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.