The sun rose over the Atlantic on a hot, steamy, calm morning. More than a few hundred runners gathered for the sixth annual “Run 4 the Sea.” The event is a great cause to help the sea turtles and ocean conservation. Runners hit the pavement in front of the Loggerhead Marine Life Center at 7 am along the beach on A1A in beautiful Juno Beach, Florida. This was our second year running this event, we joined other runners on this 4 mile fast and flat 2 loops from Loggerhead Marine Life Center to Juno Beach Pier and back ending in front Loggerhead Marine Life Center. Did I Mention the air was hot and humid? Welcome to Summertime in South Florida.
I started the race with a consistent 11:30 minute mile pace until the second turnaround just past Loggerhead. The friendly volunteers were well stocked with water and motivation. I stopped at all water stops for a dousing on my head, I started to succumb to the heat, slowed my pace down a bit. My motivation waned as I kept with my run/walk interval timer (which is run 1 min. 50 sec./walk 45 sec), in order to gain more mental stamina in the heat. Once I approached the second lap at the pier, I smelled the finish line, I picked up the pace. I saw Kevin cross the finish line (he was 5 minutes ahead of me), we usually run together. The last turnaround (.25 mile stretch to the finish line) I gained even more speed. I was soaking wet from sweat and the water I threw all over me, I crossed in 50 minutes 05 seconds. Not too shabby for a hot run.
The finish line party had plentiful treats with a mix of good protein and carbs. I am proud of myself I didn’t grab a bagel or donut as my food choices have become healthier, so a Jersey Mike’s turkey sub was a great finish line treat. Overall “Run 4 the Sea” was a wonderful event with many volunteers and sponsors supporting the run this year. Looking forward to next year as we will make this a yearly must run event!