MOUNT DORA HALF MARATHON - December 22, 2019

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  Glenda’s birthday, our anniversary, the holidays, and of course…the Mount Dora Half Marathon.

I am a big fan of this race.  I’ve participated all eight years, and I absolutely love the course. Glenda and I left around noon on Friday, with Rachel declining our invitation to tag along this year.  Friday was our anniversary (38 years), and I’m sure “G$” would have had other plans for the weekend.  The cottage we usually stay in at the Historic Mount Dora Inn was taken, so Melanie put us in the “Tin-Roof” cottage.  It’s a two-story building, which meant we would have to schlep all of our bags up a flight of stairs.  That notwithstanding, it was extremely nice, and we kept the windows open the whole time.  The temperature was predicted to be in the high-sixties/low-seventies for most of the weekend, with very little rain…except for race time.  Based on all forecasts, there was a good chance I could be running in a monsoon.  In fact, the race sent out emails earlier in the week preparing us for the soggy conditions.  I’ve run in the rain before, and was not going to let this “dampen” my fun (see what I just did there?).  We stopped by The Cellar Door Tasting Room & Wine Bar for an anniversary drink, and then supper at the Goblin Market.  We haven’t eaten there in about five years, mostly because it’s tough to get reservations, and the youngins don’t really dig the menu.  We sat outside, and took advantage of the cooler temperatures.  We then walked around to check out the lights, which are truly second to none.

 

The one real drawback to coming to Mount Dora is that there isn’t much to do locally.  This year, Glenda and I were determined to make the most out of our Saturday afternoon.  After deciding on the local flea market and antique mall, Melanie suggested we visit Blue Spring State Park.  Since I’m very much into the “great outdoors,” this was a no-brainer for me.  On the other hand, Glenda needed a little more convincing.  We did our usual brunch at One Flight Up, where I solicited the opinions of as many people as I could.  They all have very favorable feedback of the park, and I think I was starting to sway Glenda.  We then walked across the street to Donnelly Park to pick up my race packet.  I had a long conversation with the race director Vicky (who is super-nice) about how this race has not succumbed to big corporations trying to take over the management of the event; this gave me even more appreciation of her hard work in keeping this a first-class event.  I told her that I would be running in my Hanukkah shirt, and may be the only Jewish person in the race.  Vicky quickly reminded me that she was Jewish, and there were 50 families who are members of the Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora (she was actually missing services to work the expo).  She then introduced us to legendary marathon great Bill Rogers, who is a regular at this race.   It was now time to hit the road, and make our way to our outdoor adventure.

Blue Spring State Park is a state park located west of Orange City. Activities include canoeing, SCUBA diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming. The spring in the Park (Volusia Blue Spring) is the largest on the St. Johns River. Thanks to its relatively warm temperature of 73°, the spring attracts many Florida manatees during the winter months.  Believe it or not, I have never seen a manatee out in the wild; since it was manatee season, the park was closed to all water activities (not that we would partake in any of them).  It was about a 45-minute drive, and the park was not crowded at all.  We walked along the boardwalk, and were able to see a good number of manatees.  The weather was great, and I could tell that Glenda was glad she let me impose my will on her.  Back in Mount Dora, we did some shopping, and then did an early supper at The Frog and Monkey.  This was a first for us, as our usual spots had too long of a wait.  It had not started to rain yet, but if you looked at the radar, you could see the impending doom.  Since we slept with the windows open, I could hear the rain starting to come down around 1am.  I didn’t sleep much that night, and the rain never stopped.

 

 

 

  

As my alarm sounded at 5am, it was still raining.  Not hard, but enough to consider breaking out the poncho.  The plan was to wear the poncho before the start of the race, and maybe take if off once the race started (weather permitting).  The starting line is only 5 minutes from the cottage, so it would truly be a race-time decision.  As I started to walk over, the rain had totally stopped.  It was truly a holiday miracle!  I had not taken my poncho out of the package yet, so I stuffed it in my pocket, just in case.  796 took to the starting line, which was 44 less that last year.  Considering the forecast, I would say that was a win.  Apparently, I was not the only Jewish person entered in this race, as my Hanukkah shirt attracted many others of the same religion.  Once the gun sounded, it started to rain again.  Since it rained all night, the course was wet, but there were no puddles.  I was a little winded in the beginning, but nothing too serious.  I don’t particularly like wearing a hat when I run, but it was necessary.  The rain was constant for most of the race, but only sprinkles.  The inclement weather kept the sun at bay, but I wish it were a bit cooler.  I was running very strong, and really enjoying the sights.

