May I?

Today marks the end of May and a rather dismal week for me. Twas busy at work & troubled waters at home but with prayer, I have survived. Tomorrow will begin the dreaded hurricane season.

Saturday agenda-race for the bullet 5k

I usually race from bullets in my hood but that's the name of this race. I was actually amazed the race was not larger considering there were no other local races this weekend, particularly for us guys. I was fortunate, because I struggled a bit in the race, as indicated by barely breaking 19. It raining prior to the race, then got humid really fast. The course had no mile markers or clocks & since it was at Markham park, hills. By the grace of God, I still captured the master title. The post race was 5 star, with pancakes, sausage and, for the first time, eggs, in addition to the usual.

Sunday agenda

There were no local races except for 1 triathlon (she rox), and that was for women only. Means I had to train. I rode about 16 miles for cross training.

Honorable mention

* George wins again
* Jon W was 2nd overall with a sub 17
* Linda prepared a marvelous meal

Memorial weekend

Many, including myself, will have Monday off. Most will do some fun activity, such as go to the beach, barbecue, & in my case, do a race. We must not forget that it really the day to recognize & honor those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice- their lives- to protect our freedoms. Remember, freedom ain't free.

Saturday agenda-tour of the gables 5k

Except for racewalking, I have never placed here. Like the Marlins, I am currently on a losing streak after a great start. My mid month crisis continued as I struggled with the heat, humidity & wind in the last mile, despite a great 1st mile. I left the race the same way I came in-with nothing. To top it off, they ran out of t-shirts. Although I got one, I gave it to Linda since she has never done this event before & I care so much about her. Speaking of her, she did her best time ever since beginning in march, when we officially hooked up. Jonathan placed top in his age group, since only overall was recognized.

Sunday agenda-?

Part of my mid month crisis has been the lack of races; this day was no exception.

Monday agenda-memorial day

Hats off to our troops. I found 3 races this day, with the furthest in Martin county. I narrowed it down to Boca or Weston. I thought about the former, since I never did it before but chose the latter because Linda liked that one. Don't get me wrong, I liked it too but I've been there umpteen times. This holiday also served as a day of reckoning. I was aware that victory would not be easy, as this race always draws the most in quantity & quality. After that disappointing loss, I needed this one to redeem myself. Although I failed to beat Almir once again, I got down to where I left off prior to the slump- sub mid-eighteens. I captured the last master title & avoided the ceramics given out in lieu of the traditional medals.

Mid month crisis

I going through a mid month crisis. Why? I could only find 1 race within 75 miles of my house & it was not even one of my desired distances.

Saturday agenda-fit 2 run 4 miler

To all the military, happy armed forces day.

I really don't like distances greater than a 5k but since I couldn't find one, if I wanted to race, I had to settle for this one. It featured a biased club challenge. Why? Because even though I entered the Goldcoast runners club, we we rent even mentioned. External conditions were bad-hot, humid, rolling hills, windy & curvy. Internal was bad too because I was tired. Competition was stiff & to my dismay, Jon brought another master in my age group. I got displaced & left the way I came-empty handed. Luckily, they were only giving out a stupid medal, so I didn't miss much. Meanwhile, Linda, despite having a lousy start of the day, did very well with her run. We went out to celebrate but much like our tough time at the race, we left the restaurant that way (sick to our stomachs)

Sunday agenda-rest

We had to recover from the previous day

My mid month crisis was the failure on Saturday (2nd of the year, 1st as an individual), getting sick after eating out and no training or race on Sunday. Hope to bounce back next week.

Mom '09

Happy Mother's day!

Saturday agenda-5k

Normally, I would have chosen the ALS race because, #1 it was closer to my home & #2 it was for a good cause (Alzheimer's) but, thanks to pretty, I made a change of plans and picked the run for the roses. I thought it was a great choice for Linda because of the following:
#1 proximity
#2 race catered to women (men had to wait 5 minutes then try to catch 'em if we can)
#3 couple competition-top 5 get special awards

I have done both of these races, usually not scheduled on the same day. Judging by her pace, I calculated that I'd catch Linda before the 1st mile. This would have come to fruition except for the fact that she decided on getting a PR for this year! Our team name was hand picked by her - Sweet pea & honey bee; awesome. We missed placing by 1 slot; there were 9 teams vying for a position. I am very proud of her. As far as myself, I had to battle for mid-master position. The winner was also a Runners depot teammate, Mike T. I was disappointed with the medal (I knew that was what was in store at the other race) but am glad it was not worse (I have gotten some funky prizes from this race director in the past). Not to berate the race director because it is nice that she doesn't always give out the same old thing, but once in while, they aren't what is hoped for. Although I must say she has done well lately (last year & current). I give a A for originally & creativity though. For those who like surprises &/or hate repetition, you will always be satisfied.

May I?

The corporate run was the last event of my month. It's always scheduled on a Thursday but this time not in May; I would've missed if not for a reminder at Niketown by a fellow runner. About 20,000 participated, mostly weekend warriors & walkers. I used it as a training 'run' & used Linda as sort of a rabbit (target).

Saturday agenda-5k

This weekend was especially tough because I had to choose among a smorgasbord of events.

a. Sunsmart 5k (key Biscayne)
b. run to remember (Hollywood)
c. cardio 5k (Coconut Creek)
d. MS ride (Dade to Monroe county)

Normally, I would have chosen a. due to proximity but due to a wonderful, significant other, I made a change of plans. Racing will override fun runs & rides, eliminating d., including the next day. My next choice would have been b., the same race chosen by Jon & Jeffrey but by proximity rule, c. was closer to her place. This race was a disaster. They started almost a half hour late, misdirected the 2 race leaders to disqualification & I got out sprinted from behind by Almir, who, in an unsportsmanlike manner, gloated by raising & flailing his arms as he won. The awards ceremony was scheduled to be held after a cardio class. Problem was it took well over an hour, maybe 2. I had to leave without the cheesy medal, probably never to see it again.

Sunday agenda-5k

Well, since I missed the MS ride (Dade to Monroe county), forget about the return trip on this day. In protest to the unfair race changes, I did the race for the finish 5k instead of competing at the tri-miami, even though the du option was open. In fact, George skipped it as well. This 5k was way better organized. Although overall position & time was worse (better competition), the feeling I got from the race was better. I lost some time, in part, due to the course itself being with hills & turns. I got a nice paper weight for the age group victory. Post race was 4 star, losing 1 for not having a hot meal.