Labor weekend

Labor day lands on Monday but since its tied to the weekend, I dub it as such. Ironically, most people don't labor on that day, except maybe if a baby is due for the pregnant.

Saturday agenda-5k

Today was the unofficial start of the running season! On top of that, football is back! Once basketball starts as well, this will be the closest I get to heaven on earth. I saw 3 races, with the possibility of doing 2 on the same day. I picked the closest race for the morning and passed on the evening race. Regarding the latter, it is typically run entirely on sand but even if not, the generic medal is not worth the expenses I would occur. Most importantly, I want to be well rested for the next day, as the distances are longer than usual; I will definitely be competing out in the sun over an hour.


For the last few years I have missed the fall fling 5k due to conflicts with the Publix du/tri but since they moved it to Sunday, it's now on my schedule. Less hot, still humid, I was hoping it wouldn't rain during the event. The event was divided into to categories: master (over the hill) and sub master (young & the restless). The former started first. At last, we 'old' people get an advantage. The best of the latter can't catch our best, even if Olympic caliber! By the grace of God, I edged out a tough field in my age group, including the brother of the won who won the master race & the won who beat me in a prior race (Allan W). On top of that, it was the 1st time I broke 19 (even if only by a second) in 2 months! I passed on the following to win this:

1. John clay 5k (teammate JW placed here)
2. Venice tri (far plus no swimmer)

Sunday agenda-race!

Last year, I did the inaugural king of the hill 5k & enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the move of the family fitness du/tri prevented me from doing this one. Many things happened here. First of all, I got surprised when George showed up to race here, meaning he forfeited his king of the hill entry. This was due to an unforeseen circumstance that could've prevented him from racing at all. A cameo appearance from Linda was the cause (she brought him) and competed as well. As for me, let's do it Clint Eastwood style:

The good: I won my age group & placed 8th overall, edging out the overall female Lisa B.
The bad: I lost positions during the bike portion when forced to stop, costing me a master slot & better overall position. The 2nd run barely broke 7 minutes.
The ugly: the bad was due to a mechanical issue with the bike (the multisport Gods are more relentless than the running one, causing the rear brake lock), first time in history. To add insult to injury, I got a parking ticket!

I was impressed with this event as all finishers came home with hardware (a quality medal) & all those who placed got a clear plaque. The post race was nice & for the 1st time I could remember, the du awards were given out first (caught George off guard).

Monday agenda-train

Happy labor day! I opted out of a long travel for a race (Tampa area) and a fun run (palm beach) for cross training. Having done enough in my primary discipline (run) and primary cross training discipline (bike), I picked the secondary cross training discipline- inline skating. I rolled for 12 mile in an hour flat (lost time due to various traffic delays). Congrats to all who competed this weekend.

Honorable mention

* George wins both at 5k & du
* Shannon makes the podium
* Linda picks a new category & wins an award!
* Louis M places at king of hill 5k
* Spencer wins at king of hill 5k