Run Tampa

Running Long in Croom

Wow! What an amazing morning of trail running, laughing, talking and fun. A large group of us met at Croom in Withlacoochee State Forest for a long run this morning. Some people I had known for a while but most of the group was new to me. You can never have too many friends, especially running friends. They are just the best.

If you haven't been to Croom, it's a great place for a long, very vigorous trail run. I've been there many times, and every time it's well worth the trip. There are plenty of trails there; you could easily run 40 miles, but they won't be easy miles. It's kind of hilly, and the terrain varies a lot from soft sand to pine needles to leaves. There are rooty areas, but no more rooty than Flatwoods; there are more logs/trees to jump over, though. I think the shortest loop is about 5 miles; another is 8, and on up from there.  This is Beaver Gulch in the photo, the most unique area out there, I think. Looks more like a rainforest. This is not typical of the area, though. The area is an hour north of Tampa, so people don't usually go up there unless it's for a long run. And this area is closed some parts of the year due to hunting. This is not the place to run alone because it would be too easy to get lost. Make sure you go with someone who knows the trails, and take plenty of water because these are wilderness trails. No water stations.

The John Holmes 50k Trail Race and 16 mi. Fun Run will be held there on October 9th and on April 9, 2011 is the Croom 50 mi, 50k, 16 mi. Fools Run.

Most people leave from the Tucker Hill parking lot which is about a 15 minute drive from I-75. You'll find a bathroom and shower there, too.

Driving into the trail head, traffic was stopped while a group of about 30 wild turkeys crossed the road. Later we saw a deer and a snake. My friend, Linda, was recently surprised by a wild boar, resting, right in the middle of the path. Oh, and there are some pretty big spiders, too. If you're the first one on the path in the morning, you'll want to wave a stick ahead of you to knock them down rather than impale yourself.

It's quite a large chunk of wilderness just 60 minutes north of Tampa, an excellent location for lovers of trail running. Check it out here.

Join Us for the Run Tampa Group Run Saturday, July 17, at 7 a.m., Lake Rogers Park

Join us to run this lovely wooded loop. All speeds, all distances. Not sure what I like best about Lake Rogers Park, the shade, the easy terrain (bark chips, grass, dirt) the undulation. Just love it. See for yourself. More about the park here and here.

Group Runs at Flatwoods and Trout Creek

It was hot, really hot in Tampa on Saturday. I don't have to tell you that, right?

BUT do you know what? It was cooler, much cooler where we were running. At least it seemed like it. Part of that, a big part of that, was because we were running on off road trails - beautiful off road trails, I might add - but it was also because we were running together, talking, chatting, encouraging each other, making plans for more running, discussing future races, sharing running stories, and making new friends. There was a little good-natured kidding and a lot of good natured support. It was all good, very good. Maybe next week, you'll join us. Some of us will do the Independence Day Run in Lutz on July 3rd, and some of us will do one or both of the Dunedin Midnight Runs that night. Then, we'll regroup the next morning, the 4th, for an easy run at 8 a.m. at the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Will you be there? We'll probably all have too much to eat at various BBQ's on the afternoon of the 4th, so why not burn off some calories that morning with us? 

Excellent Group Run on Bayshore This Morning and Plans for Croom Trail Run Tomorrow

Great group run this morning! I thought we might have a smaller crowd because so many people were out of town for the holiday weekend, but we had our largest group yet. Outstanding!

Here's my weekly wildlife report: We didn't see any manatees, but there was one dolphin (or shark) lingering in one spot for a long time. Everyone said it was a dolphin, but I've never seen one cruise along the surface that long. However, Alison said they do that when they're feeding, and I imagine she's right. Don't think they have sharks around there, anyway, do they? Not my field of expertise. Anyway, that's the only wildlife I spotted except a couple of pelicans and many happy canines jogging along with their owners.

Thanks for coming everyone, and I hope you'll be able to join us next weekend on SUNDAY, June 6th at Lake Rogers Park, 7 a.m. That will be completely off road. Three kiosks with ice water along the 2.1 mile loop. Can't wait to share this with you.

One more thing: Several of us are running at Croom tomorrow morning, Sunday. If you've never been to Croom, it is in the Withlacoochee National Forest and was named by the World Wildlife Fund as "One of the 10 Coolest Places You've Never Been." I have been, and I agree.

Check out this video

of the 2008 John Holmes 50k and 16 mi. race. Wendy and I are in there somewhere. This year's John Holmes 50k and 16 mi Fun Run are coming up October 9th. If you haven't done it, you've got the whole summer to prepare. Register now for motivation through the hot summer months.

I'll be going slow and easy tomorrow and doing the 14 mile loop, but Wendy is leaving earlier and doing 20. I'll be leaving Tampa at 5:45 and planning to meet her at 7. These are gorgeous trails; as Wendy says, you feel like an animal running through the woods.

