The Remarkable River Run is three race series that takes place in Port Orange, Florida. The first event is a 5K in March, followed by a 10K in June, and a 15K in September. I ran the 10K this year; I also ran the Remarkable River 10K in 2016. The racing series benefits the non-profit Building Remarkable Communities charity, a Volusia county group that works to eradicate domestic violence.

Training & Goals
I had been doing some practice runs with different pace groups during club runs with West Volusia Runners. I normally run intervals, running for four minutes and then walking for one. I had done 3-4 miles with the (approximately) 11:25 (minutes per mile), 12:00, and 12:55 groups. After running intervals for so long, it's tough for me to run straight through. Having pacers is awesome and I felt pretty proud after I completed each training run. Since I'm not in PR shape I thought I would try running this 6 mile race with a pace group. I joined the 12:55 pacers. This was to be the club team pacers' first race and they were excited and nervous. Besides the pacers, there was a big turnout from the club in general.

Race Day: June 10, 2018
With a 6:30AM start, I had to leave home early to make it to Port Orange in time. Parking was easy. My club friends collected and secured my bib and shirt in a safe spot so I didn't have to wait in line. When it was time to run, I got in line with my pace group. It was 72° with 100% humidity and sunny skies at start time.

Mile 1: 12:53
There were five of us at the start, I think. Three pacers (Candace and two others who were running a different pace than their usual, Diane and Mary), me, and another Amy. I think we picked up and dropped runners as the race went on but I'm not sure. The pace was spot on right from the beginning.

Mile 2: 12:51
Great pace! Feeling good. Happy to run with others.

Mile 3: 12:53
GPS watches aren't always 100% accurate or in sync with each other. Overall our pace was great throughout the run.

Mile 4: 13:01

Mile 5: 12:48

Mile 6+: 12:42, 2:17
For the last .2 or so I ran ahead of the pacers to the finish line. I was so happy to have run the six miles straight through!

After the Race
Well, the pacers all had tales of triumph and success. I think all of the pace groups were pleased with their performance and they all had at least one person in their group get a PR (the other Amy in our group got a Personal Record!).

Aunt Catfish provides runners with a filling breakfast buffet and other treats were on offer. A few stands from local businesses and races were on hand with freebies and info. Race DJ was there to entertain the crowd as well. Good stuff.

Recommendation
This is a well-run race series. The management company that handles the races has changed a couple of times in the last few years but it continues to run smoothly despite the changes. The course is a simple out-and-back along the Halifax River and through local neighborhoods. Course support and traffic control and safety were all top notch. Highly recommended. The progression of the series from 5K to 10K and 15K make a great supplement to a training plan for a fall half marathon like Lighthouse Loop, also in Port Orange.

Chip time: 1:19:16
Placement details: 10th of 18 in Age Group, 178th overall out of 246 finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt, finisher medal for all
Cost: $39.50

Report written July 4, 2018

All photos except pace sign (c) Almost There Photography

The DBK 5K is sponsored by a local contracting company. The 2018 race was the 4th annual; I ran this one previously in 2016.

Training & Goals
I was finally starting to feel like my injury was behind me following my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on April 14th. For the prior six or so weeks I hadn't been running much except for a few races I had signed up for. I had one slow three mile run the Tuesday before race day and I felt no pain or discomfort around my ribs for the first time since my fall. I meant to take this race easy.

Race Day: May 19, 2018
Too lazy to bike over to the race like last time, I drove the short distance to DBK, where the race starts and finishes. It was about 73°F with 100% humidity and cloudy skies at race time.

Mile 1: 11:14
The starting mat was kind of small and narrow so it took a while for everyone to cross the start. The street was wide though so runners could spread out right away. We left the main street and headed onto residential roads for most of the race. I just plugged along with my usual 4:1 intervals. I was feeling pretty good, though the humidity was stifling.

Mile 2: 11:26
More running through neighborhood streets. Still feeling pretty good and typically sweating a lot.

Mile 3: 10:30
Well, my Garmin gave me a short race, just 2.95 miles. I wasn't going for a PR so I don't really mind but I feel bad for anyone who was. Shortly into the third mile I saw an age group foe (not really) running ahead of me, taking irregular walking breaks. I tried to catch up with her, and it shows in my pace for this split, about 11:05. I didn't catch her but I finished with a better time, as she crossed the start line well ahead of me. Mwahaha!

