January Reader Participation: Sam Rodriguez

Sam actually got me this just before the end of the year; however, in my vacation-fueled snooze of the last few days, I am just now getting through many e-mails and getting it posted.

As I've done in other entries last month (and my apologies to Steve Bezner, Cassie Cowan and Edwin Quarles as their reader participation entries were on their blogs but I failed to link to them here), I try to recall my initial interaction with everyone. (Steve and Edwin were both at the USA Space City 10-Miler and Cassie was at the Tie One On For Charity 5K in May.)

My first interaction with Sam occurred at the end of leg 4 at the Beach to Bay Marathon Relay in Corpus Christi in May. I had been reading his blog for a little bit, but wasn't even completely sure that he was running the leg (before mine) for his On The Run Racing Team. Nonetheless, I took the opportunity to say Hi!, introduce myself and I'm glad I did. Sam's a great guy. He came up in his first effort since Beach to Bay and won the first "Bloggers 5K" at Run The Woodlands 5K and has been supportive of all of our efforts over the last half of the year.

Here's his year-ending contribution:

Top 10 Events of 2005
I don't know if I've run 10 events this year, but here is my best recollection of things.

1) My top event, by far, would have to be the Village Fair 5k. I posted my PR of 16:29, qualified for the B Standard for the On The Run Racing Team, moving from a developmental team member to a B-Team member. Very exciting day.

2) Bellaire Trolley Run 5K - run just one or two weeks prior to the Village Fair event, I PR'd at 16:34, after blasting a 5:05 opening mile. An obvious late race crater, but a strong effort that I remain proud of.

3) Bayou City Classic 10K - while a slow effort, by time conversion standards, it was a PR for me at 35:56. I enjoy this race, love the route, enjoy the post race festivities and the set up. Overall, a very fun event.

4) Beat The Heat 5K - run in Jersey Village and organized by my cousin, it's a very fun, low-key event. It was the 2nd running of it, and I have yet to post a very impressive time, but have won both overall awards, so that's a definite positive to it.

5) Resurrection Run 5K - The race before the Trolley Run. I remember feeling horrible during the 3rd mile, and thinking I was going to run a 6:30 3rd. Somehow, squeezed out a 5:45 to finish in 17:08. A week later, I ran 16:34....good stuff.

6) On The Run 5 Miler - The day after my PR of 16:29 on Mother's day. It was a brutal race for me, but I PR'd for 5 miles @ 28:25, nonetheless. Even though at the time I was greatly disappointed in my time, looking back, it's a testament to my fitness at the time.

7) Minds On The Move 5K - a poor performance, but another overall race victory. Never run it before, but will probably run it again so that I can redeem my 17:24.

8) Beach to Bay Marathon Relay - not really happy with my performance, but it was a really fun event to do. I look forward to another attempt at this one with another quality team this summer.

9) Fleet Feet 8.4K - A near PR at 5 Miles, a PR at 4 Miles, and a crater in the final mile. But, an effort I felt good about, despite the warmth of the day. Overall, was a good event, and enjoyed sticking around to cheer on my fellow team members in the 25K.

10) Jingle Bell Run - A near PR at 5 Miles, but blew it with an poor opening mile. I always enjoy the Jingle Bell Run, as it's a good atmosphere. Despite not being totally happy with my run, what made this event one of my top 10 was all the HRBers seen there.

Other Events - Run the Woodlands 5K and USA 10-Miler
(I'm teasing, but he gets a win at RTW and it doesn't make the Top 10! -- JW)

Look at that, I really did do more than 10 events....imagine that. :-)

Inspiration
I have lots of inspirations. I'll try to capture them here.

Jessica for her sheer enjoyment of achievment. Her posts about her runs are always so uplifting and make me want to get out and run one more time.

Jon for his passion for the sport and recreation of running. He searches for and posts about things about running that most of us don't even know exists.

Lisa for her commitment to her training and her awesome goal she has set out there. That I feel like even while I run my half, I'll be cheering her on in my mind to help her reach that Boston Qualifier time.

Cassie - I think it's awesome what she's achieved with her IT injury. So many times, with small pains and nagging injuries, I've wanted to give things a rest, but her toughness is always in my mind.

Sarah for her love of running and as I read her blog and her comments on mine, I get reminded of just how fortunate I am to run, no matter how happy or frustrated I am with my performance.

Sean Wade for his longevity and his continuing excellence, despite the advancement of others in the Houston-area. He's a phenomenon and I keep in mind how special it is to see him run, and to know him as a person, as not all of us get to experience excellence in our choice of sport or recreation.

Gabe Rodriguez for his coaching, his aspirations, and his wisdom for his youth. He became a friend of mine and his words and encouragement is probably the most influential to my running and my belief in achievment of my personal goals.

My Faith is a source of strength when times are rough and humility in times of achievement.

Finally, my little girl, Sonia. I want her to be proud of what I do as a runner, as well as in other areas of life.

Goals for 2006
This year will be my year for consistency. No long breaks. No lulls in training. I want to make all my training days, and only miss on planned days of no running.

I will sub-5:00 pace for 5K
I will sub 32 minutes for 10K
I will PR at every distance with the exception of the marathon.

Sorry for the late submission. Happy New Year, and blessings to all in their running year! God Bless!