocked out by that unlucky Blarney stone that 'hit' me.

Magical weekend

This was truly a magical weekend.

Saturday agenda-5k

This day marked 18 years since I started running competitively. I did the now defunct Doral fore miler, aptly named because it was centered around the famous golf tournament. My dad & I could not beat Sylvia, who, to this day still competes! This anniversary was magical. Thanx to Steve Conti, this tune up race was possible. Splitsecondtiming was involved with 2 races, but I could only pick one. There was a 5k in Doral & one in south beach (ocean drive 5k). Had it not been for Steve, I would have done the former since it would probably draw less people, increasing my chances at victory and it is the city in which I began my athletic career. This year, this race was amazingly competitive. Praise the Lord, despite the late start (8:30), the bad weather (heat & humidity) was held off by cloud cover. I got my 2nd best time of the year & got 3rd master. While that is magical in itself, the true dream occurred when my dad accepted the challenge to run & actually won his age group! Thus far, this year had been to make up for many of last year's shortcomings. Last year, I was sick & missed Sarullo's 5k; this year, done. Last year, I ran the Edison festival of lights but came back empty; this year, top of my class. Last year, my dad (& Samm) were registered for the ocean drive 5k but didn't make it;this year, my dad competed. He loved the fact that someone mentioned that we 'swept' again, remembering the past when the whole family that ran, got something.

Sunday agenda-princess half marathon

I was attracted to this event because it was an inaugural. It also makes the 3rd such that I have done this year. However, unlike all the others, this one was catered toward women. Although all finishers would get a medal, no man would be eligible for an award, even if you win the entire race. Because of that fact, I decided I was gonna have fun with this;time would be secondary. As in any sport, I dress accordingly;I have active wear appropiate for the activity &/or event, such bike jersey & shorts when cycling or swimsuit during a triathlon & or duathlon. Like Cinderella, I was transformed. I literally became a princess for a 'day'. Judging by the weather the previous day, I prepared for that but was surprised by much cooler weather. I had to keep on a t-shirt until 4 minutes prior to the start. My game plan changed (for the better) because of this. Now, I had to run faster to build up heat. I began in corral B (no men were allowed in A, regardless of time) but advance to near the front by jumping on the back of a female 'train'. What's that? A couple of ladies snaked through the crowd saying "excuse me, pardon me" & I merely followed. After my transformation, I fit right in with the crowd. When the cannon went off, plan B took shape. The first 5k was about a 7:15, mimicking the half last week but then the Lord, not the fairy, empowered me to quicken the pace. I cut the deficit & began hover around the pace I desired last week, 7. Along the course, I did like Caroline & started high 5ing Disney characters & engaging the crowds, you know, just having fun. She dressed in character at WDW marathon that year but I took it to a greater extreme. I mean, like, where I am gonna use the lady tech shirt? I recommend runners, particularly the ones who do or did this race, to patronize runningskirts.com. I met co-owner Christy at the expo;nice & understanding woman. After I finished the race, she thanked & congratulated me on the finish. Yep, she was faster than me, even though I got my 3rd fastest time ever! I also met her husband & saw her child. The best news is that Jonathan won the entire race, but since this was for the ladies, he didn't get his props. He won the fun run as well, but with much more fan fare.

Transition weekend

This was a transition weekend. Saturday closed out February, both the shortest month and black history month, while Sunday is the dawn of another month-March.

Friday agenda-calle ocho k

I used to compete here in the 5k walk but since it was eliminated last year & converted to a fun run/walk, I decided to visit instead to collaborate with friends. While in the middle of my training there (4 miles total), I got to record (on a camera recorder) history. The winner was way ahead. Then came friend Elliot Mason, an elite triathlete. Although I didn't recognize him (wearing a tank), closing in at 3rd overall was teammate Jonathan. He had a bitter sweet victory. He wanted to break a certain time & was seconds short, bitter, but got his personal best, sweet.

Saturday agenda-5k

5k for a better day, to be exact. This is not only my tune-up run but the 1st of the 3 for the road series. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, I will once again miss out on that. The course was narrow & full of turns, making for a difficult time. I had to face off with 2 incredible master runners, Luiz Souza & Ralph Guijarro. The former was untouchable & fortunately placed in the top 3, yanking him out of the master title race. However, the latter is not quite as fast as previous but still quick enough to beat me. In fact, he was in front for more than 2 & 1/2 miles. I remembered what Gene was telling another runner who was just assuming he would lose because other athletes were competing. He said basically that if you think you'll lose, it'll probably come to fruition. One must think positive & believe in the possibility of victory. On top of that, I always like to think I own the final mile. I went for broke near the end & the gamble paid off-I won the master title & brought a top title for Runner's Depot. Running wild came out in force & took the overall male & female titles & had an excellent candidate to take the master. I was the only race team member as everyone else, including the owner Renee, went off to Tampa for Gasparilla. I like that event too but forfeited in lieu of an inaugural event. Plus, except for the marathon relay, I've done all that they have to offer. I, too, had a bitter sweet moment. I was 4 seconds from 3rd overall, like Jonathan, which was bitter but got my fastest time of this year & beat that legend to take the master title, which was sweet.

Sunday agenda-13.1 marathon

Yep, that's what they called this half marathon. I got ripped off for acting immediately after the 13.1 marathon held in broward. The online site promised the lowest rate for the first 131 registrants, which was $30 something, pre online fees. Then, a few weeks later, anyone (2nd 131 people) who procrastinated got rewarded with a substantial discount (cost only $13.1). I guess in life, many hard lessons must be learned; this was one of many. Well, since I am financially bound to it & it was an inaugural, I decided to do it. By the grace of God, an opportunity presented itself & I was offered an enty. I quicked had that transferred to my dad, who likes to run but is limited by finances. We both completed the events & suspect both ripped off of awards because we both happened to miss placing by 1 slot. The highlight of the day was not result, which was the best of this year for the distance, especially considering the external conditions (wind & multiple bridges), but rather who helped me to achieve that. The winner of the tropical 5k & top ten finisher in the ING half in January, Jonathon Mederos,decided to help pace me. In addition, he attracted Mike Nunez, an elite triathlete and avid runner, who forfeited a triathlon race this very same day, to assist in the mission. On top of that, teammate from the now defunct Niketown racing team, Leo, joined us for a while. Felipe also came but had to chose family first;I understand. I originally asked Jonathan for a 7:15 pace because, based on my experience, the external conditions would not permit much better. However, on race day, I decided to set the bar high and changed to a 7 minute pace, about the time I can do under ideal conditions. I got excited and started too fast (6:40 mile), so Jonathan dispatched Mike to slow me down to the correct pace. To insure this, I drafted behind them & others taking advantage of the pack. Amazingly, I lasted until mile 7, located on the steepest bridge of the course. After that, I fell off pace but was able to see them until around the 15k equivalent. History was made as I beat some people I have never beaten before & placed in the top 50;no, not percent. The bitter part was that I was unable to maintain the 7 pace & did not place, but the sweet part was that I missed my original goal by only a second per mile and achieved the best time of the year in an inaugural event. This is half #5 of this year alone! Post race was pretty good, especially the massage. I thank all those members of the Florida Fleet Elite racing team.