After the Race
Beer, popcorn, and snacks all around! A big water slide! Face painting! Bouncing beach balls! This race has a fun small town family atmosphere.

Recommendation
Pretty good for a small local race. The t-shirt is probably my least favorite ever and the medal is okay. The short course was a bummer and also strange as I think this race has run the same route before. Excellent course support with two water stops and law enforcement out to keep the roads safe for runners. The price is fair though and the after party is very good, especially for a local race.

Chip time: 33:03 for ~2.95 miles
Placement details: 5 of 21 in Age Group, 134th overall out of 380 finishers
Race Amenities: Soft cotton t-shirt, finisher medal for all, beer included in post-race snacks
Cost: $28

Report written May 24, 2018

Group & finisher photo (c) Almost There Photography

The Run 4 Life 4 Miler is a charity run through the tree-covered roads of historic old Enterprise, Florida. Runners also race 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. I ran this race for the first time last year.

Training & Goals
I was still in injured runner mode following my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on April 14th. So training was a whole lotta nothing. I had one short 2 mile run the Tuesday before the race, after having not run at all for over two weeks. I felt a little bit of discomfort during the run and my rib was bothering me a bit for the rest of the day. It didn't hurt but the fact that I could still feel the injury after such a short, easy effort was discouraging to me. So I meant to take the 4 miler easy.

Race Day: May 12, 2018
I elected to drive to the race, a short distance from home. Humidity felt high and I was feeling lazy (last year I biked to the race). I found my running club -- it wasn't hard because West Volusia Runners were about 90 strong and we had matching purple shirts.

Soon it was time to run. It was 70°F and overcast with 88% humidity at the start.

Mile 1: 10:55
What the heck? This is not an easy or nice and slow pace for me these days. I was feeling good though. Ugh.

Mile 2: 10:46
Faster? Great. Aaaand then my rib / chest started to bother me. I could feel the injury with every deep breath and it made me so upset.

Mile 3: 14:16
At the turnaround I started walking, with a few running intervals (I basically went from a 4:1 run:walk to 1:4 for the second half). And pretending to run for photos.

Mile 4: 13:33
More discomfort and huge discouragement. Ugh.

After the Race
I got some water but skipped the offered snacks (bananas and munchkins). Feeling bummed, I didn't stay too long.

Recommendation
This is a very good, well-organized race. The huge turn out from our club was great. The water stop we hit twice and course support were all very good. It's a great cause and a pretty route. I'm sure I'll run this again, hopefully for a PR.

Chip time: 49:21
Placement details: 91th of 175 females; 158 out of 270 overall finishers
Race Amenities: Nice cotton t-shirt, swag bag, finisher medal for all
Cost: $0 (I won entry via a club raffle)

Report written May 16, 2018
Photos (c) Almost There Photography

Right on, it's Dark Side Half Marathon time! This was my third year participating in the Dark Side races and my third Dark Side Half. Since I ran the 10K the day prior, I was in for the Challenge and would be getting an additional medal.

I had also signed up for Disney's money-grab Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon, offered as a sort of substitute for the Light Side race of Disneyland (all Disneyland runs are suspended due to construction at the parks and surroundings). Running the virtual plus the Dark Side Half meant I was also in for the Kessel Run Challenge -- and another medal. Yeah, Disney finally got me to do a virtual race.

I ran the virtual on March 31st, the last day in the race window. I completed my miles in and around Gemini Springs, running some of the grass trails as well as the paved multi-use path, including a run over the new safe path over the St. John's along 17-92. I was lucky with an overcast and relatively cool day.

Okay, back to the Dark Side Half. I ran this race as Jedi Master Yoda. My kit was extremely basic, with a licensed Yoda baseball cap and a tan Sparkle Skirt. I wore a thift shop brown tech shirt and for Yoda's Jedi robe I cut up a tan thrift shop tech shirt and trimmed it with dollar store ribbon attached with Res Q mending tape.

The course was very similar to last year's Dark Side course. Pandora was added in Animal Kingdom and we took the other way around Crescent Lake.

Training & Goals
Training was a whole lotta nothing for this weekend. All of my runs in April have been races! And after my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on the 14th, I was going to take it really easy.

