December 2011

Brandon Half Marathon and 5k Sunday December 4 Brandon Fl.

Another great event as always from the Brandon runners group. You can review the event as a whole in last years Dec 2010 blog when I ran the 5k and PR'd. Knew this year what not going to be a PR of the Half since I had only been able to train about 4 miles in the last week and half because of a hamstring strain. Did not even know if I would be able to make it through, but was going it a try. Also had a friend Jason H and Jennifer W running the half with me. My friend Bill L was doing the 5k.

Great thing about this event was the Groupon coupon on-line where I was able to do it it half price!!! Gotta love that!

Did the day before packet pickup as usual with no problems. Rode with Jason and got there about an hour before the start. Met Jennifer and discussed the course and other stuff. Saw Bill going in for his packet. Then I saw my high school friend Trixxi coming out of Sports Authority. Told her there would be no rematch from last years event since I was not doing the 5k, She stated she told her mom she really wanted to do the Half. I told her to tell her mom she could run with us. So was able to get it changed and lined up with us. I mentioned all I wanted to do was try go out about 8:50 to 9:00 minute pace. Jason and Jennifer were okay with that and so was Trixxi. At least we thought she was.

As the gun went off so did Trixxi sprinting away from us. We went out with a nice even turning out of the parking lot and onto Lumsden Ave. We passed 1/2 mile and I noticed we were running a 8:30 pace, but I knew the interstate overpass (big hill) would slow us down a little. Sadly not much as we hit mile 1 at 8:31. I felt okay and so did the hamstring so I thought I would go with it. Also it was very nice to have running partners for once. We turned onto Faulkenburg Blvd for the long out and back. We slowed just a tad with second mile being 8:36 as we got some water from the station positioned about every two miles. Crossing Hwy 301 was interesting to see such a big road being stopped for a race. Pace was still going pretty even and legs felt okay. Did mile 3 in 8:38. So much ahead of my pace did worry me a little.

I was nicer to run along and have conversations with someone instead of just focusing on the route. Of course, Jason and Jennifer were doing more of the talking since I still had a little bit thinking about the hamstring. Mile 4 was 8:48 and gave way to Mile 5 as we turned onto Parkway Center heading towards the "dump." It was here where we saw Trixxi again. Remember she had sped off from the start. As we were passing mile 5 doing it a little slower at 9:01 we saw Trixxi passing on the other side passing mile 6. She looked like she had a very good steady fast pace going. Yelled over and gave her the thumbs up. Maybe that inspired us to pick up the pace and do mile 6 in 8:47.

After we turned back onto Faulkenburg Blvd we passed the halfway point in 56:37. We passed mile 7 with a 8:54. I knew my body started to feel it a little so I told them they could go on , but they stated they would stay with me.We did the turnaround and started the turn back on Faulkenburg Blvd. There was a slight wind in out face they made it harder to keep the same pace. Still we did mile 8 in 8:48.

My body was really starting to feel it and I made the mistake of thinking there would be gels on the course. Should have asked to be sure and would have brought some with me. As we neared mile 9 I knew I would be slowing down some. We did mile 9 in 8:51 and again told them to keep up the pace, but I could not. They started to pull away. The last 10 mile I tried to use a slow down catch my breath and body so I could make a good run the last 3 miles. I did mile 10 in 9:37. The slowed down did not help. The very low number of training miles was hitting me hard.

The last 3 miles was very exhausting on me. Not much to state except I did the final 3 miles in 10:15, 11:12, and 12:54. Had to walk up most of the overpass. I will state that even breaking 2 hours disappeared it was nice to see friend and family cheering me on the last 1/10. It helped inspire me to at least sprint to the finish in 2:03:55. 23rd out 30 in my age group and 198 overall out of 319.

Considering it was my second Half Marathon and hardly no training miles the week and half before I did not feel to bad with that time. Especially since my hamstring held on the whole race. Now it is time for a week off to make sure it is okay and training for 2012!!!

October 2011

Frakenfooter Half Marathon and 5k Saturday October 29 Starkey Park New Port Richey Fl

Finally it was here! It had been on my calendar for a long time as my first Half Marathon. I picked this one since it was a smaller in size event. So no hussle and bussle of big crowds. Just focus on one foot in front of the other. I had signed up for the Half and my son had signed up for the 5k. Even thou it was just an hour from home I used some travel points to stay at a hotel close as to not have the hour drive in the morning.

I had been training for this for about 5 months even with running in other events. Goal for the race written on the regristration copy taped in front of me in my office so I would see it everyday was 1:59:59--break two hours!

We stopped by for packet pickup the night before (I like to have my stuff as to not worry about the morning of) and all we found at the park was a U Haul truck opened up with a young girl. Took her awhile to find both our packets. wanted to ask a couple of questions with my son running the 5k and waiting around for me, but she had no answers for me. They did have allot of "spooky" decorations up for the event thou. Very nice yellow neon long sleeve tech shirt--its a keeper!

Arrived back in the morning with a misty rain. It was very dark with not much lights anywhere. Glad we went by the night before so we knew where to go and park. Walked to the pavilion to ask some questions. The walkway from the parking lot to the pavilion was decorated with spider webs, skeletons, and ghostly lights. Thought this was a nice touch, but lights in the parking lot would have helped.

Was instructed that the start would be delayed about 15 minutes because of the rain. Did not plan on warming up since the thought was the half would be warming up enough. The plan since the half and 5k started and went out together for the first 2 1/2 miles was to run with my son doing a 8:45 pace so I could get an even pace going and have my son going with a decent time to try and place in his age group.

As with every race I pray by myself or with my son at the starting line. We had lined up at the starting line and as I was finishing praying my son said "They started." Never heard any instructions or start signal at all. Just people moving.We made our way down the road in the darkness dodging as many puddles as we could. Luckily as we made our way onto the main road we could see a little better. Noticed we were at an 8 min pace so slowed us down a little. At the Mile 1 mark I noticed we were at a 8:47 pace so going good. We also came to an open area so you see even better and thankfully the rain was stopping.

Made the turnaround at the front of the park and glanced down to see we were still on pace. Pointed out a boy who looked his age and asked if he wanted to track him down. He did so I told him to not get water at the station and use the water bottle I had in my hand. We sped up just a little and passed him just around the Mile 2 marker which we did that mile in 8:29. A little fast, but feeling okay. As we came to the separation point at about the 2.6 mark I told him he needed to sprint out the last 1/2 mile to finish strong. I gave him my water bottle to take with him, gave each other a fist pump, instructed him to be back at that point in an hour and half to help me finish, and off him went sprinting to the finish. Good for him he finished in third in his age group!!

I was at the point of no return now with over 10 miles left. I was feeling good and excited! Finished the third mile in 8:38 and started to pass a few of the runners. Offered support to each one I passed. Noticed a woman walking back and assumed she had some injury. Felt bad for her. Was really in a grove and had picked up the pace by running mile 4 in 8:14. It was really quiet out on the cemented trail that winds through Starkey Park. Felt like it gave me time to focus thou. Received some much need water at the stations positioned every couple of miles. They were manned by costumed volunteers. Gave me a nice laugh!

