Revisitting the parking lots at Fort DeSoto

We were scheduled for another multi county gathering at Fort DeSoto Park yesterday. A 6:30 gathering time with an hours drive meant the alarm went off at 4:30 AM (in the middle of the night). Since I knew MacDonalds was closed, I opted for a double oatmeal and a high fiber, dense slab of bread with peanut butter. A couple of shake glasses full of water to start the hydration. I filled three of the water belt bottles with Accelerade to try that instead of Gatorade. Out the door in the pitch black of night and on to the run.

Both counties were well represented and we had a good turnout. We did a group stretch and then headed out. Just then the two shake glasses of water got my attention. A quick detour through the men's room and I was out on the trail behind just about everyone. I am not daunted by being last thanks to my preparation in previous training events so I just started my pace that I ran last Wednesday. I had fun as I approached and passed some of the walkers. Lots of Go Teams and Good Mornings and Boy is it Dark still.

When I hit the first water stop at around 1.5 miles, I was just about to hit the Parking Lots That Go On Forever. I was still running and feeling that my pace was good. I ran most of the way through the parking lots and by the time I turned around, I was a little past 38 minutes so I was around a 15 minute pace. I made a quick water stop at the near end of the PLTGOF and refilled my water bottles and was off again. I had passed a lot of the runners as they finished the parking lots while I was starting them and we High Fived and Go Teamed a bunch. It is fun to have the camaraderie even if I can't run as fast.

After the parking lots I didn't see any one else until the 5 mile mark which is in the center of the island. The sun was up by then and I was just plain marvelling at how far I had come since July. This is the real kick from the training. I was completing nearly 5 miles and not feeling any pain or exhaustion. I was determining that my pace is the same as the beat for Scott Joplin's Mapleleaf Rag. Now music is playing in my head and I am enjoying my surroundings, seeing the flock of birds taking off, the warmth of Florida Training and how well the wicking material in my hat draws the sweat to the end of the bill of my cap and drips it out in front of me.

Good health is a blessing we so often take for granted. Now I take a moment to think about the struggles of those that are involved in their chemotherapy treatments. I know that this Team in Training stuff is really worthwhile. I shake out my hands and know that 10 miles are to be done today. I sail by the 5 mile water stop and for the next couple miles I get to see my faster teammates again as they are on their way back from the other end of the island to complete their runs back at the 5 mile water stop.

I reach the flag pole at the 6 mile mark. Turning now to head back was what I did on my first 7 mile run. I remember how tired I was then but here I go on to the cul-de-sac that marks the far other end of the island. This is the only part that I need to push since when I get out there, I know that have to get back so there is no pushing yourself to new territory when you are returning. I get to the end of the trail and out onto the road to go to the cul-de-sac now in sight.

Now I can see the full span of the Sunshine Skyway bridge...nice view. I round the turn and head for the finish. All 10 miles done in 2:31 avg 15:06 and energy to spare for a dash for the final 100 yards. 13.1 is now within reach.