Race Day: April 22, 2018
Arthur came along. He dropped me off at Epcot and I hopped on a bus to the TTC for the start. I had a huge drop bag that had a change of clothes and shoes, plus my 5K, 10K, and virtual medals. We weren't sure if Arthur would meet me at the finish line or not.

After dropping my bag, I got into my corral and snuck as far up to the front as I could. It was about 72°F at the start with 83% humidity. It was overcast and remained cloudy for the entire morning. That kept temperatures low and humidity high.

Mile 1, 2, 3, 4: 12:17, 12:40, 12:15, 12:10
These miles took us from the TTC / Magic Kingdom parking lot out along Bear Island Road to Animal Kingdom. I usually snap quick pictures of the photo ops and entertainment as I pass by but I didn't feel like it for this race. Almost from the start my chest / rib was bothering me. They had the fun Battle of Endor segement like last year, this time with a fire effect enhancing the battle ambiance. That was cool. There was also a Darth Vader segment of road with red lights and the Imperial March and heavy breathing.

Mile 5: 19:15
We ran through Animal Kingdom, hitting Pandora for the first time in a Dark Side race.

Mile 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: 17:20, 17:43, 13:31, 16:04, 17:17
Just out of Animal Kindgom there were some 501sties backstage. Photo time!

Arthur was spectating in the Animal Kingdom parking lot. It's always great to see him on a race course. He was close to the Hoth photo op and of course I had to stop for that once more, it's my favorite.

I stopped to have photos with Sabine & Ezra and Darth Maul before reaching Hollywood Studios.

Mile 11, 12, 13+: 20:57, 16:27, 21:16, 16:15*
We entered Hollywood Studios to be greeted by a bunch of 501sties. 

The speeder bikes were out between Hollywood Studios and Boardwalk. The line was short so I stopped. I always skip this one because there are two speeders and I feel a little bit sad to take this photo alone. I also stopped for Chewie for a change.

I was running in Epcot after 9AM so the park was open. Between World Showcase and Future World I saw that a Joffery's coffee kiosk was open. I made a pit stop to get a frozen adult beverage. I finally remembered to get myself a treat for that last mile.

Just as we left Epcot, before the finish line, was the last group of 501st characters. These guys make the races so much fun. I can't wait to see them again next year.

After the Race
Arthur met me at the finish area. After a couple of finisher photos, a look at the merch tent, and a big celebratory beer, I went to change my clothes. We spent the rest of the day at Animal Kingdom for the park's anniversary (with a bonus visit to Epcot to see Lonestar's Garden Rocks concert).

Chip time: 3:45:20
Placement details: 823rd of 922 in Age Group, 14132nd overall out of 15089 finishers
Race Amenities: Women's short sleeve tech tee, Captain Phasma medal, usual Disney goodness
Cost: $315.13 for the 10K and half marathon challenge plus $69 for the virtual & Kessel Run Challenge

*With all the bobbing and weaving of a runDisney race, my GPS usually ends up going significantly over the race distance. For this 13.1 mile race my Garmin gave me 13.7 miles.

Report written April 29, 2018

Woo hoo, it's 10K time in my favorite race weekend! This was my third year participating in the Dark Side races and my second consecutive Dark Side 10K.

I ran this race as a generic Dark Side nerd, with a Death Star Mickey ears hat, a Darth Vader tech shirt from Under Armour, and a black and red Sparkle Skirt.

The course was the typical WDW 10K run from the Epcot parking lot with some highway miles before finishing through World Showcase and Future World.

Training & Goals
Training was a whole lotta nothing for this weekend. All of my runs in April have been races! And after my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on the 14th, I was going to take it really easy.

Race Day: April 21, 2018
I left home at 3:15AM and had the car parked at Epcot by 4AM. I got on a bus to the start at the TTC. Once there, I only had time to stand in line for a photo with Vader before getting to my corral. It was about 70°F at the start with 88% humidity.

Mile 1, 2, 3: 12:42, 13:25, 14:17
My chest really ached around my cracked rib, so I took it slow. I think the only photo op in these miles was R2D2.

Mile 4: 30:43
Before hitting Hollywood Studios, I ran by the Emperor's Chair and Darth Maul without stopping. The 501st was out in full force just into the park and I stopped to have my photo with everyone.

Mile 5: 25:21
runDisney had Stormtroopers staged at the intersection of Hollywood & Sunset Blvds.

