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.