I love all of the Best Damn Race locations, but Safety Harbor is and always will be my favorite. It was the first Best Damn Race I ever did and the original BDR location. I go back year after year for the great race courses, amazing hotel, and a fun time with friends. And this year was no different!
I took half a day off work since the last time I headed to the west coast it took a lot long than it should have. After getting checking into the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa (into our first floor poolside room) I headed out to the race expo to pick up and my packet and check out the vendors. Of course I had to swing by the 73 Threads booth to see Jon and check out the new designs. I MAY have added another shirt to my collection.
Since I had some time to kill before my friend, and roomie, Haley showed up I decided to take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather and head to the pool. I enjoyed a nice beer while laying by the pool making new running friends. Have you ever noticed that most runners will talk to ANYONE about races and running? Yup, its true.
Once Haley arrived we headed to Bar Fly (a recommendation from my new running friends) for dinner. They had an amazing selection of seafood options and a great beer list. We both ended up with some fantastic grouper tacos and a couple of craft beers. After dinner we had a night cap at the poolside tiki bar before heading to bed nice and early.
One of the BEST parts about BDR Safety Harbor, and staying at the host hotel, is that the start line is right outside the front door of the hotel. You don’t have to worry about getting up super early to drive, parking, and any of that normal race morning non-sense. You just walk out the front door and you are ready to go.
I was doing the 10k and Haley the half, so we parted ways and agreed to meet up after the race. I love the 10k course in Safety Harbor and was excited to get started. With this being the first “long run” of my training cycle my only goal was to finish.
I stuck with my intervals for the first four miles or so. I wasn’t feeling that great, but at least I was moving forward and enjoying myself. Unfortunately shortly after mile 4 my hip decided it had had enough of this whole running nonsense. I walked most of the last 2 miles, just trying to keep a pretty steady race. I picked it up a bit when I could finally hear the announcer at the finish line.
I finished strong and was happy to collect my 5th Annual BDR Safety Harbor medal featuring Milton the party manatee. I didn’t get a PR at this race, but I finished and that is what was important to me.
The rest of my morning was spent enjoying some beer, getting some delicious post-race grub, and spending time with running friends that I don’t get to see that often. Once again I had a great time at BDR Safety Harbor and am already looking forward to the next one.
Next up on my BDR race schedule is Orlando where I will be participating in the 10K + 5K challenge. I didn’t want to do the half this year, so another ambassador and I decided to do the challenge and collect THREE fabulous medals.
If you are still thinking about joining us at Best Damn Race in Orlando, you can use code MEGROTH through February 15th to save $5 on your registration.
