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~ JANUARY ~

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012
Dolphin Dash 5K & 1 Mile: 8:00 a.m., Anna Maria Elementary, Holmes Beach, FL


SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2012
Croom Zoom 100K, 50K, 25K Trail Runs: 100K at 6:00 a.m., 50K/25K at 7:00 a.m., Croom Park, Withlacoochee State Forest, Brooksville, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com


SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012
Florida Challenge Half Marathon & 5K Trail Runs: Half Marathon at 8:00 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m., Alafia River State Park, Lithia, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ FEBRUARY ~

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012
St. Pete Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Tour heads south this winter for the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon on February 12. Offering sunshine, stunning waterfront vistas and a flat course, this event will rock runners from start to finish. So while most of the country is shoveling snow you can be rocking 13.1 miles in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Use our code to save $10 off your registration: RGIRL


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012
Flatwoods 10 Mile & 5K Ramble: 10 Mile at 8:00 a.m., 5K at 8:15 a.m., Flatwoods Wilderness Park, Tampa, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012
Boca Grande 5K: 7:30 a.m., Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande, FL
Run in Paradise - Start at the Boca Grande Community Center, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll see beautiful views of Charlotte Harbor, run past the famous Gasparilla Inn, along scenic Gilchrist Avenue which is lined with palm trees and run on beautiful Banyan Street, named for the very large trees that line both sides of the street.
Contact: RunBocaGrande.com


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012
3rd Annual Take Stock in Children of Manatee County 10K, 5K, Fun Run: 7:30 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton, FL
All proceeds from Take Stock in Children’s 10K/5K/Fun Run benefit Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentor Program.
Contact: lynches4@gmail.com or 941.713.8935


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012
Disney's Princess Half Marathon: 5:45 a.m., Orlando, FL



~ MARCH ~

SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012
Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K: 15K at 7:05 a.m., 5K at 9:30 a.m., Tampa, FL


SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012
Gasparilla Distance Classic Half Marathon & 8K: Half Marathon at 6:00 a.m., 8K at 9:00 a.m., Tampa, FL


SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012
First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay: 7:00 a.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL
Come enjoy tropical beauty, a moderate climate, great dining and shopping, and one of Florida's favorite races this winter. Starting from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, you will enjoy vistas of beautiful Sarasota Bay, white sand beaches, ten parks, and some of Sarasota's most gorgeous neighborhoods.
Use our code to save $5 off your registration: SHMRG
Contact: info@sarasotahalfmarathon.com, SarasotaHalfMarathon.com


SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2012
Fountain of Youth 5K Run and Kids' Races: 5K run at 8:00 a.m., Kids' races start at 8:45 a.m., North Port, FL
To benefit the North Port YMCA and the Arthritis Foundation of North Port.
Click here for the entry form or register online


SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012
XTERRA Trout Creek Trail Run 15K & 5K: 8:30 a.m., Trout Creek Wilderness Park, Thonotosassa, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com


FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Robinson Preserve 5K Twilight Run & Kids' Races: 6:30 p.m., Robinson Preserve, 17th Ave NW & 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL
Results:   2011   2010   2009
Contact: Fit2Run University Center, 941.358.5100, info@fit2run.com



~ APRIL ~


SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012
Croom Trail 50 Mile, 50K, & 16 Mile Fool Run: 50 Mile at 6:00 a.m., 50K/16 Mile at 7:00 a.m., Croom Park, Withlacoochee State Forest, Brooksville, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com


SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012
XTERRA The CLAW 10 Mile & 5 Mile Adventure Run: 7:30 a.m., Alafia River State Park, Lithia, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ MAY ~


SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012
Island Run 5K & 1 Mile: 8:00 a.m., Bayfront Park, Anna Maria Island, FL
Build Better Kids - The Island Run benefits The Children's Academy of Southwest Florida, Inc., a not-for-profit United Way agency. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m. Registration closes at 7:50 a.m. 5K & 1 Mile races begin at 8:00 a.m.
Registration: online | entry form
Results: 2011     2010     2009     2008     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002
Contact: Pam Graetzer - 941.527.1453, pamg@graetzer.com


SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012
Run to Row 5K: 5K at 7:30 a.m., 1 mile at 8:00 a.m., Ft. Hamer Rowing Center, Parrish, FL
5K & 1 mile fun run/walk to benefit Manatee County Youth Rowing, Inc. Benefiting Palmetto, Southeast and Manatee High Schools.
Registration: online
Contact: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Parrish/RunToRow5K


FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012
Picnic Island Adventure Run: 6:45 p.m., Picnic Island, Tampa, FL
This off-road course is roughly 3.6 miles and has added challenges that may include getting your feet wet, crawling under a cargo net and jumping or climbing over obstacles. We just about guarantee this to be the most fun you have had at any race!
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ JUNE ~


FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Picnic Island Adventure Run: 6:45 p.m., Picnic Island, Tampa, FL
This off-road course is roughly 3.6 miles and has added challenges that may include getting your feet wet, crawling under a cargo net and jumping or climbing over obstacles. We just about guarantee this to be the most fun you have had at any race!
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ JULY ~

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012
Picnic Island Adventure Run: 6:45 p.m., Picnic Island, Tampa, FL
This off-road course is roughly 3.6 miles and has added challenges that may include getting your feet wet, crawling under a cargo net and jumping or climbing over obstacles. We just about guarantee this to be the most fun you have had at any race!
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ AUGUST ~


SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012
2nd Annual Run to Rebuild Monson 5K: Run at 10:00 a.m., Walk at 10:15 a.m., Monson High School, Monson MA
Join The Run to Rebuild Monson group on facebook.
Registration: online | entry form
Results:   2011
Contact: Shannon Byrnes - theruntorebuildmonson@gmail.com, Shannonjb21@yahoo.com



~ SEPTEMBER ~

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012
20th Annual Canes Cross Country Classic 5K & 1 Mile: 8:00 a.m., G.T. Bray Park, Bradenton, FL
The Manatee Hurricanes Cross Country Team presents Southwest Florida's preeminent 5K Cross Country race. Great refreshments, awards, door prizes, and unique shirt designs. Part of the On A Shoestring / BRC racing series. Chip timed. Open to all ages and abilities. Run a fast time on a great cross country course. A great LABOR DAY tradition.
Contact: CanesClassic.com


2012 DATE TBA
University Park Country Club 4 Mile Cross Country Run to benefit the 9/11 Emergency Services Memorial Fund: 7:30 a.m., University Park Country Club, Sarasota, FL
A mild 4-mile cross country run plus kids' races
Click here for the entry form
Results:   2010   2009
Contact: Fit2Run - info@fit2run.com, 941.358.5100


2012 DATE TBA
Gasparilla Island 4 Mile Run & Fun Walk: 7:30 a.m., Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande, FL
Run in Paradise - Start at the Boca Grande Community Center, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll see beautiful views of Charlotte Harbor, run past the famous Gasparilla Inn, along scenic Gilchrist Avenue which is lined with palm trees and run on beautiful Banyan Street, named for the very large trees that line both sides of the street.
Contact: RunBocaGrande.com


~ OCTOBER ~



SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012
Sarasota Creaky Bones VI - 5K and 1K Kids' Race: 8:00 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton, FL
5K at 8:00 a.m., 1 Mile Pet Friendly Fitness Walk at 9:00 a.m., & a 1K Kids' Race at 9:30 a.m. - something for everyone! Click here for the entry form or register online. TEAMS ARE WELCOME!
Results:   2011   2010   2009   2008   2007
Contact: Lee Lewis - llewis@arthritis.org, 941.708.3901, Arthritis Foundation, 410 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205


2012 DATE TBA
St. Pete Creaky Bones VII - 5K, 1 Mile, & Kid's Monster Dashes: 7:00 p.m., The Pier, St. Petersburg, FL
Kids Monster Dashes, 1 Mile Fitness Walk, & a 5K - something for everyone! Click here for the race flyer or register online.
Results:   2011   2010   2009
Contact: arthritis.org


2012 DATE TBA
Boo Run 5K: 8:00 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton, FL
5K Run & Walk at 8:00 a.m., Boo Dash Fun Run at 8:45 a.m.



~ NOVEMBER ~


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2012
XTERRA Wildhorse Half Marathon, 10 Mile, 10K, 4 Mile: Half Marathon & 10K at 8:00 a.m., 10 Mile & 4 Mile at 8:10 a.m., Keith Waller Park, Dover, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012
3rd Annual MTI Law Enforcement Academy Veteran's Day Challenge 5K or 1 Mile Walk: 7:30 a.m., MTI East Campus, 5540 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL
Click here for the race flyer or register online
Contact: Pat Proudler - proudlerp@fc.manatee.k12.fl.us, 941.751.8479, ext. 2015


2012 DATE TBA
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon, 5K, & 2 Mile: Half Marathon at 12:00 noon, 5K at 12:15 p.m., & 2 Mile at 12:30 p.m. Monson, MA
Certified Half Marathon & 5K courses plus prize money! The toughest and most scenic half marathon you'll find!
Contact: MonsonMemorialClassic.com


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2012
X-Country Marathon, 30K, Half Marathon, & 5K: Marathon & 30K at 7:30 a.m., Half Marathon at 8:00 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m., Alafia River State Park, Lithia, FL
Contact: TampaRaces.com



~ DECEMBER ~

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012
17th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K & 1 Mile: 5K at 7:00 p.m., 1 Mile at 7:10 p.m., Bradenton, FL
Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. Be a part of the largest run/walk in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Commemorative long sleeve shirts and jingle bells w/laces. Music, food, vendors, Santa, kids zone, VIP tent, plus a 5K and 1 Mile to run or walk.
Registration: coming soon
Contact: Lee Lewis - llewis@arthritis.org, 941.708.3901, Arthritis Foundation, 410 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011
Manatee River Run RRCA-FL 5 Mile State Championship: 9:00 a.m., Emerson Point Park, Snead Island, Palmetto, FL
Click here for the entry form   |   Click here to register online





Balancing Training & Racing: You like to race, but you know it can take its toll on your body. How much racing can you safely throw into your training program? It depends on what your training goals are and how you plan to use racing. If you’re training for one big, season-ending event (like a half marathon or a marathon), you generally shouldn't race more than once every two weeks. If you like to substitute a race for your regular speedwork, alternating weeks is probably still a good idea since racing too often is one of the most common causes of overtraining and staleness. No matter how you use racing in your training schedule, remember that race recovery is extremely important. Tip: Follow your races with a recovery period that totals one day for each mile you race. For example if you race a 5-K (3.1 miles), don’t do any hard training until 3 days have passed.

Know the Course, Calm Your Nerves: Before a race, get to know the course if you don't already. Run part of it as a warm-up, drive it in your car, or ask a few race veterans to describe it for you in detail. Knowing what's in store can help calm your nerves.


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