Summer time!

Summer time! It's upon us. The longest day of the year (Tuesday) officially began the summer season. Mark my words, it already started down here in Miami! Sadly, this weekend also marks 2 years since Michael Jackson was murdered.

Friday agenda-doral business run

I decided to do this one because it was an inaugural. I had to get some time off of work to pull this off. I was expecting extreme heat & humidity (6:30 start) but instead got lots of rain. Let's sum it up Clint Eastwood style:
The good: I won my age group
The bad: time was among the worst
The ugly: no overall, master or any place other than first in age group

Saturday agenda-race!

Seems like everybody picked this day schedule events. Unfortunately, I could only pick one:

1. rnr Seattle marathon & half
2. spartan death race (VT)
3. sugden 5k
4. freedom 5k

I automatically passed on anything outside of FL. I like the last 2 but could do one. #3 wins because I return as defending champion. Unfortunately, I'm not in as great shape. By the grace of God, I was able to fight off another master in the final mile & take the top master title. Ironically, I was 4th overall, as in the past. I was honored with a picture framed of the starting line of the inaugural race ever for elite & of this series ( I picked that). Jon W was 2nd overall.

Sunday agenda-train

The only local race I could find was a trail one at Oleta. There was also a tri in clearwater but with no swimmer, that's off. I decided to train & pulled out my inlines. I rolled a 10k then followed with 2 sprints (run element). It was a change of pace.

Congrats to all who raced.

Father's day weekend

Father's day weekend is upon us. Celebrated commercially tomorrow but all good dad deserve recognition daily. Have a happy one!

Saturday's agenda-race!

Although there were choices, a 5k was elusive.

a. muddy buddy (NY)
b. mid Atlantic spartan sprint (adventure in VA)
c. summer sizzler 5k
d. Tarzan's cup 5k/10k (adventure)

Due to finances, I pass on anything outside of FL. I contemplated the last one but it's a little pricey. So with the offer to carpool, I chose the remaining.

It was hot & humid as expected. On top of that, the trip was long (west coast of FL) and I had to help drive. I woke up really early (1:30) to get ready for this also. With my current struggles and those factors, I was fortunate (blessed) to win my age group & be in the top ten. Not happy with my time but satisfied with the position & results. Since only 1 place was given for overall, masters, grandmasters & senior grandmasters, I had to settle for a generic medal instead of a trophy.

Sunday's agenda-race!

This was the first race of the trilogy series. Spencer & I come in as defending duathlon relay champions. They offered a sprint & international for triathlon but it didn't matter since I'm a du'er, not a tri'er! I was afraid of disastrous results since it rained & was extremely windy Saturday night. Well, God is good. The external conditions were good (low wind & dry) and this time, internal conditions were as well; I felt strong.

Spencer delivered as expected posting the fastest run splits of all duathletes. I tried hard not to hold back the team. This year, I focused solely on one discipline, the bike. Based on last year, I made a dramatic improvement of about 4 minutes! Believe it or not, the team we beat was a minute faster on the bike split despite my average being only 2 seconds off of 22! We won game 1 and are 2 away from a successful title defense. Plus, we had the 3rd fastest overall time of all duathletes; thank you Lord.

Drought

A Drought is evident as there has been a lack of rain for months. However, the Drought I'm speaking of is in regards to running. First of all, I haven't broken 19 and the year is almost half done! Second, this weekend, there were no races within my normal range other than track and field. Finally, the Miami heat after game 3 in Dallas. First time they lost 3 in a row but at an inopportune time-the finals.

Saturday agenda-train

I learned of a track and field event in miramar last night, which was insufficient time to participate. Therefore, I could only train. Since I cycle weekdays, I chose to roll again. This time, I cut it to a 10k so as not to fatigue prior to the next day. I followed it with 2 sprints to satisfy the run element.

Sunday agenda-race!

The buddy muddy (ATL) caught my eye but is quite distant. I remained 'home' & returned to the NW track & field classic. This year, I only did the 1500 meter racewalk and the 3000 meter run. Somebody jogged to catch me from behind to take the racewalk title from me; I settled for 2nd overall. However, I have no excuses for the 3K; I simply got beat so I settled for 2nd in age group. I didn't feel well after these events so I forfeited the 400 meter dash (would have had to wait nearly 4 hours). No MVP this year but I take my medals & run. This was my speed training for the week.

Hurricane season

Hurricane season began officially this past Wednesday, so this weekend is the first since that. Already disaster has struck but not due to a hurricane; the Heat lost for the first time in the playoffs at home! A game they should've won considering they were in the lead by 15 with 5+ minutes remaining.

Saturday agenda-race!

Based on the races I considered, the choice was simple:

1. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
2. 13.1 Chicago
3.7k for amputees in Haiti

I chose the latter & raced within my county. I came in as defending champion but knew I would lose this title to someone; question was, who? I thought Walthon would but some young guy did, costing me the sole master title, even though I was 3rd overall! Not happy with my time but happy I withstood attack from 2 other master legends, Keith and Fred, plus any other runner, whether I knew them or not. I love the race director but organization was not so good (admittedly) due to the number of activities planned. Except for overall, the medals were not available on site (to be mailed) but I am pleased that the recognition was, as the normal ceremony (less awards) was there & pictures were taken. I applaud them however for their efforts because it takes guts to try to improve. It was family oriented & offered a festival, free to participants.

Sunday agenda-race

Based on races I considered, the choice was also simple:

a. new york spartan sprint (adventure)
b. RNR San Diego marathon & 1/2
c. twilight 5k

Remain local! I planned on c., eliminating the rest but believe it or not, I was convinced by the master of ceremonies, Berta, to pass on this for a get together with friends I have known within my running 'career'. You know she is good if she can get the runner who has & could win again at c., Ronnie Hollassie. On top of that, the legendary Fred Franklin. Everybody knows there is a better chance of the Panthers getting to the playoffs than convincing me to skip a race but her timing was right. In addition, another legend Louis Best was there. I was happy to see Jose & Selma after so many years, plus Dee with Ronnie's child. We got to watch the heat take control of the series so it was a great day despite not racing.

Of course, I did train! Since I hadn't rolled in a while, I pulled out my inlines & did 12 miles in the morning, battling the wind. Lucky for me, I was only a minute off my time.