Uh May zing!

Uh May zing! That's what this month has been. I made history in my personal world of sport. Sad news to report is that I heard Gary Coleman died. What you talking about, Willis? That's right, & that's the line we all remember from his famous role as Arnold on different strokes. He is a testament why I need to praise God every day I live; he was younger than me, even though in the same master category.

This is memorial weekend, with Monday being allotted officially to recognize those who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom. Most will out partying & on the beach, just having fun, forgetting about the sacrifices made. I, on the other hand, will be training, much like they did, but in a different way (this will be my ride, roll & run weekend) and on Memorial day, I will do a race that hopefully honors & respects our fallen troops. I will be wearing K-ona USA flag edition running shoes to commemorate the soldiers; prior to becoming a member of the racing team, I decked out my outfit as well. Let's not forget so that they will have not died in vain.

Saturday agenda-ride

With no local events, it's time to train. I found a few events in far places in Florida but having already done several such events already, I opted out. Besides, one of my resolutions was to avoid meaningless races, especially those adding to financial strain.

I did one of my favorite, free events- Elite's 'last ride', dubbed as such since it is always held on the last Saturday of a month. I rode from home to the cycling store to meet up with the group. It was my chance to ride with a group, gaining experience & perhaps improvement as I roll in a pelaton. I kept up with them until we were passed by some other pelaton that included a friend (Hector) in it. I chatted a bit until he broke off to go to work. I rode to turn around near Bill Baggs park entrance. I arrived at la carreta but amazingly the group wasn't there. I decided to return solo. Along the way, I drafted different riders various times when the opportunity presented itself; happy I can do this since usually I don't because of either USAT rules or training solo. Got back to the shop where post ride refreshments were available. It was better than many races I've paid for. After that, I had to ride back home, adding to the mileage. I estimate I did in excess of 50 (mapquest listed 23.32 one way, not including all the side streets & Virginia key that I did). I rested from running today.

Sunday agenda-roll

If I were a travelling man, I could've done the Ottawa marathon & maybe some ancillary events, but I am limited by my wallet. Found some races on the far stretches of Florida, including a tri but with lack of a swimmer & money, I opted for training. Anyway, they too are senseless to me; may as well save my strength for the main event. Other than a lap on a treadmill, this was yet another crosstraining day. I pulled out my rollerblades cranked out nearly a half marathon (12 miles) in under an hour, a PR! I went so fast that I took a fall on a turn around, other than that, flawless. Man, do I miss that Disney inline marathon.

Monday agenda-run

A rare day off, most will be headed to a beach after sleeping late. Remember, I AM NOT AN AVERAGE JOE! I am getting up early to race, with the intent to return home with hardware. Unfortunately, my wishes were dashed as I picked the race (Weston memorial 5k) with the most finishers. It was a high quantity and high quality (field) event whereas all the top 3 master winners broke 18. It rained (mostly drizzle) on the way up & after I finished, not to mention, it rained on my parade; I got another loss. All three events served as exercise & to my dismay, I returned home the same way I came up to this 5k-with nothing! I not only failed to break 19 (I was the 1st in my age group who failed to do that) but did not place; a double whammy. Looking at the bright side (if there's any), I was in the top 10 % of my age group & of the entire field. At least I looked good profiling the K-ona USA flag edition running shoes; most were pleased with them & I got some photo-ops. Through the grapevine, I heard the awards weren't so good for age groupers anyway. Jon & Jeffrey were smart as they headed up a little further to Boca & placed up there; may consider that for next year. After further review, I would've placed as well. Post race was basically 5 star with the pancakes. Congrats to all that competed. This was the final day (of May) and hopefully my final loss. I am glad this month is almost over. June should be much better.

Honorable mention

* The fallen troops who paid the ultimate price for our freedom; my loss pales in comparison.
* Louis Molina back & places!
* Mike Kelly redeems himself & places
* George wins again, despite some competition
* Spencer got 2nd in age (it was that tough today)
* Runners Depot racing team faired well (the aforementioned + many more)

My, yo!

