I'll be running the Florida Trail Challenge Half Marathon in Alafia this weekend. I know it'll be cold, but everything is relative. At least the ground won't be frozen, and I can be certain there will be no snow. Not so bad, really. And since I've run there before, I know it will be beautiful, challenging, but beautiful, at least if I ever feel like it is safe to take my eyes off the trail to look around.
I did the Alafia X-Country Half in November, which is known to be the less challenging of the two - hence the names. And I have done the 5K part of the Florida Trail Challenge before. I got really dirty, and it was a challenge, but I enjoyed it. If that was any indication of what the rest of the race will be like, then I expect some strenuous and interesting terrain. But I love adventure, so I'm up for it. And it will be a good training run for my next half, the Sarasota Grouper Run in mid February. By comparison, that will seem easy.
Wendy, my daughter and running partner, gave me some great gaiters for Christmas, and I'll be wearing them. They fit down over the shoe, clip onto the front at the base of the laces and stick to velcro on the heel. They do an excellent job of keeping sand and debris out of my shoes on trail runs. I hate that feeling of sand between my toes. This will be a real test.
Great race today Mom. For sure the most beautiful course I have ever seen. I think my body will be hurting for the better part of this week but it was well worth it. I'm glad your gaiters worked well for you. You looked cute in them too:)
Posted by: Wendy | January 25, 2009 at 04:54 PM