Trick or treat

Trick or treat, Trick or treat, give me something good to eat. That's the line for those celebrating Halloween. I like to dress up but do not consider that celebrating. Why? Whenever I celebrate, I put up decorations on & about the house & in this case, would buy candy to give out; ain't none of that happenin'. I typically avoid ghoulish costumes, except for aliens. In fact, I usually wear authentic outfits & uniforms, such as the fatigues soldiers wear. However, the trick or treat I'm referring to is my life this weekend. I thought it would be a treat to visit my ex girlfriend to remove the ex (rekindle) but ended up being a trick that wasted valuable time (over 7 hrs, including travel) , money (gas for 100+ miles of travel), & emotions (colder than the AC running, considering no affection & inconsiderate to a guest (noisy cleaning) that thought he was welcome. Oh well, that was yesterday, now the past.

Saturday agenda-race!

A nice tri-county selection (treat):
a. aruna 5k (w palm bch)
b. spooktacular 5k
c. safewalk-run 5k
d. ironman 70.3 (Miami)
e. reason to run 5k (Miami)f. Miami dade heart walk (Miami)

d. automatically scratched due to cost & need of a swimmer. a. ruled out due to distance. f. is a fun run/charity so with no awards, cut off the list. I like b. & c. and originally planned on c. until the fallout, which called for a last minute decision, much like a pinch hitter; e. wins!
Unfortunately, I had to pay the race day rate (trick) for a chance to win hardware (treat). I never did this one before even though it was the 3rd annual. I later heard that Jonathan won it last year & many other fast kids showed up; the last thing I wanted to hear after just signing up. I didn't know what to expect, especially since I had only 2 1/2 hours of sleep (bailed out of hell hole in the early morning to get back to heaven, my home). This was the one time I was glad the race started at 8, and on top of that, the second closest ever to my house. There was only 1 person I really knew, Leo from the STOL run at nike, who showed up, looking to crack 19 & perhaps the win. Once the run started, I stayed with the overall runner (female) for over 2 miles until someone passed us both. He became the new bullseye & forced me to run even faster. I had to endure many surges but by the grace of God, succeeded (STOL training) and came up with another overall victory (treat)! Number 3 for the year, tying my inaugural year with runner's depot. Unfortunately, I found out that no awards were offered for any body (trick). However, the race director did hear me out & offered me a raffle prize; I give him credit.

TREATS:

1. supports cause to help kids
2. good post race party
3. mile markers

TRICKS:

1. no awards, not even finishers medals
2. only 1 clock (finish) but it didn't work properly (I don't know my time
3. no chip timing nor recorded results

Sunday agenda-race!

Happy Halloween!

Found various events but most too far:
a. marine corp marathon (OH)
b. Halloween halfathon (tampa)
c. Halloween half (Jensen beach)
d.Halloween half (Miami beach)
This was a no brainer. Due to the number of my favorite events (5k), this was a must do to work on my endurance. I need a race to force me to do long runs. This was that day.

Let me break it down (turn of events) Halloween style:

Treats:

1. completed my first half of the season
2. wore a costume (rasta runner)
3. met up with friends
4. Bryan wins it for runners depot
5. awesome 5 star post race party at nikki beach

Tricks:

1. external conditions bad (the course itself, it rained plus was very humid, forcing me to carry the dread wig most of the race and was compelled to slow down on wet boardwalk)
2. internal conditions bad (was very tight, felt tired (sleep issue from previous day) & had to carry that wig.
3. misdirection made the course a half mile longer. Me & many other at front line wound up looping to the back behind walkers, having to dodge frequently. that probably wore me down but I didn't really suffer until after the bridge.
4. all of the above cause me to fail to place when the age group times are doable when I am in my prime.

Happy this weekend closes out the month. Although I finish on a low (trick), I picked up two great highs (treat) along the way; praise the Lord!

Full moon

Friday began the full moon and it seemed to transform me into the monster I was in the past!

