Bolt!

Bolt! That's what comes to mind whenever I think of track & field. With a lack of local races, it's time for me to break out my spikes once again & work on those 'fast' twitch fibers!

Saturday agenda

Morning-roll

Although there were several events available, including a tri & du, I passed on them do to the distance (all either extreme west or north of my proximity in Florida). With that travel also comes expense. I must conserve because I have need to do this a bit latter on for more meaningful events.

I found out about a ride commencing from Bike Tech & anyone who knows me, is aware I won't sit around my house so I got up & gave it a try. Late start (8 am) so weather was a factor. I rode with the group to a certain point where, like the Elite ride, I met up with someone, chatted then lost the group. I tagged on with others until off the key then returned solo to finish. I was a nice training ride that left me feeling like I am prepared for the next multisport event.

Afternoon-run

The Northwest track and field classic actually began yesterday, but not for masters. My first & only event of today was the 1500 meter run. When I arrived, it was hot & humid, a bit windy and sun blaring & I had to sweat it out with a long delay at packet pickup. By the time we were up, God was merciful, as clouds came in to block the sun. I actually had competition this time & had to settle for 3rd master but I won my age group, as did the rest. I worked hard not to finish last. Speaking of Bolt, Usain did not race in New York upon doctors advice. He stated his next race will be in July; I don't have that luxury. Jon & Jeffrey took the top 2 slots at a race on the west coast of Florida; only 1 overall awarded. I'll see you tomorrow!

Sunday agenda-more track!

Still no local races so this will be the weekend for track work, except that it is a race as well. This day will fill out the rest of the events I selected; this will be an all day occasion. I use this is event largely as a speed training session since track is not my forte. I was not allowed to run the 800 meter I signed up for but I did manage to do 4 events this day. I had a chance to be on a 4x400 relay by invite but declined for fear of letting down the team (tired after all those events previously run plus the heat & humidity). I won my age group in all categories but was the sole participant. As far the master position, I was 3rd in all running events. Check out how I faired below (in order in which they were held):

1. 1500 meter racewalk- 9:13=personal best & overall winner!
2. 3000 meter run-11:40=1 ag, 3 master (disappointed with time)
3. 200 meter run-:32=1 ag, 3 master, considered personal best since I never did prior
4. 400 meter run-1:08=1 ag, 3 master (5 seconds slower than my season best)

Although I earned the 2010 40-44 MVP master (got max points for all gold), it was initially given to a relative (with less points) of the race organizer, Mr. Holt. Less the age group, I was given that title.

This was a serious race (not a flash one), as there were no refreshments, other than water & some sport drink (powder) and no t-shirt. However, you could purchase a meal &/or snacks from the vendors, set up mainly for the spectators. Oh, you can by a T-shirt &/or cap separately from the race organizers. Not a fan of the timing system & definitely not happy with the lack of a clock; oh, well