Well, here's another trail race report. I generally don't like trail running, but apparently I suffer some kind of periodic trail race amnesia.

My beloved nearby Gemini Springs has a special place in my heart. I have spent many hundreds of hours there birding. Even if I'm not birding, I'm there several times a week during regular training runs (the paved trail!) and bike rides. So this was another reason I found it hard to resist signing up for this trail run. I was curious to see how the race director handled the routes and what others thought of the park and the run.

This race was put on by FLX Florida Adventures.

My face when I realize I've signed up for another trail race

Race Day: July 28, 2019
I rode my bike over in the morning and got my shirt and bib. It was about 77°F with sunny skies and 94% humidity at the start of the race at 8AM.

Mile 1: 12:53
We started out the run from the OK Corral pavilion behind the dog park and headed out onto the paved trail. We ran along the access path to the primitive campground and then crossed the paved trail to run on the grass along side DeBary Bayou. The wild hibiscus were in bloom everywhere. We ran here in full sun but after this we had a mostly shaded route. We did a loop around the Bayou and as we hit a turnaround on the paved trail some faster runners came back, apparently lost. A few of us got confused and went the wrong way back down the paved trail. I remembered from the pre-race briefing what the route should generally look like so I went back and got back on the right course. The route was pretty well marked here so I'm not sure how others got lost and I was mad at myself for following the others when I knew the right way to go.

Mile 2: 14:06
We crossed the spring dam and the water stop in the middle of Gemini Springs park, running around the backwoods trails.

Mile 3+: 16:01, 7:59
The last mile took us back through the center of the park, over a couple of spring run dams, before returning to the start/finish area by the OK Corral.

After the Race | Recommendation
Lots of people got lost, including those who ran the 10K. For the most part, I thought the route (for the 5K at least) was well-marked.

The course through Gemini Springs is beautiful. We were lucky with a relatively cool morning and a dry course for the 5K. Often during the summer the path near the bayou by all of the wild hibiscus is completely flooded, but it hasn't happened so far this year. The backwoods trails have a lot of tree roots in the path which make for some tricky footing but for the most part it's an easy run.

Awards were given out after a while. It was apparent that folks who did not run the entire route were eligible for awards. I know they ran the required mileage (and much more in some cases), just not on the same route as everyone else. A 10K award was given out to someone who dropped down to the 5K distance on race morning (I dropped down as well, but my results were correctly attributed to the 5K distance). I don't blame any of the runners who accepted awards. The race director talked about getting lost like it was a badge of honor (and for trail running, I guess it is, though the very few other trail races I've run didn't seem to have this problem). I feel that runners who got lost and did not complete the race course as designed should not be eligible for awards. I didn't like the disorganization and super casual attitude from the race director. It seemed like no one else was bothered by this, so I guess it's just me. For this reason I will avoid FLX Adventures races in the future. Until I come down that recurring amnesia, at least!

Manual clock time: 49:22 (for ~3.54 miles)
Placement details: N/A
Race Amenities: Tech FLX branded shirt, generic FLX medal for all finishers
Cost: $30

Report written July 30, 2019

I love my Garmin 235 running watch. I've been using it for all of my runs since December 2016. I've got a simple black one.

I decided to try out a replacement Garmin wrist band from AliExpress, a Chinese online retail service known for selling merch at low prices.

Order & Shipment
I purchased the "Black Flower" design from the "FlySerina Store". I placed my order on May 29th, 2019. I received my band, shipped straight from China, in a small padded envelope. It arrived on June 21st, 2019.

Price
Although you can find unique merchandise on AliExpress, the main reason I purchased my watch band here was for the low price. Prices on AliExpress tend to fluctuate; I paid $3.17 for the watchband, with free shipping. Note that sometimes ordering through the mobile app gives better pricing than via the desktop interface. I usually do my shopping on a computer and fill my cart from there. I can login via the app on my phone and compare the total price between the two before placing my order.

