Run Tampa

This is WHY You Should Join Us for the Trout Creek Group Run Saturday

This has happened many times at Flatwoods and Trout Creek Run Tampa Group Trail Runs.

Before we head out, I ask how many miles, approximately, everyone is doing. This is so that people going about the same distance can hang with each other and so that I know when to expect people to return. One day in particular, three people told me they were doing 4 to 6 miles. Now, even at a slow run with stops for water and maybe some walking, they should have been back in an hour and 10 minutes, but 1:45 minutes later they had not returned. I was worried.

After about two hours had passed, one at a time, they trotted into the parking lot, all having done 10 miles or more, each one with the same wide-eyed look, as if someone had just doused them with ice water the way teams douse their coaches when their team wins a championship game. These people had won something, too. Each one proclaimed in his own words - yes, in this case they all happened to be men - "It was amazing! I just didn't want to turn around!" or something to that effect. Each one did more miles than he had ever done before, and each one proclaimed a love of Trout Creek/Flatwoods. They have all been returning regularly, ever since.

That's why you should come, because you won't believe how terrific it is to run through the woods on a single track trail like an animal, often seeing animals along the way. In the last six months members of Run Tampa have seen these animals out there: armadillos, deer, snakes, one sheep (No kidding, I have a picture to prove it), wild pigs, an alligator, a barred owl, raccoons, and dozens of wild turkeys. 

One of my runners actually saw a Florida wolf recently, although that was in the Citrus Preserve Tract. Florida's woods hold many thrills and great majesty.

The craziest, wildest animals out there are the runners. Come enjoy the adventure of trail running with us. It's not like a race; we all choose our pace, our distance and our conversation. You don't need trail shoes, but you will want to wear an older pair because they are likely to get a bit dirty.

When was the last time you were in the woods, far enough from any road that you couldn't hear cars or, most importantly, smell their exhaust fumes? Breathing the fresh air, while experiencing an invigorating run is the very best way to put the stress of the rest of your life into perspective.

A friend of mine once pointed out that everyday she has an extremely long to-do list, and that some days that includes a yoga class. She rushes to get there the way she rushes everywhere; however, when she leaves, she is so revived, relaxed, and mellow that she no long cares about the list. Well, the woods have that effect on me. When I exit the path, I always feel recharged and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

This is not just for experienced trail runners. You have to start somewhere; everybody will have a first trail run. But beware, once you go there, there is no turning around, you'll yearn to run trails on a regular basis for the rest of your life, and doing so will make you a happier, healthier person, both mentally and physically. Oh, and it will certainly make you a better runner.

Saturday morning the Run Tampa Group Run will start at the main parking lot at Trout Creek at 7 a.m. If you've never been before, try to arrive 15 minutes early. I'll have maps and will explain the trails, etc. We leave from Trout Creek Wilderness Park, but we run north up onto the berm, over the river and into Flatwoods Park which is adjacent. There are half a dozen parks out there, all adjacent to one another, and trails connect them all. Serious runners can connect the trails to make a spectacular 15 mile trail run, and even that can be extended by taking side trails with names like Panther, Grandpa, Coconut Grove, Gatorbait, Piglet, Hogwild, Squiggy and many more. The Main Trail through all the parks is called . . . wait for it . . . the Main Trail. 

You'll find water, restrooms, and an outdoor shower at the trail head but not on the off road trails. And there is a $2 parking fee. These group runs are free, but if you decide to join us regularly, I encourage you to join the Run Tampa Club.

Tomorrow, I'll post about how it makes you a better runner.

10 Reasons to Join Us for the Flatwoods Run Tomorrow

Here is a link to a map. The park is at 14071 Morris Bridge Road. By the way, Fletcher becomes Morris Bridge east of where you go under I-75.

1. You'll get to hang with some of the best people in the world.

2. You'll find yourself repeating, "I can't believe how beautiful it is today," over and over.

3. You'll enjoy temps that will make the hot summer months seem a distant memory.

4. You'll run on spectacular single track trails - if you choose to run through the center of the paved loop - which strengthens your ankles, works on your balance, tests your concentration, forces you to pick up your knees to avoid roots, and startles your senses as you appreciate what Mother Nature is serving.

