Transition weekend (summer)

This is yet another transition weekend, now in the summer of 2010. Today marks both the end of the week & the month, while tomorrow begins them both.

Saturday agenda-5k

Previously, on a mission to find races during the summer, I stumbled upon a series on the east coast of Florida. Now that I'm locked in, the eagle lakes 5k is the midpoint of the series & was an easy choice. 2 people I know (Jon W & Mike K) found out about my last result & came over to compete as well, decreasing my chances. Still recovering from injury, I did not know what to expect, basically expecting the worse but hoping for the best. By the grace of God, the latter eventually prevailed. I pushed to stay with the elite female athlete Lisa Buohler. She was in top form this day, possibly because it was her birthday. Obviously, Jon beat me but amazingly, he did not win but instead ran away with the master title. Mr speedster himself (Perry) nearly beat out a kid for the overall title but was seconds short. He was awarded the grand master title. The Lord allowed me to fend off a challenge for the next position in the final mile. Hindsight is 20/20 as I discovered this guy is only a couple of points from the series title. I am hanging on to a slight lead by successfully defending the 4th overall position. I am not out of the woods yet as this local runner will surely appear at the finale & my failure to compete would be literally forfeiture. I not only have to show but must not lose more than 1 slot to this guy. Of course, you know I can & want to beat him once more. Same glass award but this time no Tshirt (supplier failed to deliver). The post race was actually better than the last time.

Sunday agenda-2 tri or not 2 tri

Hey, I wanted a spiffy title. Multirace & FFW held a sprint tri in Melbourne on this day (Lisa B chose this one & won the overall du), but I participated in the Huntingtons disease triathlon because it is much closer and supports a good cause. Ironically, it began when I did, meaning it is the 19th running. Oh yea, passed on another muddy buddy. Both sprint & olympic tri's were being held; we chose the former. I got my favorite runners to form the relay "Tri'N 2 win", & we did just that. Inga (triathlete) agreed to swim, even though that was not her favorite discipline, because us guys don't. I was relegated to the bike because Gene doesn't even own a bike, much less ride one. When the dust cleared, we were the fastest non professional team to win. The award earned was 2nd in co-ed division. Each person got a nice plaque. The post race qualified as 5 star, especially with the pasta. This year, they improved as tech shirts were given out. With low wind, I had a great ride (by my standards) on the bike. Despite the time, Gene had the fastest run split. A surprise cameo appearance by George made the day. It's rare to see him unless he competes but this day, he pulled a number like I do at times. Also of note, I spoke briefly to an Indy car driver (Kanaan) who completed the tri solo.

What a great transition for me. I ended July with bang (top in my class & lead in the series) and began August in a similar fashion (hardware), but with help from my athletic friends.

Trouble in the tropics

There's trouble in the tropics. Luckily, there was minimal damage from tropical storm Bonnie but this were merely a wake up call that we are in hurricane season. Of course, the heat & humidity is still in full force, perhaps rising to new heights. Only thing added was much more precipitation. Trouble in the tropics is not only weather related but personal. I've been struggling to recover from serious injury, in addition to efforts to rebound from lack luster performances. Despite many events available today (most far but within the state), I reluctantly limited myself to only one & sadly, it would be a dreaded evening race. I had to postpone the adventure tri (the only local event in the morning) till another day. Instead, I pulled out the skates a did a lap just to get the blood flowing in morning. I planned on 4 miles but did half because I started to feel it & the last thing I want to do is be counterproductive, knowing I need to race tonight.

Saturday agenda-race!

Unfortunately, 2 of my favorite events are scheduled around the same time, on the same evening. Last year, I did the Hemingway 5k down in Key West & was lucky to carpool. This year, I decided not to make the long trip down south (especially solo) and head up north (long enough) to revisit the Dreher park dash, where I have had some success in the past. I was expecting the worse but hoping for the best. As usual, the heat & humidity was at an all time high. The main set back was the injury. I was aiming for a low 19 but barely broke 20; good considering the conditions. By the grace of God, that was sufficient to place. I was first in my age group but got bumped to 2nd after my category was called last. Naturally, I was disappointed in that & my time, plus the fact that, in my prime, I would've gotten the master title. However, I should consider myself fortunate & blessed I even made it to the podium with all things considered. Post race was great. The raffle was rigged as expected & the method of award distribution pathetic, but also expected. I avoided the Hemmingway race due to distance & the title awards. Guess what I got? a miniature version (big one was given away).

