Back to Florida-Without Sandy!

Once again, a freak storm surprised the northeast with wild winds around the last weekend in October. You may remember that a freak snow storm paralyzed much of New England and the northeast during the same weekend in October in 2011....

Ogunquit experienced winds, and tidal dune shifts, but not too much damage. Hours after Super Storm Sandy hit New England, we decided to leave for our annual trek to Florida.

 

We arrived in Florida, and was surprised to see that Fort Lauderdale beach coast was hit "super" hard by Super Storm Sandy!

 

Most people know that parts of the NY coastline and New Jersey were hard hit. However, many people didn't realize that Sandy socked the coast of Florida first.

For a decade I have ran along the coast of Fort lauderdale beach. The beach is long and not too wide and the sidewalk sits next to the beach-perfect for my daily run.  However, Super Storm Sandy punched Fort lauderdale pretty hard, and shifted sand on to Route A1A. About 2500 feet of Route A1A is closed down.  The sidewalk, street, palm trees and beach have been washed away.

Running on Fort Lauderdale Beach

I run virtually everyday since 2004. Running is important to me. It keeps me happy and healthy. I've ran during snow storms in Ogunquit Maine.  I have ran through steep mountains in Costa Rica. While running in Buenos Aires, I have fallen on crowded sidewalks. In the summer time, I will run 5 to 7 miles and then go to work on a Mt Bike for 8 hours with 20 pounds of gear on. I guess you could say that: I am a runner!

 One of my favorite runs is Fort Lauderdale Beach. I live in South FL for the winter. Winter time in south Florida is perfect for running. There are so many runners, races and great places to run. I run on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The beach is beautiful: There are long shady stretches with clusters of plam trees and seagrapes. There is a sidewalk that runs parallel to the beach. The sidewalk is marked with mile markers!

Route A1A hugs the ocean. I start at the north side of the beach and run south to Fort Lauderdale's "South Beach Park" and back. If I am motivated, I'll run to 17th street causeway and back. The run is 5 to 6 miles daily. This is also part of the route for the A1A Marathon/Half Marathon. I have done the last four half marathons.  Its truly a pleasure to see the ocean, surfers, runners, swimmers, tourists, locals and cruise ships. There is something interesting to see everyday!

My run takes me past the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Drive, Sunrise Boulevard, Bonnet House Museum, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The only thing that stops me is blinding rain. I am not a treadmill guy. The mechanics of running en plein aire, and on a machine are completely different. I dont feel like I am getting a good workout on a machine. And, with beautiful scenery everyday, why wouldn't I run??