The American Heroes 2011 5K / 10K

I ran a 5K race on Memorial Day, May 30th, called The American Heroes 2011 5K / 10K at Texas Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington. This race was designed to showcase the 5 branches of our military, who make all of us proud. Before the 5 and 10K race, there was a 1K little troop run for the kids. The beneficiary of the event proceeds was Snowball Express, a charity that benefits children of soldiers who have lost their life for our freedom. The top sponsor of the event was Dick's Sporting Goods, who handed out $50.00 gift certificates to the overall and masters winners. Other sponsors were It's About Time Race Management, Northrop Grumman, and Dasani Water.   This was also a DFW Runs race, promoted by Eric Linberg and his team. They are also promoting the upcoming "The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge", part of America's Premier Men's Health Event Series, which is taking place in 27 participating cities this year. The funds raised from the series will go to research, education, and free prostate testing. Locally, USMD Prostate Cancer Center will be a main sponsors of the race held at UT Arlington MAC on September 10, 2011. I hope to see everyone there for this exciting inaugural race.   After arriving early, I took a slow warm up jog from the finish line. I went about 1/2 mile then turned around back to the finish line. I picked up my bib #, chip timer, and t-shirt, and took some pictures with some soldiers who were in uniform. As I lined up on the first row, I ran into a friend, and we started chatting. The 10K and 5K races both started together with one side of the street for runners and the other side for walkers. Mike Snyder of Channel 5 News was the Master of Ceremonies and Channel 11 News cameras were present.   After the National Anthem, bagpipes, prayers for our soldiers, and 21 gun salute, there was a black hawk helicopter flyover. They landed in the parking lot and stayed until after the races were over. Everyone went over to take there picture with the soldiers and helicopters after they finished running. The temperature was about 80 degrees, humid, and a little windy. I ran this race last year so I was familiar with the 5K course around the ballpark. Go Rangers, let's get tot he playoffs again!   We started down Ball Park Drive and finished in front of the Majestic Grand Slam Gift Shop by Center field on Randal Mill Road. I wanted to do my best for all of our soldiers who have lost so much for us and our freedom, especially the ones that have given the ultimate sacrifice for us. I thank them very much. I started at a fast pace, and turned right after reaching Third Base corner. I started to hold back a little in this heat, and arrived at the 1st mile in 7:48.   We made a few more turns and headed by Six Flags Drive, heading back to Ball Park Drive where the 5K turnaround was. The 10K runners headed straight then around the other side of Ball Park Drive. At the 2 mile marker, my time was 15:41 (7:52 / mile pace). We went around past the Rangers Ballpark, and you could see Cowboys Stadium in the background. There were a few short hills that slowed me down some and at this point, the heat was starting to get to me. I was kind of surprised to see that I actually had a good time when I arrived at the 3 mile marker in 23:47 (8:05 / mile pace). Usually I can finish at a faster pace, but not this time. I began to fatigue a little but ran as fast as I could to the finish line in the time of 25:15.4 (8:56 / mile pace). That was good enough for a 1st place out of 8 in my age group!   Men 55-59:   Place     Men      Overall     Chip Time      Pace                                               1/8       51/152     68/328      25:15.4      8:08 / m I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Wild Ride! * Wild Run Against Cancer