Replacing the Band
The replacement came with a couple of mini screwdrivers to remove the hardware from the watch in order to make the switch. You're dealing with a very small screw going into the holding pin but it's not too hard to remove and replace the bands. The replacement band didn't come with any instructions but the process is easy to figure out. It's a good idea to do the change over a table or tray since there's a chance you might accidentally drop the tiny screw or pin as you're working on it.

Product Review
The replacement band is much more supple than my standard issue band. It bends naturally around my wrist without having to be "broken in". My RoadID fits on the new band perfectly. I like having the pattern on the band. It adds a bit of flair without being too flashy. I've been using the new watchband for about a month and I don't see any signs of wear and tear at all. It seems pretty solid. I was able to give my old watchband a good cleaning, which was needed. Since there was nothing wrong with it, I saved it so I can use it again.

Recommendation
I am very happy with this purchase and I will probably look to buy other replacement Garmin watch bands on AliExpress in the future. Recommended.

Update 4/6/21
I used the above band for about a year and a half. During the summer, after about a year of use, I noticed that some of the design was starting to wear off of the band around the buckle. The silicone strap and plastic hardware were still in excellent condition so I didn't see an urgent need to replace it. Last fall I ordered a couple of different pattern bands and in January I finally replaced the band featured in this post. Mechanically it was working fine and the wear on the pattern was barely noticeable. I mostly replaced it just to have something new. Still recommended!

For the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, a pair of commemorative races was organized to take place on Kennedy Space Center property. I wanted to run the Apollo 11K but that race had a 13 minute mile minimun that I wasn't sure I could maintain, so I signed up for the accompanying Saturn 5K instead.

Training & Goals
Still wonky in the Achilles. I hoped to follow a slow and easy 2:1 run:walk ratio for the race, weather permitting. The race was along the treeless NASA Causeway with no shade. With a planned 8AM start (that ended up getting pushed back) I knew the heat and full sun might be an issue. I'm in the middle of a July runstreak so this was my 14th day in a row running at least 5K.

Race Day: July 14, 2019
Arthur came with me. We were at the Space Coast the day prior for an Astronaut Parade so I was able to pick up my packet a day early. This saved us some time race morning. We arrived in time to find a good parking spot and settle in to watch the 11K runners come in.

It was 84°F with sunny skies, 94% humidity, and a feels-like temperature of 101° by the time I started the race at 8:20AM. Yikes.

Mile 1: 12:25
On the way out I was able to keep up an easy 2:1 run:walk pace.

Mile 2: 13:06
Part of the run took us over a causeway drawbridge. I walked the uphill portions.

Mile 3+: 14:35, 1:00
In the heat I decided to switch to run/walking 1:2.

After the race
Runners were offered cold water, ice cold rags, bananas and beer after the race.

Recommendation
Well, this is probably a one-off based on the unique theme, but here's my take. The late start for the 5K sucked, but I suppose that was scheduled so runners could race both events. Pre-race information said that the pace requirement of 13 mm for the 11K was strict, but there were plenty of 11K runners who came in after the alleged cut-off (over 100 were over pace). I wish I had signed up for the 11K, for the cooler medal and earlier start time. I guess these are the kinds of kinks you might find in any brand new race.

I was happy to see that there were different shirts and medals for the two races, and I can't complain about the price I paid. There was a $15 coupon offered a couple of weeks before race day which brought the price down to a pretty good bargain for a unique 5K.

Chip time: 41:04
Placement details: 159th overall out of 440 5K finishers
Race Amenities: Unisex tech shirt and medal for all finishers (different shirt and medal for 11K runners)
Cost: $24.95

Report written July 17, 2019

The Firecracker 5K Beach Run used to be a fundraiser for the Daytona Beach Track Club. 2019 marked the first year this holiday race was put on by Red Pointer Productions.

Training & Goals
Still wonky in the Achilles. I planned to follow my slow and easy 1:2 run:walk ratio for the race. I'm also working on a July runstreak so this was my 6th day in a row running at least 5K.