Mile 5 had me passing a barefoot runner who kept trying to run in the grass next to the cemented trail, but was getting sandspirs or something and had to keep stopping. Had a couple of curves and short turns so did it in 8:45. Mile and passing a few more, but also seeing some of the faster runners returning back. Offered up kudo's for a great job so far! I think seeing the faster runners inspired me so I did it in 8:17. Kept trying to keep an easy and even pace going as I neared halfway of the race. Noticed I was ahead of schedule with 55:40. Finished up mile 7 going over a short uphill climb with a 8:35 mile. The turnaround of the half marathon was about at the 7 1/2 mark and offered some much needed gel. I walked a few steps to get it down with some water and started the way back home. With the slow down I did mile 8 in 8:56 which was a little over pace, but okay.

I was joined by two woman runners who said they had been tracking me for about 4 1/2 miles. I ran with them for awhile and we discussed how my son and I were running together in the beginning. I stated I hoped he listened to me when I stated I wanted him back at the 1/2 to go separation point to lead me in. Their pace was a little faster than mine at that part and they started to pull away. Mile 9 was right on pace at 8:48, bu t I was really starting to feel it by then. I downed another gel pack, but had no water to wash it down, Bad move! Had that taste in my mouth for awhile until I hit the next water station where I walked through to get extra cups. That made mile 10 pace at 8:57.  A little high, but still okay.

I knew by calculations that unless I "bonked" I would make my goal of 1:59:59 with ease. Miles 11 and 12 were not easy by any stretch with times of 8:55 and 9:39. I know I needed to pick up the pace as to not just finish under my goal, but to do it running. As I near the 1/2 mile to go I wondered if my son would show up. Like clockwork out him came. He showed me his medal (they gave out to all runners-halfs and 5ks) and told me he came in 3rd in his age group. He helped pace me in and then sped up to take my picture as I crossed the finish line.

DONE! DID IT! FINISH! CROSS IT OFF THE LIST!!

Finishing time of 1:55:10. Almost 5 minutes under my goal!

Received my medal, took the chip off, and received much needed liquids. We made our way back to the pavilion for some pancakes for breakfast. Plenty of food and drinks on hand. Sadly bananas showed up much later. Went out and took so more pictures of the decorations and his mug (?) award and waited for half awards/door prizes. We waited and waited and waited. Even thou I assumed I did not place we stayed to double check with the door prizes they were giving out, but it took a long while. The also gave out the fastest costume runners and the best costume runner. Best one was the Glee cheerleader, but also there was Superwoman, a bumble bee and a few more.

All in all a pretty good event with some hiccups with the darkness-need lights, Rain--cannot control, and quicker results/awards! Was still veyr happy with my first Half Marathon time of 1:55:10 placing 5th in my age group and 26th overall out of 86. Will consider doing this one again next year is schedule allows!!

November 2011

Turkey Chase 5K/Mile Saturday November 19 Bartow Fl

Back in Bartow for another event with the Bartow Parks and Recreation group. This was the third year of this event and they had a 5k, a 2k, and a Walk/Wag with your pet event. They all started at the same time with the 5k runners up front, then a gap in between the 2k'ers, and a gap between before the pet group.

Arrived and simple enough was picket pickup and also dropped off some canned goods for the homeless they were taking. Saw my friend Sebastian again and asked his son (dad doesn't speak english) when his dad's birthday was. He told me in February so I still got a couple of months. Went out and warmed up with my son who was going to do the 2k. Another skate park close by got him out of bed to come. Another good friend Bill L and his son was there also. Nice cool day--love Florida!

Course starts on Jackson Ave behind high school. Head slight downhill to Georgia St going uphill to Hibiscus Dr. Pretty level pass the 1/2 mile mark as you turn on Soledad Avevinda. Going downhill the 2k runners turn back on Jackson Ave while the 5k'ers curve onto Clower St. The 1 mile mark gets you turning on Shumate Dr for a nice long downhill and slighty back up as you turn onto Stuart St. You turn on Jackson and turn into a small park. You go around a little lake passing mile mark 2 that is all flat before going back out on Jackson Ave. Turning right on Stuart St you get a big uphill climb before turning on Orange Ave with a slight downhill. Turn on Georgia St passing the mile 3 marker as you turn on Jackson St for the final 1/10 to the finish line.

Everyone lined up got instructions and off we went. Long story short form the start I seemed to be enjoying the day instead of going all out to PR. Kind of surprising, but was enjoying the moment. Still had a good pace going with hitting 1/2 mile with 6:40 pace. Passed Mile 1 marker at 6:47 so was still feeling good as I pass a couple of runners. As I came into the little park off of Jackson I could see my son had finished the 2k and was being interviewed. A women passed me right before the Mile 2 marker which was second mile pace of 7:05.  As I went to go out of the park and back onto Jackson my son let me know he was first overall in the 2k and Bill L's son Brady came in third==pretty cool!! Turned onto Stuart with the big uphill and another runner passed. Turning on Orange I could see a high schooler slowing down and "tossing his cookies" multiiple times, but kept right on going. Pulled up next to him as we came to Mile 3. Third mile pace of 7:17 still not bad. Told the boy "Let's sprint for the finish." Luckily he held his cookies down as he toasted me in the sprint. Finished in 21:56. Well off a PR, but for once did a race with a "just enjoy it " attitude. Even with that was still first in my age group and 12th overall out of 133.

Really enjoy the Bartow events and seemed to be organized and staffed ver ywell, but the same ugly cloud from the other event showed up again. The enormous wait for results and awards. This was not chip timed and they manually wrote down your times and place when you finished. Knowing we were still going to go by the skate park we almost left. After about 45 minutes from the first "We are almost done" the awards started. I discussed with the director that seems to be my only negative point from his events and he assurred that would be top priority to get fixed. Time will tell--no pun intended!

Fishhawk Turkey Trot Thursday November 24 Fishhawk Fl

Turkey day again in Fishhawk! Only problem was that I felt my hamstring starin even more on my training run a few days before. Knowing I had a half marathon the next week I decided to sit this one out and go and watch. I had my niece and friend Bill L running so I videotaped and offered support. Vidoes of the start and finish are on Youtube. In a short time this event has exploded in numbers. With around 500 in 2009 and 920 in 2010 they really increased by having over 1500 just in the 5k. That is not including the kid's fun runs. They also moved from the high school to across the road with set up in the Publix shopping center.

A large day of regristartion again made for long lines. Luckily they were plenty of volunteers on hand to help. The starting line was on the main road of Fishhawk and started with a nice long downhill. I choose to go out about 200 yrads in the median and film the start. After a short delay and some instructions the gun went off. They had a lead car with a timer clock in the back for the lead runners. Funny thou that someone was getting in the car as the start gun went off and the first few runners had to go around the car before it sped off in front by them. Luckily no one was hurt. Was cool to see all the runners go by as I was in the median surrounded. As the last few passed I turned with the video camera to show all the runners in the downhill. Just a mass of people.

