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?
33 Responses
Ha, I’d love to run an ultra with you in Florida!
I’d pick the Jupiter one:
1. it leaves you plenty of time to recuperate before the Dunes 50k in April.
2. you’ll be tapering in December = more time.
3. it’s in loops = you have a guaranteed aid station and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. You can always stop the race if you get into trouble (I know that you have enough discipline to keep on going if you can).
4. it’s close to home = the most efficient way to race.
5. other runners recommend it.
I’m excited to know which option you will choose!
Catrina, you make an excellent case! Your points are spot on. I’ll let you know.
I like that kind of popcorn but not as much as Boom Chicka Pop or Skinny Pop. I love the slight coconut taste! However I HATE the name. Why are we giving value to a food? But also, it’s delicious. I boycotted it for a long time because of the name and then my other popcorns were unavailable, and I felt like it was weird karma, so I bought some. Now I’m thinking maybe it’s MORE evil because of your poor tooth! Dental stuff is so awful. Speaking of which…my son goes in for dental surgery on Friday so wish us luck!
Oh, your poor son- GOOD LUCK. And, I like all popcorns. I feel like Lesser Evil is actually more salty, and I like that!
I’m zero help with the choice – I HATE making decisions (they all sound like they have distinct pros/cons – what one do you *want* to do most? Like if someone took one race off the table, is there one that would make you sad to lose as an option?)
I’ve had something so similar happen with popcorn. It’s delicious, but also very annoying with regard to dental issues. I’m so glad you were able to flush it out at home without further intervention!!!
Yes, it kind of makes me wonder who came up with the idea of eating popcorn in the first place- so many things can go wrong. Okay, I’m going to use your method and see if it helps.
I think you’re cleared to enjoy the rest of the popcorn. What are the odds of lightning striking twice;-)
Which race…I like Catrina’s wisdom about Jupiter. Then do one of the other races next year? I know, I know, it’s hard to think about next year when YOU JUST WANT TO RUN ALL OF THE RACES RIGHT NOW ALREADY!!!!!
I know- it’s hard to remember that ALL these races will still be around next year.
I say go for the Forgotten Florida! It looks very cool, it is not too far from Orlando so if someone wanted to join you, it would not be too hard to get to, and…I think you can do 50 miles and you have plenty of time to train for that! Also it gives you enough time to recover for Dunes.
Ooh! Maybe you’re right…
Oh wow, these all sound like excellent choices! Except maybe the 50 mile one — seems like you might want to save that one for the following year?
I am so sorry you had such an awful popcorn kernel experience! Yowch!!! The salt water solution is awesome and I’m so glad it worked.
Yes, I’ve had many bad popcorn experiences but I think this one was the worst. And I think you’re right- the 50 mile race will still be around next year and that might be a better time to tackle that.
You are so welcome for the postcard! I have a huge box of them and it made me SO SAD when you said you couldn’t remember the last fun mail you had, so I’m going to go ahead and add you to my list of people who get occasional just because mail!
I have no advice about which race to run. They all sound wonderful and hard and way too much for the likes of me! I’m convinced you can do anything, though, after your last race. You’ll pick one and it will be amazing!
Thank you Engie! The thing I’ve discovered is, once you sign up for something you figure out a way to make it happen.
I’d love to run one of these with you! They all sound good, but I’d be looking for a shorter distance, like a 25k–does Forgotten Florida have options like that? I like the loop option.
Yes! Forgotten Florida has shorter races as well.
You could do the Jupiter Ridge Sandspur in December. Then do a shorter distance in the Forgotten Florida as a lead-in to your 50K in April. That way, you’d be able to get a feel for the course in the Forgotten Florida ready for tackling it the next year?
Oooh! I like the way you think. That would be a way to do multiple races but not stress out my body too much.
My vote is for the 3rd. I don’t like to repeat loops so the 1st one is out for me (not that I am running this!!) as I fear that would get old fast. My 2nd choice is #2 although 50 miles sounds INTENSE! I am risk averse/conservative and don’t like to risk feeling undertrained though.
I love popcorn so much but I get popcorn hulls stuck in my teeth quite often. And yet I keep coming back for more!
Yes, popcorn is strangely addictive. Why is it so good? I was originally leaning toward #3 but some of the comments here have gotten me thinking about other options. I’m glad I asked for advice!
I have a love and hate relationship with popcorn for that very reason – but I can’t quit it! All of those races sound AMAZING! I would either pick out of a hat and let the universe decide or really think about how far out you want to go (huge difference between an hour away and a night away – especially for the distances you run). I can’t wait to see where you land (and follow along)!
Thank you Lindsay! I’m still debating. But I’ll definitely let you know.
From the descriptions alone, Forgotten Florida sounds AWESOME. I think sandy running sounds … not awesome. But honestly, you can’t go wrong here.
Yes, any one of these would probably be great. But sandy running is, as you say, not awesome.
People in my neighborhood running group do Forgotten Florida. Maybe I can cheer you on… I’d need reminding when it’s coming up lol
If I end up doing that race, you’ll definitely be hearing plenty about it!
I’d love to run with you but ultra??? trails???
Maybe I should come cheer.
Ha ha… there are shorter options, but they’re still on trails.
OMG, Jenny! The popcorn issue! You know I’ve struggled with that in the past, right? I’ve even had to get two deep cleanings from the dentist to solve the issue. I am so scared when I eat popcorn now that the same thing will happen again (but it does not stop me from eating popcorn, of course!) I’m glad a few saltwater rinses helped! That’s what the dental hygienist told me to do when I came into the office with the issue.
Oh wow, I really thought I was going to have to go to the dentist. Funny how we can’t seem to stay away from popcorn, even though we KNOW there will be consequences!
Popcorn is evil – lol – I am glad you got whatever it was unstuck!
I think I’d go for the Jupiter race. It sounds fun (and challenging) and I love close-to-home races.
Oh, man, popcorn. Every. Single. Time. I’m also terrified I’m going to break a tooth on a random kernel. Yikes.
RE: races, I loved Catrina’s advice. My only recommendation – don’t go for the 50 miler. The Jupiter + the one you ran this year = lots of good racing (I hope!).
Yes, Catrina’s advice was good! I’m still debating.