 

As I reached the ten-mile turnaround, there were three things that were glaringly obvious: First, there were a lot of runners behind me (which was great for my ego).  Second, I was definitely going to finish under three hours!  Third, the rain had totally stopped.  With a little more than one mile to go, the three-hour pace group caught up to me.  I looked at them and said…NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND, and pulled away from the pack.  I crossed the finish line with time to spare, and Glenda was there to snap some photos.  The finisher medal was very nice, and totally different every year (which I totally appreciate).

 

 

 

 

 

This was arguably the most enjoyable Mount Dora weekend ever.  Next year, the race is actually on our anniversary.  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate...

...I’m sure Glenda can.

 

WESTON ROTARY RUN FOR TOMORROW HALF MARATHON - December 8, 2019

They say there are only two things that are certain in life…death and taxes.  I say there is a third…me running super slow.

Maybe it’s the knee brace; maybe it’s me getting older, but my times have really gone south of the border over the past year.  I still feel great and run strong, but my times are not reflecting the effort.  It's not an issue with me, since I don't do any "speed" training, but it would be nice to see if I still “had it.”  This race, which I have run multiple times, would be the perfect course to give it the gusto.

With a start time of 6:20am, I was up bright and early.  I got to Cypress Bay High School around 5:40am, and felt pretty energized.  The temperature was around 64°, which is a far cry from the 34° in Mount Airy a few weeks ago.  362 runners made their way to the starting line (132 less than last year), as I focused on keeping a steady pace.  Once we were off, I felt really good, but of course I was bringing up the rear.  My goal was to finish under three hours, which up until last year would be a no-brainer.

You can read previous blog posts to get the lay of the land for this race, but it’s basically a super-flat out-and back course.  A sobering realization came during the turnaround…there were not that many runners behind me. I was ahead of the three-hour pace group, so I still had that going for me.  I was enjoying the race, but when you are as slow as me, it’s like running in a ghost town.  I was very focused, but then the unthinkable happened around the ten-mile mark…the three-hour pace group passed me!  I didn’t panic, as it seemed as if we were both on track to break three hours.

With about a quarter mile to go, it was going to be close.  Of course, my favorite part of the race kicked in…NOT!  The Kids One-Mile Fun Run was released (see previous posts), just as I was making my final push.  I quickly darted to the other side of the road to avoid all of the congestion, only to realize there was no way I was breaking three-hours.  I crossed the finish line 32 seconds away from my goal.  I was disappointed that my efforts didn’t pay off, but they give the same medal to the person who finishes first, as they do to the person who finishes last (12 runners finished behind me…thankfully).

What didn’t disappoint me was just how much I still enjoy running.  Mount Dora is next up, which will be a challenge.  But I’m up for it.

After all…I am a runner.

MAYBERRY HALF MARATION - November 16, 2019

Sheriff Andy Taylor: Anybody here know why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace. I now pronounce you man...

Opie Taylor: I know why they shouldn't be married.

Sheriff Andy Taylor: Opie, what're you tryin' to do?

Opie Taylor: I'm speakin' now so's I won't have to forever hold my peace.

Deputy Barney Fife: You're not supposed to speak.

Opie Taylor: Then why did he ask?

— Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), The Andy Griffith Show, season 1: The New Housekeeper

Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina. The town is widely known as the home of actor Andy Griffith. The town is believed to have been the basis for Mayberry, the setting of the TV shows The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD. The community holds an annual "Mayberry Days" celebration during the last weekend of September. Three Ford Galaxie police cars, painted to resemble those used on the show, give rides to tourists; a barber shop has been named "Floyd's."  The Andy Griffith Museum, founded in 2009 by Emmett Forrest, attracts 200 visitors a day. The 2,500-square-feet museum, located half a mile from Griffith's childhood home, houses the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia.

At this point, you may be asking yourself why in tarnation am I going on about this in a running blog?  If you don’t know by now, the Andy Griffith Show is my all-time favorite; the fact that there is actually a Mayberry Half Marathon is incentive enough for me to enter.  That fact that Elaine lives very close to Mount Airy (and has run this race before), is just icing on Aunt Bee’s cake.  The Gators usually play a home game the same weekend as the race; this year the game was away, so I was excited to enter.  I’ve been to Mount Airy many years ago, and remember just how charming the town was.  I really never thought I would have an excuse for another visit. Elaine and Joe graciously offered to let me stay with them, so I flew up on Thursday.  Other than the fact that this would only be my third race outside the Sunshine State, the weather would be much colder than this Florida boy was used to.  Once off the plane, I was greeted with temperatures in the forties.  Joe picked me up from the airport, which was almost an hour from their home.