Race Day: July 6, 2019
The race start/finish was at Frank Rendon Park, which I have visited plenty of times during the winter to see the massive gull gathering. I was glad I arrived by around 6:45AM; I think the lot may have filled up. I got a sweet parking spot and picked up my bib and shirt. It was a beautiful morning out on the beach waiting for the race to begin. The temperature was about 79°F with 100% humidity and full sun at the time we started running.

Mile 1: 12:41

Mile 2: 12:46

Mile 3+: 12:53, 1:22
I was glad to come in under 40 minutes. Next stop, sub 35, and maybe someday I'll hit a sub 30 again.

After the Race
Cold water, watermelon, and cookies were availble for runners after the run. It was a nice atmosphere for this small race that had a lot of out-of-towners in (6+ states were represented in the awards ceremony!). It's also always nice when Race DJ is present at local races.

Recommendation
If you want to run in Florida in the middle of summer, you might be insane. But you can't go wrong with this race. Red Pointer puts on a smooth production. Recommended.

Chip time: 39:38
Placement details: 8th of 14 in Age Group, 151st overall out of 224 finishers
Race Amenities: Super soft unisex shirt, finisher medal for all
Cost: $33.75

Report written July 6, 2019

Featured and me running photo (c) Almost There Photography

Melissa's Race to Battle Brain Cancer is a 5K road race in Sanford, Florida. This year was the 4th annual of the growing local event. This was my first time participating in this fundraiser race.

Melissa's Race follows the same 5K course as the Riverside Dash 5K.

Training & Goals
Still wonky in the Achilles. I planned to follow my slow and easy 1:2 run:walk ratio for the race.

Race Day: May 18, 2019
Arthur dropped me off race morning. I picked up my packet at our club's Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon tent and could leave my stuff there while I ran.

It was 66°F at the start with about 94% humidity. The sun was shining from the start, making it feel hot.

Mile 1: 13:46

Mile 2: 12:17
I tried out a couple of 2:1 intervals in this mile.

Mile 3+: 13:22, 1:23
But that just made me have to slow down a bit more for the last mile. What happened to my stamina? Yeah, no training will do that.

After Party
There were plenty of sponsor vendor tents at the festive finish line area. Water, bananas, and snacks were offered to all finishers.

Recommendation
This local race is well-organized and growing. The race was followed by a charity event in downtown Sanford, Brains and Beers, that I did not attend, but looked like fun. Recommended.

Chip time: 40:43
Placement details: 44th of 76 in Age Group, 410th overall out of 764 finishers
Race Amenities: Nice cotton logo t-shirt, finisher medal for all; I won a bottle of Fish Oil pills in a club drawing
Cost: $39

Recap written June 8, 2019

The Run 4 Life 4 Miler is a charity run through the tree-covered roads of historic old Enterprise, Florida and along the shore of Lake Monroe. The race starts and finishes at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home (FUMCH). The run raises awareness and money for local suicide prevention and mental health programs. This was my third time running this one. See my Run 4 Life 2018 and Run 4 Life 2017 reports.

Training & Goals
Still wonkly in the Achilles. I planned to start with a 5 minute warm up walk followed by an easy 1:2 run:walk ratio for the remainder of the race.

Race Day: May 11, 2019
I biked to FUMCH from home and locked my bike to a tree behind our club's tent. Like last year, West Volusia Runners had a huge showing at this charity race, now with over 100 WVR participants. At the start it was about 70°F with 94% humidity and clear skies.

Mile 1: 13:43

Mile 2: 12:54

Mile 3: 13:17
Our club had a jump contest; the first spot we could try was just at the end of mile 3. I made an attempt here. LOL

Mile 4: 13:41

Recommendation
This is a very good, well-organized race. The course is a pretty, mostly shaded run through old Florida. The water stop we hit twice and course support were all very good. I like supporting this race and will be back again. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 53:28
Placement details: 98th out of 166 women, 172nd out of 269 total finishers
Race Amenities: Nice cotton t-shirt and finisher medal for all
Cost: $33.50

Report written May 14, 2019

Professional group and race photos (c) Almost There Photography

This was my 3rd year participating in the Riverside Dash. You can see my previous reports here: Riverside Dash 5K 2017 and Riverside Dash 15K 2018. This year I did the 5K. The course for the 5K goes along the river front in Sanford and then through streets of downtown before returning to Fort Mellon Park. It's a very nice course.