Saturday agenda-5k

There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one (note: I found more outside this area & passed due to proximity):

a. Halloween 5k ghost run (n. palm beach)
b. tradewinds 5k
c. steps to independence 5k
d. schott 5k
e. 5k crunch run (sobe)

I ruled out a. due to proximity. I originally planned on c. (1 of 3 in Broward, the most of any county) but my original plans fell through so I took the closest to my home. Besides that, it was an inaugural in one of the most popular places in Florida-SoBe! It began in an unusual area of south beach- at 8th on A1A. The course headed north on the broadwalk & the turn around was just about the beginning of the boardwalk. The temperature was good but it was windy. I ran a moderate pace versus the wind but once we turned around, the race was on. I have to jump the gun and praise the Lord for allowing me to win but it wasn't easy. Mile 1 was about 6 & the next 20 secs slower. After mile 2, the guy I beat picked up his pace to a blistering level (sub 6). Thanks to God & the STOL nike runs, I was able to match his pace then close out with my master kick. However, barely. I beat him by a split second; ironic, because that's who was timing the event. It was my first 5k victory in over 2 years!

Sunday agenda-5k

Dejavu-There were a plethora of races, just in the tri county area, to choose but I unfortunately could only pick one:

1. Myrtle beach mini marathon (inaugural)
2. muddy buddy (TX)
3. wellington horse country 10 miler (& 5k)
4. Boca cross country challenge
5. FAU 5k fun run (late start)
6. sarcoma cure 5k
7. buddy walk & 5k run

You can rule out 1 & 2 automatically. I'll make it easy for you this time. I could not resist the honor of being selected by an elite runner (Spencer) to be on a team & running among the elites (Josh & Bryan) with the goal of capturing the open male title currently held by BRRR; #4 was the choice. As a bonus, #5 was possible since it starts at 10 am.

This to me was much like the Miami Heat dream team (Wade, James & Bosh) and I felt like Udonis Haslem (a veteran but not on the level of the 4). The big three finished that way when the dust cleared, meaning our team swept the top 3 slots. They lead the lead pack (5 runners, 1 a top notch cross country champion female) all the way. I battled to emerge as the overall runner not in that pack (6th place) and beat my time of last year by about a minute. We dethroned last year's open cross country champions, the boca raton road runners & won the honor to host the race next year. Plus, on top of that, I will see my name among those great runners engraved on the team trophy, a first for me. Way to go runner's depot racing team! The individual medals stunk but the honor overrides that.

After that, I advised my teammates that I was going to do a fun run for additional training; only Spencer accepted the challenge. It paid off as he was 2nd overall, winning 1 of 9 awards available (top 3 men, women & FAU students). The event was for the FAU homecoming. I was 10th overall at the race, dropped 1 slot online after several hours. No award, but happy to still make the dirty dozen despite a dismal time. I did manage to beat all women. Post race was excellent, about 4 stars. The had homemade smoothies, even veggie sandwiches. In fact, this fun run was better than some races I have done.

Synopsis

An awesome weekend with three events, including 2 race wins, one as an individual & one as part of a team. Pleased to have done a bonus event. Congrats to George winning as usual in other races.

What the...

What the... fill in the blank. It's that kinda weekend. I was informed by Jolie's mom that my eternal partner's birthday was yesterday. What the.... I didn't realize. I miss her & wish her the best in the after life. I'm going up but just not in a hurry.

Saturday agenda-5k

I had 4 options, 2 possible on the same day (from furthest to closest):

a. bulldog 5kdash (Indigo lakes)
b. pumpkin run at FAU (evening at Boca)
c. michaels special 5k (Hollywood )
d. race for the cure (Miami)

Passed on a. & b. due to distance, b. & d. due to cost. After choosing c., all my friend said, 'What the...' when I told them I was gonna pass on b. also because it's a night race. My last experience racing up there was not so pleasant & I'd like to do a bang up job for the main event tomorrow. Since it was both an inaugural and for a cause, c. it was. I also was attracted to it because it featured athletes pushing riders (with disabilities). I thought this was a requirement until I discovered otherwise on race day. This put me at a slight disadvantage since I didn't wear racing flats but instead heavier ones with better traction. Now for Clint Eastwood style:

The good-I placed in top ten, got 2nd. Guaranteed hardware (finisher's medals to all)
The bad-gift certificates with denominations determined by place as awards; what the....
The ugly-footworks age groups (top overall only, and no master categories).