Cannot give you a review of the course, but map is below. I do know there were a few ups/downs. Of course with the nice downhill at the start meant for a not so nice uphill for the finish. Allot were struggling with that. Seemed like everything went according to plan with the event and did not hear any negatives. Wish I could have done it, but glad I got to at least watch and rest my legs for the hupcoming half. Hopefully I can get some miles in. Did not stay for awards, but did have plenty of food/drink afterwards. Results were posted quick also.

September 2011

River of Life's Run for Life Saturday September 3 Riverview Fl

This was the first event put on by River of Life church that decided to make this event a fundraiser for the Bloomingdale Library Survivor. The family stated they did not want thier daughter know as a victim anymore, but as a survivior of the terrible attack. She was actually there for the award ceremony. Nice touch and what a blessing she is!!

 

The event was held at the Riverview High School football stadium. Course was two loops. You started on the track and went around once then out through the parking lot and around the perimeter of the school. You came back through the parking lot and into the stadium to start loop 2. Pretty simple course layout. There was just to many changes in terrain. You went from the track, to the sidewalk, street, sidewalk, hard packed dirt, grass, street, and back on the track. There was a big day of regristartion signups and where the table was it made for a backup so the race started a little late.

 

Having not run a good 5k in awhile I was looking as always to PR. Weather was warm and sure it would heat up quick. We lined up and after intructions off we went. As we made the turn around the track I was with the lead pack of 4. Two high schoolers and about a 30 yr old. Figured by looking over the crowd there would not be to many fast runners. By the time we made our way out of the stadium and onto the street the two high schoolers had pull away, but I was right behind the other. As we past Mile 1, I started to pull away from the 30 yr old runner with the first mile pace of 6:35. Going through the dirt and grass slowed a little as I tried to keep the pace going. Another runner pulled up behind me as we entered the stadium for halfway and water station. Went half around the track and back onto the sidewalk and street. The other runner (noticed he was not my age group) passed me around mile 2 mark which showed a 7:05 second mile. I stayed not far behind him for most of the rest of the race. Did look back once as we turned on the dirt road and couldn't see anyone close.

 

As I entered the grass I knew I need to push to get close to PR, but starting to question distance on Garmin and what was left. As I ran closer to the stadium the other runner had pulled away and I noticed I was coming to the 3 mile mark on my Gramin. Third mile of 7:17 would have given me a chance at a PR, but I knew there was more than 1/10 left on the course. Entered the stadium and circled the track with a finishing sprint to finish in 22:35. Checked my Garmin which showed a distance of 3.22. Not happy with the time or distance, but knew that my 3.1 time would have been close to PR. First in age group and 4th overall out of 207 runners.

 

Was able to get some extra mileage in as the other runners continued on the course by running back to a friend Bill L and ran with him in. Then ran the loop around once again for a total of about 5 3/4 miles. Funny one of the volunteers I kept going by asked if I was ever going to finish.

 

Sat down next to one of the pastors from the church and discussed thier church, the charity, and the event. Gave him some ideas on improving the event for next time. Would do again in schedule allows.

 

Blown Away 8k Saturday September 17 Bartow Fl

Drove the 40 minutes north to Bartow for the first of two races in the fall in the Bartow area. Was looking for some longer races as I trained for my half marathon in October, but couldn't find any 10ks or longer that were close to home. The races in Bartow are put on by the Bartow Parks and Recreation Department. This was the second year of this event and they had only 54 runners last year so I figured I could give a different distance a try and probably place pretty easily.

The course starts in the middle of downtown on Main street going about a 1/10 before turning left for another 1/10 and going onto Standford St for a downhill stretch.Then passing the 1/2 mark you turn right onto Oak Ave going slighty uphill past the 1 mile mark. Turning on Stuart and Jackson with a few downs and ups you turn around at the 1.5 mark. Coming back you turn on Georgia St and then a long stretch on Orange Ave, Passing the 2 mile mark you continue with some ups/downs almost to the 3 mile mark. Turn shortly on Oak and Church. Then onto East Blvd for about a 1/2 mile stretch. As you turn right on Wilson Ave the fun begins. There is major down and right back up hill that you better be ready for especially since you will do it again.Turn on Blount as you past the 4 mile mark. You basically make a large circle around the bank parking lot and go back on Wilson Ave for the big hill one last time. A nice downhill on Church Ave, a turn on Oak, and then a sprint to the finish on Main St.

As I got done warming up and making my way to the start I noticed the fast runner Sebastian H .who will be in my age group next year. Also saw two other runners who are in my age group that are about 15 to 20 seconds slower than me in a 5k, but will the longer distance make a difference? My goal was to beat my 10k pace of 7:40. We lined up for instructions and off we went. As figured Sebastian was gone from the start with about 5 others. I settled in with a few others in what I would call the third group of 6 with about 4 in the second group. As we passed 1/2 mile I saw my pace at pace at 7:20 which I was okay with since I was feeling good. A few of the third group runners fell off as we passed mile 1 with a pace of 7:20. Same pace that was good.

Settled in behind 2 runners in the third group as we seemed to be closing in on the second group. Hit mile 2 with a pace of 7:21. Nice easy pace that I had going. As I made the turnaround I kept an eye out for the other 2 runners that I knew were in my age group. Saw one about 25 seconds behind and the other even farther. They would have to really pick up the pace to catch me. Making my way on Orange Ave I pulled away from the other 2 third group runners and pulled in behind some of the second group.The group had separated a little so I was with two of them. Passed them before I hit mile 3 mark with a pace of 7:32. Still going good. Now the turn on Wilson Ave and the big hill. Really slowed me coming back up it. Took a bit to get back in stride, but could tell my legs were getting tired from it. Need to run more hills in training! Got it going again as I passed mile 4 with a pace of 7:51. Lost some ground on that mile so decided to pick it up.

Push harder as I made my way towards Wilson Ave and the return of the big hill. Surged hard down the hill , but made the mistake of trying to stretch going back up. Could feel a strain in hamstring which I thought might pull. AsI reached the top I slowed down to see how it felt. I could feel it with each step, but not to the extent it would pull. With only just over a 1/2 mile to go I glanced back to not see anyone that close to me so decided to slow down just a bit with still keeping a good pace. Rounded onto Main  St with a little last burst for the cameras and a finishing time of 37:06 and a pace of 7:28. Job done with 13 seconds taken off of the 10k pace! Finished first in age group and 9th overall out of 71.