Training & Goals
I felt okay after last weekend's races at Disney. My Achilles still doesn't feel right and I'm starting to wonder if that might be my new normal and I need to buck up and start running again and stop eating everything in sight. Anyway. No particular goals for this morning. Finish upright, don't die.

Race Day: April 14, 2019
I had picked up my packet ahead of time and the race is really close to home so I didn't have to leave too early. I found a good parking spot a few blocks from the start/finish area. I brought along my Oofos to change into after the race and my shirt, which was a bit on the small side, to exchange after the race. Bag check was smooth and easy. Soon the 15K runners took off and 10 minutes later it was time for us 5K participants. It was a warm 75°F with 89% humidity at the start. Fortunately the skies were cloudy so we didn't have any scorching sun to deal with along with the heat and humidity.

Mile 1: 12:44
The race starts at Fort Mellon Park and takes runners along the lakefront on Seminole Boulevard before turning back along 1st Street into downtown Sanford. Once I started moving I felt a lot of annoying little aches in my legs and knees. Took it easy with slow 2:1 run:walk intervals.

Mile 2: 13:00
This part of the race takes runners briefly along the lakefront at the marina and Veterans Memorial Park before turning back into downtown Sanford. There were at least 3 water stops before we finished mile 2, and I think we hit at least two more (on the out-and-back portion) on the course. I walked all of them -- the heat and humidity really got to me. My legs started to warm up but I felt like my heart was racing.

Mile 3+: 14:10, 2:09
The last mile had us on 1st Street once more, now running back the way we came, headed to the start/finish at Fort Mellon Park. I switched to a 1:2 run:walk interval because I was feeling extremely winded. Yeah, that will happen with no training.

After Party
I didn't stick around too long after the race. Like last year, a nice breakfast buffet was offered to runners, but I wasn't hungry. I did have a beer and spin the wheel at a couple of vendor booths before heading home.

Recommendation
This race is a regional favorite for the scenic courses for both the 5K and the 15K, great support, and generous after party. This year the medals were particularly nice and a soft cotton shirt was offered instead of tech (I like when races change this up from year to year). I continue to highly recommend this event.

Chip time: 41:57
Placement details: 23/39 in age group; 319 out of 501 finishers
Race Amenities: Nice gender-specific soft cotton shirt, nice finisher medals for all, nice fresh food and beer spread after the race
Cost: $33.50

Report written April 14, 2019

Amy running downtown photo (c) Almost There Photography

Yay, it's time for my 4th consecutive Star Wars Half Marathon at Disney World! You can read my previous race reports here: 2016 Dark Side Half Marathon; 2017 Dark Side Half Marathon; 2018 Dark Side Half Marathon. This year's race weekend was rebranded as the Rival Run, with runners choosing to run for the Dark Side or the Light Side upon registration.

For this race I ran in a simple kit with a REBEL hat and an old Light Side "Run Like a Rebel" runDisney tech shirt with a trusty old SparkleSkirt.

Training & Goals
Still struggling with an achy Achilles, I took almost three full weeks off from running prior to the 5K on Friday. I fully expected to walk much of the weekend and had fears and doubts about completing the half marathon. I was very glad to have a middle corral (D of H) for an extra buffer but I expected to be unable to stop for many or any photo ops. The usual Disney race goal for me is to have as much fun as possible, and that was still the main focus, despite my fears.

Race Day: April 7, 2019
I woke up before my alarm for the third day in a row. Arthur and I left home at 3:33AM.

First World Problem Update: On this day I would be running with the third device in three days. First, for the 5K, I had an old iPod Touch with a front-facing camera only, after finding my daily driver iPhone 6S had completely died. For the 10K I ran with my old iPhone 4. My new iPhone 7 arrived Saturday afternoon and I had a few hours to play around with it before going to bed Saturday night. I didn't have a protective case for it but the battery case I had bought to save my iPhone 6S fits the 7 so I used that.