My next race was Wild Ride! * Wild Run Against Cancer on Saturday May 21, 2011 in Richardson, Texas. This event consisted of several bike races, and a 5K foot race. Cyclists were able to choose between a 15 mile, 40 mile, or 60 mile ride. There were more than 2,000 cyclists from all across North Texas at this 8th annual Wild Ride which raised over $110,000 for Methodist Richardson Cancer Center, the home of Lance Armstrong's Shaped Beam Surgery program. The Ericsson Team ended up raising the most money out of all of the teams.   There were over 40 sponsors at the event including title sponsor Fujitsu and Bike Mart. This was the inaugural 5K timed run, so it was pretty cool to be a part of the event. The races took place at the same time as the 19th annual Wildflower Arts and Music Festival which took place in Galatyn Park just a few blocks away. The Wild Ride! * Wild Run took place at the same location as the June 18 Dadfest race (www.dadfest.com) which promotes early prostate cancer screenings. I hope to see you there; it's one of my favorite races of the year.   This was a Run-On! goal race for my early speed development group, my last one as a matter of fact. I have joined the 301 A training program at Run-On! which will help prepare me for the Too Hot To Handle 15K race in July. I arrived early, and after parking, I started scouting the area. I took my slow warm-up jog from the starting line, then started taking pictures of all the bike riders. Thanks to USMD Prostate Cancer, I now have a new pair of shoes from Run-On! Thank you USMD for your great support. This race was on the street and on a trail. I started on the first row, waiting for the mayor of Richardson to start the race.   Once the race started, I took off fast and made a right turn out of the parking lot into the street. My new light weight shoes felt really good, and my time at the 1 mile was 7:33. That's about the best that I can do for 1 mile. Then I start to slow down a bit, arriving at the 2nd mile in 15:28 (7:54 / mile pace). We ran on the trail, then arrived at a long hill half way up. I looked at my Garmin, and it said that I was running an over ten minute pace. That hill really slowed me down.   My 3 mile time was 24:25 (8:56 / mile pace). I finished the race in the time of 25:13, 2nd in my age group, and 48th overall out of a total of 457 timed runners. Other early speed class awards winners were 65 year old John Wuethrich who finished 1st place in his age group, and Hector Hinojosa 43 years old who finished 3rd place in his age group and 11th place overall in the time of 21:40:00   You can see my results here.   Place    Men     Overall    Chip Time     Gun Time                                                2/15   41/176   48/457     25:13:00       25:15:00 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Run for the Retrievers 5K

My race this week was the Run for Retrievers 5K on May 14, 2011 at Bird Fort Trail at Campion Trails in Las Colinas, Irving Texas. The event was held in memory of Eddie Pascacio who before dying of cancer helped start an adoption program for Labrador Retrievers. There was a very nice raffle at the race, where you could win one of many gifts. They raffled away prizes totaling $2,000. Fox 4 Good Day's Fiona Gorostiza was the emcee for the race, and there were plenty of sponsors. Some of the many sponsors included Run-On!, Emergem-C, and many dog treat giveaway booths.   I arrived early and parked close by; most had to park down the street at the Dart station. I checked the pre-race registration roster and found out that my Run-On! friend JJ Jenkins, who is also in my age division, was also signed up. When I saw his name on the list, I knew that I wouldn't finish at 1sth place this time. Most of the time, JJ runs a 5K in under twenty minutes. I took my slow jog, starting at the start line and went about .06 miles before turning back around, then I stretched a bit. This race was an out and back course with a turnaround. We only ran on the trail with no street parts. It was a very beautiful scenic course with a big dip going out, which meant that we'd have to climb up going back.   I started on the first row and took off at a fast quick pace, but didn't run all out. This was a cool morning with the temperature at about 57 degrees and a nice breeze blowing which was fine to me. The trail was wide so we ran freely with no crowding. I arrived at the 1st mile marker in 8:28. I kept to my recent racing strategy, which is to find a lady on my pace and try to keep up with her. Then find another one. I made it to the turnaround about half way into the course, with the wind now at my back, and started to increase my pace. My 2 mile time was 16:52 (an 8:24 /m pace).   I was feeling pretty fresh so I turned it on and started to pass a few runners. Before I got to the 3 mile marker I had to climb the hill with my bad hips. It slowed me down a little. Then I was able to pick it up again. JJ Jenkins, who had already finished and always double backs after his race to encourage everyone, said to me that if I hurry I could get in under 25 minutes. I gave it all I had and made it to the 3 mile in the time of 24:35 (a 7:42 mile pace), and crossed the finish line with a chip time of 25:03. Thank you JJ Jenkins for your encouragement.   My time was good enough for 2nd place, after JJ who is one of the fastest runners in our division and the overall fastest on every race he attends. I finished 44 out of 186. After the race I took a picture with JJ and with th 201 Run-On training Team. There were several Lab Retrievers that were introduced for adoption. Many were black like my pal Rocky who is a Lab mix. Then they had drawings for the winners of the raffle. I checked out all the sponsor booth like I always love to do after a race. Without their support the race would not be possible. Thanks everyone.   You can see the results here. You can view some pictures here.   My final results men 55 to 59:   Place    Bib #    Men    Overall    Chip Time    Gun Time   Pace                            2/5       2350    32/81   44/186     25:03:00      25:04:00    8:04 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 2011 Relay for Life

