Real Florida 5k10k in Wekiwa

Saturday was a trail race in my favorite training ground, Wekiwa Springs State Park.  Being on the Board of Wekiva Wilderness Trust, I help gather the sponsors for this race. This was the 32nd running and we had our biggest field yet.  I went to Panera at 6:30 AM to get the bagel donation and returned by 7:00.  People were already gathering for the 8:30 start; 10k goes first (me) and then the 5k four minutes later.

At the gun, I surged right away because passing is difficult so after 1/2 mile, I was passed by about 10 people.  A few more passed me as we got to the Tramway section and then I began passing a few back.  It was about 85' and sunny so people began wilting after the 5k split.  I maintained my 9:30 pace, occasionally dropping to 9:05.  The hilly sections began to slow me a bit but I felt myself picking up the pace at 4 miles.  I began passing 5k walkers with a mile to go, especially in the uphill sections.  I crossed the line with a time of 1:00:39, good for first in my age group and 26th out of 73 overall.

Brian Sharon blistered the 10k with a 40:30 time and Tim Hay won 60-64 with Jim Payne right behind him.  Gary Cohen won his age group in the 5K.  Jeff Cuddeback came to cheer on Tim and everyone had a great time.

Gary, Jeff, Jim & Tim

Gary, Deborah, Jeff, and Jim

Finish Line

Awards

Jim Payne from WESH2 and Tim Hay

Myself with Jim Payne

Jeff taking it easy

Dawn to Dusk 12 Hour Endurance Challenge 2019

Saturday, February 16, was the 5th Annual D2D race for Seminole County Triathletes.  After my 3rd Place Solo Male Finish in 2018 with 45 miles, I was excited to do this race again.  2019 brought a change in venue; moving from Fort Mellon Park in Sanford to Stone Island in Debary.  My off season training was a bit off though, further complicated by sinus allergies starting 2 weeks before the race.

I arrived at 5:30, finding the park with no problem, though with the recent rains, the parking area was bit soggy.  Rob Marens and Amy Fedock were very gracious in letting me set up in their canopy so I was guaranteed shade throughout the day.  I arranged my supplies for easy access and prepared for the race.  Temps were around 60 and the starting line had a nice view of Lake Monroe.  The field was large, with 10 teams, 102 Solo Women and 94 Solo Men.  As the eastern sky brightened, the race began at 6:30 AM.  Headlamps were necessary for the first laps but it got bright quickly.  The north part of the 1.1 mile course was sheltered but a stiff breeze came off Lake Monroe as we ran along the shore.  The breeze continued all day, bringing relief as the day warmed to 80'.

Many friends from SCT were competing along with my neighbors Dustin Radney and Ashley Samples.  I took breaks at mile 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35.  I experienced discomfort in my legs but nothing that would stop me.  I thankfully used enough lube on my feet and pressure points to avoid any blisters or discomfort.  I noticed people dropping out in the 9th hour and fewer on the course every hour after that.  At 6:25 PM, I crossed the line with 40 laps (1.1 miles) which totaled 44 miles.  This was good for 5th Place in Solo Male and 16th OA.  Becca Lingren won OA with an amazing 68.2 miles and Ty McLaren placed 2nd OA and won the Men's with 62.7 miles.  I was the highest placed male over 50 (at 65).  I was very satisfied with my performance.  I feel with more training, I could hit 50 miles in the twelve hours next year.  Dustin and Ashley's six person team won the Coed Division with an amazing 91 miles.  Amy got 3rd Individual Female with 60.9 miles.

1 minute to start

Dawn pending

Joe Rodriguez and I; he finished 2 miles ahead of me in 4th.

Another lap coming up

Becca Lindgren; 1st Overall with 68 miles!

Jack and Becky last 2 laps

2 minutes to finish!

Fifth Individual Male!