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.


























