Final weekend (Sept)

Final weekend (Sept) is here. What can I squeeze in before it's over?

Saturday agenda-race!

Seems like all races were scheduled for today:

1. spartan VT beast (not sure today)
2. ft desoto du/tri
3. aia training run 15k/30k
4. flrunners invitational
5. run 10k feed 10
6. Miami children's 5k

Naturally, I passed on the former because it's out of FL. and #2 due to distance. #3 is not a race; strike 1. #4 is track & field and with standard races available, strike 2. #5 was run a 10k with women's health and seemed like a fun run (no categories), strike 3. I chose the latter!

It was hot & humid as expected. Mile markers but clocks. Unfortunately, for me, my pace was increasing (getting worse) as the temperature was rising; my time was sub-par. When the dust cleared, after a long wait, I was pleased to win my age group. This race was great in that all who finished got hardware. The icing on the cake are the category winners, especially overall, who got a free cell phone!

Sunday agenda-race?

I was aware of a few:

a. wineglass marathon
b. 5k fun mud run
c. golden panther chase

Naturally, I passed on the former because it's out of FL. Due to cost & fear of injury, #2 was ruled out, meaning I chose the latter.

I found out the hard way the race was moved to Saturday, conflicting with the race I did. I met a random female who said she was a start sign yesterday and a lot of cars parking. The only consolation I got was that I was not the only one. I met 2 who registered, 1 who even had a number that he picked up on Friday at early packet pick up. We ended up doing solo training runs. I did a mystery distance at a mystery pace. I estimate that at least 7 miles were completed.

Autumnal equinox

Autumnal equinox (fall) is upon us. Of course, it doesn't exist in Florida; we only have 2 seasons!

Saturday agenda-race?

I found 3 events:

1. 40th birthday bash
2. splash & dash (kid's aquathlon)
3. Spanish river youth cross country

Well, since I'm no spring chicken, you can rule out the last 2, leaving the former.

This fun run was GFLRRC's 40th birthday bash. I volunteered prior, then paced with some of best friends along the way to the finish. This way my way of giving back to the community. I had the pleasure of running alongside George, Jacky, Julie, Emily and Louis, utilizing various speeds.

Saturday agenda-race!

2 triathlons, club med or escape to Miami. Tough choice as I would enjoy both but can only be involved in one. We're 'back 4 more' @ the latter ! It was a bit windy, hot & humid as expected but not much sun. In fact, it rain but luckily prior, not during, or at least I didn't remember. Unfortunately for me, I tried to adjust the speed sensor while on the move & cut my thumb badly before even the first bridge. I had to suffer the entire ride bleeding. The competition in the Olympic race was stiff so we didn't place but we were rewarded with finishers medals. I am still elated to have my favorite teammates, Inga & Gene.

mid month crisis (Sept)

mid month crisis (Sept)! My dilemma continues, unfortunately.

Saturday agenda-race!

I found a few events:

1. Jeff Anna's firefighters 5k
2. prostate cancer 5k
3. ups 5k
4. coach to first class cross country

The latter was put on by a very good runner friend but I usually race 5ks. I chose the second over the remaining because I still have a bad taste in my mouth over paying more to get less (ups failed to deliver a tech shirt due to me) and the former was the furthest away.

I could still feel the humidity (& heat) despite overcast skies & rain (prior to start). I always hate racing at Huizenga park because of the course (bridge x2) and parking. Now add wet ground! For some odd reason, I struggled very bad, with times get progressively worse per mile. Despite a dismal time barely breaking 21, I got 3rd; Praise the Lord! Allan W showed but decided not to race, allowing me to squeak in & onto the podium. It was tougher also because only 1 master title given. All who placed got medals.

Saturday agenda-race?

Happy rosh hashanah! I was aware of a race (hooters to hooters 5/10 k) on the west coast, but just like the weather, I was feeling gloomy and on top of that, must regulate expenses since gas went up. Pulled out my bike and trained in the rain since I'm gonna need it for next week. Afterwards, cut grass until the gas ran out.

Pre terrorist attack day anniversary

Pre terrorist attack day anniversary (9/11) is approaching this Tuesday. I got in a couple of races this weekend prior to that reminder of cruel people who negatively changed how we live here in America.

Saturday agenda-race!

2 events were held to commemorate the above mentioned:

1. tunnel to towers run
2. 5k freedom run

I did the former as an inaugural last year along with another on the same day, so I chose the latter (first time doing it, not an inaugural).

Synopsis, Clint Eastwood style:

The good: won age group, top ten, 2 medals, 1=finisher
The bad: hot & humid, parking far away
The ugly: $40 entry fee, time, medal instead of master plaque

Sunday agenda-race!

Apart from Chicago half, I found another 2 events, both of which I like but could only do 1:

a. firefighter 5k
b. trilogy bonus round (finale)

I like to finish what I started, and since I already invest my $, the latter wins! I got the same teammates as last time. Prior to this event, we set both team & personal goals. The team goal of sub 1 hour was met. They met their personal goals, I failed. However, I did beat my last time & was the fastest cyclist of all relays today ! We beat all teams and A.C.T. Motivated is the best tri sprint relay of this year @ KB  trilogy! Thanx Fabi and Omar!

Running season begins!

Running season begins! It's the unofficial start.

Saturday agenda-race?

I considered the following:

1. legacy run 5k
2. john clay 5k
3. king of hill 5k + trail

The first 2 are on the FL west coast. Having just did that last week, I passed & selected the latter. However, I ran into many problems:

1. difficulty reaching the one responsible to team comps
2. failure to get registered (both above & on site, reasons following)
3. got lost trying to find vista view park (gps didn't recognize & vista view 360 brochure sent me 360)
4. back up getting into the park; can u believe they charged me 2 get into that dump?

Therefore, instead of a search & rescue (go for award), it became a search & recover (train &/or pace). I was my opportunity to give back to the community and Emily was selected. Along with Louis, she ran good & got 3rd in her class. I may have been the same had I raced hard.

Sunday agenda-race?

Found only 1, rnr half VA. I cant afford to travel at this time, so training it is. I got on my since I'm gonna need to race it next week. Very hot & humid and wind kick in mid-ride.

Monday agenda-race?

Happy labor day! Race? Yes! I had to travel but I did the canes cross country 5k. Although I failed to break 20, I at least made the podium (2nd to some local with low 19). It was hot & humid, lots of grass, roots & dirt.