I was 2nd because of that (Jon W was 2nd overall but bumped me in my age group); what the.... Technically, the gift certificates were good considering the organizers were gonna Indian give (not give out age group awards despite advertising that on their brochures); what the.... Plus, those awards were redeemable at runner's depot; supurb!

Sunday agenda-race!

The following events were up for grabs:
1. muddy buddy (Portland, OR)
2. central FL women's sports festival (tri)
3. long leaf tri
4. 15k/30k training run
5. oleta trail run
6. Miami equalizer du/tri
7. homestead speedway (bike festival)

I passed on 1, & 2 due to distance, 3 for that plus would need a swimmer. I skipped 4 because its a fun run since no awards and 7 because its a fun ride. Since the trilogy award ceremony was to be held after #6, and knowing I planned on racing, I chose that over #5. The Miami equalizer du/tri is the last scheduled sprint for this year. The Olympic was also offered. I decided to du only as an individual, particularly since this was not part of a series. The weather, not including the wind, was nice, allowing for a great start. I was estimating about a 6:10 for the mile sprint but by the grace of God, I broke 6. Although hampered by the wind, the Lord allowed me to at least exceed 20 mph for a 20k ride. It was only my 2nd time using the disc, first in Miami. What truly amazed me was off the bike onto the anchor run. For the first time this season, I broke 20 (I was only 4 seconds slower than when I ran only a 5k the previous day)! Could it be the shoes (debut of Konas)? The post race featured pancakes I never got because they took too long to make them. Not much else to eat, it was quite disappointing. They gave finisher medals for olympic, medals for sprint category winners & plastic plaque for Olympic. Wooden plaques for trilogy series winners. Our team got ripped off since only 1 was given for 2 people to share; what the .... I was actually 3rd master but was given first in my age group. Florida fleet elite was the overall relay team champion. This team featured Spencer West as the runner. We both are a part of history with wins in the inaugural duathlon trilogy series.

Ten & tradition!

Ten! On a scale from 1-10, I am often rated as such but this time I'll give it to the weekend. In fact, today is all that-10/10-10! However, the weekend began yesterday & for some (not me), includes tomorrow (Columbus day); happy Columbus day. Traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition).

Saturday morning agenda-adva 5k

Before any main event, I need a tune up race; this was it. I haven't done this race in a few years due to its proximity (Delray). I remember that the post race was quite good but the awards were not (medals). In fact, I remember not getting one on the same day due to some snafu & waited weeks to get it in the mail. The weather was nice for the start but the temperature was rising quickly as the race progressed. I was barely in the top ten at the start but gradually, as people fell off, I advanced until ultimately I was third. My time could have been better, but without being pushed, I felt no need to 'kill' myself when I knew I had a championship on the line the next day. After George & I got our awards & bit of rest, off we went to Tradition.

Saturday agenda continues

Once we arrived, we picked up our packets, secured lodging then off to Cici's for carbo loading. I was aware of an evening 5k but made no plans for it. It is difficult for me to turn down a race so....

Saturday evening agenda-publix 5k

George was saying that he was gonna pass on this race. I was thinking, 'yeah, right'. Guess who was correct? I told him my plan was to run this easy, especially since the quality & quantity is typically low and the fact that the real race would be the next day. I stuck to this plan until the last half mile, where some youngster forced to me to move faster in order to defend my position. I was the 3rd overall runner but the results will show 4th by including a hand cycle athlete. George was 16th overall with his age group win. Unlike me, he ran the best he could. I usually avoid these 5ks due to the cost & the award (generic medal) but got caught up in the moment.

Sunday morning agenda-race!