5. You'll run on a 7-mile paved loop - if you choose the loop - which offers water kiosks, a respite from car exhaust and pot holes, and a deer sighting or two.

6. You'll be in the group picture.

7. You'll find that the camaraderie and the scenery so distract you that the distance is hardly noticable, whatever distance you run.

 

8. You'll earn your breakfast.

9. You'll share the trail with wild turkeys, deer, and armadillos.

10. You'll be glad you came, guaranteed, and you'll plan to run with Run Tampa from now on. When people run the trails at Flatwoods or Trout Creek for they first time, invariably, they are so impressed that they pledge to come to as many future runs as possible. 

We meet at the Flatwoods parking lot that is a quarter mile inside the park from the Morris Bridge Road entrance. Do not go to the Bruce B. Downs entrance. If you have trouble finding us, call 813-416-4638. Everyone is invited. There is no fee for the run besides the $2 per car park fee; however, if you regularly enjoy the Run Tampa group runs, membership in the club is appreciated.

As always, you go as far as you want and you fall in with whomever is going your pace. We will have people walking, we will have people running a 7 minute pace, and we will have people running almost every pace in between. Some will be on the off road trails, and some will be on the paved loop; all well be having a wonderful morning. That I can guarantee.

Trout Creek Group Run

Wow! The weather for Sunday's Run Tampa Group Run could not have been better. We met at Trout Creek Wilderness Park, which is on Morris Bridge Road, but, as usual, we ran north from there into Flatwoods. There were 26 of us, including a couple who arrived late and missed the picture.

One group took the berm to Clay Gully to 4 Corners to the paved loop and back. Another took the berm to Squiggy, to Clay Gully, to 4 Corners, to the paved loop, back to the Main and back, and a third group took the berm to the Main to the paved loop, crossed it, and ran on the trails through the middle of the loop to the Y Kiosk and then back to the Main on the paved loop. Two deer sightings and one snake, a harmless black racer. By my count we did a total of 194 miles. Not a bad way to start the day. 

Join us next Sunday for a run on the Bayshore. The run will start later due to the days getting shorter. Check back for the time.

 

 

Wet and Wild Trout Creek Run

One of the best things about running in the woods is that it always changes. It was wet out there, today, but Run Tampa had a blast, partly because of the outstanding company, partly because it was cooooooooler out there, 74 degrees when we started!

Next week's group run will be Saturday, on the Bayshore, meeting at Patriot's Park, at 7 a.m.

Double click for larger photo.

 

 

Flatwoods Group Run

The heat index was 105 degrees today. Still, 35 tough runners (not all made it in time for the photo) filled the Flatwoods parking lot and then the trails; some ran the off road trails, some did the paved loop, and some did some of both. You can't really ignore the severe heat at this time of the year, but when you're hanging out with your running friends, at least you can distract each other long enough and well enough to finish your run. Thanks for coming, everyone! You are amazing! And thanks to Mix1 for providing a cooler of ice cold recovery drinks. They were both popular and welcome. Double click the photo to see a larger version.Next week we'll be at Upper Tampa Bay Trail on Saturday. We'll meet at the Channel Park Trail Head on Waters just west of Sheldon. BUT, I hope to see you before that, this Thursday night, at the Stadium Green Iguana, at 7:30, for the monthly Run Tampa party, a refreshing opportunity to hang out with your running friends when you're not running and simultaneously melting.

