Alafia River State Park

I was first introduced to Alafia River State Park in December of 2016, during my first (and to-date my only) Ragnar Relay experience. Just one short month after this awesome team event I returned to Alafia for a trail 10k because I had loved the park’s trails that much. Naturally, I would jump at the chance to get back on these trails, even though this time instead of running I would hike the course (and still walk away with a medal :)) Best of all? Approximately 60 runners ahead of me, clearing spider webs off the trails.
This was also the first opportunity to try my brand new Dirty Girl Gaiters, and let me tell you – they’re worth their weight in gold. I did not know I would love them that much, but after years of collecting sand and rocks in my shoes this is a whole new experience.

Alafia River State Park is also a great and popular place for mountain bikers and they were out in full force. Luckily we had the trails to ourselves thanks to our sanctioned race.

Right at 8:15 a.m. we were sent on our way. To my surprise the majority of this course was designed on some of the park’s equestrian trails:

Not a bad change of scenery, I have to admit, but incredibly hot due to lack of shade :/ Oh well, I had enough water with me and I was very happy that I was walking instead of running! After only a few minutes I was completely alone, and it was heavenly. The race course markers lead the way and all I had to do was follow.

Wait – picnic tables? Had I known there was an opportunity like this I would have packed a nice breakfast! Eventually we did get some breaks from the sun, but only for very short segments.

At this point I was extremely grateful for my new gaiters.  I had ZERO debris in my shoes (not counting the muddy water that had soaked in over my toes)….

And after a few more stretches of trail in the blaring sun we finally got to enjoy shade. And water…….

Haha, this sign seemed very appropriate! I was definitely on turtle pace today, but I’m fairly certain I had a better time than some of the runners given the sunny and hot conditions. It wasn’t until mile six that we actually turned onto the narrow hiking trails that I had been looking forward to. Now we faced steep elevation changes, narrow twists and turns on terrific single trails.

After 2 hours and 28 minutes I had reached the finish rather hungry, thirsty, and 100% ready for a shower.

And although I had had a great time on these trails I’d not repeat this one in the summer. The wide open horse trails will make a fabulous winter hike though!