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

Two years ago I ran the Dash for Downs at Gemini Springs. This year the race was held as the Running with the Chromies 5K. This is a local race that benefits Welcoming Hearts, a charity that helps those with special needs and their families.

Training & Goals
Still muddling along, enjoying races. Goal-setting and goal-oriented training aren't on my radar right now.

Race Day: March 24, 2018
It's so nice to be able to bike to a race. There was no packet pickup before race day. The start ended up being a bit delayed as people were still waiting in line for bibs & t-shirts at 8:30. It was 57°F with 67% humidity when the race began at 8:49AM.

Mile 1: 9:42

Mile 2: 10:33

Mile 3+: 11:09, 1:05

After the Race
The finish line clock had a camera running so runner finishes were captured. Unfortunately the photos from the camera were lost for some of the runners, including me.

Again the race was accompanied by a small fundraiser festival put on by Welcoming Hearts.

Recommendation
This is an okay little race. I thought it was funny that our medals were in our packets, so there was none of the usual post-race medal-giving pageantry. Too bad about the photos but free race pictures weren't advertised so I guess it's not fair to complain about that.

Chip time: 32:24
Placement details: 4/8 in Age Group, 44th overall out of 116 finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt and finisher medal for all
Cost: $27.50

Report written April 7, 2018

I ran the Excalibur 10 Miler race in Melbourne, Florida on March 18th. Participants could run the entire course or as part of a two-person relay team. A 2 mile race ("Dragon Slayer") was also offered. This was the 3rd year of the 4 year "Game of Stones" series, which offered 3-year participants a finisher crown. This was my first time running Excalibur, so no crown for me.

Training & Goals
I'm still looking for my lost motivation and desire to run. My recent long runs have all been races. I'm looking to lose some weight but motivation has been hard to find for that as well. So I guess I've just been muddling along. I still love racing and I was looking forward to this run, a new race distance for me. I hoped to finish in under two hours.

Race Day: March 18, 2018
The race site is about an hour and 15 minutes from home, so I got up early and hit the road. I arrived shortly after the site opened. Parking was nearby and plentiful, and packet pickup was quick and painless. I waited for about a half hour in my car before looking around the staging area. There were several fun photo opportunities in the pre-dawn light. It was fun to wear themed gear -- a knight-themed InkNBurn shirt and a foam kid's crown that I stapled onto a Headsweats visor.

The start/finish at Viera High School means real toilets instead of portalets, woo hoo! Soon it was time to make the long walk out to the starting area. Medieval Times knights dressed in maroon and blue (representing two fields of runners) fought a sword duel to a draw before it was time to run. It was about 59°F with 88% humidity and clear skies at the start.

Mile 1: 11:23
We ran around the school property and headed out onto Stadium Parkway. 

Mile 2: 10:53
Following Stadium Parkway, we passed the recently-renovated USSSA Space Coast Stadium.

Mile 3: 11:04
This mile took us to Viera Boulevard, on our way to Duda Farms.

Mile 4: 11:36
We turned onto Duda Farm property and began running on Power Line Lane, a dirt road. There was a lot of course jostling as we tried to run on the hardest-packed part of the road, which was ever-changing. Singing Eastern Meadowlarks all over the place were a nice distraction.

Mile 5: 12:21
At the halfway point we passed the relay exchange point. More dirt road running.

Mile 6: 11:51
There was another half mile on the dirt before we turned onto North Wickham Road. After the turn I had a big problem with my eyes. I always get sweat in my eyes and it's usually not a problem but as soon as we were into the sun my eyes were really irritated. I kept winking as I ran and closing my eyes for a bit when I was walking. It was a big struggle and I didn't understand what happened.

Mile 7: 12:04
Once we turned back onto Stadium Parkway my eyes stopped being a bother. It was my nose's turn! Sniff, sniff, sniff. I was desperate for a portalet so I could blow my nose. After a mile or so of sniffing nonsense it seemed to subside a bit.

Mile 8: 11:44
More running on Stadium Parkway. Uneventful.

Mile 9: 12:43
This mile included an out-and-back portion on Judge Fran Jamieson Way. When I faced into the sun again my eyes started acting up again. Sweat + sun = a problem suddenly!? Strange allergic reaction exacerbated by bright sunshine? I dunno but I was glad when we turned north again.