Recent Run Tampa Group Runs

The photo below is from the Run Tampa Group Run on June 25th at Flatwoods Wilderness Park. Apologies to the other five people who were there but did not make the photo. Double click the photo to enlarge. These group runs are open to everyone. We meet at a different park each weekend unless we have a group race, which is the case next weekend. Most members of the group are doing either the Dunedin Midnight Run or the Lutz Independence Day 5k. The next weekend, on July  9th, we will run at Dover Trails in Brandon, and on Sunday, July 17th, we'll be running on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

For details on our free weekend runs, register in the blue box on the right side of this page (640 have registered already). Then, you will receive the weekly newsletter/invite. Or, join the Facebook Run Tampa Group (775 members). Then you will receive a weekly invite. Run Tampa is for runners of all levels. Never finished a 5k? That's just fine. We have many runners still building their endurance. Training for a half or marathon? Great, you'll find many people to run with. Walkers are welcome, too. 

Our group runs are completely unstructured. In other words, you go as far as you want, as fast as you want. We don't try to stay in a group because we have people of widely divergent ability levels and experience. Most of our runs are on beautiful off road trails, but we do run on the Bayshore and on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Got questions? Call 813-416-4638.

Interested in coaching? The Run Tampa Coaching Group meets at Al Lopez Park Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. We took the month of June off, but we will resume on July 5th. That group includes different workouts appropriate for beginning runners through veterans. Beginning runners work on form, drills, and, most of all, endurance. The veteran group works mostly on speed, but form and drills are addressed as well. The fee is $45 per month or $10 drop-in payable to the City of Tampa.

Remember, though, the weekend group runs are free and everyone is welcome! Scroll down to see photos of many other weekend runs.

Below is the Run Tampa Group Run at Lake Park: The early group started at the Northdale entrance and ran through Northdale and into the back entrance of Lake Park.

This is the 8:00 Lake Park group.

Run Tampa Bayshore Run in June.

Speed Work or Just a Fun Run at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, UTBT

Join us for speed work or just a chance to run a few Run Tampa miles on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail followed by dinner someplace nearby. We'll meet at the kiosk that's just south of Ehrlich Road. Park in the public lot just east of where the trail crosses Ehrlich Road. Take the Veteran's Expressway to Ehrlich and travel west until you see the sign that says Public Parking on the left. Park there and walk along the Ehrlich sidewalk toward Ballyhoo's Restaurant. The trail is next to the restaurant. Then we'll grab a bite to eat someplace nearby :)

Nothing Beats Running the Trout Creek and Flatwoods Trails With 32 Friends

It's always cooler on the trails, even early in the morning, and so it was for the Run Tampa Group Run today. The main group took the Main Trail from Trout Creek into Flatwoods, but Wendy lead a subgroup on the slightly more challenging Panther Trail. Some did three or four miles, while some did 10 or more.

Tori was our trail blazer, an important position because the first person down the trail has the not-so-great job of tackling any spider webs that formed overnight; I ran to and fro, as usual, and managed, somehow, to get myself into some very strange black goo (watch for a separate post on MojoforRunning.com), but we all returned safe and sound, albeit a bit dirty and sweaty, but the company was grand, that's for sure. We'll be back out that way for another run in a few weeks.

Click the photo to see full size version.

Come out and join us for our next Run Tampa Group Run on Bayshore Saturday, the 4th, at 7 a.m. We'll meet at Patriot's Park.

Checking 50k Off the Bucket List

Back in October, a group of us were at the John Holmes Run in Withlacoochee National Forest, and someone - I don't know who said it first - said something like "The Croom Fools Run will be my first 50k." Then someone else said, "Well, if you're doing it, so will I," and that's how it went. I'm not sure if the conversation occurred while we were there or whether it occurred during the ensuing days on Facebook. Eileen Boyle decided to do the 50k to commemorate her 50th birthday. I like her style. Some people dread those birthdays that end in 0's. I agree with Eileen, they should be celebrated with great gusto.

The group making the commitment included Sean Kendrick, Robin Patterson, and Eileen, but there may have been others. I could not resist jumping in as well. As I often say, running is as much a social experience as a physical one, and I knew I would enjoy sharing the challenge with these friends.

Fast forward six months. First of all, let me say that my philosophy is that if you run long enough, you will have enough adventures to fill a book. I'm not sure if anyone would want to read it, but you get the idea. Some adventures are intentional; some are not. I knew the Croom Fools Run 50k, my first 50k, would be an adventure, but the day held many surprises.

