Catch Central Florida » Running

Enduring Warrior Dash Central Florida

Joe Cutler — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:45:18 +0000

As a young boy your mother expects you to play in the dirt, get muddy, ruin clothes and destroy shoes. Somewhere along the line you get older, take down the “no girls allowed” sign in front of the tree house, and eventually trade in the tree house for a real house in an effort to mature and move forward. No one expects that at age 25 you’d still be playing in the mud. Then again with an event like Warrior Dash, where you’re encouraged to throw on a pair of Superman briefs, a makeshift cape, crawl, swim, and jump through mud, on top of cars, under barbed wire and over fire, how could you resist?

I had the opportunity to partake in Warrior Dash Central Florida 2012. My friend and I showed up an hour before our start time so that we could grab our registration packets: a horned warrior helmet, athletic Warrior Dash t-shirt, bib and timing chip.

There were around 500 people in our 11:00 a.m. wave, and we started off with a light jog for 100 yards. The first obstacle was getting through the thickest, heaviest, black muck I’d ever encountered. It was military grade mud, if such exists. Overzealous participants had to look for help getting out after sinking knee deep. The wave had thinned. Now weighting about 20 pounds more than when I started, I jogged to the next obstacle – a barricade breakdown where we had to lift ourselves over a bar and immediately under barbed wire several times. Remember, my hands and shoes are caked with mud.

Just past the barbed wire, we got our balance and walked up and over a six inch wide ramp. After a short jog, we jumped and crawled over a 50 yard stretch of tires and junk cars. Past the last car I could see the climbing wall. Not too difficult to pull myself up with the rope, slide over and crawl down. I’m feeling good at this point.

Immediately after the wall there was a deep pool of what appeared to be clean water. I was relieved. The sign said, “Deep Water.” I’m good, I can swim. Easy part, right? Splash! The sign should have read, “Freezing Deep Water.” My body was stunned; it was pretty difficult to swim and pull myself up, and over, the floating barriers in my path. Once out of the water, we had a half mile jog through sand lined with motivational signs saying things like “Don’t worry, we didn’t train for this either,” and “Don’t let Dale from Accounting beat you.”

The next obstacle was a large manmade sand dune we had to climb up and over. Simple enough I thought, but stationed on the back side of the dune was an airboat blowing water directly into my face. A nice breeze in the middle of Warrior Dash? Not exactly. Next up was elevated cargo nets we had to crawl across. I was careful not to slip for fear I wouldn’t be able to get back upright in a timely manner.

At this point we had a mile to go. After a quarter mile run through sand, the next obstacle was a 50 yard trek through a waist deep section of mud. Done. My legs are good and tired as I approach the next obstacle of army crawling under ropes hanging less than a foot off the ground. My whole body was feeling the burn, literally, as I attempted to leap over rows of thigh high flames. Yes flames, as in real fire. I remember thinking, “This can’t be safe,” but I’d made it to the final obstacle. Or did I? After clearing the last smoky pile, I turned towards the finish line and saw a murky, muddy trench with barbed wire strung across, close to 20 yards long. Back to crawling and swallowing gritty, sandy, smelly clay water. I was ready Warrior Dash to be over. After sprinting through the finish line, I was thrilled to receive my medal and a fresh drink of water.

Repeat! Yes, I had so much fun the first time, I ran Warrior Dash again that same day.

After the race, my friend and I walked around, turned in our timing chips, watched a concert for a little while, and soon noticed that the race crowd had grown into a huge outdoor party. Surprisingly, everyone was outgoing and friendly; the post race camaraderie was like nothing I’ve been involved with before. You can expect to see me at Warrior Dash Central Florida 2013!