On the drive down we passed a terrible accident with a jackknifed semi truck twisted around on the side of the road so we had a bit of delay. We had the car parked at Epcot by 4:56AM. Arthur walked with me towards the buses before kissing me goodbye and wishing me good luck. At the start area I used a portapotty and got into my corral with time to spare.

The course was very similar to the previous three Dark Side races.

It was about 70°F with 100% humidity when I started the race at 5:46AM.

Mile 1, 2, 3, 4: 14:03, 14:37, 14:28, 14:53
I didn't really know what was going to happen in this race. I wanted to be able to stop for photo ops but I was worried about finishing in time. For these early miles I stopped to snap the photo ops that were set up just to have a record. I saw Rey, the Emperor's chair, Ewoks, and the trash compactor before reaching Animal Kingdom just after mile 4. I also stopped at each mile marker (at Disney, I always do). For these miles I did a slow 2:1 run:walk interval, to save my energy but bank a little time if I could.

Mile 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: 16:34, 16:10, 16:07, 16:31, 16:23, 16:31
I was feeling alright but my legs were pretty heavy at the halfway point. Makes sense, since I didn't train at all and had extremely low miles for the last several months. I slowed down further, knowing I had the buffer of a few corrals and the early 14-15 minute miles at the start. I switched to a slow and easy 1:2 run:walk interval most of this part. Outside of Animal Kingdom I stopped for some photos with the 501st that was out there.

Arthur was waiting to see me in the Animal Kingdom parking lot, close to the Hoth Wampa photo op. I stopped for a selfie and a hug with Arthur but skipped Hoth. After leaving World Drive and crossing over at Buena Vista Drive runners could look back on the course as we went over the bridge. There was still a sea of runners behind us with no balloon ladies (effectively the last pacers before the course closes down and runners are removed from the course) in sight.

I think everyone with that view on the bridge breathed a sigh of relief, me included. I felt a lot more relaxed about taking photos and taking my time for the remaining four or so miles of the race.

Mile 11, 12, 13+: 18:04, 17:04, 18:08, 9:05
My legs were feeling really heavy. For this part of the race I was mostly walking, with sporadic little bursts of jogging here and there when course congestion allowed (and when there were photographers on the course). Entering Hollywood Studios there was another group of 501st around the Fantasmic queue and I stopped for some more photos. I saw Arthur again inside Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard and again shortly just outside of the park.

There were fewer spectators than usual through the Boardwalk area, and that was a little bit of a bummer. The spectators that were there were awesome though, and put a smile on my face that stayed plastered there until I reached the finish line.

Like last year, I made a quick pit stop at Joffrey's in Epcot to purchase a fruity iced adult beverage to enjoy for the last mile of the race. It was super yummy.

It was pretty crowded at the last 501st area after leaving Epcot. I took a few photos but didn't linger too long as I knew Arthur was waiting for me. I was so extremely happy to cross that finish line! I learned what it meant when runners say "sure, you can finish a half marathon with little or no training, but it won't be pretty". My legs were not happy with me but I got it done and (hopefully, ha!) learned my lesson.

Afterwards
I saw Arthur just after the finish line and he handed me my 10K and 5K medals so I could take a finisher photo with all of them. Then we met up and he gave me my Oofos sandals to change into. We waited in the short line for K-2SO so I could have one more medal photo. I got a celebratory beer as well before heading back to the car.

After a quick change of clothes and a yummy late breakfast at Centertown Market at Caribbean Beach we headed to Magic Kingdom and Epcot for the rest of the day. Walking was very slow but good for recovery!

Chip time: 3:38:31
Placement details: 648/772 in Age Group; 10856 out of 12113 finishers
Race Amenities: Tech shirt, finisher medal and challenge medal, all that Disney good stuff
Cost: $357.11 (the cost for the Rival Run Challenge which includes the 10K and the Half Marathon; about $42 more than last year)

Report written April 12, 2019