Pre Halloween (last in October) weekend

Pre Halloween (last in October) weekend is upon us! Most events seem to be themed toward that holiday.

Saturday agenda-race!

Here's what I have found for the last Saturday of the month:

1. Spartan race CA, SC
2. the biggest loser off road race CA, SC
3. right to fright costume 5k
4. every boob counts 5k
5. monster dash 5k
6. Halloween half & freaky 4 miler

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). I passed on the latter, even though closest in proximity, due to the running distance. Although still far (near boca), #5 was the next closest in proximity. Except for the wind, external conditions were good (cool, not so humid). Despite that, somehow I struggled (tired prior and during). Im gonna sum it up, clint style:

The good: podium (1 ag), top ten, finisher medal
The bad: wind, ag medal
The ugly: missed the master title by 26 secs, beat by 2 women, still not under 21

Sunday agenda-race!

Here's what I have found for the last Sunday of the month:

1. Spartan race CA, SC
2. marine corps marathon
3. rnr LA half
4. ironman 70.3 Miami
5. run for life 5k
6. flanigans rockin' rib run 10k
7. fau homecoming 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). With no swimmer, strike out #5. By the grace of God, I was able to do the last 2, getting in my last double header of the month.

Morning agenda-flanigans rockin' rib run 10k

I remember the inaugural last year and that field was fast enough, so I knew I really didn't have a chance. What pissed me off is that I felt tightness and some injury prior to and during the race, forcing me to a marathon shuffle just to finish. Praise the Lord, I did finish, unlike an elite runner I saw coming back on the side. It was my worst 10k ever but I was more concerned with whether or not I could complete my double header mission, so I didn't worry too much about my pace. Sadly, I couldn't blame anything on the weather because it was nearly ideal.

Evening agenda-fau homecoming 5k

The good: podium, time better than first race
The bad: 2 ag, hot afternoon race, course, not top dozen
The ugly: beat by 2 women, still not under 21

The trick was internal condition that affected my time and placement. However, despite that, my treat from the heavenly father above was complete 3 races over this weekend and leave with some kind of hardware (includes finisher medals) in each event.

Ock 2 bray

Ock 2 bray. That's how October is pronounced in Spanish. This also mark just past the mid month crisis.

Saturday agenda-race!

This is what I found for this day:

1. Spartan race MS
2. Sanibel 10k
3.trick or trot trail 5k
4. zombie rush 5k
5. run for the money 5k
6. 5k ghost run
7. race for the cure 5k

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). I planned on a double header since #3 was a night race but it got cancelled. I passed on the furthest (2,3) and the closest (7), leaving the remaining in palm beach. I took the closest one of those (6).

The weather was nice for a change (upper 60s, no wind, low humidity). Despite good external conditions, my internal conditions (tired and tight, with some knee issues remaining) cost me the age group win. With a podium appearance, i will count my blessings.

The good: podium, plaque, weather
The bad: travel, 2nd ag
The ugly: time, injury, beat by 3 women

Sunday agenda-race!

Here's what on the docket this day (a plethora of events):

1. the biggest loser 5k/half WI
2. Toronto marathon
3. Detroit marathon
4. atlantic city marathon
5. rocktoberfest 10 miler
6. wellington 10 miler
7. long boat du/tri
8. freedom ride
9. sarcoma 5k
10. buddy walk and 5k run
11. spooktacular 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 4 (out of FL/US). With current internal condition, not ready for the next 2, so i'll stick 2 what i do best with the remaining; Still a lot to choose from. I didn't feel like the travel for #7. With enough running races, strike out the ride. I should've taken 10 since I don't remember doing it but I decided latter over the other, even though I like both.

The good: podium, cool weather, time better than yesterday
The bad: humidity, 2nd ag, the course
The ugly: burned out sooner, beat by 3 women

I enjoyed the number of choices, especially sunday. Unfortunately, it can cause regret when you see hind sight that you could've done better elsewhere, as I did.

Columbus day weekend

Columbus day weekend is upon us! I discovered the hard way that I don't get that day off at my job.

Saturday agenda-race!

Most races were scheduled for today:

1. Spartan race UK
2. rnr Brooklyn 10k
3. adva race for hope 5k
4. schott 5k
5. pursuit of honor 5k
6. super hero 5k
7. hand in hand for Haiti 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/US). I have been to all but #6 but wasn't sure if that gave out normal awards, so I ruled it out. I decided on the furthest because it started the soonest (7:30 am). However, in hind sight, the latter not only was the closest in proximity but would've earned me the best position (top 3) and award (plaque). As history wrote, clint style:

The good: podium! both 5k & 10k available (I did the former)
The bad: far, hot & humid, generic medal
The ugly: only 1 overall & master, no t-shirt

Sunday agenda-race?

These are the events I considered for this day:

1. the biggest loser 5k/half
2. Chicago marathon
3. staten island half
4. ironman tri kona
5. rocketman FL tri
6. BK beach run 5k
7. Columbus day du/tri
8. shark shuffle 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 4 (out of FL/US). With no swimmer, knock out #5. The next started too late (8:30). I didn't prepare for a du so I chose the latter. Nothing to write home about:

The good: podium! improved both in time & position
The bad: windy & humid, generic medal
The ugly: I missed a master slot & plaque by 14 seconds, beat by 2 women in last mile.

I discovered I have a lot to do to get back to where I was. Wish me luck.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the jewish day of atonement began before the first weekend of October.

Saturday agenda-race?

Here's what I found for the first Saturday of the month:

just one, run for the animals. I had to travel far for this one, but worth it considering:

The good: won age, made bakers dozen, plaque, finishers medal
The bad: the travel
The ugly: late start, hot and humid

Sunday agenda-race?

Here's what I found for the first Sunday of the month (much more):

1. six flags over texas 5k
2. rnr half marathon OH, CA
3. rnr Lisbon half and full marathon (Portugal)
4. dunns run
5. KB half marathon

You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL/US). I need to do the latter but chose the remainder.

The good: external conditions (cool front came through)
The bad: some wind, the bridge (not too bad incline but the grating bad for my feet)
The ugly: didn't place, time, internal condition

Rare Monday agenda-Portland  half & full marathon

Sadly, I went from hero to zero over this weekend.