Race Decisions, and the Snack With Consequences
First of all, thanks to Engie for this awesome postcard! I think she was just trying to brighten up my day with some fun mail, but I love the quote. I often feel like I’m living on the fringe of society. So I have a few races I’m trying to decide between… but first, let me tell you about the Popcorn Incident. Last week I was happily scarfing down some Lesser Evil popcorn, when I felt something lodge between one of my teeth and the gum- arrrrg! Can I EVER eat popcorn without getting a kernel stuck somewhere??? The next day that gum was very irritated, and as the days went by it got more and more swollen. I tried to probe around with my tongue, but couldn’t feel the kernel, or anything but very inflamed tissue. I really thought I was going to have to go to the dentist, and then of course my thoughts went something like this: “Maybe the dentist can’t even fix it. Maybe I need an oral surgeon. I don’t want to take antibiotics! What if it’s so infected that I lose the tooth???” I decided to try one last thing before calling the dentist. I rinsed my mouth with salt water several times over the course of a day… and voila! The next day the swelling was almost gone. It was a miracle cure- who knew? Now I can’t wait to eat the rest of the popcorn. Now, on to race decisions! There are so many races I want to do, and I have to pick one. For the summer, I’m limiting myself to a 4th of July 5k, and I really want to work on strength and speed. Here are the longer races I’m considering for next winter: Jupiter Ridge Sand Spur 50k This is the SANDY 4.5 mile loop race. It sounds horrible… except that people who have done it say it’s a really beautiful, fun race. It’s close to me- about an hour away, which means I could simply drive there race morning. It’s at the end of December, which might not be ideal, timing- wise. But it’s early enough that I could do this one, and also do the Dunes 50k in April (the race I ran this year.) Forgotten Florida From the website: “Get ready for a memorable adventure through Florida’s wild and scenic trails! This run is sure to be unlike any other trail adventure you’ve ever had, as this race is meant to take you to places even locals have not been to! Explore 99% of the trails in Tosohatchee, Charles Bronson State Forest, Seminole Ranch, Little Big Econ State Forest and then some. This is old Florida…The Forgotten Florida!” SIGN ME UP IMMEDIATELY! This race is a 2 1/2 hour drive from me- not close, but not too, too far. It sounds like a no-brainer, right? But…there’s no 50K option. I would have to do the 50 mile, and I’m not sure if I’m up for that (yet.) This race is February 3rd, so I would be doing some very long runs in December… possibly not ideal, since that month is so crazy already. Long Play Trail Run From the website: “The best single loop trail race in Florida…The Long Play is a 33 1/3 mile single track, single loop, trail run through the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. If the 33 1/3 isn’t in your plans, we also have a beautiful 1/2 marathon and a 10K. All races start and finish at the Ridge Manor Trailhead and wind along the Withlacoochee River before diving into Croom Forest. The races bring you into seldom-traveled parts of the area. It is a race not to be missed!” Hmmm! The distance- 33.3 miles, is good. It sounds adventurous and scenic. The date is March 2nd, which means I would be doing my longest long runs in January and February- I like that! The only real drawback is that it’s the farthest of the three- about four hours away. It would be a long drive there, overnight stay, and then a long drive back after the race. I want to do them all! But I have to choose one. I don’t think my body can take an ultra every month; additionally, all these races are on Saturdays, and I work Saturdays. I can get a Saturday off here and there, but not all the time. Which one should I choose? Who wants to come down to Florida and run a race with me next winter?