Plenty of water, fruit, and something else (?) no one seem to try afterwards. Waiting for the awards seemed to drag on a long time. Director even mentioned twice that they were about done. Then stated there were computer problems and will be even longer. Finally gave out awards. Very nice Overall and Masters (so close I was second in Masters) trophies. All in all great event with a few minor things, but really need to get results/awards done quicker especially if it is a chip timed race. They stated that this event would be moving from September to January to hopefully draw more runners. Will put on my calendar to do again and look forward to the other Bartow race I will do around Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

August 2011 (b)

Beat the Heat 5k Saturday August 6 Thonotosassa Fl

After my disastrous event the night before at Moss Park I decided to show up to this Beat the Heat to watch. They give out an overall trophy to the series winner with the best times from all 3 races. Normally this younger 14 yr old runner has won the past few years, but a new 13 yr old showed up to challenge him. They had beat each other once so whomever beat the other would get the overall trophy. Straight from the start off they went in a dead sprint separating themselves from everyone by the 1/10 mark. It was nice to watch the beginning of the race for once and helped me get over last night. As they came back I noticed the 13 yr old had the lead by about 4 steps. As they made their way to the finish line in an all out sprint the older one kept pulling closer and closer. At the line the younger one won by about half a step. Great finish for sure!

After watching that I decided to run the mile to see what I could since I had never ran a timed mile race. Even with the hilly mile and running the night before my body felt pretty good as I ran a 6:27. I was happy with that with all things considered. Would like to do another timed mile at some point on a flatter surface to see how low I could go. As stated before I will always put this fun, small, close to home event on my calendar!

Crab Crawl Saturday August 27 Port Charlotte Fl

From what I remember this was a well organized event where you started outside of the Pt Charlotte Stone Crabs baseball stadium doing an out and back with finishing inside the stadium on the field. I was looking forward to doing this and spending some time with the family at Shark Tooth beach afterwards, but news around midnight that one of the greatest men -my father has passed away. He had along long bout with Alzheimer and other illnesses. It was a blessing that God decided to finally take him home, but it is still a huge loss. He was a great example of what a man, husband, and Father should be. Our loss is Heaven's gain!

I ran with a heavy heart as I covered the 3.1 distance. I originally wanted to go all out sprinted as far as I could in honor of him, but the desire would not carry me. As I passed the 2 mile mark a runner in my age group passed me. Knowing that I had never beat him I decided to at least settle that score. I passed him with about a 1/4 to go and never looked back. I did run an all out sprint thinking of my dad as I entered the stadium with the memories of playing catch with him, coming to my ball games, going to watch the Braves playing and seeing my idol Hank Aaron hit a home run, and going to the inaugural game at Legends Field in Tampa where the Yankees hold spring training. Even that day I can see the Alzheimer showing up when he would ask about 20 minutes who was playing, but talk about how he watched the Yankees play when he was young with watching Mantle and others.I finished in 22:31. I was 16th overall but only 6th in my age group. Seems like allot of fast runners in my age group in the Bradenton, Sarasota, and Ft Myers area.

 Like I stated a nice event and would recommend, but would be hard for me to do again.

August 2011

Moss Park Forest Run 10k/5k Distance Dare Friday August 5 Orlando Fl

Another of the best laid plans for an event that did not work out the way I wanted. I thought this would be a change of pace event to do where you can run a 10k and then do the "Distance Dare" of running a 5k after it. Thought I was prepared for it, but I guess I was wrong. The event is held in Orlando's Moss Park which is good distance off of 1-4, but no far off of the expressway. The event is held over two days with Friday night and Saturday morning both having the 10k and 5k races. You can run just one of the races or do the Distance Dare of both. My son and I attended the Friday night one.

We arrived at the park about an hour before the 10k started at 7pm. Packet pickup was easy. they gave me a wrist band to wear to designate that I was doing both. My son was doing just the 5k which did not start until 8:15pm. I ate a powerbar and then went out for a warm-up run. Came back in and pinned my bib on my shorts. That way I could change shirts without having to change the bib. Actually liked having it pinned to my shorts instead of my shirt so started doing this in most of my races after this. Able to use my shirt for sweat without worrying about the bib.

We went to the staring line for the 10k and were given instructions for the 10k and Distance Dare. Off we went with a short loop before going through the finish line area and out on the main course. I guess to add the extra 1/10. You follow along a paved path for parking along Lake Mary Jane before heading across the road through another parking lot. Then you make your way on either paved roads, dirt trails, or hard packed shell roads as you make your way through the trees, forest, besides the campground, and open areas. All this as you wind through the park and make your way back to the finish line. This being the 10k you make two loops of this main course. Knowing I would need water since it a 10k I had planned to try and not have to grab the water cups, but had my son planned at the end of the first loop to have a water bottle for me to squeeze. Problem was I could not get the top opened (thought he would have done this) and used a good amount of energy trying to do this. So it threw my running off and tired me out more than helped.

I had passed the halfway mark right on pace of 8 minutes with a time of 24:50, but fell off after my water bottle problem. Went back onto the main course trying to get back into a rhythm which I was able to start a little. Mind started to think about the next water station and where it was. As we approached a slowed to a walk to get two cups to make up for not getting much before. It helped, but never was able to get my pace back down closer to 8. Ran second half in about a 9 minute pace. Had a guy running in front of me the last mile that looked about my age so I try pulling up to him. As we came out of the trees to the finish line I tried to pull up on his blind side to pass. I got about a step in front of him, but he passed me back with about 3 steps to go. Finished in 52:48 which I was not to happy with.

Went to my car to change my shirt, towel off, and get some liquids in me before the 5k. As I sat and tried to rest I could feel my body shutting down. I got up to try and walk it out which seemed to help. As my son and I made our way to the 5k I stated to him to run his own race and not wait on me. The plan was for us to run together, but I did not feel my body was going to keep up. As we lined up for the 5k I took the last portion of the water bottle and poured it over my head to help cool me down.

Off we went and for me it was not very fast. We went through the finish line and started out to the main course when I noticed my son running back to me. He stated he forgot to put on his bib which I did not even notice. So I had to stop to untie the key from my shorts (I tie them on my short drawstrings) and hand them to him. After he got his bib 9 I told to just hold it instead of wasting time to pin it) he caught back up to me and I had to stop again to tie the key back. By then we were about at the mile mark and I noticed I had ran (?) a  first mile of almost 11 minutes and the feeling was not getting any better. As I made my way through the course you had to really concentrate since it was so dark. My son and I had light sticks on our shoes and there were some light sticks on the course, but not much else to light the way. Some parts you cannot barely see. I will say it was mentioned thou it would be dark. The rest of the 5k did not get any better for me as my body kept wanting my to quit, I pressed on to at least finish the race which I did in a embarrassing time of 34:29. Worse race ever and will be a shining reminder to be better prepared for any race or event I enter.

Finished 2nd in my age group for the 10k and 4th in the 5k. Got a Plaque for the 10k. They give out awards for the top 10 in the Distance Dare, but I was about 6 minutes out of that, but the pace I had planned would have put me in 8th or 9th. All in all a pretty good event put on by Epic Sports. Mile markers and water on the course. Would have like more light thou. Also cost extra for the shirt if you are not one of the first so many. They also do this in December and in 2012 they will do it over 3 days with awards given for those that do it over multiple days. Would like to do again to make up for my awful times, but have to see how the schedule goes.