Our first stop on Friday was to Salvation Coffee Co.  The place (owned and run by Jim Young) is geared towards a more mature crowd, including veterans, although anyone, of course, is welcome — including hipsters. He wants it to be a place where people can come in, relax, enjoy good music and, of course, a good cup of coffee.  It was a really good cup of coffee (especially on a cold day), and I struck up a conversation about comic books with a guy who was a bigger geek than me (hard to believe).  After an enjoyable lunch at Mediterranean Grill, our next stop was to a running store in Chapel Hill called FleetFeet.  They had more apparel than shoes, but I was able to score a pair of gray running shorts (I’ve been looking for that color for a long time).  We than drove around Elon University, which is pretty close to where Elaine and Joe live.  I of course had to stop in the bookstore to buy a jacket; you just can’t have too many of them when you live in South Florida.  Elaine made a delicious supper, and I went to bed pretty early.

The race time was Saturday at 8am, but Elaine and Joe live around 90 minutes from the starting line.  We were out the door around 5am, and picked up our race packets around 6:30am.  The race shirts were very nice, and the volunteers were even nicer.  With the temperature around 34°, we sat in the car most of the time.  Joe had registered for the run, but had recently been having knee issues; he was there for moral support.  399 runners took their mark on the main street of “Mayberry,” led by a Mayberry Sheriff Department police car from the show.  We ran through downtown for the first half mile, and then into a park.  Most of the race was on a concrete trail, with a river alongside of us.  The course was an out-and-back, and very flat.  With so few runners (and me being extremely slow), Elaine and I did not see many other participants, especially on the way back.  The weather was delightful, with virtually no wind the entire race.  The scenery was exceptional, and I felt great the entire time.  The good news is that we did not finish last, as there were ten runners behind us.  I appreciate the fact that Elaine prioritized running with me over her finishing time, as she is much faster than I am (what a surprise).  Joe was waiting for us at the finish line, and snapped a few photos.  The medal was nice, as it was shaped like a sheriff’s badge (I’d expect nothing less).  We walked around town for a bit, ate lunch, drove home, and watched the Gators destroy Missouri.  The perfect end to a perfect day.  I flew home the next day, and back into eighty-degree temperature.  Talk about a reality check!

 

 

 

 

  

I enjoyed this race very much, but would not necessary recommend it as a destination race.

That is of course…unless your close friends are part of the destination.

RACE FOR WOMEN'S WELLNESS HALF MARATHON - March 23, 2019

In the words of Patti Labelle: “Ooh oh ooo oh, I've got a new attitude.”

Yes, I ran this race again, even though I besmirch it all of the time.  However, I had some pretty good reasons to register this year:

1. I needed a race to get to Half Marathon #60.  I could have done Ocala, but this was more convenient.
2. They dropped the price around $20.  As I’ve mentioned several times in past blogs, this was a really overpriced race: now it was in the ballpark.
3. Most importantly, it’s for a really good cause.

There you have it.  Half marathon #60 would be right in my backyard…literally.

This post is going to be short, sweet, and right to the point.  I decided to change my attitude, and just enjoy the race.  It was probably going to be the last of the season, and I wanted to end on a really high note.  Doug was running as well, so I was looking forward to seeing him.  The start is literally five minutes from my house, but I got there early to get a chance to visit with Doug before we started running.  Doug and I have gone in opposite directions in terms of finishing times, so running together was highly unlikely.  The temperature was 54°, which was amazing for the end of March.  419 runners entered the race, but it didn’t look like that many as we made our way to the starting line (Doug estimated around 200, and I can’t judge a crowd at all).  As soon as we started, I felt great.  The good vibes, along with the weather, seemed like a recipe for success.

I was really enjoying the race this year.  No Debbie Downer attitude, and digging the scenery.  I texted Glenda and Rachel around the nine mile mark to make sure they were in position to cheer me on as I passed the house.  They were already in place, with smiling faces, and a Diet Mountain Dew for the last three miles.

   

I really ran strong at the end, and crossed the finish line in a full sprint.  I met up with Doug, and he was proud to inform me that he had a PR.  My time was not great, but it was a really strong race for me.

 

 

 

I’m guessing I’ll run this race next year.  Ooh oh ooo oh, I've got a new attitude.

GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC - February 23 & 24, 2019

Coming off what can only be called a disappointing race last week, it was now time for my favorite race weekend…Gasparilla.  This is a top-notch event, and just an overall party weekend.  We would have a smaller crowd than usual, as Doug was globetrotting on vacation, and many of the Turtles were going to Southern California in a few weeks.  The great news was that Lindsey would be flying in from NYC to run with her old man.  Mary had signed up for the weekend as well, but she was still suffering the effects of her cold from last week.  She was still coming up, but only as a cheerleader.