I was taking it easy on the way between Hollywood Studios and Boardwalk. It got really crowded and suddenly I saw I was running with the balloon ladies (effectively the last pacers before the sweepers come by).

At first I thought it was kind of funny but the threat of getting swept is real and there were a lot of unhappy, borderline panicked people in this huge group struggling to keep up with them. The ladies were shouting out words of encouragement though, and it was kind of fun to run with them for a bit.

The speeder bikes were set up before the underpass going into Boardwalk but I ran by. There were lots of spectators along the Boardwalk, some handing out treats.

Mile 6+: 14:23, 14:27*
Somewhere around the beginning of mile 6 I heard a young woman who sounded like she was struggling to breathe. I stopped to walk along with her for a bit, along with another runner. We asked if she needed help but she refused. She was having an asthma attack (??) but didn't want us to help get her inhaler. The other runner ran ahead and I stayed a bit longer, offering help. After a while I thought I might just be a bother so I wished her well and ran ahead.

Before we hit Epcot, Sabine and Ezra were out for photos, and Chewie was there just before we entered the park. I ran a bit faster through World Showcase to build up a buffer on the balloon ladies. I knew the 501st would be out again out of Epcot and I wanted to be able to stop.

I took a few photos with the characters outside of Epcot. While I was in line for a photo, the balloon ladies passed us. I called out that they were coming and the person behind me in line panicked and took off. This was about .2 miles from the finish line, with no bike marshals in sight. LOL aww, really?

I took a selfie with one of the finish line Stormtroopers before running over the mats. Looks like I was happy to cross that line, huh?

I stayed to watch the last runners come in. I was hoping to see asthma girl but I didn't find her. I hope she passed me along with everyone else when I was waiting in 501st character lines. I ended up staying until the very last runner crossed the finish line, along with a Stormtrooper escort. This was pretty cool to see.

After the Race
I saw the last runner get a lot of attention from photographers and volunteers as I progressed through the finish chute. Volunteers handed me extra waters and I feel like I got a lot more "congratulations" than usual. After I got out I headed home. Just a half marathon to go!

Chip time: 2:05:13
Placement details: 723th of 728 in Age Group, 10823th overall out of 10922 finishers
Race Amenities: Women's short sleeve tech tee, Elite Praetorian Guard medal, usual Disney goodness
Cost: $315.13 for the 10K and half marathon challenge

*With all the bobbing and weaving of a runDisney race, my GPS usually ends up going significantly over the race distance. For this 6.2 mile race my Garmin gave me 6.77 miles.

Report written April 28, 2018

Woo hoo, it's my favorite race weekend! This was my third year participating in the Dark Side races and my third consecutive Dark Side 5K. I signed up for the challenge on the first day of registration, but I waited on the 5K. It eventually sold out and I had huge regret for not getting in. I ended up snagging a late no-obligation bib from a travel agent just a few weeks before race day.

I picked up my bibs and t-shirts at the expo on Thursday. Since I ran the 2018 Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon, I picked up the medal and got my wristband for the Kessel Run Challenge. There were some photo ops set up at the expo, which was nice.

I ran this race as a lost USS Discovery (Star Trek) medical officer, pairing a sublimated Star Trek Discovery Uniform t-shirt with a white Sparkle Skirt and a DIY DISCO visor. The polyester costume t-shirt was a bit heavy, non-moisture-wicking style, so I wore it over a white long-sleeve tech shirt for comfort. 

The course was the typical WDW 5K run through Epcot.

Training & Goals
Training was a whole lotta nothing for this weekend. All of my runs in April have been races! And after my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on the 14th, I was going to take it really easy.

Race Day: April 20, 2018
I left home at 2:40AM. I hoped to be able to knock out all of the photo ops on the first day so I didn't have to leave home too early for the 10K and half. I had the car parked at about 3:30AM and went immediately to the photo ops, but I didn't have time for everyone. I was kind of shocked -- I got to the Dopey 5K around the same time and could get all six characters, no problem.

I headed to corral C at about 5:15AM and was able to snake my way to the front. We were sent off in mini-waves as runDisney has been doing for the last few race weekends. It was a cool 59°F with a oppressive 100% humidity when I started my race at 5:46AM.

Mile 1: 11:38
I felt okay. I hadn't run since Chimpathon on Sunday, trying to give myself a rest after my fall. My ribs hurt a bit when I was running but being in a huge Disney race environment was an excellent distraction.