June and July 2011

Spring into Summer 5k Saturday June 4th Al Lopez Park Tampa Fl
I knew eventually it had to happen. I finally "bonked" out in a race. More on that later. This was another great event put on by the "Take... The First Step" group. They put on the Madd Dash in Jan and you can read the review of that race and the same course in the Jan 2011 blog. Like the Madd race this was well organized, structured, and held. Everything from packet pickup, on time start, mile markers, water station, volunteers, and awards went well. Like I stated they do a great job!

Now on to the bad news. I did not feel good when I got up, but since i had preregistered I thought I would give it a go. Long story short I held it together until about the 1 3/4 mark. Had to make 3 "breaks" from there to walk through an upset stomach. Painfully made it to the finish in 23:02. Couldn't even muster enough to sprint it to get under 23. Like I stated it had to happen sometime. Luckily it was closer to home.

Anyway great event and will look to do in 2012.

Beat the Heat 5k Saturday June 8 2011 Thonotosassa Fl

You can read review of this race series (3 races during the summer) held by the Hillsborough Parks group in the June 2010 blog. Always enjoy this small event especially being 5 minutes from home. Wanted to better my time from last year's events of 23:06. Did just that in coming in at 21:54. Over a minute improvement from last year. Third in age group and 17th overall out of 50. Small turnout  Also ran the hilly mile on my own for the first time and after running the 5k came in with a mile of 7:08. Will see if I can improve both of those.

Beat the Heat 5k Saturday July 16 Thonotosassa Fl

Only race in July with sickness and extra heat tempatures. Wanted to improve my time, but without the training and getting over the sickness I was only able to muster 22:12. Second in age group and 12th overall out of only 30. Even smaller runners in the hot July heat.

May 2011

Tampa Firefighters Pediatric Burn Survivor 5k Run
This was an inaugural event put on by the Tampa Firefighters Charity Fund. About the only negative is unfortunately for them they scheduled it the same day as another big race in town Miles for Moffitt at USF. They still had 259 runners, but I am sure they would have had more if not for the same  date as the Moffitt race. I noticed for 2012 they have moved it two weeks. God for them and the charity!

The race started at the Tampa Firefighters Museum and that made packet pickup a little cramped so hopefully they will move it outside next year. The chip table moved outside to make for room. They had some great door prizes, but you could not see the raffle table inside so you did not know it was there to purchase tickets.

Again looking for a new PR with this supposedly being a flat course. Before the start they sang the National Anthem and had bagpipes playing--real cool!! This race is almost the reverse of the Race for Sight course. You start out on Zack st and head up Nuccio Parkway doing a down and back on Palm Ave before heading back on Nuccio Parkway and finishing in front of the museum. I had noticed an older runner who seems to finish in front of me by 15-20 seconds so I decided to let him pace me. So off we went out onto Nuccio Parkway. Weird running this way after running the opposite was in the race the month earlier. Anyway settled in and made the 1 mile mark a few seconds slower at 6:35 with the older runner just in front of me. I kept trying to keep pace which I did until almost the 2 mile mark which I passed with a 6:58 pace. Coming back up Nuccio I was pushing to stay close, but could notice who was pulling away. I knew if I could hang on I would be around PR territory which was the goal and not to beat him (which one day I hope to do!), As I hit mile 3 I noticed it was 7:10 pace which had me at 20:43 with the lat 1/10 to go. I let it go with a final sprint and crossed the finish line in 21:25!! PR by 2 seconds and I will take it! Felt good to run 2 races in a row under 21:30.  Results were posted quick and awards not to long after. I finished first in my age group and 17th overall out of 259.

There was plenty of water/Gatorade and snacks after the race. You went upstairs in the museum for the awards and there was more drinks up there. They had great door prizes including restaurant and running stores, gift cards and more. Also had autographed Bucs and a Team signed Lightning Hockey stick. Great event and is on the calendar for 2012.

Memorial Day Freedom 5k Run Monday May 30 Vero Beach Fl
Another out of town race I did by offering up a stay at the beach to my wife. It was held on Memorial Day at Riverside Park which has a military memorial island adjacent to it. There was a planned Memorial Day ceremony there after the 5k event. My son and I went over the bridge walkway to observe and it was really moving to attend.

My  son wanted to wear my Garmin and he never usually asks so I let him for this race. I knew it would not probably be a PR day with the winds coming off the water. Will not share to much in this review with no time and distance refernces to give. I will say it was well organized from packet pickup and the on time start. They talked to a few youngsters into moving back away from the front also. Mile markers were out in this out and back route. Water station was about 1 1/4 so you got it going and coming. Like I stated the wind was coming off the water so you hit it a couple of times so it was hard to keep the same pace going.

Without the Garmin and with the wind I was able to focus on my strides more and came in at 21:59. Had to give extra sprint to stay under 22. Was happy with that considering,, Finished third in age group and 24th overall out of 232. Had plenty of water and fruit afterwards. I actually won a door prize at this one which was a $25 gift card so it basically paid for my entry.

All in all pretty good race and well organized. Would do if lived in the area and would recommend to those that do live there.

April 2011 (b)

Hare-Racing Experience 5k/kids run Saturday April 23 U.S.F. Tampa Fl
Was looking forward to this Easter time event and even had my mother in law drop my daughter off for the kid's race. I will have to say this event is for a great cause the Epilepsy Service Foundation so I will try and keep it nice, but I will not do this event again. It was the 19th year of whomever puts on the event, but I did not enjoy it at all. Maybe it was a one year snafu because of some construction or something else I d onot know, but problems where everywhere.

First packet pickup. One table for everything got things backed up quickly. Race started late because of it. Course was one loop around soccer stadium and then two loops through the trees with soft sand. Allot of kids up front that you had to get through .Runners were going in and out of each other with some on first lap walkinf and others on second lap running trying to get through. One kid got knocked down that I heard. Came back around soccer stadium underneath the stands towards the finish. Then the yhad the mile run which you ran 3 laps with each time you passed you go a straw to hold to to slow what lap you were on. The lap went in and out through the crowd waiting for awawrds. The little kids race then started and went about 15 yards and as the guy said "Ran around me" and then back to teh finsihline. I almost pulled my daughter out with all the kids ina small space running, but wanted to get medal. Then as they finished there othe rkids passing out the medals as the runners dogged getting hit by them. Awards took forever and I heard allot were incorrect. The boy we saw win the mile race overall di noy get an award since he had drooped a straw even thou veryone saw he way out in front of the rest.

Like I stated do not want to be negative whe na great charity is involve, but wanted to give a review. Hopefully most will be fixed, but we will not be back..