Last week I walked, but didn't run, in the special 2011 Relay for Life in Arlington, Texas on Friday April 29 and early Saturday morning on the 30th. The event took place at the Texas Rangers' Ballpark Coca-Cola Pavilion. It was a 12 hour event from 7 PM to 7 AM. I was very honored to join the USMD Prostate Cancer Center team as the team survivor. USMD was also one of the many sponsors of the event. The team was lead by Paul Rothschild, the Marketing Executive of USMD.   Our fundraising goal was to raise $500.00, which we did ultimately reach. More than half of the amount was donated by Doctor Peter LaNasa. Troy Cole of Miller Public Relations also made a nice donation, and Jessica Sixkiller led our team in individual funds raised or donated. Other team members were Dr. Richard Bevan-Thomas, Bea Moore, Monica Urbunels, and Gianni Secchio of Miller Public Relations.   I arrived about 5:30 PM to meet Paul while he set up the USMD table at our location by the trail that we were going to walk around. I went over to collect my registration package which included a special survivor Relay For Life t-shirt and pin. Then I waited for the survivor dinner to begin. There were many survivors and caregivers that needed to be served dinner before the walk would start. It was after 8:00 PM before we started the survivor walk, and I walked nonstop until 11:00 PM. I took about a 1 and 1/2 hour break.   The course was only three tenths of a mile around the trail, and so it took about 10 laps to walk 3 miles (basically a 5K). It took me about 4 and 1/2 to 5 minutes for each lap. I took some pictures of myself and the other team members, as well as some of the other people at the event. I enjoyed walking with each member as they took there turn around the trail. After my break, I walked until 2:30 PM and then Paul walked again.   I was very tired and a little sleepy so I sat at our table until about 3:30 AM. When the final team member arrived, I told Paul that it was it for me; I'm going home. Paul had each member of the team come in at different times so that we could have someone on the USMD team, with our team t-shirts, walking around the trail at all times. Paul, if you're reading this, I just want to say that you did a great job of organizing our team and leading us. I hope that the community will realize what a great hospital USMD is. My hope and prayer is that others will join me in starting their own exercise program for their better health. Maybe you can avoid cancer, diabetes, a pacemaker, hypothyroidism and the other ailments I have if you start living a more healthy life today. I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The Carrollton Running Club 1 Mile and 5K

On Sunday April 24, 2011 I ran in both the Carrollton Running Club 1 Mile and the 5K at Mcinnish Park in Carrollton, TX. The temperature at race time was 72 degrees; it was cloudy with 14 mph 55 E winds blowing. The 1 mile started at 7:32 AM and 5K at 7:47 AM. If you pre-register for these Carrollton Running Club races, the fee is only $2.00 for one person and $5.00 for a family. You can also get this discount if you are a regular runner in the club with your own chip time number. The club also has a prediction run every week, where you try and guess what your final finishing time will be. It's always a fun time.   I arrived early and took a slow jog around the 1 mile race course. My oldest son, John, arrived before the start of the 1 mile race, and took some pictures. I wanted to see how fast I could run the 1 mile race, so I tried really hard. There were 14 males and 4 female runners in the 1 mile event. I ended up finishing in the time of 7:26.67, which was good enough for 2nd place in my age division out of 5 runners. I finished 8 out of 18 overall. There was only about 7 minutes for me to rest before the start of the 5K.   I lined up on the first row, feeling a little tired. Because of this, I started alot slower than I usually do for a normal race. My racing friend, Ken Ashby was right there with me to start the 5K race. Ken measures the Dallas Running Club and Plano Pacers Club races, and measured this race as well. He has raced in several races over the years, including marathons and other distance events. In the 1 and 1/2 years that I've been racing, I've never beaten Ken in a race. He pass me up during this race, and I told him that I had given it all I had in the 1 mile and that I would see him at the finish line. Even though I was tired, I was able to keep him in sight the whole race.   I arrived at the 1 mile marker in 8:38. There was a clock at the halfway mark telling you how you ran each half of the race, which was pretty cool. I made it to the 2nd mile in 17:17 (a 8:38 / mile pace). I started slowing up, but told myself to let go and started speeding up a bit. My 3 mile time was 25:14 (a 7:57 / mile pace), and my final time was 26:34.08 (a 8:33 / mile pace for the race). Apparently, I ran the 1st half in 13:44 (27 place out of 38 runners) and 2nd half in 12:50 (14th place out of 38 runners), a 55 negative split.   I finished 17 out of 28 men and 22 out of 38 overall runners, for the first time finishing ahead of my buddy Ken. Usually there are no awards given out at these low cost races, but since it was Easter Sunday, the race director Ruben Saguil handed out a few that he had left over from another race. I thought that by finishing ahead of Ken I might actually get 1st place, but it turns out that I finished 2nd place. David Mask won 1st place and Julio Lopez moved up to win the senior masters. My son took a few picture of me, including one with Laura Nelson who won female overall division in the time of 20:10:41, ending a streak she had where she ran 5 straight races in under 20 minutes. I also took a picture with Ruben. He is mainly a one man operation at the races with only a few volunteer helpers at the race. He's also a good runner, and ran the 1 mile in a quick 6:43:26.   You can view the complete results here.   1 mile results:   Place    Men   Overall    Chip Time      Age Grade                                                 2/5        7/14     8/18      7:26:67           61.4%   5K results: Place    Men   Overall     Chip Time     Pace      Age Grade                                     2/6      17/28    22/38      26:34:08      8:31:1        59.8% I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

