Out with the old '14

Out with the old '14

This is the final day of this year, 2014. Kinda glad to see it go in many ways. Time to recap the year with Conan Obrien's top ten (not necessarily in order), Clint Eastwood style. *=Many are the same as last year. + is positive, - is negative (still bad).

The good:

10. I am still alive. +
9. Still a member of Runner's Depot! +
8. I completed the space coast marathon, beating last year by over 2 hours
7. I completed 4 halves within the 1st quarter of the year.+
6. I owned my new Kia for 3 years, logging in 42k+ mostly from weekend racing!
5. First time as a 2nd half pacer in a full marathon; 2 hr.
4. Jon W and I ranked in athlink's top 20 most frequent racing, only 2 in all of FL with achievement.
3. 102 races completed, 7 years in a row with 100+ events.
2. 45-49 age group Elite series runner up.
1. The big 3 (LeBron James, Dwayne Wayne and Chris Bosh), and the Miami heat appear in the NBA championship again 4 times in a row!+

The bad:

10. Car problems, this time my elantra went down hard.-
9. Increase in number of races in which I did not place.-
8. I had to settle for 2nd overall a few times in some races that were winnable.-
7. Linda AD, I remain a victim of false promises and other emotional games -.
6. Recession (yes, they say it's getting better, but I don't notice it personally yet). -
5. Struggles to get under 21 in races, worse, never got under 19 (excluding short events)
4. Injuries and other set backs -.
3. Increase in race fees/expenditures
2. I failed to complete 2 races due to heat exhaustion.
1. Cant get any sleep (parties and celebrations). -

The Ugly:

10. Miami Dolphins seasons end without playoffs -.
9. Extreme difficulty forming teams as a team captain -.
8. August had record low in races (5).
7. No raise plus increase in insurance, office closures.
6. Credit card debt. -
5. I went to run like a bunny but race was cancelled (rain)
4. struggle to race under 21
3. Lost (didn't place) in at least 16 races (personal worst).-
2.  the Miami heat appear in the NBA championship and lost
1. only 1 overall individual win but never given an award.

Happy new year! See you next year.

Last weekend of the year!

Last weekend of the year!

Saturday agenda-race!

Only found a couple for the last Saturday of the month:

1. s florida fair 5k
2. zo's winter groove 5k

Even though the latter was closer and an inaugural, I picked the tried and true. I don't really care for the late start but by the grace God, I did pretty good. I almost broke 21 and I got 3rd master. I remember only getting the finishers medal in previous races.

Sunday agenda-race!

Only found a few for the last Sunday of the month:

1. biggest loser half/5k FL
2. Jacksonville marathon
3. boca 5k/10k

The latter was a no brainer to me since the former is in the panhandle & the other near Georgia. Despite having 2 distances, the 5k was a high quality and quantity field. By the grace God, I squeaked into the last slot of my age, with the best time in 2+ months. I went in thinking I'd get just the finishers medal but was determined to get a time better than yesterday since I was oh so close; praise the Lord, it came to fruition.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! obviously, no race today but that doesn't waive training. Unfortunately, I couldn't do the 12 miles of Christmas yesterday (noche Buena), but I did do a light workout today.

Winter wonderland!

Winter wonderland! Today marks the official first day of winter! However my weekend began yesterday.

Saturday agenda-race!

Here's what I considered for the last day of autumn:

1. holiday classic 5k/10k
2. frosty 5k
3. knights of charity 10k
4. marco island 5 miler
5. jingle bell 5k

Most races were on the west coast. Since #2 was sold out weeks in advance, I had to choose an alternative. #3 was it until I found the former at last moment. I really didn't want to run more than a 5k prior to an endurance event, so that became my choice. In hind sight, I am glad I didn't pick the latter, even though closest in proximity because the cropped the 2 toughest age groups together (45-49 and 50-54), giving me virtually no chance to place. The one I locked out of, I heard had over 800 participants. Mine wasn't too shabby either. The field was fast and the course challenging (steep bridge out and back, plus 2 hills and many turns)

Let me break it down clint eastwood style:

The good: finishers medal, podium (3 ag)
The bad: 3 ag, no where near top ten, late start (although in my favor this time)
The ugly: course, time

Sunday agenda-race!

Here's what I considered for the first day of winter:

1. Christmas sprint du/tri
2. jingle bell jog (ft laud)
3. lace it up on the levee 5k/10k

I might as well stay on theme, so I took the former (furthest from me). I did my final multi sport event of the year. I did a lot better than expect, considering all that's been happening to me. Check this out clint eastwood style:

The good: finishers medal, podium (1 ag), top ten
The bad: only 1 overall and master (I was 3rd)
The ugly: start (late plus most, including me, off guard with random call)

12 13 14!

12 13 14! That's today's date & will never be repeated!

Saturday agenda-race?

Here's what I found for today:

1. classics by the sea 5k/10k
2. river run 5k
3. north creek explorer
4. Seminole panther prowl 10k
5. edna Shalala 5k
6.  jingle bell run ft lauderdale
7.  jingle bell run

I did #4 earlier this year and enjoyed but I have the opportunity for a rare triple header, ruling that out. The former was too far, so I picked the next one, even though #6 maybe slightly closer. Even though I like #3, I opted for the latter since I haven't done it before and is closer to home.

Sunday agenda-race?

Here's what I found for this day:

1. 6 flags fiesta TX
2. powerman duathlon
3. jingle bell run
4. rotary run for tomorrow 5k/half
5. serena Williams ultimate run 5k, 1/4 marathon

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). While I like all of the remaining, I couldn't double or triple today. I know I didn't do #2 but not ready for that at this time. I didn't remember doing the middle event so off I went.

First weekend in December

First weekend in December is upon us!

Saturday agenda-race!

Check out my selection for the first Saturday of the month:

1. Spartan race CA
2. reggae marathon
3. jingle bell jog 5k
4. cca 5k
5. voice of love jingle bell jog
6. run for education 5k
7. tap n run
8. run for optimism 5k
9. 5k holiday 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL/US). La penultima (7) was a fun run, so its out. Incredibly, there were 4 races in my county (scratch 3,4)! I couldn't race them all but the choice was easy because the latter was put on my spencer's law firm! Also, it was an inaugural and his first as race director. Due to his popularity, he had the support of a high quality field, usually my demise. I set in my mind to break 21, even though I would likely not place. However, by the grace of God, I had my fastest time in months (under 21 and needed it), enabling me to win my age group.

Sunday agenda-race!

Check out my selection for the first Sunday of the month:

1. palm beaches marathon
2. kid inlet challenge (cycling)
3. its a wonderful run 5k
4. double dash 5k

You can automatically rule out the second since its a non running event. I planned on the former but cost was major deterrence. I like #3 but chose the latter due to my teammate, Emily. I am glad she asked me as this inaugural race was also the first time you must have a team in order to compete. She came off a stellar performance at jingle bell jog the previous day and repeated this day. Although I broke 21 again (praise the Lord), I was much slower. Fortunately, our combined time was the fastest of all co-relays. Therefore, 'salt and pepper' is here as champs!