Desoto Parade Run 5k Saturday April 30 Bradenton Fl
"Run before the Parade"
One of my favorites. You can read my review from April 2010 on the usual  race details. This year thou I would be running my own pace. So my goal was PR. After the disappointing time the Saturday before I was hoping for a better event. This year they had some parachuters come in for the start of the parade so they were landing as we took off. I felt good and relaxed as went out of the football stadium and onto the street crowded with parade watchers. They really cheer you on at these early parts of the race and it does inspire you. I reached mile 1 at 6:32 and had no intentions of losing much ground. Kept trying to keep the same pace as I was able to pick off a few runners heading towards mile 2. Passed it with a 2 mile pace of 6:57. So lost some ground, but still not to bad.

Third mile with the only small hills you contend with slowed me some.I kept trying to keep the pace , but came through mile 3 with a 7:15 pace. That left me 40 seconds for the final 1/10, but with one last small hill and the turn right before the finish I came in at 21:27. Missed my PR by 3 seconds. Close, but no cigar this time! Still I was happy with my time with breaking 21:30 for the third time.

Sadly that was only good enough for 7th in my age group (fast older runners there that day) and 27th overall out of 262. Still like this race and on will be on the calendar for 2012.

April 2011

Race For Sight 5k Saturday April 2 Ybor City Fl

This event is a fundraiser for the Lions Eye Institute and is held in Historic Ybor City. It is great event for a great cause. It starts at Centennial Park and makes its way down 4th st and continues on Nuccio Parkway for a out and back returning to 4th street and the park.It is mostly flat with just a slight incline and decline. When you turn back on 4th st heading to the finish the sun is just coming over the trees so it was a little hard focusing on the course. Glad I decided to wear my sunglasses. Only problem was my Garmin battery went out so I did not get any times or distance except for the mile markers on the course. I paced myself by noticing other runners I knew and where the finish in front or behind me normally. Using that I ran a pretty good race coming in at 21:38 which I thought would place, but found out there were some fast runners there that day. I was fifth in my age group and 43 out of 493.

Group putting it on did a great job with markers, water, and food afterwards. Being in the park they had vendors there with Spanish food since it was in Ybor City. Cotton shirt. Would do again if schedule allowed, but will make sure Garmin battery works!!


Run Like You Care 10k/5k Saturday April 16th Lake Wales Fl
Ran this race as we were out of town planning to go to Bok Tower after the race. This was the first event put on by the Lake Wales Care Center and they did a good job on their one. It was held just off of Lake Wales and started at Kiwanis Park. The park had restrooms, playground, and even a skateboard park so my son was excited.

The 10k and 5k started together with the 10k runners going around most of the lake and returning back to the start before doing the 5k course. I think that confused some of the runners, but more on that later. The 5k started off at the park and then turned on Tower Blvd which had a major uphill. You turned left onto a bike trail. You followed the bike trail which had varying ups/downs to just passed the 1 mile mark. Then onto 4th St, Sessoms Ave, 3rd St, and then onto E Park ave which was a nice downhill to the lake. You followed the sidewalk along the lake back to to the finish line. Not the best in scenic views on a course and multiple elevation changes, but not to bad.

Like I stated the 10k and 5k runners started together, but you quickly found out who was in which race when the 5k runners turned right on Tower Blvd. Going uphill I noticed I was right with the lead group of 6. As we entered the bike trail 3 of the runners separated themselves from us. As we got closer to the 1 mile mark 1 of the runners with us fell behind. First mile was right on pace at 6:35 with trying to lower my 5k PR.  Keeping what I thought was an even pace I was leaving the other runner with me as I closed in on halfway. I noticed as I went on a steep uphill to the halfway turn on Park that my pace was off. The downhill helped, but second mile was a 7:10. Still okay thou. This is where either the confused runners part comes in or I did not notice the runners who had caught me.

As I was entering where the sidewalk goes around the lake I thought looked back and did not see any runners behind me. I did notice that there were some 10k runners coming back from the first part of thier race which joined together at this point for the next mile (and end of thier first 5k). I was with a pack of about 5 running this last mile of the 5k thinking I was the only actual 5k runner. My last mile was 7:18 which did not leave enough to PR, but as I passed the point where the 10 k runners were suppose to turn only 1 of the 5 turned. The other 4 kept going through to the finish line.  Like I stated I did not notice anyone behind me as I came to sidewalk and did notice the 10k (?) runners joining me so it was confusing. I think some of the runners thought they were running the 5k course and ran the first part of the 10k course instead. Of course that was pretty much flat instead of the steep inclines that I endured.

Either way I finished in 21:40 second in my age group and 8th overall out of 102. They was some water and fruit/bars, but they ran out before all runners were done. We waited awhile before the awards were to be given when it was stated that the medals that were ordered did not come in before the race. OOPS!! That was a new one on me. No awards? Oh well they did mail them as stated. Cotton shirt. Mile markers and water at halfway. Would consider doing again, but is to long of a drive.



March 2011 (b)

Shamrock Classic 10k and 5k Sunday March 13 2011 Brandon Fl
This is the 32nd annual Shamrock Classic and is put on by the Brandon Runners group. Another great event! It is held in Sabal Park which is a business office complex. Of course being close to home helps run this on a Sunday so I can run and still make it to church.

The 10k starts at 8am and the 5k starts at 9am. The 10k is two loops of the same course the 5k is on. You start out and turn onto Craigmont Dr. Then turn right on Princess Palm Ave for 1/4 mile turnaround continuing back west on Princess Palm Ave. Turn left on Riga Blvd. Then Right onto King Palm Ave for halfway water station. After 2 mile mark you come onto Queen Palm Dr for the rest of the race to the finish.

With a hamstring :"strain" earlier in the week did not know what to expect. Held off going out to quick and did first mile 6:50. Then were a few small up/downs on the course, but nothing to worry about. Second mile I kept an even pace and I ran a 7:11. Final mile the group I had been running with either sped up or fall off so I just kept an even pace not wanting to hurt the strain and ran a 7:19 mile. Finhsed up at 21:48 and no worries from the hamstring. Finished third in my age group and 32nd out of 221. Did not stick around for post race party or awards since it was off to shower and get to church.

Like I stated in the Brandon Half Marathon/5k review in Dec 2010 I will always put this one and that one on my schedule if possible since the  Brandon Runners group always does a great job!

Strawberry Classic 10/5k Saturday March 19 Temple Terrace Fl

My first 10k!! Since the hamstring was not bothering me I thought I would be okay to do my first 10k. Of course maybe not this hilly course was a wise choice, but I knew the surrounding neighborhoods would be good to run through. This event is put on by the Tampa Bay Runners and is the 30th year of the event. It is held at the Temple Terrace Elementary School. You would think with doing it 30 years they would have no problems--oopss!

The 10k and the 5k starts together. In decision where the starting line was since there were a couple of lines painted on the road made everyone have to back up. The announcer did not have a bull horn so it made it very difficult to hear instructions. Some were still making thier way back from the Portalets that were about 200 yards away. Thought they could be closer.