Mile 10: 11:54
My nose started running again but now the timing was good -- I could run into a portlet and blow my nose with some toilet tissue. After that quick pitstop the course continued on pedestrian trails under Stadium Parkway and back onto Viera High School property for the finish. I was happy to meet my goal with a finish just under two hours.

After the Race
There were lots of treats for finishers, including cans of Coca Cola, pizza, BBQ chicken, and chili. Some stands had other small swag giveaways as well.

Recommendation
This was a really well-organized race with a fun theme. Course pointers were dressed up in fun medieval-style costumes. Water stop volunteers were friendly and enthusiastic. Law enforcement traffic support was excellent. The course itself was good. I wish I had gotten into the series sooner. Highly recommended.

Chip time: 1:58:01
Placement details: 36/105 in Age Group, 756th overall out of 1577 finishers
Race Amenities: Extremely nice finisher medal for all, free race photos, and possibly my favorite race t-shirt ever.
Cost: $59.30

Report written March 22, 2018

I ran the 5th annual Best Damn Race Orlando half marathon on March 3, 2018. A 10K and 5K (plus challenge) was also offered. The half course runs through downtown Orlando.

Training & Goals
I hadn't run since Gasparilla the previous week. Just not feeling it. No goals. Just hoped to finish in under 2:40.

Race Day: March 3, 2018
I had picked up my bib and shirt the day before so I didn't have to arrive too early race morning. I found some free on-street parking about a half mile from the start at Lake Eola. I stood shivering in my sweater by the gear check area as long as I could before the race started. As the start time approached, I found a spot in the back of the corral. It was 55°F at the start with low 44% humidity and clear skies.

Mile 1, 2, 3: 11:36, 11:32, 11:19
We ran on some brick roads here, but they were pretty smooth. Feeling good.

Mile 4, 5, 6: 11:19, 11:19, 11:15
Ooh, nice splits!

Mile 7, 8, 9: 11:32, 12:28, 11:47
Poor preparation = longer walk breaks in the second half of the race. I felt okay and surprisingly no hamstring aches, just fatigued. Mentally not into it either.

Mile 10, 11, 12: 12:14, 12:42, 12:40
Here were more brick roads and they were a lot more hazardous than we ran earlier in the race. I was running with some women and we saw a guy in front of us trip and almost go down. We all gasped. I spent a lot of time looking down.

Mile 13+: 12:05, 1:39
I walked a bit more of mile 13 than I would have liked but ran in at the very end. I was pleased to see my finish time was under 2:40.

After Party
There were several tents in the runner village giving out treats and samples. The race offered pizza, fruit, and beer for finishers. It was a pretty good spread but I didn't stick around too long.

Recommendation
The half marathon course is a really nice run through downtown Orlando with lots of shade. I'm not a fan of the brick roads. Good swag and after party. Recommended.

Chip time: 2:35:22
Placement details: 30/48 in Age Group; 720/936 overall
Race Amenities: Soft t-shirt, no-show socks, personalized bib, nice finisher medal, well-stocked after party, free race photos.
Cost: $38.50 (early tiered pricing)

Report written March 8, 2018

Arthur and I traveled to Tampa so I could participate in the 2018 Gasparilla Distance Classic. I had registered for the Michelob Ultra Challenge, which meant I would be running four races over two days: a 15K and 5K on Saturday, and a half marathon followed by an 8K on Sunday, for a weekend total of 30.4 miles.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic is just one of several annual pirate-themed events that take place in the Tampa area. The first Distance Classic took place in Feburary 1978, and since then the races have raised over $5 million for local youth organizations and running programs. The Wikipedia article on the Gasparilla Pirate Festival explains a bit about the history of pirate events in Tampa.

Training & Goals
I've filled up my race calendar but I haven't been keeping up with my training. I went into Gasparilla on a nearly two-week running drought, logging only 11 training miles. Yikes. My only goal was to finish. I was a little bit worried about Sunday as the time between the half and the 8K didn't leave a lot of wiggle room for slower runners.

Race Weekend Day One: February 23, 2018
Arthur and I headed to Tampa on Friday, with a stop at Sparkle Skirts Headquarters on the way. Our next stop was the Health and Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center. I picked up my bib, shirts, and challenge jacket. We had a look at the vendors and I was able to find my name on the huge printed banner on display in the hall.