The 4th Annual Seton Soles 5K

As most of you know by now, my little brother, Jimmy Viator, passed away on April 12th. I actually wrote this report before his death, but just didn't have the time or energy to post until now.   On April 9th I ran in the 4th Annual Seton Soles 5K Walk / Run at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in Plano TX. The race benefited the Monsignor Henry V. Petter Endowment for the Support of Peace and Justice in Collin County. Other churches helping out include Legacy Church, Collin Creek Community Church, and West Plano Presbyterian. There was a 1 mile fun walk before the 5K, as well as a "familypalooza" with a DJ, inflatable games and about 20 sponsor booths. The Knights of Columbus men and Simply Fit Meals served food, while Welch's sponsored the drinks. Everyone seemed to have a great time at the event.   This was a Run-On! sponsored race, as well as a www.dfwruns.com race. DFW Runs is lead by Eric Lindberg who will also be marketing a September Prostate Cancer race called Dash for Dad. I hope to see you there, and also at the upcoming Dadfest on June 18. My former prostate support leader Justin Sucato, who passed away on my birthday in November, suggested the Dash for Dad race to me, so it's even more special to me now. Thank you my friend, I miss you. Justin, who has 4 sons that he was very proud of, knew that this hereditary disease might one day affect his sons. He was a great researcher of Prostate Cancer and a great supporter of those that are affected by this terrible disease.   There were 950 runners and walkers at the event. The final total of runners with chip timers in the 5K was 637. I have never seen so many people walk in the 1 mile before. Many races I go to have a fun run / walk, but usually there are only about 15 - 30 participants. There were over 200 people that participated in the 1 mile fun walk, some of which had 5K bib #'s. I guess some runners may have changed their mind at the last minute, probably due to the heat. It was about 70 degrees at race time. My oldest son, John, and his girlfriend came to watch me run and take pictures.   The start of the race was in front of the church, with the finish line inside of the church parking lot. This race had no turnaround. The course ran through the neighborhood then back around to the church. I started in the first row. There was a runner from my age division right there with me. After the start he soon passed me up; it was too hot to try to keep up with him, and I just ran my race. He ended up winning 1st place. My time at 1 mile was 7:54. I ran with a lady decked out in Run-On! gear for a while, making my way to the next mile marker. At the 2 mile marker, my time was 15:57 (8:02 / mile pace). At this point, I was starting to feel fatigue.   We circled around then back on to the long straightaway to the finish line. At about 2.8 miles I hit a wall; I usually save a little energy back for the last mile but I was exhausted. I arrived at the 3 mile in 24:03 (8:05 / mile pace). With only .1 mile to go, and my family waiting for me, I did my best to finish strong. Despite my efforts, several runners started to pass me up. I finished as best as I could in the time of 25:25. It took over 1 minute and 20 seconds for the last .1 mile which is considerably longer than usual. I finished 2nd place out of 20 in my division and 80 out of the total of 637 runners.   At the award ceremony they honored several groups with their total donations to the Monsignor Petter Endowment Fund, and the first few finishers. For a while, I thought I was going to get shut out like the last time that I finished 2nd place. But after the ceremony the rest of us that placed were handed our awards. When I got back home, I put the award around my dog, Rocky's, neck. He was happy.   I'm going to be running in the Relay for Life on April 29th in Arlington, and have set up a donations page. Please do not feel obligated to donate anything. However, if you already plan on donating then please feel free to do so through my page.   Place    Bib#    Men Overall    Overall    Total Time    Pace 2/20      213        62/316         80/637      25:25         8:11     I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com

