Trail Run: Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area

It's hot in Florida right now. What a surprise considering it's almost July. Running trails, or roads for that matter, has to be done in the morning. Unless you're a masochist. If so, then run any time you want.

On the weekends I attempt to get my runs done before 10 a.m.

Completed. Not started,  because if you have to run for an hour and a half and you start at 9:30 in the morning you're going to be running at 11 a.m, the witching hour when dehydrated, skinny running zombies attack, in search of electrolytes. Not a fun time. That's just asking for a heart attack or heat exhaustion at best.

 Today I ran at Black Creek Ravines Conservation area in Middleburg, Florida. It's one of the few places in Northeast Florida that has some hills. It's a ravine, so of course there's going to be a hill or two. Don't be mistaken though. These are not the kind of hills you're going to find in the Smoky Mountains or in Colorado. Anything above a 2 degree incline is a hill in Florida. Anything above a 4 degree incline and exceeds 15 feet above sea level is a mountain.

Normally in order to do hills I have to use the treadmill. I don't like running on treadmills because I feel like I'm cheating. They are too soft and squishy, too easy on my knees, and too boring.  When I can find real hills, I run them.

The nice thing about Black Creek Ravines Conservation area is that there is a variety of terrain, there are plenty of shaded areas, and the scenery is somewhat interesting, not including the massive power lines that run right through the middle of the park.  For the most part, you'll run on well packed sand trails that are wide enough for cars. There aren't many roots or rocks so you can occasionally look up at the birds, without fear of a face plant (ouch!).  There are some gravelly areas near the power lines. But they aren't too slippery or loose.

Animals you may see include White-tailed deer (I saw 3 today), wild turkeys, fox, gopher tortoise, armadillos, opossums, all sorts of birds like White-eyed vireo, Eastern Towhees, Brown Thrashers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, and a Black bear is not impossible. I have seen their tracks, but never the real thing. I think there are some wild boar running around in there too.

Things to be aware of: equestrians, horse manure, and yellow flies. Bring your bug spray and keep your eyes peeled for horse doodie. And when you encounter a horse, slow down. You never know which horses may be skittish so its best to tread slowly and quietly.

Take a map with you as well. They're available in the parking area and very useful when you get lost. I inevitably get lost, and I no longer fool myself into thinking I have an innate sense of direction like a homing pigeon. One wrong turn and I'll be running until I hit Albuquerque.