My, yo! That's how you pronounce this month in Spanish. This is already an unusual weekend as I got to race before it began, a rare occasion.

Friday agenda-5k

I discovered a race on a weekday morning that is not even a holiday. Because of that, I had to get permission from my boss to come in late, even though I previously volunteered to open (to help out) for the rest of the term at the office. Actually, that would not have mattered since the race started when the job does, still needing the go ahead. Since she is married to a marine & I am certain appreciates my hard work, she agreed. The application stated this was the 20th annual runway 5k but it was the first time for me. Timed by Accuchip & put on by the US coast guard, it marks a pre memorial day tribute through running. The race site was so difficult to find that even the GPS failed. However, God did not; I arrived. It was incredibly hot & humid, in fact, merciless because there's no shade on the airstrip. I was still tight from last week coupled with improper preparation for this event. I was an average race in terms of post race. However, it had the worst age categories I've done since the 50th anniversary of Royal Palm beach-overall male & female, 3 deep in age groups. Sounds normal like footworks? Think again! Only 2 categories-17 & under or 18 & over! The top 2 ran in the low 16's, 3rd broke 19. The battle was for 4th & by the grace of God, I got that, taking the last slot in the adult group. I had to leave to go to work so I don't know what kind of award was given but hopefully much better than that track meet. To my surprise, Jon was not here.

Saturday agenda-race!

Thus far, a great weekend. Plenty to choose from this day. Check it out (from furthest to near):

1. Fargo marathon
2. quest in quiet waters (inaugural adventure tri)
3. covenant house 5k
4. memorial hospital miramar 5k
5. tour of the gables 5k

Passed on the first due to distance. #2 actually slipped my radar but brought to light by Samm. Sounded like fun but I already committed to a 5k. #2, 3 & 4 were all inaugurals. The last one was the most established being the 15th annual. Can you believe I began running before that? #4 was too mysterious since no timing company listed it, therefore don't know what awards or age groups, if any, are involved, so #4 won. Conditions were better than on Friday. Less hot & humid on a 2 lap shady course (Birch). The last mile was the greatest battle for me but by the grace of God, I got past the overall female & the master winner to capture the last overall position. I should have been second but lost in the sprint while trying to get around a bandit. Also, I failed to break 19 as intended but I can deal with it. To my surprise, trophies were given out to all, slightly bigger for the overalls & master. Once again, Jon not in sight;I'm sure he won somewhere else. 3-4 star post race, no raffles.
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Sunday agenda-race!

Still plenty to choose from this day. Check it out (from furthest to near):

1. Muddy buddy (Nashville) My best friends moved to TN years ago.
2. space coast bikearathon (viera, fl)
3. publix singer island du/tri
4. AEF inaugural 5k
5. oleta la roootaaa mt bike series


Scratch the out of state events. I almost always pass on cycling only events, eliminating #2 & #5. I would've done #4 because 1. its a 5k & 2. an inaugural but I had already promised to form a team to honor my external fallen partner, Jolie so #3, it is. The team was (a) 'tribute to Jolie' and it was long overdue. I was disappointed that no one in the athletic community did anything to pay homage to her contribution to the multisport world so I finally stepped up after 2 years to do just such. I couldn't get teammates that actually knew her so I selected a friend & rival to take my position (run) & he picked someone (Pam) to swim and the relay was on! My role was her role back in the day when we competed & won so many awards. The weather conditions were bad-choppy ocean & windy, in addition to the heat & humidity. The swimmer understandably struggled so we began in a severe deficit. The spirit of Jolie entered my soul & despite the slowest time versus the relay field (was better than the average of individuals), it was my personal best, fastest time ever despite the wind! I never broke the 22 mph average until this day & I exceeded that convincingly. Scary fact is that I would've been faster had it not been for the unblocked traffic & stragglers from early waves in blocking position (I aint getting penalized again). I was glad the course was altered to avoid the bridge. The drawback, however, was that it was 2 loops, in which the second puts you into race congestion. The runner, Mike Kelly, was disappointed with his time even though he was the fastest in the field. It is because of his speed & tenacity that he was selected in the first place. We missed 2nd place was mere seconds and he noticed this time was lost in transition. It was both his & her first relay. I am certain that whenever we compete again, our chemistry will be better, allowing for faster transitioning. Anyway, we got on the podium where we belong. Next time, we will get higher, like to the top!