Mile 2: 12:23
As the crowd thinned out I slowed down my pace a bit more. I ran by all of the photo ops: the Emperor's chair; Chewie; Stormtroopers in front of Spaceship Earth; Ezra and Sabine. There weren't any new characters or ops out for the 5K and that was a bit of a disappointment.

Mile 3: 15:52
More running through Epcot, with a bit more walking mixed in. Almost done!

The Last Bit: 31:51*
We exited Epcot via backstage just east of Spaceship Earth, per usual. And there they were, unexpectedly, a bunch of 501sties and friends. These guys didn't attend the first two Dark Side 5K races, so this was an awesome surprise. A fun half hour long surprise!

After the Race
The backdrop characters were out again afterwards, just like always, but I didn't linger. After getting my medal, runDisney box, banana and water, I headed home. Friday's still a work day, after all.

GPS time: 1:11:44 (untimed race)
Race Amenities: Cotton unisex t-shirt, First Order Executioner medal, usual Disney goodness
Cost: $90

*With all the bobbing and weaving of a runDisney race, my GPS usually ends up going significantly over the race distance. For this 3.1 mile race my Garmin gave me 3.49 miles.

Report written April 25, 2018

I ran my first Chimpathon in 2017. This year, instead of driving down on the day of, Arthur and I got a hotel close to the race so we could make a little weekend getaway out of it. We arrived in the area Saturday night for the Sunday morning race.

Chimpathon is a special 16K race that takes place in Fort Pierce, Florida. The course takes runners from the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds to the Save the Chimps sanctuary, normally closed to the public, and back to the fairgrounds. The 2018 run was the fourth annual.

Training & Goals
I hurt myself the day before Chimpathon while running a trail race at Colt Creek State Park. I had to modify my already low expectations (time-wise) for this race, considering my badly bruised knee and aching chest, later determined (self-diagnosed) to be a bruised or fractured rib or ribs. My plan all along was to do pretty much what I did last year, only slower -- run the approximately four miles to the sanctuary, walk through Save the Chimps, and then run a bit slower on the way back.

Race Day: April 15, 2018
Our hotel was close to the fairgrounds and I was able to get my bib on the way down on Saturday so we didn't have to get up too early for this race (winning!). After we got the car parked Arthur and I looked around the starting area and before too long it was time to run! It was about 75°F with 94% humidity at the start of the race.

Mile 1, 2, 3, 4: 12:33, 12:08, 12:10, 11:49
I fully expected my knee to give me trouble, but from the time I woke up to the time I started running I felt no problems there. It wasn't until I started running that my chest started bugging me, especially when trying to take in deep breaths (classic symptom of bruised or fractured rib). I tried to keep my pace nice and easy.

These miles take us over a pedestrian bridge and then along Okeechobee Road before turning north along S Header Canal Road to the sanctuary. It was a nice distraction to hear Eastern Meadowlarks and Towhees singing along the way. I also saw a couple of Loggerhead Shrikes.

At about mile 3.5 I could hear the chimps calling. Before hitting the sanctuary sometime during mile 4 the lead runners were already coming back. That always gives me a boost somehow -- cheering them and marveling at their speed makes me happy.

Mile 5, 6: 15:31, 18:59
Strolling through Save the Chimps is the best part of Chimpathon. Seeing the chimps and their wonderful sanctuary is so much fun, and a bit emotional.

Mile 7, 8, 9, 10: 12:58, 14:18, 15:11, 15:19
On the way back the sun was higher than the trees so there wasn't much by the way of shade. It felt hot, and then there was a strong headwind that was tough. I walked a lot. 16K is 9.94194 miles; this time my GPS gave me exactly 10 miles for the race. I was glad to get back to the fairgrounds and finally cross that finish line.

After the Race
Like last year, there was a nice spread of treats, including chocolate milk. Unfortunately there was no water left by the time I finished, and there were plenty of runners who came in after me. This was extremely disappointing. Arthur and I didn't linger too long. We had a late checkout at our hotel so there was time to go back and shower before hitting the road back home.

Recommendation
This is still a favorite race of mine, and I will be back. The website is great, swag is above-par, and the unique course through the sanctuary can't be beat. Course support, water stops, traffic control and pointers were all excellent. The missing water at the finish line was a huge disappointment that I hope will be rectified in future runs. Mistakes happen.

