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My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:20:58 GMT

Webpro: We ran a paved trail through the woods that connects Lake Beresford Park to Blue Springs State Park. It's 3 miles one way and will become part of the much longer Spring to Spring Trail that is currently under construction. We had to pay $2 to enter Blue Springs then ran about a mile into the park to see the manatees. We walked a boardwalk with overlooks that follows the spring run, but I paused my Garmin for that. The round trip was just shy of 8 miles.

Here is info on Lake Beresford Park: http://volusia.org/parks/beresford.htm

There are water fountains and a restroom at the parking area in Lake Beresford Park. You have to pay to enter Blue Springs, but there are facilities there too. In between you'd have to water the bushes.

If you like trail running there is a hiking trail in Blue Springs that if memory serves was 4 miles, 8 miles round trip. I hiked it years ago.

The only race I'm registered for at the moment is the Croom Fool's Run 50 mile ultra on April 7 but I'm sure I'll pick up a few others. I often register at the last minute when I can find some free time in my schedule.

If you are looking for a fun half marathon, check out this one that my club is holding on March 11: http://swamphousehalfmarathon.com/

Trail running hurts!!! Help!

guest — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:44:51 GMT

What is it you like about the Vibrams? 0 drop? Toe Splay? There are some new shoes on the market that offer those features and with just enough protection to keep your feet from getting bruised.

I have worn the Merrill Trail Glove and like those a lot. I’m excited to try the new New Balance MT110. Lately I’ve been running easy trails in huarache sandals. Luna Sandals has some options with thicker soles and a leather footbed that I have heard offer all the protection you need, at least to the soles of your feet.

The sacrifice is probably a reduced ground feel. If you want to run technical trails, you will probably have to make a tough choice between ground feel and comfort. I think your options are stick to less technical trails, get used to bruised feet, or consider moving into a minimalist trail shoe.

Running clubs - what to expect?

guest — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:23:42 GMT

That's been my experience too. Most clubs have all experience levels - Couch to 5k beginners through Boston qualifiers and ultramarathoners. If you aren't made to feel welcome right off the bat, try another club.

My running improved dramatically as soon as I joined a club just by trying to run with people a little bit faster than me. I thought I was pushing myself on my own, but I didn't realize what I was capable of until I started running with a group. I've learned a lot and met some great friends. My non-running friends and family are also very relieved that I found an outlet for my running talk. I was boring them to death.

Re: My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:17 GMT

I ran 8 miles on Sunday to Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, FL and took a break before heading back on the return leg to watch the manatees.

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:18:38 GMT

Cure PSP 5k in Deltona, FL. Temperature was in the low 40's and the course was pancake flat. Perfect conditions for a good run but a half mile in I knew today was not my day. I don't think I'm recovered yet from last weekend. Probably shouldn't have even been racing today but it was a charity event I wanted to support. Finished in 24:06 when I was hoping to finally break 23. I'm satisfied with my effort though and happy with the time considering.

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:23:25 GMT

If anyone is interested, I just posted my writeup of the Ragnar Relay here:

http://runningbirdsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/florida-keys-ragnar-relay-2012.html

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:25:33 GMT

Congrats to the Disney racers, I had a lot of friends running that one, and to Terrans for the trail race.

I ran the Florida Keys Ragnar Relay this weekend. 199 miles from Miami to Key West. I was part of a 6 person ultra team. We finished in 28 hours and 20 minutes and placed third in the mixed ultra division.

I have never done anything so difficult that was so much fun. I ran six legs totalling 35 miles, managed about 30 minutes sleep, and survived off of nothing but trail mix, gels and similar snacks for nearly two days.

Highlights included an 8 mile leg through the Everglades on a rocky trail that followed the Southern Glades Canal in the middle of the night and a 9.3 mile leg that took me over the 30 mile mark and was as difficult as any of the marathons I have run.

I'd do it again tomorrow if I could.

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:00:43 GMT

No mountain vistas to share from down here in Florida, but our trails have their charms too. I ran 16 miles in the Seminole State Forest this afternoon, Cassia Trailhead to State Road 46 and back. Stopped to cool my heels in Blackwater Creek, dead center of the forest, at about mile 12. Temperatures were in the mid 60's, beautiful day for a run.

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:58:50 GMT

Thanks. This is a transition area between the wetlands by the river and pine uplands. In a lot of places that palmetto is almost impenetrable.

This time of year the humidity is usually pretty low. We're having a warm December so far, but a front came through today that brought some rain and cooler temps by tomorrow. This weekend was warmer and more humid than normal. Unfortunatly that meant the mosquitos were still out. Not bad, but they were an inspiration to keep moving.

My last run was...how was yours?

guest — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:42:18 GMT

Christmas day trail run. Silver River State Park near Ocala, FL. 78 degrees. 6.5 miles on a flat, easy trail at a comfortably slow pace hopped up on Mucinex due to a minor chest cold. I ignored the numerous warnings I got from non-runners that running with a cold will give me pneumonia.