Central Florida Green Guide

August marks the beginning of a series of organized running events in the Orlando area.  It is a great time to dust off your running shoes after the hot summer – or buy new shoes – and get involved.  Track Shack, located on Mills Avenue near downtown, has been a long-time resource for area runners.  From August to March Track Shack manages one to two 5-10K runs each month.  These are well-organized road races where each participant receives a number and a personal timing device that tracks his or her individual time.  Each race typically has a theme and a beneficiary.  Most of the races are 5K’s (3.1 miles) and each participant receives a commemorative race t-shirt. 

Over the years I have participated in most of the Track Shack events.  As an individual typically running by myself, races were a great motivator.  They also offered the opportunity to run with friends who live and run in other areas of Orlando.  

As a new runner or someone new to an organized road race you can expect to see runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes.  Truly anyone can participate in and finish a 5K with a little training.  There will be runners racing for top places and then there will be those, like me, who cross the finish line happy that they finished and were able to run the majority of the race.  Along the race route there are water stations and mile markers.  At the finish line there is typically a celebration with more water, snacks and information from the race sponsors.  Your race time is managed with a small device that attaches to your shoe.  This starts and stops your personal time and after the race you can check your time online.  Fun race photos are taken of each runner at the finish line and those can also be accessed online.     

To participate in a Track Shack event simply visit their event calendar.  From here you can click through to find specific event information and register online.  You can also register in person at Track Shack.  Before the race you will need to pick up your packet.  This will include your number, a race map, your fun t-shirt and other information.  Packets can usually be picked up at Track Shack during the week leading up to the race or early on race day.  Come early for the race if you are planning to do packet pick up.

If you make race day a family event, you will experience how fun it is to find your personal cheering section at the finish line.  Most races also offer a Way Cool Kids’ Run with registration on race day.  The kids’ run is free and ranges from 100 yards to 1 mile.  Kids are organized into age groups and the first 150 runners receive a t-shirt and goody bag.

Kristy has one son and since his birth she’s been researching to find healthier ways to do things and live a life of less impact. In a city that is less than “crunchy” it has been an adventure.  Kristy has a passion for cloth diapers and shares her love of cloth diapering on Cloth Diaper News.