My goal for my first 10k was to break a 8 minutes pace or 49:43, but just finishing is always the main goal. Off we went thou starting out on going uphill on Ridgedale road. Down and back up before the turn on Druid Hills road which had a nice downhill. Turn at the first mile mark onto 52nd rd. Being my first 10k I wanted to store some for the longer race so I went out in 7:54 minutes for the first mile. Turning on Whiteway you run flat to about the 5k halfway mark and water station. There is where I knew I was in for the long haul since the 5k turns down a side street making its way back.

I picked up the pace the best I could with the rolling hills as we past 113th Ave, Riverhills Ave, Bannockbum Ave, and Sleepy Hollow Ave. I passed mile 2 with a mile pace of 7:20, mile 3 with a pace of 7:37, mile 4 with a pace of 7:43. Got it going a little better with a mile 5 pace of 7:37. Started to feel it around now with just over a mile to go and an uphill climb, but helped having another runner next to me. We ran the next 3/4 of a mile together and I ran the 6th mile in 7:54. He sprinted the final 2/10 ahead of me and I pushed knowing I was going to easily break my goal. Finished in 47:42 which is a 7:41 pace--almost 20 seconds faster than my goal for my first 10k. Funney when I finshed I was filling out my card and the guy running with me asked my age and when he realized we were different groups he stated he wished he would have known he did not have to beat me and he would not have sprinted. Second in my age group and 28th out of 191 overall 10k runners.

They had water afterwards, but they were letting people grab multiple flats of strawberries so they ran out. Had to ask someone if I could have a couple of thiers. Also the awards ceremony took a long time getting started also. Then they would start and stop to do door prizes which made it last longer. Why not do the door prizes as people are waiting in the awards to be given out?? Age group awards were medal with the emblme , but are hard to see. Great scenic course makes this one to do, but the disorganization will make me think twice about doing again.

March 2011

Champion 5k ESPN Weekend at Hollywood Studios Saturday March 5 Disney World Fl
My first experience with a Disney race was just as advertised. Of course it cost more, but thought it was worth it. Down the road I am sure I will do one of their longer races, but wanted to try the shorten one first to get my feet wet. Sadly it has turned out to be the last stand alone 5k they do.

Packet Pickup was at the ESPN Sports Complex and was very dark. Would have expected more light for a Disney event, but no problems with pickup the night before. I prefer to have my stuff ready to go instead of worrying about it the morning of. They stated it had sold out so I knew there would be allot of runners in this and would easily be the biggest event so far they we attended. I had signed my son and I up for the two person team (male) competition since I knew I had no chance of finishing in the top 3 overall.

Race morning was a chilly day, but good for running. As expected there were people everywhere. Got our warmups in and took our windbreakers off to make our way to starting line. They had sings with pace times that you were suppose to line up behind according to your pace. I lined up in the first one 7 min and under. My son lined up in the next one 8 min and under. Goal was for me to run sub 21 and him sub 24:30. In looking at previous years that would put us right there for the team top three award.

ESPN announcer Trey Wingo was the emcee introducing some football players. On hand were the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders and the Harlem Globetrotters. Talked to a couple of runners up front. One being a young boy who stated he would break 19 minutes and another shirtless guy Trey made fun of since it was so cold. Countdown started and race with started with confetti boom. We made our way down which looked like the old way you came in through some parking booths and on out for 1/2 mile then back to mile 1 before going into Hollywood Studios. I passed mile marker (with digital clock for times--nice!!) at 6:30. Felt good as we made our way through the Sights/Sounds Stunt show area. Went passed some airplanes and through a warehouse (did not noticed what for) and on to the Star Wars area. Wondered if my son would stop there and play with the Star Wars stuff.

Passed Mile 2 as we entered the courtyard with the little fountain pond. Clock showed 13:40 which made mile 2 pace 7:10. Knew I had to pick it up to get near 21 minutes so pushed as I went by the Big Mickey sorcerer's hat. Passes the shirtless guy as we made our way to the Tower of Terror. Had mentioned to my son when I came back around the Tower that he needed to be passing me going in. That is what I had planned on teh map for us to get the times needed. Did not realize the uphill behind the tomwer so it slower me somewhat. As I came around the tomwer there was my son ahead of pace or was it me being behind in pace? Still pressed on and ran passed the front gate where people were lined up to come in.

As I came to mile 3 I could see that sub 21 would not be today. But seeing the cheering crowd, my wife and daughter cheering, Dolphin cheerleaders, and the Globetrotters at the finishline did help the sprint to the finish. No sub 21, but a new PR at 21:27. Did finish 37 out of 1872. Happy with that! Went back to cheer on my son when I saw him turning the corner. Yelled for him to sprint it out and good for him finsihing in 24:26.

They give you the medals as you finish and there are bags with water, bannana, and bars. Ran the Kids races with my daughter and she sprinted away from me so a little concerning until I caught back up to her at the finish.

Waited for awards and to my displeasure we finished in 4th PLACE!! I asked the 3rd place finsihers thier time and found out we missed by 27 seconds. The actual amount of time I would have needed to go sub 21. My son met the goal, but I failed to meet mine. Good thing he didnt take it as hard as I did.

Great event as I am sure all Dsiney events are and will be back!

February 2011

Strawberry Distance Challenge Saturday February 5 Plant City Fl.Why call it the Strawberry Distance Challenge?? Because Plant City is the  Strawberry Capital. I love getting me some strawberries and strawberry shortcake!! Plant City has a historic downtown and home to the Strawberry Festival that is held every year which brings top name artists in for concerts.

Back to the race. Packet pickup was a little confusing with having to go to different tables for bibs, bag, and shirt. The packet pickup was at the Walden Lake Polo Field and near the finishline and parking, but the starting line was about 1/4 mile up the road. I had made my way up to the starting line and did my warmup sprints getting ready to go at designated start time. Problem was they had to wait for all the signups to come 1/4 mile up the road so the race started 10 minutes late. Do not like to warmup then cool back down.

Route goes out Mud Lake Rd, down Golfview Dr, onto Timberlane Dr (next to golf course), and finishing on Griffin Blvd. Difference between this and the Plant City YMCA race around Walden Lake is that you run entirely on the streets. It is mostly flat with just a few ups/downs. Nice subdivisions and surrounding golf course make for a pleasant route.

Wanted to keep it under 22 minutes again and with (again) nice Florida weather I felt good going out. The Leader Sebastian H (who will be in my age group next year --Boo!) went out on his own. Next were 3 high school runners. I followed in a group of 4. Passed mile marker 1 at 6:40 and started to reel in one of the high schoolers. At the Halfway point as I was passing him another high schooler and and man started to surge ahead of me. Water at 1 3/4 mile mark. Mile 2 was a 7:07 pace and started to think about the man that had passed me. Figured he was above 40 and thought he would be overall Master winner so I started to surge to try and see if I could catch him. Pulled within 15 yards at about the 2 3/4 mark, but I think he noticed and put on a surge himself. After surging so much and seeing him pull away I coasted for a third mile of 7:23 and finished in 21:50. Under 22 min which was the goal. Finished 6th overall out of 237 and first in age group for third time this year.