Look back to 2006 to see how we (Jolie & I)won in the S. Fl duathlon series & competed in the publix tri series. We competed in St Anthony's & escape to Miami, as well. History was made this day as 3 situations took place that never happened before in my 19 year 'career':

1. First time I ever formed a team & raced in honor of someone.
2. First time I ever broke the 22 minute average cycling in a race.
3. First time I ever willingly surrendered an award I earned. This was to complete the honor.

We were a great team whenever she chose to compete with me until death did we part. Jolie, my eternal partner, love you always!

Mid May

Can you believe we're already in the middle of the month? Lots of stuff happening. Today is armed forces day; I give a shout out to all the troops. It's also a weekend for Haitians. Two festivals going on- today, the compas, tomorrow, the Caribbean. Sports fans, the preakness happened & a surprise winner paid off for many. Just like Super Saver (the favored horse), I didn't have it today.

Saturday agenda-race!

It seems everybody picked this day to run their races; I found 3 (listed from closest to furthest):
1. Keys 100 (ultramarathon)
2. FLCS family fun run (5k)
3. Fit2run 4 miler

I tried like the dickens to get on a team but people kept dropping like flies with various excuses. What I told everyone was that I was certain I was gonna run today, just don't know in what capacity, where or how fast. Once within a week, I make plans either for solo (if another race is available) or training whenever a relay or team opportunity falls through. #3 was tempting because Accuchip times it but it is far & not my favorite distance. I found out that many good runners showed up there because of the club challenge. Considering I failed to make the cut last year, in addition to my struggles this year, that race would not be appropriate this year. Therefore, I chose #2, which also was an inaugural. Although the clouds blocked the sun & some heat, the humidity & wind were prevalent. God granted me a great first mile but after that, I declined rapidly, surcoming to the conditions & helplessly slipped a position when Ralph G passed me. However, by the grace of God, I still made the top 10 & got the last master slot. I was pleased that top master female got that title because of my advice. The Lord was helped me & I sometimes must return that favor to others. The last time we met, she contemplated early retirement from running out of frustration from unruly tactics she said was committed by another female runner in her category. I don't like that notion & want people to love this sport, in fact, I try to get more people interested. She chose races because it was fun but that was taking the fun out of it. Well, like I discovered within the 19 years since I started, once you are thrust into competition, like a marine, you must improvise, adapt & overcome! Despite my struggles & the fact that next year, I will be forced to move into the worst category, reducing my chances of placing, I WILL NOT QUIT! My dictionary must be incomplete because there are some words you can not find in it; quit is one of them. This race qualified as having a 4 1/2-5 star post race party because they had pancakes, in addition to the usual. Orange juice & coffee was available.

FYI-what Jon & I had in common today was with both finished 6th overall & got the master distinction; differences-he was at the top with a fast time, opposite for yours truly.

Sunday agenda-race?

I couldn't find any races in the papers & timing company sites as usual. It seems that no one picked today for any normal races. However, I did find a muddy buddy and marine corps historic half in different states plus found out about a track meet at UM. The latter was close to home, so I chose that. Coach Ward offered the mile & 400 meter dash for masters. Since this was a night event, knowing me, I couldn't wake up (late) & do nothing so I dug out my skates & did a couple of laps (4 miles total). If I didn't have a race, it would've been 12 miles. I cut down also because of the high wind.

