last leg

I call this weekend last leg because its the last time I race in this age category.

I am forced to graduate to the next level, which unfortunately, is even more difficult than the one I'm in. Also, my right side torso has been bothering me for a few days, kinda having me run on my last leg.

Saturday agenda-race!

Here's what I was aware of in terms of races:

1. muddy buddy (Orlando)
2. sharks tooth 10k (Venice)
3. rayz awareness 5k (ormond beach)
4. Rooney's 5k (Jupiter)
5. walk to cure diabetes (boca)
6. aids walk (sobe)
7. 7 mile bridge (keys)

Thanks to the rising gas prices, it was easy to eliminate any event not in the quad-county area; strike 1,2,3. The last one has a virtually impossible entry system & as far as I'm concerned, overrated (entry sys & cost). On top of that, I would not place even if I had a PR. I passed on the charity 'fun run' types, leaving #4.

Unlike Caroline M, I didn't do my research, & found out the hard way that this was a high quality race. On top of that, high quantity, with over 600 registered. Plus, I had to contend with an injury I got after training at the STOL run. By the grace of God, I was able squeek in and make the podium. 3 gals got by me but I staved off the 4th.

The post race party I have to rate as 6 star, first time I ever did that. Why? It was a professionally catered breakfast that featured pancakes, eggs, french toast (best I ever dad), and potatoes in addition to sausage & bacon, all hot. Tradition drink plus orange juice. Best I've had all year, including the distance races. Happy I got another glass award.

Just last week, I failed to beat the bear at the Karhu 5k. I redeemed myself by beating the bunny this day. The prize paled in comparison. I got a t-shirt but missed out on free shoes; oh, well.

Sunday agenda-race!

There was a better selection of events today but I could only choose one:

a. Iron girl half  5k
b. the Phil 10k
c. race for the magic bullet 5k
d. pines 5k pursuit
e. nautica triathlon

You can rule out a.=women only. e. requires a swimmer & the lack of that removed it from my schedule. I heard good things about b. from a friend who did the inaugural last year but due to rising gas prices, I pass. Since I had success the previous day with Accuchiptiming scoring that event, I stuck with them today; d. is out!

Although this was a low quantity race, enough quality showed up to concern me. In fact, that plus the fact my injury worsened, cost me the master title & the wonderful glass trophy I once won in the past. It was so bad, I was back in the position of praying that I place at all, just like the previous event.

It turned out to be an interesting race. I noticed pre-meditated collaboration between a female contender for overall title & a male runner for an opposing racing team. Meanwhile, there was woman representing my racing team, Runners depot, who was in second place approaching mile 1. Once my injury started to subside, I decided to help pace her to victory. We got past them after about a mile & a half. She stuck with until the sprint zone whereas I took off. This time I wanted to beat all the woman, reversing my fate of the Rooney 5k. Except for 3rd overall, the top 5 all broke 19 and consisted of master runners. I was the first overall male who didn't break 19!

This one featured a 5 star post race, since it had pancakes & eggs plus those meats. However, the eggs didn't compare to that of Rooneys. Not so happy that only medals were given to age groupers but it beat the alternative. I've had worse. At least these had info & had 3D image. I improved in position but not in time. Course had bridges & 2 sharp turn arounds plus my internal condition.