Lake Apopka Scenic Trail 5K and Rain

Another 5K, another day of rain. It poured all day Saturday, so packet pickup was a drive through at Magnolia Park. 

Our morning birding trip to Circle B Bar with Orange Audubon was cancelled, and the Bloom and Grow Garden Society’s Diamond and Denim dinner was hastily moved inside to the Oakland Park Community Center. A miserable, soggy day.

Rain all night, and when I got up this morning. This time, though, I was determined to run, even in the rain.  59°: tights, shorts, 2 long sleeved shirts, cap, gloves, and poncho should be fine. By the time the race started, the rain was down to a slight drizzle. I’d overdressed. 

The path was pretty muddy, so I was worried about slipping. Especially because the birds were starting wake up. I’ve had bad luck birding while walking. Jogging while birding would be worse.  I forced myself to keep my eyes on the trail, with only a few lapses. I’m pretty sure I saw a blue-gray gnatcatcher fly across and land in a low bush, but I kept on going rather than stop and look. And I ignored a call that might have been a rail. We definitely need to come back and walk this part of the lake trail. We’ve ridden our bikes along it, but a walking pace is better.

Results: I was second in Females, 70-74. Of course, there were only 2 women in my group. Hey, a win’s a win. On the other hand, I would have come in 3rd in the F45-49. Just have to pick your race.





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