Over the weekend, I ran the Florida Beaches Halfathon at Fort De Soto Park near Saint Petersburg, Florida! Although I moved to St. Pete Beach, Florida over a year ago, this was my very first time going to Fort De Soto Park. This park is known to be one of the nation’s best beaches with its gorgeous white powdery sand.
They didn’t have big expo so instead packet and bib pick-ups were located at various Fit to Run stores in the Tampa Bay area. I picked mine up on Saturday afternoon at Fit to Run in Downtown Saint Pete. It was easy and uneventful.
At Fit to Run, I overheard a conversation about arriving early at Fort De Soto Park because traffic builds up. I only live about 10 minutes away so I left the house at 6:20AM for a 7:05AM half marathon start. Well, the traffic was terrible and caused a race delay of about 45 minutes. Unfortunately, there was a lot of confusion about the pre-paid toll booths, race “Start Line” location at the park, and the actual “new” start time. I noticed some unrest and some anxiety among the participants, but eventually most of the runners arrived and we could all begin the Florida Beaches Halfathon. Let’s get this “running” party started!
The Master of Ceremonies happened to be super fun, happy, and enthusiastic! With all the late start and traffic drama, it was uplifting and encouraging to have someone really into the race and runners. It definitely got everyone excited about the race!
The Florida weather totally cooperated with temperatures in the 70’s–sunny with low humidity. I didn’t feel super hot. I felt somewhat relaxed during the run. I found myself gazing and taking in all the natural beauty of the park. #beinginthemoment
During the race, the “Finish Line” party area had live music as well as food and drink. It’s sad to me that I am not hungry for food after running 13.1 miles. In general, I like to drink lots of water! I’m amazed how runners can eat bowls of pasta and meatballs with marinara or Alfredo sauce. Apparently, I’m not fun…whomp whomp. I just can’t do it. H-2-O is where it’s at for me! The race after party also offered baked goods–brownies, muffins, croissants, granola bars, and bananas. For drinks, there was an assortment of soda, water, and beer.
I finished in 2:25 with an average of an 11 minute mile. Last month, I averaged an 11:13 minute miles for the half marathon. I am looking forward to kicking up my training to get to my goal of 10:30 minute mile for the half marathon race. My next race is in about 40 days. I think I can do it! I’ll be traveling to Indianapolis for the Indy Mini Marathon!
PROS: Beautiful scenic course on Fort De Soto Beach Park. Enthusiastic and uplifting Master of Ceremonies. Large Post-Race Party with live music.
CONS: No Expo. Traffic and late start. Warm water at water stations–better if the water and Gatorade was chilled.
Question: What are your favorite things to eat after a long run?
Ed says
You are an inspiration!