Chip time: 2:20:55
Placement details: 40th of 69 in Age Group, 238th overall out of 409 finishers
Race Amenities: Nice cotton t-shirt, finisher medal, drawstring backpack, Save the Chimps sunglasses & shoelaces, free race photos
Cost: $64.10

Report written April 24, 2018

Sanctuary running photo and finish line photo (c) Figleaf Photography

I ran the Riverside Dash 5K in Sanford last year. This year I ran the headliner event, the Riverside Dash 15K run along the riverfront.

Training & Goals
I'm still just muddling along, enjoying races. Goal-setting and goal-oriented training aren't on my radar right now. I hope that this period of taking it easy will recharge my desire to run. I'm signed up for races through the end of May so... stay tuned. For this race I had no expectations although I hoped to finish in under 1:51 to beat my 15K PR set back at Gasparilla earlier this year.

Race Day: April 8, 2018
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 snagged a good parking spot a few blocks from the start/finish area and then found a place to sit and wait by gear check so I could keep my sweater on until it was close to race time. It was about 66°F at the start with partly cloudy skies. There was a nice breeze off of Lake Monroe.

Mile 1, 2, 3: 10:33, 10:50, 10:44
This is a really nice course through historic downtown Sanford and then a long out-and-back along Lake Monroe, part of the St. Johns River. I was feeling pretty good through these miles.

Mile 4, 5, 6: 10:49, 11:03, 11:32
Typical-for-me mid-race slow-down. After the turn-around the sun was in our eyes and I started feeling a bit overheated from the direct sun.

Mile 7, 8, 9+: 11:35, 11:43, 12:20, 4:18
I was determined to keep up my regular run/walk intervals. I was doing well until I realized somewhere in the last couple of miles that my goal of a sub-1:51 finish was well within reach, even if I walked in. So what did I do? Started walking even more. What the heck, that's a terrible attitude. Stupid runner funk.

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 had a look at a few of the vendor stands and rang the PR bell before heading home.

Recommendation
The Riverside Dash 15K runs a beautiful route along the St. Johns and shuts down a major road (17-92) to do so. I'm glad I ran this and I probably will again, hopefully with a better attitude and a more challenging goal in mind.  Course support was good and law enforcement presence and traffic control were excellent. The start/finish area atmosphere is great, too. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 1:45:24 (5:49 PR)
Placement details: 20th of 35 in Age Group, 267th overall out of 402 finishers
Race Amenities: Tech t-shirt, finisher medal for all, breakfast buffet
Cost: $38.50 (previous year participants received a generous $20 discount)

Report written April 20, 2018

Members of Active.com's membership program, Advantage, sometimes get access to race discounts and even free race entries. I was one of five lucky members to score a free bib for The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park on April 14th. Colt Creek S.P. is down in Lakeland, Florida. Arthur and I were already going to drive down to Ft. Pierce for the weekend so I could run Chimpathon on Sunday. Lakeland wasn't really on the way, but it wasn't the complete wrong direction, either. We made a nice little racecation weekend out of the two runs. The Colt Creek race offered three distances: Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. All were trail runs; I elected to run the 10K.

Training & Goals
I'm still just muddling along, enjoying races. Goal-setting and goal-oriented training aren't on my radar right now. I hope that this period of taking it easy will recharge my desire to run. I'm signed up for races through the end of May so... stay tuned. Colt Creek is a trail run, so this would be my second trail race after Endless Summer back in 2016. I'm not really a fan of trail races, but at the end of March I ran a virtual half marathon on some trails around Gemini Springs and had a pretty good time. I was hopeful that I would enjoy this scenic state park run.

Race Day: April 14, 2018
Arthur and I left home at about 6AM to make the drive down to Colt Creek State Park. We were directed to parking by volunteers and made our way over to pick up my bib and shirt. I had time to use the restroom before my race began at 8:45AM.

Mile 1, 2: 10:52, 11:20
We started running on a grass path around a lake. It was a bit narrow at the start and I skipped my first walking break to hopefully not get in the way of fellow runners. Once we moved into the woods the path widened and we could spread out.

Mile 3, 4: 12:08, 12:20
We were running on relatively smooth grass paths, sometimes shaded by trees and sometimes under full sun in more open areas. I started to enjoy myself during the middle part of the race, literally thinking that maybe trail running wasn't so bad, after all.