Run for a Purpose 5k

This week I ran in the Run for a Purpose 5k at Cedar Hill High School's Longhorn track in Cerdar Hill, TX on Saturday, March 26. The race benefited lung cancer research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Rexanna's Foundation T.E.A.M. Scholarships. Rexanna's Foundation is named after Rexanna Hawkins, an educator and coach, who died of lung cancer at age 49 in 2006, even though she was never a smoker. This particular race was held to honor David Milson who spent 23 years coaching at Cedar Hill High School. Just weeks after his retirement in April 2010 he was shocked when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. David, a non smoker, died on January 31, 2011 at the age of 53. This event included a 5K walk / run, kids fun run, and a health fair. There was also a special dedication ceremony to David after the race. Personally, I ran this race for my little brother Jimmy, who is currently in hospice care. He is 53 years old, and his birthday is next week on April 6. I am grateful for all that he has meant to me in my life. Now it seems that it's time to prepare myself to lose him.   I arrived early, went to registration desk to pick up my race package, and took a few pictures by the Run for a Purpose sign. I run every race with a purpose. I jogged a while around the high school parking lot and stretched. The start / finish line was on the track and the course then branched out to the streets around neighborhood. There was no turn around for this course; overall, it was great. After the fun run, the 5K started. It was about 70 degrees by the 9:00AM start. Just before the race started, my younger son Edward, who just got married last month, arrived with his wife. He took pictures before, during, and after the race.   I lined up on the first row and talked with a guy in my age group named Alan, who looked fast. I also got a high five from the Chick Fillet Cow, who started the race with us (but didn't do the whole 5K). Once the race started, there was a straight-line dash out of the high school track. My Run-On! coach, Dan, said I had some good training runs, and I really wanted to erase my record time at the Madi Gras Run because I think the course was a little short. With my family out to watch me run, I was motivated to beat that time. After sprinting as fast as I could out of the track I made my way to the street with a police escort. There were a lot of turns on the course, but they had volunteers there to guide everyone, and cheer everyone on. It felt great!   Soon after leaving the track, the man in my age group passed me up. I told myself to try to keep up with him if I could. I arrived at the 1st mile in 7:21, and made it to the 2nd mile in 15:16 (7:55 / m pace). I tried to increase my speed after about 2.5 miles. I arrived back on the track for a sprint to the finish line with all I had left to give. My Garmin timer had only 3.0 miles, not the 3.10 it takes for a 5K. I could be wrong, but again, I think this course was a little short. My final time was a new personal record at 23:33. I don't know if I'll be able to erase this short PR time off my record now.   I finished 30 overall, the highest finish ever with over 200 runners or more. This was the first race these organizers had run, and they did not post the results like all of the other races I have run in (over 60). After cooling down and checking out the health fair with my family, the award ceremony started. I thought I finished 2nd place, and so my son was ready to take a picture of me with my award. It turns out that unlike all the other races I've been to, they only gave awards to the first place in each age group with 2nd and 3rd place runners leaving empty handed. I was a little disappointed as I am sure other were. It's not that big of a deal, but I just like to put the award around my dog Rocky when I am lucky enough to win one. He wags his tail and smiles back with his big tall ears like "you did good grandpa, I'm proud of you!"   You can view the results here.   Place    Bib#     Men     Overall   Chip Time   Pace  2/6      1580    26/110   30/291     23:33      7:36/m I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com