Saturday's Croom Fool's Run 50k was to be my first foray into ultra running. Now that it is behind me, I can say that I am not becoming an ultra runner in the sense that I won't be doing mostly ultras, but I know I will do more; however, I won't be running another in the near future. No, next year's Fool's Run may be my next ultra. If you'd asked me Saturday afternoon after the race, I would have likely said, "No, once is enough," but I looked at the race from a different perspective 24 hours later, and by that point I was pretty sure I'd be back, if only to stay on course and see what time I could do without putting in an extra mile or so. Oh, and then there was that other five minute delay. Well, let me start at the beginning.

Friday, April 8th, the day before the race, I started preparations early in the day. I planned my ice chest contents, bagged ice cubes, so my ice maker could be making more, washed my race day attire, stretched, mixed my post race beverage of chocolate milk and coffee, and then spent the customary thirty minutes playing around with my shoes and insoles.

Lake Rogers Park Group Run

The temperature was just right, the trail was perfect, and the camaraderie was even better. We met, we took a photo, and by 8:10, we were on the trail around Lake Rogers, 24 of us, compiling a total of around 140  miles. Next weekend our Run Tampa Group Run will be on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at 8 a.m., on Sunday morning. We'll meet at the Channel Park Trail Head on Waters Avenue. Hope you can make it.

Group Run at Lake Rogers Park, 8 a.m., Sunday, April 3rd

Our Run Tampa Group Run will be at Lake Rogers Park in Odessa, tomorrow, at 8:00 a.m. Come one, come all, runners, walkers, all speeds, all distances. There is no drinking water at the park in the kiosk anymore; I guess that's due to budgetary cutbacks, so you may want to bring some.

If you want to google the park, the address is at 9586 N. Mobley Road. Here is a map. From Sickles High School on Gunn, travel north about two miles until you come to N. Mobley Road. You'll see a big sign on your left that says, "Fox's Corners." Turn there. The park is on your left less than half a mile down.

And just in case you're worried that the trail might be wet from all that rain, don't be. I just ran there, and the trail is in excellent condition. No water on the trail and no mud, either. The sandy areas are harder packed than usual, making conditions ideal.

I'll have a drawing for a massage gift certificate contributed by LMT Erin Howlett and coupons for The Yogurt Spot.

Remember, there is a $2 Hillsborough County Parks fee.

Busy Run Tampa Running/Training Weekend

Run Tampa pics from a weekend of running. A group of us met at Croom Saturday to run the 14 mile orange loop, but most of us managed to do a bit more than that. That was our last Croom run prior to the Croom Fools Run on April 9th.

Then, Saturday night, I attended the Team Psyche Triathlon Club social. What a great group. If you are not only a runner, but also a triathlete, like me, I suggest you check out that group. If you are thinking about becomeing a triathlete, now is the time because we have a whole summer of sprint triathlons ahead of us.

Then, today, Sunday, was the official group activity for the weekend, a group run from Patriot's Park on the Bayshore to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier, and back. 

As usual, we got to see the sunrise and watched dolphins at play. Spectacular. The next Run Tampa Group Run will be at Lake Rogers Park, in Odessa, Sunday, April 3rd, at 8:00. If you haven't checked out this running venue, I highly recommend it. It's a little chunk of wilderness just 10 minutes north of Citrus Park Mall in the northwest part of the county, easily accessible from the Veterans/Suncoast Expressway.

Let's Run Through the Woods

Sunday, at 8 a.m., we'll meet at Trout Creek Wilderness Park to run through the woods of Flatwoods Park. When was the last time you and Mother Nature were nose to nose?

When was the last time you felt the dampness of woods, trod over soft leaves, hopped over a root or two, caught sight of a deer, smelled pine needles, touched the rough bark of a lovely tree, surprised a group of wild turkeys? 

Isabel and I rounded a bend at Flatwoods in December to discover a large wild sheep. We watched it trot over the levee and out of sight.

