August 5th and 6th in Jacksonville, Florida a local running store put on a race to prove if you are fit or insane. Three races in 24 hours, in August in Florida. After running the last race I can honestly say that I questioned my own sanity. Over 1000 participants came out to run all 3 races and to claim the Tour de Pain medial at the end.
Race 1: Friday evening 4 mile run on the beach. In reality 4 miles isn't really that far, and the weather wasn't as bad as you might have thought. A bit overcast and there was a nice breeze. Only problem, the breeze was headed in one direction and of course that was on the way out, once you turned around the air was stagnate and you felt the 97 degree weather. There was no turning back you have to walk toward the finish line to get to your car.
Race 2: A 5k race at the headquarters of the running store at 7:00. There is nothing like 81 degrees with 81% humidity at 5:00am. Surprisingly there were an incredible amount of Personal Records set just hours after the last race.
Race 3: The Sizzler or on this afternoon after a brief shower, the Steam Room. A 1 mile run at 4:30 in the in Downtown Jacksonville with a heat index of 106 degrees. To the amazement of may the top finishers ran a sub 5 minute mile.
All races were well run by 1st Place Sports with plenty of water before each race to ensure everyone was hydrated and unlike other races I have run in the heat, enough water afterwards. The technical shirts were well made and the design and color were very appealing. And the "bling" or the medal was well made but not the greatest received in other races. Doug Alred, the master Race Director in Jacksonville sets the bar high again. Other than a fear you won't finish, there is no reason not to test your sanity next year.
Wondering if a concept like this could be taken across the country to test the fitness levels of others across the country.
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