Final weekend (May)

Final weekend (May) is upon us!

Saturday agenda-race!

Here is what I found on the last Saturday of the month:

1. VA wine country half
2. Spartan race NY, OH
3. singer island du/tri
4. chocolate sundae 5k
5. hero 5k
6. zoo 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). The last 2 were the closest since the remaining where in palm beach. The latter was THE closest one, therefore my choice.

I have bitter/sweet memories here, mostly sweet, but unfortunately, my last visit here is where I had a health issue. Even then, it was sweet since I was the first overall male; tainted victory since a woman beat me. It didn't look good at the start since it began raining and lasted over a half hour, the already late start (8) was delayed another 15 minutes, now the ground was all wet and as the sun came out during the race, the humidity and heat increased. By the grace of God, I lead the entire race (although a kid caught up by mile 1 then dropped) and won the entire race; nobody in front (other than rick on the lead bike)! While I got the glory, I was disappointed with the generic medal that showed various Olympic events and a torch but the flip side was totally blank; no idea what event it was for. My medal was exactly the same as an age group winner.

Sunday agenda-race?

Here is what I found on the last Sunday of the month:

1. rnr san diego marathon
2. Spartan race OH
3. the biggest loser half/5k PA
4. twilight 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 3 (out of FL). Guess what I did? Wrong! I actually decided not to race but did go for race walk training.

Memorial day weekend

Memorial day weekend is upon us! While most are out partying or at beach, don't forget that you are able to do that through the sacrifice of those soldiers who paid the ultimate price.

Saturday agenda-race?

Here is what I found for today:

1. mosquito 10k
2. soldier rush obstacle 5k
3. down 2 earth cross country 5k

Can you believe I didn't race? Its true. The former was on the west coast where there's brush fire. I am having enough trouble with standard races so forget about one with obstacles. The latter is similar to an upcoming race, so its better I rest for that. I pulled out my inlines for the first time since ..??

Sunday agenda-race!

1. Ottawa marathon
2. ives 5k
3. Miami man speedway edition

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL/US). I am not ready for another half iron duathlon and without a swimmer, I pass on the latter. Guess what I did?

This is the upcoming cross country race. Last year was 2 loops, this year improved to only 1. It got to be hot and humid. By the grace of God, I won my age group and got a nice trophy despite being misdirected, losing some time.

Monday agenda-race!

Happy memorial day! While there are plenty of events held this day, I only considered the following:

1. judicata 5k
2. pineapple 5k
3. memorial day classic 5k
4. Weston memorial day 5k

I passed on the former since it's located far on the west side of FL. The next was far but on same coast. I usually do the latter but chose the remaining.

Back to the clint eastwood synopsis:

The good: podium, finisher pie
The bad: heat, humidity, wind, no finisher medal, 2 sharp turnarounds
The ugly: barely made the podium (3 ag), time

My O!

My O! That's how this month sounds in Spanish.

Saturday agenda-race!

Here is what I had considered for today:

1. Spartan race TX, IN
2. Brooklyn half
3. keys 100 ultra
4. eric patrie 5k
5. covenant house 5k
6. tour of gables 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). Since I'm not on any team and not ready for an ultra, I pass on the next one. The latter is the most logical choice (closest in proximity) but of the remaining, I picked the only one I don't remember doing-#4.

I shall sum it up clint eastwood style:

The good: finished
The bad: no finisher medal, hot and humid
The ugly: time, didn't place

On this day, I am considered a zero since I returned the way I came, empty handed (no hardware).

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL).

Sunday agenda-race?

1. rnr Portland half
2. double race 15k/5k
3. fiu triathlon

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). Without a swimmer, I passed on the latter. Can you guess what I did?

This race is dubbed as the only event with a half time; that proved to be interesting. Due to cost, I passed on the main event (10+5k challenge) and at the last moment picked the less costly (yep, still pricey) 3+2k challenge. Despite feeling tired & lousy to the point I considered walking prior to the turnaround, the Lord blessed me by allowing me to win both legs, and thus, the overall challenge title. I received a high quality trophy (real marble base), unlike any in my 22+ year athletic career.

The good:  overall 5k champ (I won 2 races that equal that distance)
The bad: hot and humid
The ugly: entry fee.

After this accomplishment, I am considered a hero, having overcome the prior loss, current conditions & leaving with hardware. Redemption is sweet.

Mother's day weekend

Mother's day weekend is upon us!

Saturday agenda-race!

Here's what I found for this day:

1. Spartan race NY, MT, TX
2. santa Barbara wine country marathon
3. hammerhead bike ride 100/50k
4. miles for moffitt
5. live like jake 5k
6. women for women 10k/5k
7. hugs for hope 5k
8. run for the roses 5k

You can automatically rule out the first 2 (out of FL). With enough standard races, strike #3. #6 is not for my type. Although no race in Miami, I actually picked the latter because its closest in proximity.

In this race, it's often called 'catch them if you can' because the ladies get a 5 minute head start. This was held at a new venue but old in that many races are run at charnow park. Last time I ran here, I faded at the finish. Unfortunately, I barely made it under 22 but the good news is that I was able to win age group and that time was used on our repeat victory to place in the odd couple category. Despite my lousy time, we (Emily was my partner again) were the 2nd best team of them all. The finishers medal was good also.

Sunday agenda-race?

1. Spartan race MT, TX
2. laCroix mother's day 5k

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). Guess where I went?

Due to injury and expense, I did not race this but I did complete the event. Afterwards, off to see my parents, especially mom!

Cinco de Mayo weekend

Cinco de Mayo weekend actually starts before the celebrated day, which will be on Tuesday, but I need to name this weekend after something.

Saturday agenda-race!

Here's what I considered for the first saturday of May:

1. Spartan race CO
2. run4kayla 5k
3. big cardio 5k
4. glory run 5k

You can automatically rule out the former (out of FL). With enough local races, I pass on the next one. I wimped out and took the later-closest in proximity.

Considering my recent struggles, nothing really to write home about. Check it out clint style:

The good: finishers medal
The bad: time, course alteration (track under construction)
The ugly: internal problems, didn't place.

Sunday agenda-race!

Here's what I considered for the first sunday of May:

1. lake Avalon tri
2. tri Miami (& du)
3. westglades 5k
4. wings for life world run
5. walk for wishes 5k
6. sponsor an athlete 5k

With enough local races, I pass on the former. I am still in the run mode, so I skipped the next one. The last 2 were closest in proximity and would be the most logical choice.

Same as previous day (internal issues); check it out out eastwood style:

The good: finishers medal (if pre-reg), top ten & podium
The bad:  time, 2nd master (would be first if no health issues)
The ugly: course alteration (last half mile over grass)

I went from zero to hero over this weekend.