The temps are already soaring here in Central Florida making it one of my least favorite times of year to run outside. Of course rather than complain about how much I hate it, I thought I would recount some of the super awesome things about being a Florida runner...
People come from all over to visit Central Florida’s theme
parks and beaches, making this area one of the world’s top tourist
destination. If you’re visiting during
the mid-March through early October, your first and most likely continuous
thoughts are probably about the heat.
We’re known as the Sunshine State for a reason. With temperatures averaging over 90 degrees
in the summer months (and summer for us is pretty much those months listed
above) and reaching triple digits with the heat index, not to mention the
insane humidity, outdoor activities that do not involve the ocean or a lake
almost can be a little rough!
But despite the heat, believe it or not, Central Florida
really is one of the best places for runners to live or visit.
Here my top 10 reasons that make running
around here so great:
It’s FLAT
We’re certainly not known for our hills here in Central
Florida. In fact, if you wish to do any
sort of hill training, you will have to find you a good overpass to run up and
down several times. Quite possibly one
of the best trade offs for the extreme heat and humidity is our extremely flat
terrain. Runners visiting the area may
find themselves hotter than ever, but they may also find themselves with a PR
on our nice, flat roads and trails.
Must Run ALL the
Races
One of the challenges to living here is the urge to sign up
for a race every weekend, and trust me, there are races EVERY weekend. In fact, it can even be difficult choosing
just ONE race per weekend since there are typically several! From 5k’s to full marathons and even ultras,
Central Florida offers a variety of fun races year round. But wait, isn’t it too hot to run in the
summer? Not according to Final Mile Race
Management who puts on a two incredibly awesome mid-summer events each year
with a Half Marathon in June and a 5/10k event in July! Of course the absolute best time to race each
year is from February to April, and that is when you will find some of the best
races in the area.
Great Community
The running community in Central Florida is like no
other. Here you will find some of the
most enthusiastic, supportive and friendly runners in the world. Whether you’re receiving friendly smiles and
waves from fellow runners out on the trail or joining one of the many group
runs around town, you’re sure to enjoy the positive and encouraging energy that
makes our running community so great!
Most all of our local running stores including Fleet Feet Orlando, Front
Running Sports of Lake Mary and or course Track Shack put on weekly group runs
with product samples and of course tons of fun.
A personal favorite of mine is the monthly Fleet Feet pub run. Running + Beer = Good Times!
Why Not Tri?
With lakes galore, beautiful biking trails and of course an
already embedded passion for running, it’s difficult to say NO to a at least
giving a sprint triathlon a shot down here.
With distances short enough to be non-intimidating up to full Ironman
races, options are unlimited when it comes to triathlons. A late summer early Fall tri is the
best. The water is no longer at boiling
temperatures, the slight crisp to the morning air and the sun warms everything
up just enough by the end of your run.
Easy Access
Orlando has two international airports that can take you
just about anywhere you would want to go and of course getting here just as
simple. Major interstates make driving
down here pretty seamless if you’re not too far for a scenic drive. Whether you’re traveling to Orlando for a
visit or you leaving Orlando for a race, you won’t have a problem traveling to
and fro.
The Happiest Place on
Earth
We do have lives outside of running, don’t we? When we’re not hitting the trail, or of
course at our jobs funding our running habit, we like to unwind and spend some
quality time with our family and friends.
Central Florida may be most known for Disneyworld and beaches, but
that’s not all there is to do around here!
Other than the other well-known theme parks (Sea World, Bush Gardens,
Universal, etc.), Central Florida is also home to several other family
attractions. A personal favorite of mine
are the several state parks offering beautiful hiking trails and natural
springs. The warm year round temperature
of the springs make them perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Will Run for Food
(and Beer)
Being a large, diverse tourist town, it should go without
saying we have some of the best restraunts in the country! You can sample just about any cuisine from
any country or culture you can imagine.
Your options for post run fuel are virtually endless. And if you’re like me and like to carb load
with some hops, we also have some amazing local breweries. Orlando Brewing Company is a favorite of mine
not just because of its high quality, delicious beer options, but also because
it is Florida’s only USDA organic brewery!
Ohhh, the “Winter”
Months
For a few shorts months out of the year, Florida is quite
possibly the most amazing place on this planet to run in! With temperatures averaging in the upper 50’s
to low 60’s and of course our incredible sunshine and brightest blue skies,
it’s almost a surreal outer body experience running around here! With the flat terrain and pristine weather,
you are sure to have one of your best races ever if you’re running down here
then! Because the summers can be so
brutally hot, this time of year is even more cherished and runners take
advantage of the weather using it as the perfect time to train for longer
distance events.
Who Doesn’t Love a
Good Beach Run?
Whether you are staying at one of the hundred beach resorts
or a short drive at one of the theme park resorts, getting in a run on the
beach is an absolute must. Crystal clear
waters, beautiful skies, warm ocean breezes and nice hard packed sand make beach
running an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. If you’re in the area in early May or
November, Beach Running Champions puts on an event that includes distances from
5k to half marathon, and even a barefoot division along the shore. It’s a fun, beach themed event with a
nautical finisher’s medal
Trails, Trails and
More Trails
Wherever you are in Central Florida, you’re near a
trail. There are several beautiful
trails all throughout Central Florida and many of them even connect, so running
and biking can go on for as long as you wish!
And it seems like new trails are sprouting up all over the area, giving
runners even more options to get their miles in. If you’re more into rugged terrain, one of
the manystate parks offer great off road trails with all the dirt, sand, roots
and trees you could ask for. I myself,
gave trail running a shot a few years back with a Masters of All Terrain series
race and was instantly hooked. Though we
may not have mountains or even great hills, our countless beautiful trial
running options (paved or off road) in Central Florida more than make up for
it!