Then, there was the huge buck that dashed across the trail in front of me a while back. I'd never seen such a big deer, but Andres tells me that one is legendary in the park. I felt honored to have seen his majesty.

" I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." - John Muir

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." - Henry David Thoreau

"Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience."  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."  Henry David Thoreau

"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."  -Helen Keller

Join us for a beautiful trail run. Go as fast as you want, as far as you want, and turn around when you want. 

 

Group Runs: Bayshore on Saturday and Croom on Sunday

This weekend, for the first time, we'll have two group runs, Saturday on the Bayshore and Sunday at Croom. If you're registered with this site, you should have received the newsletter with the details. Sunday's run will be any distance. Sunday's run will be a minimum of 8 miles. Something for everyone.Everybody in Tampa is familiar with the Bayshore, but I'm sure some people have never been to Croom. Check out the slide show below. It includes some pics of Sunday's Croom Zoom race as well as pics from the John Holmes Trail Race and Fun Run in October. Croom is in the Withlacoochee Forest about an hour north of Tampa. (Below is a flash slide show.)

New Year's Eve Morning Run in Brandon

No 'official' Run Tampa group run this weekend, but John Roosen and others from my coaching group will be running at Sydney Dover Trails in Brandon, at 8 a.m. tomorrow, New Year's Eve MORNING. Thanks, John. Have a great run!

If I positive feedback, I'll start including a run at that park in our group run rotation. 

Directions: Highway 60 east approx 1/2 mile past Dover Road. Parking lot for about 20 cars. 

Info about the park here.

Next week we'll meet on Sunday, the 9th for a group run at Trout Creek at 8 a.m.

 

One Day, Four Races, Fast Times, Happy Faces

First, this weekend's Run Tampa group event was the Tampa Police Memorial 5k and 1mi. Huge crowd, four times as many participants as last year. Great event to raise money for the widows and families of Tampa Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. I had hoped for a photo of the large group of Run Tampa people at the race, but many people were still in line to get their numbers or register right up to race time due to the huge crowd. 

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Then, I was off to Croom to congratulate other Run Tampa runners participating in the John Holmes 50k Trail Race and 16 mi. Fun Run. Race Director Jim Bodoh always puts on a great race, and, even though I couldn't participate this year, at least I got to hang out with my friends after they finished and get some pics to record a great event and some sweet PR's. 

These trails will close soon for hunting season, but by the time we're ready to start training for Tampa Races' Croom 50mi/50k/15mi Fools Run in the spring, the trails will be open and beckoning. In the meantime, we'll do most of our trail running at Trout Creek and Flatwoods, but I'm also exploring some other off road trails; so, we'll probably be adding some other sites to the weekend run rotation soon.

Many people were asking about Run Tampa shirts. I'm in the process of ordering more technical shirts. Currently, I have a couple of men's mediums and XL's left and a couple of women's larges. If you would like one, I'll have them at the Rattlesnake Run next weekend, or you can send me a check for $20, and I'll drop one in the mail. Just email me at deb@runtampa.com for the address.

Also, I'm having some poly/cotton shirts screen printed right now. They'll be ready in a couple of days.

Join Us Saturday at Trout Creek Park

Check out the lovely sunrise we enjoyed at last weekend's group run on the Bayshore and make plans to be in the picture we take this week before we run at Trout Creek.

We'll meet in the main parking lot at Trout Creek Wilderness Park (12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa 33592) on Saturday, Oct. 2nd, at 7 a.m. This time we'll explore a different trail. We'll run north on the levee, over the river, and down onto the Main trail into Flatwoods, but we'll then take the Panther trail, which skirts a lake before taking you to the paved trail. 

The distance is about 3.5 miles to that point. Then you'll have the choice of returning as you came, going left, and taking the levee trail all the way back, or going back to where we turned off of the Main Trail and then continuing on into the middle of the paved loop like last time.

This park is located a mile or so east of the junction of 56th Street and Fletcher. Fletcher becomes Morris Bridge Road along there. Once you pass under I-75, the park entrance will be on your left.