Track time! For the submasters, the 1500 meter was their event then came the masters mile. For almost 2 loops, I was in 3rd, got passed just past halfway done & slipped into 4th place. When the final loop came, I put it in 5th gear (master kick) and advanced to 2nd overall! The winner, no doubt, Jon Williams. The other event was the 400 meter. After some encouraging words from a great runner & often teammate Jonathan Mederos, I was prepared to 'defend my title'. What? He told me that I reminded him of Bershawn 'Batman' Jackson when I put on my headband. On top of that, he remembered & reminded me that a couple of years back, at the Bikila track meet, I shocked everyone, including myself when I won the 400 meter heat, even with Jon W in it! By the grace of God, history repeated itself! Jon was gracious enough to say I deserved the outstanding male master award but it was given to him. They did, perhaps what I would have, and go by the cumulative times of both events; he edged me by 6 seconds. Jonathan won the outstanding open athlete award by winning both events. Unfortunately, the gave out the worst awards ever, kiddie ribbons like I used to get in elementary school. It made that dime sized generic medal look pretty good now, like gold. 1/2 star on post race with only bottled water to consume. This was one event where time was the only goal. Although I received much satisfaction & hope for better races in the future, I pushed so hard that I am sore & maybe tighter than my budget!

Honorable mention

* Congrats to Spencer & his team at keys 100; 4th overall & set course record in process.
* Mike K wins in age group at 4 miler
* George wins age group at my race
* Jonathan won the outstanding open athlete award
* Jon W gets master trophy

Mother's day weekend

Mother's day weekend is here! To all mom's (& potential moms), have a happy one.

Saturday agenda-race

To avoid mother's day, most events were scheduled for today, forcing me to pick one (I hate that). Listed from closest to furthest:

1. Lou Gehrig's Disease 10k/5 k
2. adventure triathlon
3. run for the roses 5k
4. race for the arts 5k

Logically, #1 would be a shoe-in but not! I been there, done that & already know there's no master title & if I place, the best I would get would be a medal; results indicated I would've taken my age group easily. #2 was interesting, but unless I enter a series or race has some significance to me, a tri or du will not override a run; I respectfully pass. My choice was #3 but Allan, the timer of Accuchip kept insisting I go to his event & I finally caved in. This was an extreme risk because the run for the roses almost guarantees I will leave with hardware since they have several top titles other than top 3 overall, starting with top 3 master, whereas there is only 1 master position for anyone not making the top 3 overall in #4. Results show I would have placed 3rd in masters. Although I been there, done that, it has been like 5 years ago, back when it was held by the ampitheatre. I heard it was moved to John Prince Park last year and the last time I was at that park also dated back sometime but was for a different race (shamrock, which is still held here). So, it was kinda like new, plus I remember that trophies were given back then & with the hope that they won't deviate from past success, I took him up on the offer & made the long trek up. Immediately, I had to contend with someone (Mike K) who wants to beat me, even though he's in a different division for now. Next year, I move into his group & he is already concerned. A decent field showed up, including Matt Triggs, who took that master title from us when we got passed in the 1st mile. I fought hard to break 19 but failed to that. However, in the process, I passed some people including Mike, who was not so pleased with that. We both made the top ten & won our respective age categories but some inept lady gave away mine & told me she will have a correct one mailed to me. Considering she already f***ed up, & the fact that the race was so far, I felt it was better to take the 2nd place one & note that I was actually the winner on it somewhere. Lucky for me, & maybe the reason why it was given away, they were all the same size. Post race was average except for meat eaters. They did give away useful coupons (I used one immediately) in race packet & was pleasantly surprised with the tech Ts.