Here are her comments: "For anyone who may be interested in trail running in Croom this Sunday, May 30. Meet at 5:30 a.m. or 7 a.m. My plan is to leave from Tucker Hill at 5:30, run about 5 miles and be back at Tucker Hill again at 7. At 7, I'll be doing the 14.4 mile loop. I'll leave a cooler of water midway on the 14.4 mile loop with extra water for everyone. Right now, I think there may only be 4 of us. I average about 14 minute miles on these trails. We can run together or there are maps at the trail head that are relatively easy to follow and the turns are marked but you have to pay close attention. It's a great trail and there are some hills. Let me know if you plan to join us :)"

You can send your email to me deb@runTampa.com or call me at 813-416-4638.

Nice, Easy Trail Run Through Beautiful Woods With Great Friends - Oh, Yeah!

Sunday, the 16th, the Run Tampa Group enjoyed the trails at Lake Park. We departed from the back playground, taking the Boyscout Trail through Bobcat Camp and then on to the Alligator Trail. From there we returned to the main trail where we stayed until we reached the trail back to Playground #1. We skirted the lakeshore behind the playground and then ducked back into the woods on another trail that brought us out close to our starting point.

It was lovely, and what better way to enjoy that great run than with new and old friends and great conversation. Some walked, some ran; some went one loop and some went two or more. It was all good.

Join us next week, May 22nd, at Trout Creek Park, at 7 a.m. Trout Creek is located at 12550 Morris Bridge Road (extension of Fletcher), on your left just after you pass under I-75. The entrance road is at least a mile long. Then you'll see a large parking area. We'll meet at the adjacent restrooms. Then, we'll actually run to the north, up the berm and then drop down onto the trail to Flatwoods Park.

It's not likely to be wet on that trail, but you still might want to wear a pair of older shoes. There is a water fountain at the starting point but not along the trail; so bring water. Also, the insects can be pesky, so you'll probably want to bring repellent.

The distance is your choice. Turn around after half a mile if you want. We'll take an out and back trail. On the other hand, there will probably be people doing as many as 15 miles, maybe more. All speeds, all levels, all welcome. Lots of options. Click on the links above for photos and maps. The parks open at 7 a.m.

These are county parks; therefore, be sure to have the $2 entry fee or purchase an annual pass for $50 at the Wilderness Parks Regional Ranger Station on Morris Bridge Road. 

Email deb@runtampa with any questions.

Motivation: The Power of Words

Today, when I was about 8 miles into a 10 mile trail run at Flatwoods, several mountain-bikers zoomed by. One anonymous rider enthusiastically yelled, "Iron Woman!"

Just two words, but I gotta say, they sure had an impact. Hey, I'm 56 years old, and I do train hard. What can I say, those two words made me a little lighter and a lot stronger. My arms began to pump a bit harder, and I know I was taller when I rounded the next bend.

I spent the miles after that, contemplating the power of words. Of course, their power is partially dependent on the speaker.

Several days a week, I run with my bichon, Bailey. He absolutely loves it, and I just cherish him. Sometimes, I'll say, "Good boy! Bailey's a good dog." I say that to him a lot. I guess it's the same thing as saying, "I love you, Bailey."

Anyway, it amazes me that every time I say it, he charges ahead, not sometimes, every time. It's as if I swatted him on the behind, which, of course, I would never do. But it clearly makes him run harder and faster as if suddenly supercharged.

I love it; it is clearly a physical manifestation of the mental impact of my praise. Makes me think about children.

 Every parent, teacher, and coach would do well to remember the power of words to inspire, encourage, and motivate. And just as important, the power of words to disappoint, deflate, and discourage.

 When the speaker is an authority figure, the power must be magnified. How often has a teacher said, "Nice work!" "You are so smart!" "That is so creative"? I'm sure such praise actually makes good things happen.
And when that authority figure is admired and respected, the power is multiplied exponentially.

 Dogs thrive on praise and so do people. Praise a dog and it wags its tail. That reinforces the actions of the
praise-giver. We like dogs, and we especially like happy dogs. I wish it was as easy to recognize the effect of praise on people.

I have a friend whose 1st grade teacher told her she was dumb. I know that's hard to believe, but it's true. Her parents didn't discover this until years later when they finally took her to a psychologist to try to ascertain why she just would not work up to her potential. Turned out, she was convinced she had no ability because she was dumb. After all, the teacher said so.

Words are so powerful. They change lives, for sure.

I'm not promoting empty complements; children always see through that, and as a result, they are counterproductive, undermining the student's respect for the teacher, the child's respect for the parent and friend's respect for friend.

No, what I mean is that it is just so important for teachers, parents, friends and coaches to recognize opportunities for genuine praise and be sure to offer it. This applies to everyone; my experience today is proof of that. I was completely aware of the effect of those two words, but that in no way diminished my pleasure at hearing them.