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=103529447060954840677.000473519f7b9bac1a6fd&ll=28.087277,-82.342873&spn=0.034605,0.077162&z=14

This will be an entirely off road run, distances from a couple of miles to whatever. 

Go as far as you want, as fast as you want, turn around when you want. 

There is no water on the trail, so bring water with you AND bug spray.

This is a beautiful run. If you haven't joined us, please come. Shower, restrooms and water next to the parking lot.

$2 park entrance fee per car. Call with questions 813-416-4638. I'll also post a map on the Run Tampa group page.

 

Be the First to Identify this Trail and Win a Run Tampa Shirt

 

.  One hint: This park is located in Hillsborough County. Send your guesses to deb@debbievoiles.com

 

Over the Bridge and Through the Woods

Today's Run Tampa Group Run took us up the levee, over the river and through the woods. We started at Trout Creek Park but did most of the running at Flatwoods Wilderness Park. About half of the group went all the way through the middle of the Flatwoods paved loop before heading back to Trout Creek.

Happy to welcome six new people today. Several runners did their longest run ever and came back tired but glowing after the experience. It was even starting to feel a bit like fall out there.

  

Join us for next week's Run Tampa Group Run on the Bayshore, on Sunday at 7 a.m. We'll start at Patriot's Park (intersection of Bayshore and Bay to Bay) and run to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier and back, around 5 miles. Some of us may start around 5:00 to get in a really long run. If we do, we'll return to Patriot's Park at 7:00 to hook up with everyone else. But, even if you just want to do two or three miles, please come and join us.

Just want to walk? Hey, that's fine. No rules! There's nothing like watching the sun rise over the downtown skyline. Remember, these runs are completely unstructured. You go as far as you want, as fast as you want, and turn around when you want. All speeds and experience levels are always welcome. For Run Tampa information, call 813-416-4638 or email deb@runtampa.com.

Section of Upper Tampa Bay Trail Closed

Like the sign says, the section of the trail from Gardner Road to Manhattan Drive will be closed until October 29th while new pipes are installed, but they will also be doing trail maintenance.

While this section of the trail is closed, why not join Run Tampa's weekend group runs? This might be just the time to check out some other venues.

But, if you love the trail, no worries, the closed section is only about a mile. You still have about two miles to the north and about four miles to the south and west of the closed section. Just plan accordingly. I'm betting that the Wilskey Road lot will fill up faster than usual during this period, so you may want to head for the Channel Park trail head on Waters. That is the main trail head for the UTBT. It has a much larger parking lot, water fountains, and restrooms. There is also a covered area outside the restrooms, just right for offering shelter if you're out on the trail and a storm comes up.

There is also parking at the start of the trail, which is just south of Alonso High School, but that lot is about the size of the Wilskey lot and has not restroom.

Follow progress of the pipeline project on Twitter.com/NWPipeline or go to TampaBay Water.org. You can call Tampa Bay Water at 813.401.0132

74 Degrees for Lake Rogers Park Group Run

I made special arrangements for 74 degree temperatures and lower humidity for Saturday's Run Tampa Group Run at Lake Rogers Park in Odessa, and I am happy to say that everyone appreciated it.

Important note about park hours: We started our run at 7 a.m., as usual, but when we arrived at the park, the ranger informed us that beginning today, Sunday, the 29th, the park would open at 8 a.m. as the result of cutbacks, which require cutting back on park hours. Unfortunately, that's just too late for us to schedule our group runs; so, we won't be able to have group runs at Lake Rogers Park in the foreseeable future.  Bummer :(

I understand about cutbacks, but the hours of 8 to 6 make it impossible for anyone to run before or after work. I wish they had just decided to close earlier, particularly since it's so often rainy at that time. Or, why not close one extra day during the week?

The Northwest EquestrianTrails, on South Mobley Road, across from Ed Radice Sports Complex, are open and that park has about 7 miles of trails, BUT they are not patroled by rangers. Perhaps we will schedule a group run there. Let me know what you think.

Next week we'll meet for our group run at Temple Terrace Elementary School and run the course route for the HCSO Ranch Run 5k which is the following Saturday. What better way to prepare for a great race?