Tampa was having their monthly Fourth Friday celebration, in which several art and cultural venues in the city open their doors for free or offer specials to visitors. We walked to the Henry B. Plant Museum for an hour visit. After dinner we went to the magnificent Tampa Theatre where we enjoyed a show of all the Oscar-nominated animated shorts. They had a two-for-one beer special so I did some extra alcoholic-style carb loading before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Race Weekend Day Two: February 24, 2018
Our hotel in Brandon was just a short drive into downtown Tampa. We found a place to park close to the start/finish area. First we stopped at the convention center for a group picture with my running club before heading over to the start of the 15K race, my first of this distance (instant PR!).

Gasparilla 15K
The corral was extremely crowded and it was hard to find where to enter the fenced-off area. I lined up according to my projected pace.

It was about 70°F with clear skies and 100% humidity at the start. It didn't feel that humid to me. There was a light breeze off of the bay thay may have helped. Arthur took this photo of me at the start:

The course was a simple out-and-back along Bayshore Boulevard. The run had very little shade. I knew I had plenty of time to complete this race, as the following 5K wouldn't start until 9:25AM at the earliest, with the last wave starting at 9:45AM (I crossed the start of the 15K at 6:49AM).

It was fun to be running somewhere new. It was nice to look out over the bay on the first half of the run. There were ample water stops and some distractions, like a group of Rough Riders cheering the runners. There were even some spectators handing out pieces of Krispy Kreme donuts at the turnaround - thank you!

On the way back, unfortunately, all I could notice was the fishy / garbage-y stink coming off the water. At first I thought I got a whiff of a porta-potty but the smell continued for most of the run back. The breeze must have been off the water but at our backs on the way out. On the way in the breeze went right up my nose and I found it quite unpleasant. :(

I finished with a mediocre time of 1:51:13, slowing down significantly for the last four miles, constantly thinking about all the running that was still ahead of me. The best part of the morning was meeting Meb Keflezighi, who was giving out high fives and taking selfies with finishers after the race. I had missed him at the expo so I was very glad to see him, albeit very shortly, at the finish line.

The finish chute, which would be the same for all of the races, was a long walk over the bridge back towards the Tampa Convention Center. Runners could pick up their medals, water, snacks, and cooling towels on the way out.

Gasparilla 5K
After crossing the finish line and getting my goodies, I found Arthur in the crowd. I handed him my medal and then we parted so I could make my way to the starting corral for the 5K. It was even more crowded, and more chaotic. I had no idea where to line up and again it was hard to find the way into the fenced-off corral. My Ultra Challenge bib didn't seem to match the color coding system for the wave starts and the volunteers in the corrals also didn't know where I should be. I made my way to the front of a middle corral. After a while I saw they were letting Ultra runners into the next corral so I asked to be let in as well. I ended up crossing the starting line at about 9:36AM which would have been good for a projected race time of 36-40 minutes. It took me a bit longer than that: 46:44. Oops.

It was 73°F with 83% humidity for the start of this race. The sun was blazing and it felt a lot more than 3° hotter. The route took us along Bayshore Boulevard again. It was a slog. This time the Rough Riders were handing out whole doughnuts at the turnaround. Yummy!

I wasn't feeling super great during either race. I was kind of down on running in general actually. Though I complained about the stink, I should probably put more blame on the copious amounts of beer I drank the night before. Oops.

Anyway, after the 5K I met Arthur back at the car. We headed back to the hotel so I could shower and change. After a nice big late breakfast at First Watch, we headed to the TECO Manatee Viewing Center. It was too hot for manatees but we had a nice visit at the center.

We had an early dinner at Bahama Breeze and then went to see Black Panther at a local cinema. I got a huge soda and a huge popcorn (birthday freebies). So I went from a pre-race beer binge to a pre-race popcorn binge.

Race Weekend Day Three: February 25, 2018
Another short, uneventful drive got us into the city from our suburban hotel.

Gasparilla Half Marathon
I met up with WVR club members before the race for a group photo, but took my leave quickly. I wanted to try to get as far up in the start corral as I could. I was the only club member running both races on Sunday and I'm really glad I left when I did.

I managed to squeeze my way close to the front of the 2+ hour corral. I knew I had to be back by the time the 8K started at 9:15AM. I crossed the half marathon start line at 6:03AM. It was 70°F with 100% humidity. The weather felt pleasantly cool - we started running before the sun came up.

The first part of this race took us through the residential streets of Davis Islands. It was quite dark in some places so I kept my head down, watching my footing. There were plenty of water stops and some distractions along the way, like a fire juggler and cheering homeowners. I was taking it easy but I felt much better than I did the day before. I guess a boatload of popcorn is okay race fuel?

