Even though I was born and raised in New Jersey, I have been living in different locations of Florida for about 20 years. I started serious running while in the northeastern part of the state, and so this is the climate and environment to which I am accustomed. While I would really prefer city running to beach or rural (which are some of my options here) simply because I am more interested in architecture and the bustle of city life, I have certainly found the positives in southern running, even in the most humidity-drenched days.
I do love the sunshine. It’s imperative to apply sunscreen and I think I’m going to need to invest in some kind of running hat or visor to protect my scalp a little better, but even when the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, I find it glorious.
The downside to that is the red face and pouring sweat after a good run. The kind that stings your eyes and just drips off you. It’s kind of gross, but on the plus side, at least you know you’ve worked your tail off.
We also have some beautiful foliage. One of my favorites is the magnolia. Right now, all the trees are in bloom, and I always need to stop to admire these huge white flowers.
What I don’t love? The wildlife.
There are all kinds of nasty things lurking out there. Snakes. Wild boar. Armadillos. Spiders the size of a child’s hand. And this latest.
A three (ish) foot alligator, just chillaxing in one of the ponds in my neighborhood. He seems to be a juvenile, which leads me to wonder about where his mother might be lurking. The wildlife department won’t remove him until he reaches five feet in length, and I am counting down to this glorious day (while praying that he grows via plankton and pond algae rather than neighborhood dogs and unsuspecting people).
Tomorrow is my birthday, so I won’t be on social media much. Between that and Mother’s Day, we’ll be celebrating it up! I can’t wait to share on Monday! I’ve already gotten some wonderful well wishes, and some generous gifts, and I am so grateful for all the love.
How do you celebrate your birthday?
Do you think that alligator’s mother is still lurking around?
I didn’t know you were a fellow New Jersey gal at heart! From the handful of runDisney races I’ve done, I can’t imagine running in the Florida heat and humidity year round! I think the same is true for those who live in warmer climates, they can’t imagine running in the snow/cold! I’ll take a happy medium which I think would be somewhere in California 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen Loves to Run (@karenlovestorun) recently posted…Friday 5/2
Seventeen years, born and bred. Definitely an adjustment moving south.
I do think the constant humidity helps to strengthen the lungs quite a bit, but it would be nice to not have to work quite so hard all the time.
Happy birthday. Mine is tomorrow. I love warm weather too. Heading to fla next wed. I usually go out to dinner on my bday.
Darlene recently posted…Liebster Love
The 9th? Me, too! How funny! What a great day! What part of Florida are you visiting?
That thing is terrifying. I’m jealous of your FL runs! I got a few in while visiting down south the winter though, thankfully!
Happy Birthday! I hope you get to celebrate ALL weekend! Make sure to eat plenty of cake.
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads!
Girl, you know I did!
It does get pretty hot here, but it makes training easier for me, if I wake up in time.
runswithpugs recently posted…mother’s day with my mom
Happy birthday!
I *think* that by the time they are that size, gators are on their own. I hope anyway!
I like your information. Hopefully mom is long gone.
runswithpugs recently posted…mother’s day with my mom
Ironically I was just whining about running in 80-degree weather earlier this week! I can’t imagine training in Florida. You’re tough!
jan recently posted…Random Cell Snapshots
LOL! 80 degrees is glorious!
runswithpugs recently posted…mother’s day with my mom
Happy birthday!
I am terrified of coming across an alligator. We have some little ponds around here, but I have been lucky. Most of the time I am dodging lizards and toads while running.
Every time I pass that particular body of water, I search for that thing. Ugh ugh ugh.
runswithpugs recently posted…mother’s day with my mom
Ohhhh Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have the most fabulous day, and a very Happy Mother’s Day!
I was born and bred in Florida, began running there, and have since moved to North Carolina. Unfortunately, I was not able to outrun the heat and humidity. I far prefer Winter running. Not only does it feel easier to me, but not having to be up before the sun to run is oh so nice.
at the end of the day, I know I am just lucky to be able to run….as I remind myself in the 90% humidity 🙂
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Five Things Friday
LOL! The 90% is a challenge. I bet you have some altitude there that would bring me to my knees. I am the worst above sea level!
And thanks for the good wishes – it was a great weekend.
runswithpugs recently posted…mother’s day with my mom