My 5K Story

One of the most beautiful places in central Florida is right here in Sanlan Ranch RV Park. About 6 miles of trails that meander through live oak forests, along two lakes and a creek, and across the golf course. It makes a daily walking routine a pleasure.

I was inspired by a facebook post by a friend that she just finished her first 5K run. This friend is someone who is physically difficult to keep up with so I was surprised. I would have thought that was a piece of cake for her already. I said to myself, "I am already  walking 4-5 miles a day on these trails at a good clip; maybe I could run 5K (3.1 miles) of my route." So, inspired by my friend, I started into a trot and, walla, there I was, running the 5K.

Now there are two things I must admit about my 5K.

First, I run or, more correctly, I believe the term is jog at a pace not much faster than I walk. It takes me about 50-55 minutes to complete the course.

Second, in my defense, my run is up and down some short but rather steep hills and many stretches of soft sand. We're talking beach soft here. Since my route is actually about 4.8 miles, I have about 3/4 mile warm up and cool down.

I hope that when we leave here, I will be able to maintain my training on the bicycle paths of Woodridge. While they are very user friendly and do meander through some park land, they can't begin to compare with the ambiance here. Not only is the scenery inspiring, I am often accompanied by the most delightful wildlife. Often a butterfly will even seem to ride along with me for short intervals.

Butterflies won't pose, but this family of American Bitterns had no problem

Most important out of all this, is that I never thought I was a person who could be a runner, and even though I wouldn't call myself one now, I have found out that I can be a runner if I want to and there is no greater feeling than discovering some new capability about yourself.

If you would like to experience what I mean about my route just follow along.



The trail starts with a climb up a ridge overlooking the campground. I use this for my warm-up.




This is where I start my run



A sample of the sandy portions. The hard sand above doesn't count.



This great blue heron just sat there until I entered the bridge.





There is a snowy egret across the water.



Find the turtles on the logs.

The two aningas and the turtle seem to be posing.



The final ascent back up the ridge over the campground. It is a lot more strenuous on the return than at the beginning.

Now wasn't that an awesome walk?