“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out what you put into it”.
(Oprah Winfrey)
Shared my running tourist Tallahassee adventures in an earlier post.
Decided to tackle the subject from my new home, Fort Pierce, Florida earlier than I did from Tallahassee. The Tallahassee post was written when I knew I was leaving the city and realized I never took the time to write about things available there.
Wanted to get an early jump on writing about the Treasure Coast. I am sure I will come back to this topic and provide an updated view when the COVID-19 pandemic is gone. Most things in this area are still closed or I am not confident enough to visit yet. There are a ton of fresh seafood markets and restaurants in the local area but do not see me going in for a meal right now even with proper physical distancing.
A good spot for takeout is 12A Buoy: http://12abuoy.com/. Do not know where the name came from, but they have good shrimp!
Running routes
My first two attempts to find a place to run in Fort Pierce did not go well. I got my runs in but did not enjoy them very much. There are not many multipurpose trails here so got out for a sidewalk run to stretch my legs. Turns out the sidewalk I was on ended after about a quarter mile and I was relegated to running on the side of the road. Not a huge fan of this process but did discover a nice hill and made the most of it to maintain endurance. Never went back to this route since it had me too close to traffic.
My second attempt at finding a place to run was at my complex. We have a large circular route (.59 miles) and I thought maybe this would get me going. Never been thrilled going in circles but gave it a shot. My initial goal was 5 miles total, but I only got in 3.5 miles before boredom tapped me on the shoulders and I stopped. Not a huge fan of seeing the same things when I run, and this route did not have the feel of being on an adventure—which I need for distance training.
Decided to use Google to find better spots to run. Google identified the George LeStrange Preserve as a place with trails and it was only a 10-minute drive away. Decided to scout the preserve and it provides multiple options with the best route going around the lake. Again, this was a circular route but longer and there’s wildlife, shade, the lake, and people to see while in the preserve. Enjoyed this location so much I make sure to get over there for one of my weekly runs. Completed my Nashville Rock N Roll Half Marathon dedication run there in April to get 13.2 miles in since the actual race was postponed. Posted a decent time considering I had no on-course support, crowds cheering or beer at the finish line.
A work colleague provided his favorite running spot which goes over the large, picturesque Sea Way Drive bridge and leads to Jetty Park. I initially viewed this route as an extremely tough run since the bridge is so big, but it appears my hill training in Tallahassee prepared me well to get up and over the bridge. Enjoy this route because there is so much to see while running and there is always a nice breeze coming off the water to help minimize the heat. I have leveraged this route multiple times for my Tuesday and Thursday runs—leave work and head east to get my 6-mile run in. Used an over and back approach recently to get in a double digit run—nice views each time on the bridge. 😊
Beaches
The beaches in the local area opened again the last week in April. The county mandate was people could be on the beach just for exercise. This lasted for 4 days before the governor lifted the stay at home order and the beaches opened fully with a mandate for people to maintain physical distancing. I have gone by the beaches to get a look and feel for them but will explore fully when it is safe to be out again. I have visited Jetty Park multiple times and sat in my vehicle to enjoy the views of the water. It is a good place to watch people and the boats floating by.
- http://www.cityoffortpierce.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/South-Jetty-Park-28
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34233-Activities-c61-t52-Fort_Pierce_Florida.html
The Treasure Coast is comprised of Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach and Stuart, FL. These cities are all modest size but when viewed together comprise a large area. My goal is to fully explore them all and then come back and write about the unique features of each. Stay tuned for Part 2!
What areas are you looking forward to exploring when it is safe again? Thanks!
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore”.
(Andre Gide)
FYI—the beaches are closing again for the 4th of July holiday weekend! COVID-19 is not going away.
Walk Into the Future 