Mile 5, 6+: 12:21, 12:51, 2:19
Sometime in the second half of mile 5 I fell down really hard. I was so so so worried about falling -- it's a known hazard of trail running. So I was looking down most of the time. We had just cut into a more dense stand of woods and a slightly more difficult trail, bouncing up and down with several close turns. I could no longer see the runners in front of me, which was a big change from the open trails of the previous miles. Anyway, my foot caught on a huge root and I stumbled, stumbled in slow motion and fast at the same time, and I fell hard on my left side. I fell so hard my visor bounced off of my head. The ground was really soft -- if I fell like that on pavement I probably would have broken bones (**).

I laid there for 5 seconds and another runner came upon me and gasped, asking if I was okay. I jumped up and did a quick body check. "Nothing's broken..." I shook out my arms and wiggled around "... everything seems to work. I'm okay! Thank you!" I started running again, slowly, and the fellow runner stayed with me for a little bit, asking again if I was okay. I said I actually felt okay but I would probably hurt a lot later on. I slowed to a walk for a little bit before picking up my 4:1 run:walk intervals for the rest of the race.

I didn't notice until later that my shirt was muddy across my left side and my left shoulder. My visor was covered in dirt too, so I did my best to brush off what I could. I felt okay but suddenly reverted back to my original thoughts on trail running. Nope.

After the Race
I picked up my medal and met up with Arthur. I got some snacks and water and we lingered a bit, listening to the 5K awards, before heading back to the car. I needed to clean up more than just a wet-wipe wipe-down. We drove over to the campground facilities so I could hose myself off in the shower. I saw my shoulder got some road-rash action and my knee and elbow were also scratched up. It was quite a bit later when I could feel my worst injury, a bad ache in my left chest. I guess I landed hard on my left breast. Self diagnosis: internal bruising. **EDIT 4/22/18: I now believe that I suffered bruising or a fracture to a rib or ribs.**

Recommendation
If you like running trails, sure. This race was well organized and it sure is a nice park. The trail was well-marked (#2 fear after falling is getting lost -- no worries there). But even if I get free entry again... sorry, not for me.

Chip time: 1:14:19
Placement details: 14th of 23 in Age Group, 73th overall out of 102 finishers
Race Amenities: Nice cotton t-shirt, really nice finisher medal for all
Cost: $0 (I snagged free entry via Active.com) plus injuries

Report written April 19, 2018
Professional race photos (c) www.mysuperiorimages.com

The Wekiva Parkway 5K was a one-time opportunity for runners to race on a new stretch of highway before its grand opening to auto traffic. The fun of this unique run and the cute bear-shaped medal are what got me to sign up.

Training & Goals
Still muddling along, enjoying races. Goal-setting and goal-oriented training aren't on my radar right now. Before the race a fellow runner asked if I had a goal time in mind. I didn't really but I said I hoped to finish in under 35 minutes, which I thought might be ambitious with the inclines on course.

Race Day: March 31, 2018
Access to the event was a bit difficult as we had to drive over parts of the road that weren't officially open yet. Directions to the start were very clear though, and I was able to follow my GPS until signs and volunteers took over to point the way. Runners parked along the side of the highway. I was about a half mile from the start line and I had to hustle to get my packet, get back to the car, and back again to the start line in time. Fortunately there were a few golf carts driving back and forth along the highway, shuttling runners, and I was able to get lift back to the car.

Several other runners from WVR were also in attendance.

The course would take us out onto the road and over some overpasses back to the start/finish area in a 3-pointed star shape. Here is an aerial view of the race. You can tell it's a new road -- it's not even on Google maps yet.

Relive 'Morning Run'

It was about 64° F at the start with cloudy skies and 88% humidity. Pretty nice running weather.

Mile 1: 10:46

Mile 2: 10:20

Mile 3+: 10:40, 1:58

After the Race
The race was part of the festivities around the opening of the road. There were also local police and fire departments in attendance, along with some wildlife and outdoor recreation groups and other vendors all celebrating the new road. We took a group photo inside one of the police SWAT vehicles.

Chip time: 33:39
Placement details: 16/59 in Age Group; 214th out of 608 finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt, swag bag, cute finisher medal
Cost: $28.00

Report written April 7, 2018