Nice race and would be better if they improved the 1/4 walk to the start. Great amount of strawberries at the finish which wil lalways make up for it! Ample water/gatorade also. Cotton shirt. Will do again in 2012.

10th Annual Bolt Run Saturday Feb 19 Tampa Fl
You know there are just sometimes in life where you prepare yourself to do something and a couple of things just crumble it to pieces. I knew this would be a fast course since it went out on Bayshore Blvd like the  Secret Service race and others so I had been training make this my PR besting my 21:38. Being said I will not do this event again.

It starts at the St Pete Times Forum (hockey arena) and packet pickup was very chaotic. Long lines and go to multiple tables for packets/bibs and chips. More volunteers are needed or day before packet pickup would help. This is the 10th year so you would think it would not be a problem. A plus of course is being able to use the arena bar/grill restrooms thou.

Race started in front of arena, but this one takes you around the arena and through a parking garage. Then over the Platt St bridge heading out and back on Bayshore. Using my Garmin I noticed it went out in the parking garage, but came back on with time and distance still going. Felt good and seemed I was running a great pace. Passing first mile mark noticed it was a 6:31 mile which was fastest first mile. Didn't seem to slow down and we went down Bayshore and made the turnaround. Bad place for the water station as you are turning and people going for water. I bypassed the water as usual and hit mile two wait a second mile pace of 6:55. Felt like this was going to be my day and even be able to make a run at 21 minutes. As I was coming up to the Platt St bridge I noticed I was nearing 3 miles on my Garmin, but knew I still had allot of ground to cover. Passed 3 mile with a 7:05 pace which would be 20:31 with a 1/10 to go, but again knew there was more than that left. My mind was getting frustrated and let a few pass me by. On my Garmin I hit 3.1 mark with a 21:13. Turned into the parking garage for the finish and clocked in at 21:48 which would not have been upsetting except my Garmin showed 3.23. I checked with a few others and they all had it long. Again 10th year and the distance is long?? Finished 5th in age group and overall 37 out of 704.

They also have a 5 mile that started after the 5k (why start the longer one after?) and a kids run. Then came the wait for awards. The wait became unbearable even thou they stated there was computer problems. The problems were they had so many walkups and they only had one person to input them all in the system. Needless to say I think it took about 2 hours or close to it for the awards. Nothing to do , but sit and wait. Only reason we stayed was to see if my son had placed and door prizes. You did get hockey tickets if you did the event, but if you were not signed up together the seats were not together. You could trade them in, with yes another line to wait in. Nice tech shirt, medals, and door prizes, but like I stated will pass on doing it again.

January 2011

Team Under Pressure 5k Saturday Jan 1st 2011 Clearwater Fl.

New Years Day run to start the year off!! This was the first event put on by this group that is an AAU basketball program in Clearwater. Being New Years day I did not know what to expect as a turnout. I guess most wanted to sleep in since there were only around 60 runners. It was fairly cold that morning thus the beanies to keep our heads warm. With the cooler weather I figured it would make for a nicer pace, but the ups/downs slowed me down. Ran most of the race with the secondary group (two lead runners were well in front, but got lost) and felt good. 4 of them pulled away and I came in 5th with a time of 22:46. First in my age group. If I know the two lead runners were on course and I was in teh lead group I might have pushed it to win overall. Figured they were so far out front they had already finished thou. Not bad for a first race of the year with all the hills, but will want to improve on it.

Couple of "cons"  were no map shown for course and no one leading the runners out. You started at Del Oro Park and made your way out and back on the Ream Wilson Trail. The start was at the base of the McMullen Booth Rd overpass so it was a uphill start. Throughout the course there were ups and downs of evrying degree with some very steep. A couple of problems on teh course were no Mile markers or directional signs that I saw. Two runners that were way out front went the wrong way and ended up finsihing very late. When you came back over the overapss you went past the finishline and turned left for another down and back 1/2 before coming back to the finish. This was confusing especially since the Mile race runners started 15 minutes after the 5k runners and were ending with the 5k'ers. They did not turn to the left, but went straight to the finish. The belief is that some of the 5k runners bypassed the lef tturn and went straight to the finish.

I am sure most of that will be corrected for future events. Also improvemnets should be more water/food after finishing and more age group awards instaed of just the first in each age group. The bobblehead trophies were nice thou, but they also gave the overall winners an age group award instaed of one award per person like most all races. For a first time event it was not bad and I am sure it will be improved on in future years. Might do again, but it is on Sunday in 2011 so I will skip it this year.

MADD Dask 5k Saturday Jan 8 Al Lopez Park
This is build as a Resolution Run where you can write down your New Year's resolution and pin it in yourself as you run. I saw a few people that did this. This event is put on by Take...The First Step Club and organized very well. Another cool Florida morning at Al Lopez Park which is completely flat. The course takes you for a loop two mile loop and then comes back around for another loop for the final 1 1/10 mile.

Wanted to bring my time down from last weeks first race of the year. Went out a little to fast (it seems like always), but still felt ok. First mile was 6:35. You go out of the park and run down the sidewalk for as short bit before returning back into the north end of the park. For some reason my mind started to wander in this end of the park. Maybe the quietness or the surrounding woods, but I started to slow. You run around the parking lot making a turn at the 2 mile mark (water station) and then run the final 1 1/10 miles. You basically run the same final mile as the first mile, but you finish by coming back around instaed of going out of the park.
Like I stated I started to slow with my mile 2 mark at 14:10 (7:35), but brought it back somewhat with a third mile of 7:10. Final sprint and came in at 22:04. Should have broke 22 minutes. Still got first age group so 2 for 2 in 2011. Total of 126 runners and I was 26th,

Cotton shirts and ample food/drink afterwards. Nice "flying shoes" trophies for awards. Take..The First Step Club does a great job with events and whave already signed up for this race in 2012. Hopefully I will finnaly run a good race at Al Lopez park.

F.S.U. Bill Duncan 5k Saturday Jan 29 Lakeland Fl
This is the race that goes from Florida Southern University and runs around Lake Hollingsworth. There is review in April 2010 and is pretty much the same. I wanted to run this again since last time I paced my son. Race this year was better attened escpecially since one of the sports teams (lacrosse I think) from the school ran.Goal was to get back under 22 min even with all the ups/downs.

After the start which I held back a little during the downhill beginning I settled in with some of the lacrosse guys. First mile felt good and passed at 6:45. A little uphill stretch going to halfway (water station) and was able to pass a few. Second mile and still feeling good with a 7:05. Final mile of 7:15 got tougher and two of the lacrosse guys passed me back. Sprinted in the final 1/10 at 36 seconds to alomst catch the lacrosse guys and finish in 21:41. Got under 22 and right at a 7 minutes pace.

Didn't get a first in my age group, but still placed in third. Overall 14th out of 107. Would do again if schedule allows.