Sunday agenda-train

Happy mother's day! Believe it or not, I found 4 races. However, 2 of them were too far, 1 in panhandle & another in Jacksonville; I did enough travelling already. Besides, I don't go that far for insignificant 5ks. Muddy buddy occurred in Orlando but again I'd have to travel & worse, find a partner to do that event. With no finisher medals, it's possible return empty handed after spending so much time & money; I pass. The last one was local but I couldn't get a swimmer in time so I have to pass on the adventure tri. Anyway, it was kind of expensive. However, I found out about a non competitive event in Miami called the walk to empower. It was a fund raiser to bring awareness to breast cancer & was held on jungle island. This was the first time I ever been inside the attraction & it was beautiful. I regret having not brought a camera. They had a decent layout for all participants. Once in a while, if no race is available, I will kick back and do some event not involving competition; this day was that day. Afterwards, I took my mom out to eat, then quickly had to train because the previous event was just a casual walk in the park & does not qualify as training under my system. For the first time ever, I rode the cross country trail I usually run on with a mountain bike at my favorite park. Wait, there's more. I did what my dad refers to as cross-training-cut my grass. Unlike him, this activity does not replace actual training, even if doing that is considered exercise. Once completed, I can call it day.

May day

May day! May day! That's today! It's also what I might say should I struggle. Yesterday was the end of the April showers, now I'm waiting to see the may flowers.

The last event I was involved in was the corporate run in downtown Miami. New for this year was an elite division, in which anyone who can run under 19 minutes qualified to compete for the top 5 money slots. Although I met this requirement, I knew that the money would draw the best of the best, and right now, I'm barely average. Ronnie won like clockwork & he had a great team to boot. The top woman was none other than Sonia, an elite woman who often can beat an entire field of men!

Saturday agenda-5k

The choice was simple: race close or race far. The sunsmart sprint run was held in key Biscayne & I was certain medal were to be given for those who place. Since I will be there tomorrow, I decided to do a far one. The turtle trot 5k was in Jupiter, while the rock the run 5k was in Boca. I chose the latter because it was in the middle of both 5ks, plus it was an inaugural. Not the best course, especially the climb on the ramp in the sprint zone (.1). The organizers made the horrific error of deciding to give out tshirts after the race as all the male shirts were given to anyone who asked. Yep, I didn't get one. It was hot & humid, particularly since the race start was at 8. However, I give them props for using the hi-tech race numbers & the post race celebrations. This is one of the few times I give 5 stars, the highest rating! They had the usual plus a hot, buffet breakfast, including scrambled eggs, hash browns & oatmeal. Orange juice was available to drink, in addition to the usual hydration. Massage was available but I didn't wait this time. The awards were terrible. For those who placed, we got microscopic, generic medals; I had to write in as much basic details as I could within a very confined area. Although there weren't live local bands every half mile as advertised, they did have a good number (at least 1 per mile). My time was dismal but my age group position was the best I was gonna get, even if I had a pr. Unfortunately, I got beat by the top 3 women but I still made the dirty dozen. Not counting the ladies, I made the top ten among the men. An awesome turnout for a first time race, drawing over half a grand! Meanwhile, the other race barely drew 200, once again proving I don't avoid the 'big' races.

Sunday agenda-race

I found 1 very far (new jersey marathon), 1 in broward (sallarrulos race for champions 5k), 1 far (tropicool 5k in naples area) & 1 very close (tri Miami). #1, I've done enough distance racing this year plus since its in a different state, cost prohibitive. I passed on the west coast of Florida to mitigate damages (financial). I would've chosen the 5k in Broward, especially since hardware was guaranteed (finishers medals to all) but since I am in a series, I picked the latter. Besides, this would be my first official Olympic duathon. No big deal for me since I have done double duty on many an Olympic triathlon, but without the lead run, 1 leg was missing. Yes, I was excited, so much so that I made some critical errors. #1, I forgot my race helmet, but fortunately, I had a much less aerodynamic back up. #2, I did not set my meter so I was not able to see my speed. That, coupled with high wind, severely hampered my performance, but God is good. I still managed to capture 3rd overall masters & be in the top ten! My run suffered from the aforementioned, coupled with the heat & humidity; since I placed, no harm, no foul. While I was suffering, I kept reminding myself that hardware is guaranteed as long as I finish. Of course, because I am a competitor, I always want more but sometimes that incentive is enough to get through tough situations.

Honorable mention

* Mayweather (don't know if spelled right) wins fight
* George wins age group both days
* go West du relay team wins
* Sam completes his 1st Olympic du