Sunday agenda-C-mas?

Merry Christmas (in July). This day was created by capitalists in an effort to increase revenue. Well, I accepted my gift from God with pleasure & I thank & praise the Lord. I was able to train with minimal pain. I passed on racing in an effort to improve for next week. I decided to do something I never did before- a brick workout! Oh, wait I've done a brick before but never with swimming as one of the disciplines. That's what I said. I rode the bike about a 10k, transitioned to a pool, swam a couple of laps then returned home. This was completed in about an hour & felt like a longer ride because of that swim. Hooray for me!

Honorable mention

* George wins
* Louis M is back & placed, representing the RD
* Michelle win age group
* Mike K wins despite complications

Who lee oh!

Who lee oh! Now that summer is here, most races are gone! Nothing local but there were several events all over the far reaches of the state.

Saturday agenda-train

Considering that I injured myself on a weekday track meet, and the fact that I have an important race tomorrow, I opted for training. Except for some test jogging, I stayed away from running so that I can recuperate & be as strong as possible. I pulled out my inlines & skated about a 10k. It was slightly more challenging with the wind but much less torture than running or even cycling. Since I remained on schedule with cycling, there was no need to get on the bike today.

Sunday agenda-race

Time for round 2 of the key Biscayne trilogy series, duathlon division. I passed on racing Saturday due to the aforementioned in an effort to shine; didn't happen. The injury proved too great but so was my will. Adhering to the marine motto: improvise, adapt, overcome, I competed (both as an individual and in a relay) & completed both. Spencer was the awesome teammate who shined on the team, doing both run legs. However, he had to wait for me to finish mine before I could take the chip. For the first time I could remember, I made a rookie mistake & forgot to put on my cycling shoes (was rushed out of transition & forgot to set up prior) & had to run back to do so, squandering precious time. On top of that, the head wind & gusts on the return trip killed whatever speed I had, forcing me into survival mode. Once I got back & passed off the chip, he anchored the team to victory; we were not the only team, as I intended at registration. I, on the other hand, had to resort to salvaging the race, as I fell to a pathetic pace worse than I average on half marathons! 'Quitters never win & winners never quit' proved to be true as, by the grace of God, I still managed to reach the podium. My injury prevented me from reaching the top, where I belong, but I will accept any hardware I can earn. Thanx Spence for agreeing to be on the team & representing our racing team, Runner's depot; we lead the series at this moment. As far as me, if I perform as usual or better in the remaining races, this one will be dropped. Florida fleet elilte STOL the show!

Congrats to all who competed!

Dream vs nightmare

Dream vs nightmare, a perfect title for the turn of events as of late. Let's start with a dream, or better dream team as the Miami heat keep our star player Dwayne Wade plus add Chris Bosh and LeBron James. While Elvis may have left the building (earth, now), the king is here! This in turn equals nightmares for Cleveland & Toronto. Another nightmare is that Haiti still suffers from the devastating earthquake of 6 months ago. Continuing on this theme, condolences to a cyclist that was killed by hit and run recently; nightmare. Dick Beardsley in the hall of fame, dream. World cup dream for both in terms of first time appearances but nightmare for Netherlands for losing. Nightmare for Lance Armstrong with 3 crashes that took him out of contention in the tour de france. George Steinbrenner dies, a nightmare for us new yorkers & baseball fans. J Harris ready to play for the U, a dream.

Saturday agenda-run

This weekend is considered a nightmare for me as there were no local races for me. That means that the training continues; remember, I train to race. In dire need of mileage, I decided to do a long run. Whenever I drive to that (usually at the circle), I intend to go over the Rick, which is 7 miles out. I agreed to meet with Jonathan & Leo for the STOL training run which starts too late (7 am) for me but I wanted to give a try while I can (I usually race over the weekend). We started 10-15 minutes later than planned. It was extremely hot & humid already & just got progressively worse, as expected. Obviously, this is my nightmare. Why? I know I will break down & suffer, which in turn means I get left behind. I wanted to see how long I would last before this happens; it was around 31/2 miles out. I put in more mileage than my counterparts, but obviously, at a slower pace. To me, its not always about speed. I got a tough workout & met my objective for the day.

