My Palm Bluff Trail Race experience, running water bottles
As many of my regular readers know, I became a runner a couple of years ago. In fact, next month will be 2.5 years that I have been consistently running three days per week. Well, yesterday I did my longest run ever!
Months ago my husband talked me into signing up for the Palm Bluff Trail Race that takes place here in Volusia County. He did the half marathon there last year and he thought I was ready to take on the 7-mile run they offer. I signed up and eagerly waited for the date to arrive. Yesterday was it!
I love trail runs. I guess it's the hiker in me. A trail run is like going on a fast-paced hike. I get to be in nature and find the whole experience enjoyable. The course was challenging, as most trail runs are, because of the terrain. You have to be mindful in watching for roots, trees, etc. Plus, a lot of the course is not shaded, and it was quite warm out, so you get a lot of sun as you make your way along the course. Every time I came to some shade I really loved it! There was also a stream that we had to wade across, around mile five, and it felt really refreshing.
One of the things I love about the company that put this race on is that they strive to be environmentally friendly. They made it a cup-less race, which is awesome. I always cringe at all the waste at these races. You take a your own water bottle and just re-fill at the water stations. Personally, I do that for every run I do anyway. I use a Nathan QuickShot and my husband uses the Nathan SpeedDraw
. The only difference in the two is the size. I like a smaller one, because it's easier for me to carry, and he likes a larger runner water bottle. They have been designed to be easy to carry in your hand, because of the sleeve, and it also has a pocket. When you come to a water station you can just quickly get a re-fill and be on your way.
Two thumbs up for the Palm Bluff Trail Race! It ended up being over 7 miles (my Garmin showed it was 7.59), and my husband is already trying to talk me into running a half marathon in the fall. Plus, as another bonus, this week I hit the 45-pounds lost mark. I've gradually lost 45 pounds since I began running. It's been good for me!
- Jacqueline
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