The message here is that we should all strive to recognize the efforts of others. One thing we should always do for our fellow runners is to verbally recognize their efforts. It's just one of the many benefits of the camaraderie of others. Most people remember to congratulate their friends after a good race, but let's not forget that it's the training that begets those good races, and it's not really the race, but the overall effort that matters anyway.

Congratulate your fellow runners for being out there on the road or trail instead of inside on a couch with a remote control in one hand and a bag of chips in the other.

Running in the Woods

One day it's Labor Day, the next it's Thanksgiving - - - now another year has passed. When I was a child, time passed so slowly; now that I have the wisdom to appreciate it, well, you know.

This feeling makes me especially appreciative of the one place where time seems to slow down. When I am in the woods, running off road on a trail, I can forget the busy streets, the sound of cars and voices, my hectic schedule, that 'to do' list; I become more mellow with every mile.

I am always moved by the beauty of the woods, but I am saddened that so many people don't appreciate it; their eyes don't seem to catch it. They are too anxious to find the end of the trail and get back to their list. But like so much that matters in life, this run is about the trip not the end.

My eyes spy a delicate vine wound delicately around a spindly tree, each tendril exactly parallel to the next as if wound precisely by some deft hand, then on a gnarly tree root rising out of vivid foliage only to disappear into another patch a few feet away. A shiny, worn root reaches across the trail, looking so much like a slippery black racer that I have to do a double take. No, it's not a snake, not this time, just a root. But isn't nature amazing, camouflaging snakes to look so much like roots?

I spot a tiny, striking butterfly visiting an equally tiny flower. My iPhone/camera is out in a flash, but the butterfly has already moved on. I won't record him today. As I gaze at the leaves a few feet away, I am impressed that some of the leaves are dotted with mottled brown spots, in a pleasing collection of colors that look remarkably like that butterfly. I'd like to decorate a room in those colors. There's probably a paint card at Lowe's with that exact collection. There should be.

It's especially lovely here today because it's overcast and it's been raining. Every color is more intense because everything is wet. There's no sun to wash out the color. It's as if I'm looking through dark sunglasses that intensify every hue. Have you ever taken off your sunglasses and thought, gee that's not nearly so pretty as I thought? Well, today, it is that pretty, really.

A young palmetto leaf, pristine and new looking, has sprouted from one of the bold, rusty roots jabbing into the path before me. The color of the fan is so vivid; the green of every fold is made slightly different by the angle of the light striking it.

What's that? Ooooooh! I know that sticky, creepy feeling. It's a spider web - or part of one - better keep my eyes open. Don't want any surprises.

As I jog by, I look to my left down a path to the lake. The pine needles are browner than usual, the grass along the perimeter greener, and the lake bluer. Overwhelmed, I want to nudge someone and say, "Look at that! Look at the colors!" But I am alone. I wonder why this trail is not crowded with runners and hikers enjoying this show. I've got this all to myself. That should make me happy, but instead I'm sad that others can't appreciate it - or won't.

I understand that they are busy. There's family, work, so many stressful responsibilities, but I think if they would just come here, just hike once around, they would find the woods possess the same magical, soul comforting effect as yoga.

You dash into class during a window in your schedule. Yoga is an item on the list. But by the time the hour long class is over, you've forgotten you ever had a list, and that is why you go because that is what yoga does to you.

The woods do that to me.

I run up a hill, around a corner, past the clearing where the Boy Scouts camp, the 2.0 miles sign, almost back to the water kiosk that marks the start of the trail. Think I'll go round again.

Challenging Race, Beautiful Place

As the Florida Trail Challenge Half Marathon approached, being the weather wimp that I am, I mostly worried about the temperature on race morning. Since we’d had temps in the upper twenties only a couple of days before, I was relieved when Steve Jerve predicted a low of 53 and a high in the seventies.

I carefully planned my race attire Saturday night, then cast the planned outfit aside on race morning, deciding on shorts and a short sleeved running tee with a long sleeve ‘throwaway’ outer layer and, on my head, my lucky Boston cap, a black Under Armor cap I found on the ground during the 2008 Boston Marathon.

Florida Trail Challenge Half Here I Come

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.

Running the Northwest Equestrian Trail

Today, a dozen of us visited the Northwest Equestrian Trail in the Odessa area to put in our last off road training run before the Alafia X-Country race next weekend. Alfredo, Vanessa and Jackie had explored it before, and they lead us on a great off road run. This trail has been used for a while by members of SWAMP Club (Southwest Assoc. of Mountainbike Pedalers) and, of course, horses. 

Runners and hikers are now welcome, but anyone using the trail is required to obtain a permit/pass from the rangers at nearby Lake Rogers Park. The gate at the Equestrian Park is, for the time being, kept locked.