The Challenge:
Event number 1
The first of five events over five months. Starting with the West Coast Half Marathon in Sarasota FL . Look for event number 2 coming soon!
The first of five events over five months. Starting with the West Coast Half Marathon in Sarasota FL on October 2, 2016. This was their inaugural event and was held at Nathan Benderson Park. The park has a 400 acre lake, which was used for the US Rowing Olympic Trials this year. It was a beautiful setting and a nice course. The weather was clear and comfortable at the start, but quickly rose 10 degrees to the 80’s when the sun came up. It did not deter the 490 finishers who gave it a go today. Yours truly completed the course in 1:50:19. Good enough for a first place age division finish. I worked for every bit of this as I tried to keep even mile splits the whole way. The last mile is on a path that goes right down the middle of the lake, but to be honest, my only focus at that point was getting this one done. No time to enjoy the view. An ice cold towel was a nice perk at the finish. I would highly recommend this event and, who knows, maybe I’ll be back next year to defend my title!
The Reward:
After the one and a half hour trip home, I can relax, put my feet up and enjoy a Cigar City Brewing Company Jai Alai IPA (ABV 7.5%). Based out of Tampa, this beer won the 2010 Best Florida Beer Championship-gold medal. Always a solid choice, here in Florida. Cheers!
