Not pretty

A lot of things were not pretty this weekend. For starters, the weather. It was rainy then hot & humid.

Saturday agenda-5k

I chose to race rather than just run. For those satisfied with the latter, you could've done the human race 10k. Its a world wide event using Ipod for an unofficial 'race'. I did the schott 5k, benefiting challenged artists. I thought I picked an 'easy' race, and judging by the numbers, I seemed to be correct. Although there was a low quantity, to my dismay, of high quality in regards to master athletes. I had to battle to get from 6th to 3rd overall before failing to outkick in the dreaded .1! I dropped a position but won the master title by a mere second. Based on the time, it was not pretty but the job was done. Post race was 5 star with hot pancakes, eggs, hash browns & sausage, in addition to the traditional stuff. Top 3 overall & masters got framed prints designed by various challenged artists. Mine suffers from cerebral palsy & is wheel chair bound. Age groupers got black baseball style caps with race position on back.

After that, the day went downhill. I got stood off twice, kicked out, broken promises, then after dinner, lies & rejection, all from the same person, qualifying for dismissal; I don't need extra stress. Definitely, not pretty. The next day, I was like Trina's last hit, 'single again'.

Sunday agenda-5k

Since races automatically override pleasure events, I missed 2 bike tour rides, one in dade (homestead speedway) & one in broward; the former I did & enjoyed in the past. I was selected by the president of the south florida striders to join his master team in the boca cross country team challenge. He picked me along with fellow teammate Louis Molina, plus 2 other great runners, Billy Canavan & Isaac Izquirdo. Due to this commitment, I had to pass on 2 local races (Judicata & haulover) & 3 distance events: the wellington 10 miler, martin county Halloween half and marine corp half (Jax). I didn't realize how challenging this run would be. Although not hot & sunny (cloudy & foggy) I struggled with the humidity & the course. I barely broke 21 (not pretty) but fortunately, that was sufficient to help the team win the title. Ralph Guijarro, the team captain, kept the team trophy for the club. This was my 3rd event in a row involving team competition in which only 1 trophy was given. Sadly, I don't have any of them! The event was very small but loaded with talented &/or familiar athletes. Boca raton road runners organized it & took all titles except the master.

I'd to commend George for appearing at both events, despite not competing due to injury.