circumstances

Many decisions and/or activities can be altered by circumstances. This was the case this winter weekend. I decided to close out my last race weekend (next week is actually the last but races are difficult to find) of the year with a triple header! I had to pass on the inaugural royal 5k due to cost & day of week (Thursday).

Saturday agenda-race!

Of the list of races available, I was able to select 3; woo hoo!

1. classics by the sea 10k/5k
2. turn on the light 5k
3. its a wonderful run 5k
4. n creek explorer 5k

Ironically, all the races were timed by Accuchip.

First race = #2

I dont remember if it was an inaugural but it was my first time doing it. To my dismay, some of the best masters showed up. By the grace of God, I managed to get 3rd master & place in the top ten despite barely breaking 20; circumstances. However, I didn't know this until later because I left immediately after crossing the finish line. On top of that, I could not pick up the award because of that. Due to the failure of by designee, I have to wait to next year to pick it up far far away.

Second race = #3

This become one of the most memorable races of year because of the outcome. I arrived over 3 minutes late (considered lucky) due to the car accident that occurred at the entrance to tradewinds prior to the first race. That caused the race to be delayed 15 minutes, the thing I most feared. I began last under all and by the grace of God, advanced to the 'spirit of' 76 overall despite using a training pace (8 minutes per mile). On top of that, the pathetic time I logged in qualified to place in my age group! I stuck around for the festivities & some rest because the day is not over.

Third race = #4

I didn't have to worry about the timing since hours separated this from the previous event. However, it had been raining since the 1st 2 events. I forgot that last year, the top ten overall not only qualified for the honor but also free entry into this event; can you say title defense? Praise the Lord, it came to pass. However, I was 3 seconds slower than last year. If it's any consolation, I won the 40-44 age class for the last time & got a trophy; all others get a medal. Also, the time was the best of the day! They had a pretty good post race & loved the long sleeve cotton shirts, previously the best you get until tech shirts were invented.

Sunday agenda-race!

Much easier to decide:

a. parkland 5 mile
b. jcc 5k (Dade)

Proximity rules! However, to my dismay, some of the best masters showed up (Jon W & Walthon) to take the top titles. Despite a pathetic time, I still won my age group and placed within the top ten. For all the races I arrived on time, I made the top ten; circumstances to praise the Lord. This race tied the top position of all the races, 6th overall. Except for the titles, medals were given. Decent post race festivities.