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.