I got to the hotel around 2:30pm, and to my surprise and delight, the room was actually ready.  The Westin Tampa Waterside is a great place to stay, and our usual “go to.”  Lindsey’s flight was coming in around 3pm, so I walked over to the expo to pick up our race packets.  The race shirts were outstanding (as usual) and the challenge jacket was black with gold trim (which is great if you are a Steelers fan).  There was a brand new challenge this year: “The Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge.”   This consisted of the 15K on Saturday, and the half marathon on Sunday.  This was the challenge we had been waiting for, but I guess Michelob needed to come out with a new beer first.  We always walk the 5K on Saturday, and I’m not a big fan of an 8K right after a half marathon; this was perfect.  Lindsey arrived around the same time as Mary and Cynthia, so I met them back at the hotel.  It was back to the expo for more intense shopping.  It was a pleasure to actually have room to walk, since the venue was pretty large.  I bought a couple of shirts, because the 200 or so that I already own is not enough.  Lindsey and I then took a walk over to Publix for food, drinks, and cookies.  We met up with Mary and Cynthia for an early supper at Jackson’s, and then back to the room for an early lights out.

 

We met Cynthia in the lobby around 6:15, as we made our way to the start of the 15K.  Here is the breakdown of all of the races:
15K – 6,483
5K – 13,511
Half – 6,194
8K – 5,157
31,345 participants in all, which was a little less than last year (199).

It was pretty warm, but Lindsey was very excited to be out of the cold.  We were off and running, and I felt great right from the start.  The temperature was now around 73°, but it felt hotter than that.  We were running under “Code Yellow,” which meant that extra precautions would be taken for the heat.  There were water stations every mile, and sprinklers throughout the course for a quick shower.  I have to say, the volunteers at the water stations were really on point.  We played a game throughout the race, not unlike what you would play during a long car ride.  Instead of looking for license plates from other states,  we tried to come up with the top five songs you would expect to hear during a race. This was the final poll (in no particular order): Living on a Prayer, YMCA, Eye of the Tiger, Don’t Stop Believing, and Uptown Funk.  Celebration received honorable mention. Not the most scientific of polls, but it certainly kept us preoccupied.  As we crossed the finish line, it felt as if the temperature could be 90°.  That notwithstanding, we ran a strong race.

 

 

 

 

 

It was now time for some food and beer, all before 9:30am.  The after party for this race is always excellent, with live music to groove to while you re-hydrate.  We hung out for pretty long time before going back to the room for a shower.  It was now around noon, and we headed over to Columbia Café for lunch.  We typically eat here for supper, but there wasn’t much of a wait.  Lindsey and I split a pitcher of sangria, which really hit the spot.  With a good amount of adult beverages in our system, we revisited the race expo.  I was able to persuade an unsuspecting volunteer into giving us a shirt for the 5K, even though we didn’t run the race.  We really liked the color, and I was pretty persistent.  We napped for a couple of hours, and then headed out for supper.  Mary and Cynthia had picked up Pub-subs earlier, so they were staying in.  Haidee was now in town, and invited us to join her.  We politely declined, as the restaurant she selected was a few miles away.  We decided to eat a Fergs Live, but they were closed due to construction on the road.  That would have been nice to know before we walked over there.  We went to our “Plan B,” but they were closed for renovation.  At that point, we just went to Publix, and shoveled down our food back at the hotel.  The half marathon was starting at 6am, so it was another early bed time.

We met Haidee in the lobby at 5:30am.  Cynthia was entered in the “Lime Cactus Challenge,” and would be running the 8K later in the morning.  Since the half marathon starts at 6am, we would get to run in the dark for about an hour.  It was just as hot as Saturday, but it seemed more humid.  Once the race started, I was just not feeling it.  I wasn’t hurting or tired, but I felt very lethargic.  I asked Lindsey if she would be okay if we did intervals (3 x1), and we agreed to wait until we got off the island (around mile 5) before making that final decision.  The sun started to rise, but it was very cloudy…thank goodness!  I could see that Lindsey was really making an effort to slow down and keep pace with me, so I told her to just run her own pace.  The heat felt trapped inside my body, struggling to get out.  Once off the island, I did make the switch to intervals, but I was feeling better at that point anyway.

 

  

The cloud cover continued throughout the race, which made it a little more enjoyable.  I made an extra effort to stay more hydrated than usual, which really paid off.  The 8K participants were all lined up for the start of their race, and they cheered me on as I crossed the finish line.  I wasn’t very pleased with my finishing time, but was grateful that I got stronger as the race went on.

 

 

Elaine called me later in the week to see how the races went.  Believe it or not, she had never run Gasparilla.  I told her that if I could only participate in one event per year, this would be it.  I might have convinced her for next year.