After running the first 5 or so miles on the island, we crossed the Davis Boulevard Bridge to finish the run on Bayshore Boulevard (UGH). On Sunday the stink wasn't as prevalent as on Saturday. It was tolerable.

There were even more spectators out on the route, some giving out brownie bites (YUM), Twizzlers (THE BEST), and even mimosas (darn, I missed these!). Throughout the last 8 miles I was doing a lot of race math (math is hard) and slowing my pace, just wanting to finish and not struggle too much in the blazing sun. I wanted to time my finish so that I wouldn't have to wait around too much for the 8K to start, and it worked out okay. I finished the half in 2:51:33.

Gasparilla 8K
The start of the 8K was directly next to the finish of the half marathon, so after I picked up my half medal I handed it to Arthur and then swung around to get into the 8K corral. It was fun cheering on the incoming half marathoners as I waited for the 8K to start. It was 72°F with full blazing sun. It felt hot. I was going to take it slow. Very, very slow. I did a lot of walking and finished with a time of 1:21:47. Unfortunately some of the water stops ran out of cups for us back-of-the-pack runners, which was disappointing.

After Party
There was a lot going on after the races on Sunday (maybe on Saturday too, but we left early). Unfortunately the food line was closed before I could get anything from the buffet, even though it looked like there was still plenty of food. I saw other runners carrying whole bunches of bananas but I was only given one at the banana table. Huh? Kids were trying to give away whole boxes of Kashi bars and fruit cups. I saw runners with beer, but where did they get it? The beer tent and rest of the runner village was about a 1/3 mile from the food, in a totally separate area. That was pretty strange. Arthur and I walked over so I could get my free post-race beer and we picked up a few other freebies along the way. I was super glad it was over!

Recommendation
I'm glad to have run Gasparilla once, but I think that once was enough. I wasn't a fan of the chaotic starting corrals, the literally stinky course, and running along the exact same stretch of road for four races. The lack of food and shortage of water cups was no fun either. The t-shirts and medals are great but the jacket premium for challenge runners isn't special. All in all I was a bit disappointed after hearing a lot of hype about this race series.

15K chip time: 1:51:13 Placement details: 291/498 in Age Group; 3648/5367 overall
5K chip time: 46:44 Placement details: 472/802 in Age Group; 7460/11356 overall
Half Marathon chip time: 2:51:29 Placement details: 330/457 in Age Group; 4283/5292 overall
8K chip time: 1:21:47 Placement details: 358/431 in Age Group; 4180/4648 overall
Race Amenities: Tech race shirts for each distance, medals for each race plus challenge medal, challege jacket, reusable Publix shopping bag, various swag and coupons at expo
Cost: $203.80 for Michelob Ultra Challenge

Report written March 7, 2018

Professional race photos (c) MarathonFoto

After each runDisney race, participants can pick up a bottle of water, a banana, and a runDisney snack box.

What's inside the box? It varies, though I think if they ever got rid of the chips and cheese there would be mass outrage. A few things seem to come back time after time, and some things are new to the boxes, depending on the race series and the participating sponsors.

Here's what was inside the box for the Princess series in 2017:

• Alejandro On The Go Cheese Snack (130c, available at Dollar Tree and Amazon)
• Rachel's Bite Size Tortilla Chips (140c)
• GoGoSqueez Applesauce On the Go (60c)
• Oreos 2-Cookie Pack (100c)
• Welch's Dried Cranberries pack (80c)
• Clif Builder's Chocolate Mint Protein Bar (140c with 20g protein)
• small moist towelette

This is what was being served after the 2017 Dark Side 5K:

• Alejandro On The Go Cheese Snack (130c, available at Dollar Tree and Amazon)
• Rachel's Bite Size Tortilla Chips (140c)
• GoGoSqueez Applesauce On the Go (60c)
• Oreos 2-Cookie Pack (100c)
• Nature Box Apple Berry Medley (90c)
• Chocolate Yummy Snack (150c)
• small moist towelette

Lately the cheese, tortilla chips, and GoGoSqueez seem to be default treats. I really like the dried fruits for fuel during long runs so I've saved those for future training. I've also seen Ghirardelli chocolates in some boxes. Have you received something different from a runDisney snack box? What's your favorite treat? And what about that "cheese"? Yay or nay? For me, it's a hard no on the cheese but everything else is fair game!