29th Annual Real Florida 5k & 10k in Wekiwa Springs

Cold start at 37 degrees for my bagel run (Thank you Panera Bread) but the temp rose by race start to 53'.  It was brisk though and we had 242 people start the 2 races.  I took off too fast as usual (8:06 first mile) but soon settled down by mile 3 on the Tramway.  I made the turn at marker 15 and began my singletrack journey back.  The 2nd waterstop was set up at the wrong place but I made good time, finishing with 56:31 for a 8:58 pace.  I placed 2nd out of 5 in my age group, 1:32 back.  Kevin Casey and his daughter Megan did the 5k and she won the 14 & under age group.  Great job Megan!

Hammered to the finish!

Megan and Kevin Casey

Superbowl Duathlon in Clermont

On Sunday, the Clermont Triathletes hosted their 2nd Annual Superbowl Duathlon.  This event consisted of a 2 mile run, 12 mile bike, and a 2 mile run.  I asked my friend Kevin Casey to join me and his daughter Megan decided to compete also.  The race was held at Lake Louisa State Park, just south of Clermont on US 27.  This is a loosely organized training event so a good time was the goal.  However, since Clermont is now a hotbed of pro triathletes residing there, a number of very fit people with very serious gear showed up.  The rain ended at midnight but it stayed at 44'f for the entire race with an overcast sky and gusty winds; not really Florida conditions.  We all took off on the first run together but were strung out within a 1/2 mile.  I did the 2 mile run quickly but still felt cold getting on the bike.  My bike speed suffered on the first lap, feeling cold and bundled, and it did pick up on the second lap.  I ditched the heavy bike jacket for a windbreaker on the final run (forgetting my gloves in the process) but running hard warmed me up quickly.  I caught the guy that passed me on the bike and finished in 1:22:16.  Kevin and Megan finished a bit after me with Megan flying across the line.  Hopefully, next year's event will be warmer than today.  We then adjourned to the Planet Smoothee inside the National Training Center for refueling.

Kevin and his daughter Megan   (Note flag blowing)

Very cold day!

Start/Finish area.

The SPEED and I.

Megan runs hard to the finish!

Everyone had a good time!