Sunday agenda-ride

Yet another muddy buddy was held but of course, in some other state. With many duathlons upcoming, I decided to focus on the 2 disciplines this weekend, naturally leaving me with cycling. I did my favorite long ride (30 miles), which begins in Perrine, and goes through cutler bay, goulds, naranja, homestead & Florida city, turning around on US 1 near card sound rd & returning to home base. Although it took longer than desired, the task was completed.

Tuesday agenda-race

On rare occasion, a race is available on a weekday, usually due to holiday; no holiday but a night event was scheduled. I had to due the unthinkable in order to participate. First, I'd have to beg for time off or a normal release from work; the latter applies. Then I have to trade this over Niketown training. When I arrived, the master mile was on its way (I missed an event). Actually, I need to thank the lord I was able to make it at all, then see what is left that I could run. I competed in the following: 100 m dash (first time ever), 200 m dash (PR), 400 m dash, 800 meters, & the keno mile (prediction run). I busted my butt (literally) to get 3rd overall in the 100. Due to my injury, I suffered the worst losses in the 400, keno mile and 200.

The dream team continues to attract great players, including the return of Udonis Haslem. No telling where we'll be around thanksgiving.

Independence day!

Happy Independence day! We, the United States of America broke free from England to continue similar madness over here, displacing native Americans in the process; woo hoo! Let's not forget the troops who pay the price for our freedom. Remember, freedom aint free!

Saturday agenda-train

I had the opportunity to race yesterday. All but 1 were far, so at the last minute, I pulled out my inlines and opted roll instead of run. Remembering the error I made prior to the memorial 5k disaster, I intentionally cut my routine in half. I was on my way up for the night race but had second thoughts & returned home due to the inclement weather. Had I pre-registered, I would have gone anyway; that's why I commit to most of my events. I took the weather, distance & generic medal into account for my decision; I forfeited a top 3 spot with that choice. The idea was to maximize my focus on today with full knowledge I would have to perform well to podium.

Sunday agenda-race!

Discounted all races out of my 'local' zone, the following events occurred (from furthest to near):

a. multirace duathlon/triathlon
b. Weston 5k
c. july 4 5k (miami)
d. crimestoppers 5k

I easily eliminated d. because that was in key west. I had plans on a. I could've done it as an individual but didn't need to. I thought about doing it as team, 1st as a tri but couldn't get a swimmer, then as a du but I'd have to compete against a plethora of teams from Ali's bootcamp in addition to Keno's team. c. seems like the viable choice since it is the closest to home & I did this one last year. However, this year, money was being offered to first overall & master winners. Most of my runner's depot teammates & the boss herself, Rene Grant, were showing up at b.; I felt the pressure to be present but was aware I'd be in for a fight. Since 3 overall & master slots were available, the odds were in my favor.

In a nutshell, Clint Eastwood style:

The good: I broke 19 for the first time since my birthday week in April & was able to place.
The bad: my legs tightened up in the last quarter mile & I lost 2nd age position by seconds.
The ugly: forfeited a top master title & $200 by picking a further race!

That's the mystery of racing. I calculated that all the good runners would go down there to collect the money & was partially right. The overall winners were Ronnie Hollassie & Sonia Friend-Uhl. The error is that some of the top runners (even Cobi Morales, from team footworks, came up) and the best masters, including some from Miami came up to Weston to race & all the master slots were seized with times under 18! On top of that, the attendance was the highest of all events, with about 3/4 of a grand! Can't say I avoid the big races & be telling the truth. The post race was extremely disappointing with only oranges, bananas & bagels to eat.

Rene was pleased with the team (& me for showing up) because everyone who ran placed & we swept the rival running wild. Runner's Depot represented well. However, unlike our store, they were open & held a BBQ celebration.

The Miami race was the debut of STOL, and the racing team was impressive. Jonathan won his age group (6th overall) with a 16:50, over a 2 minute improvement (unheard of in running) from his last race while the biggest winner of them all was Leo, who took the master title with my absence with a 19:22 & made out like a bandit since he had a free entry & left $200 richer; congrats to my Miami teammates!

Honorable mention

* Gene places despite lack of training
* John Garrido wins his age group with sub 19
* George wins in the du despite complications (forgot chip & course issues)
* Mike Nunez got 2nd in his age group
* Louis Molina is back! placed in his age group, representing the RD.