I passed on the following events to conclude the publix duathlon series:

a. down2earth trail run (5k/10k/half)
b. the bare dare 5k (land o lakes, Fl)
c. girls wanna run 5k (women only)

As previously mentioned, traditionally, George & I go together to compete in the publix du championship; this was kept intact (tradition). This year, the race was held in-tradition! It's a town in port saint Lucie. Once again, the weather was cool but even better the wind subsided. This allowed for the debut of my disc wheel. This turned out to be an amazing event for me. The first mile was long, so my time appeared pathetic. My overall position barely made the top 25. The bike, however, was the best ever, almost clocking a 23 average. Despite that, it ranked 17, allowing me to advance a bit. During the latter stages, Lisa (the overall female) & I traded places but she edged me out with an aggressive move in the dismount area. With that & my poor transitioning, she was a country mile in front but still visible. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I felt strong & was steadily closing in on her. It took 2 1/2 miles to catch her, then I took over. Praise the Lord, I made the dirty dozen & beat all women in the process. Post race refreshments were superb but with no hot meal, 4 stars. We got a medal for the race but series winners also got a curved glass plaque. With elite missing, I won my age group for the series.

Awk 2 bray

Awk 2 bray, that's how October sounds to me in Spanish. What an interesting start of the month for me.

Saturday morning agenda-race!

I passed on the Jacksonville marine corps and the USAT national championship half due to the distance. On top of that, the latter requires swimming; not my cup of tea. So, I did yet another sickle cell 5k. This one was in cooper city & began at an odd time-7:15. This is my required tune up race to prepare for the main event. Once the race started, I knew that tactics would be necessary to not only conserve energy but to secure the best position possible. This is what came to pass; the finishing time was irrelevant. By the grace of God, I won the top master slot & trophy, setting the tone for the next race. Not a great post race but the awards made up for that.

Saturday night agenda-inaugural wine & dine half marathon

I chose this because of the following:

1. inaugural
2. my first night half, although as a relay
3. 1st time Disney offered a relay in any of their running endurance events

The challenge was not so much the race itself but rather the turn of events leading up to it. All that I planned on my end was falling into place; praise the Lord. Unfortunately, my teammate had problems. He got a flat last night that lead to this morning. He figured it would be a simple task so he waited kinda late. He was delayed further due to complications & wasn't sure he'd make it before the expo closing (4 pm). Ironically, he was worried previously if I'd make it after doing a 5k but everything went as scheduled for me; again, praise the Lord. Luckily, he sped like a NASCAR driver & got there in a nick of time. Step 2, we both had to make the transportation deadline. Because of that, the most rest I could get between the expo & that was a half hour. Disney made everyone park at EPCOT & then be bussed to either the starting line (wide world of sports) or for relay member #2 (me), the animal kingdom. Step 3, I had to wait over an hour & half before any athletes reached the 5 mile mark where we were positioned. The relay was divided as the start being an 8k while the anchor was a 13k. Gene prefers the shorter so he ran the 8k & was the 2nd fastest one in, putting pressure on me to perform. The longer the distance, the slower I get, but I generally fair better than him despite that when it comes to distance. I held the top male position until mile 7 when someone doing a 6 minute pace blew by. I managed to keep a near 7 minute pace, great for me in regards to that distance. We finished 3rd overall amongst over 600 teams & were runner up in the male division. Post race was great but logistics were horrific. I couldn't figure out how to exit & needed help, especially since time was of the essence.

Sunday agenda-5k

Title eliminates the 13.1 in Atlanta & the diva's half at long island (women only). Still had a great selection to chose from (from furthest to closest to my home): a. Dunns' run 5k & 5 miles b. race for the kids 5k c .race judicata 2010 Considering I am coming from Orlando, the furthest from my home was actually the closest and thus my selection. I left half past midnight & arrived half past 4. I, unfortunately, had to sleep in my car for a couple of hours so I already knew my performance would suffer. On top of that, the course goes over a bridge & there were some hills to contend with. In order to have a chance, I had to employ a technique I used years back at the edison festival of lights. I stretched then did striders. Despite the aforementioned conditions & the wind, I made the top ten and was able to win my age group. Although the post race was good, the awards were not; medals.

Honorable mention

* Spencer wins the sickle cell 5k
* Anton van zyl, runners depot teammate, won the disney half
* Jonathan won the disney 5k
* Jonathan was 4th overall at disney, wins age group
* Leo wins master in my absence at race for kids 5k
* George won age group at all the 5ks I did.