Finding Flatwoods

Each time we meet for a Run Tampa Group Run at Flatwoods, it's a challenge to make sure everyone finds us. 
Probably most people in the running community have heard of Flatwoods Park. Some people would say it's in New Tampa; others would say it's near USF. Still others would say it's in Thonotosassa. Guess what? They would all be right!

Flatwoods Wilderness Park is a huge park with two entrances, one on Bruce B. Downs in New Tampa and one on Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa. Between the two entrances is a 7 mile paved loop, and there are entry roads extending to that loop, about a mile long, from each entrance.

Many runners are only familiar with the paved loop, but there are several miles of beautiful off road trails traversing the center of the loop.

For a bit of added confusion, you can also access the trails of Flatwoods from Trout Creek Park, which is also on Morris Bridge Road. If you're not confused now, you should be.

It's a challenge, but Flatwoods is well worth finding. Once people run on the off road trails there, they always return, sometimes every week.

By the way, Fletcher Avenue, the street that borders the north side of USF, turns into Morris Bridge Road about the time it passes beneath I-75, which is east of the Fletcher/56th Street intersection.

When the Run Tampa group runs at Flatwoods, we meet either at Trout Creek Park or the Morris Bridge entrance to Flatwoods. The reason is that it's much faster to get to the off road trails from these two destinations, and the off road trails are just beautiful, but equally important, they are also much cooler due to the shade.

The trails are marked, but, understandably, many people don't want to venture out and explore them alone. All the trails connect, but it helps to be with a group to learn the trail system.

One reason for the confusion is that there are several other parks that are part of the Wilderness Parks. These are Morris Bridge Park, which has two entrances on Morris Bridge Road, Four Rivers Park, and Trout Creek Park.

Map here.

If you do long runs, it's good to know that trails connect all these parks, making it possible to run a lovely 15 mile loop. A warning, though: At this time of year, many of the trails become quite wet, and, sometimes, even flooded. It's not uncommon for some of the trails to be closed due to standing or flowing water. At such times, the paved loop is a good alternative if you mind the water. Some people relish it, of course, so it that's you, you'll love it. These trails are usually dry at least 9 months of the year.

If you have tried to meet us for one of our Flatwoods runs and failed to find us, please try again, and put my phone number in your phone. Also, make sure you have the right day. We usually meet on Saturdays, but if there are several races on Saturday, we may meet on Sunday. Just check the schedule.

If you don't find us right off, please call me, Debbie Voiles (813-416-4638), even if it's 7 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday morning. You know I'm up, right? I'm already at the trail head and hoping you make it to join us. I always carry my phone as well. Please do call. Many people call me to say they are running late, they have questions, or they can't find the park.

I always put a big Run Tampa sign behind my car, a black Acura; so, if you are at the right place, you'll find us. If you get there after we've left, call me, and I'll give you directions. I don't mind stopping; I run back and forth, running with different people all morning, so stopping is not going to interfere.

One more comment: Sometimes people come late, and they head out and figure they'll find us because we'll be a large group. This may not work because I encourage everyone to run at their own comfortable speed. This means we spread out quite a lot. We usually have people running an 8 min. per mile pace on up to 13 minute per mile pace and some doing a walk/run.

I encourage this. I don't want anyone running uncomfortably fast to keep up with the front runners, and I don't want people trotting along at a slower than comfortable pace to stay with the group. It's important that people do the run they want to do at their desired pace.

Since we usually have walkers and always have some people doing an easy walk/run, anyone running any pace and any distance should be comfortable joining us. And, everyone tends to hang out for a bit at the parking lot when we return, giving everyone a chance to meet everyone else.  

By the way, there are two trail races in Flatwoods each year. They are both put on by Tampa Races. One is the Flatwoods Four Trail Race, which is on Valentine's Day in 2011, and the other is the Trout Creek 5k and 15k Trail Runs. The latter begins and ends in Trout Creek Park, but much of the race is in Flatwoods.

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.