Sports Central: January 13, 2012

Joe Cutler — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:11:48 +0000

Links:

Interviews:

Richard Murvin, Bartow High School Girls Head Basketball Coach
Jeff Meeks, Red Trail Racing
Feddy Azofeifa, Operations Manager, Lakeland Raiders
Jeremy Burnett, Defensive End, Lakeland Raiders
Ingrid Burch, Event Coordinator, Southern Smokers BBQ
Lora Donley, BBQ Chair Southern Smokers BBQ Competition

Show Packages:

Lake Wales Pioneer Days
Roar N’ Soar
Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Roberts

Show Sponsors:

The Ledger
Sunsplash Vacation Homes
Days Inn Lakeland North
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Holiday Inn Winter Haven
Travelodge Lakeland North
Ramada Inn Lakeland Hotel & Conference Center
Peebles Bar-B-Q
Hampton Inn Lakeside Village

Original Air Date: January 13th, 2012

This Week in Sports

Rebecca Thompson — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:10:40 +0000

Grand Square Inc. “Florida Winter Festival” – Square Dance
Dates: 1/20 – 1/22
Venue: Lakeland Center
-Square dance participants travel from approximately twenty states and Canada to compete. Generally there are participants from three to four foreign countries as well. www.gsiinternational.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association – Adult Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/20– 1/22
Venue: Diamondplex, Auburndale Softball Complex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country. This weekend’s competition features the Adult Class A, E, Women’s, and Masters divisions.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Dundee Area Chamber of Commerce – 1^st Annual BBQ Competition & Crafts Show
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Winn Dixie plaza off of US Hwy 27 in Dundee
-Come out for a fun filled day of BBQ competition. There will be an Arts & Craft show to go along with the 25 pros and 10 amateurs expected to cook off!! The venue is expected to house 10-15 vendors with about 4000 spectators.
-Profession Division
            1st place prize $500
            2nd place prize $250
            3rd place prize $150

-Back yard division winners are awarded trophies and a $100.
-For more information, please visit http://dundeechamberflorida.org/main.php or www.centralfloridasports.com

2012 Warrior Dash
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Triple Canopy Ranch
-This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with music and warrior helmets. This is the wildest, muddiest; most fiery 5k run you will ever have the opportunity to participate in. With 12 seriously challenging obstacles ranging from mud-pits, to climbing walls, tight-rope walks and fire pits finishing competitors are deserving of the title Warrior! Over 1000 runners will tackle this task while over 2000 spectators watch!
-For more information please visit www.warriordash.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Register now for the North Ridge Bridge 5K, Warrior Dash and Ironman 70.3!

Rebecca Thompson — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:02:45 +0000

2012 is bringing three big events to Polk County. Stay in shape this new year and test your limits with the North Ridge Bridge Run 5K Race, 2012 Warrior Dash and Ironman 70.3. Registration is now open for all three events.

North Ridge Bridge Run 5K Race

What: Join the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, the City Center Community Development District and the North Ridge Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board for the Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting of Ernie Caldwell Boulevard.

When: Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

-The Inaugural North Ridge Bridge Run 5k Race begins at 8:30 a.m.
-Dedication of Ernie Caldwell Boulevard and Ribbon Cutting will be held at 9:30 a.m.
-Antique Car Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
-Displays and Activities until 12:00 p.m.

Where: The event will take place at Posner Park in Davenport. Turn at Posner Boulevard entrance and follow signs to parking on Royals Way.

Registration Information:
Register online at www.imathlete.com or by mail. Online registration closes at 11:59 on January 2.

You can print the registration form here.

2012 Warrior Dash- Central Florida

What: This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with music and warrior helmets. This is the wildest, muddiest, most fiery 5k run you will ever have the opportunity to participate in. With 12 seriously challenging obstacles ranging from mud-pits, to climbing walls, tight-rope walks and fire pits, finishing competitors are deserving of the title Warrior! Every participant will go home with a Warrior helmet, Warrior Dash t-shirt and custom Warrior Dash medal.

When: Saturday, January 21-Sunday, January 22 at

Where: Triple Canopy Ranch, Lake Wales

Registration Information:
Register online at Warrior Dash. Registration will close January 9, 2012 at 11:59p.m. Central.

Ironman 70.3 Florida

What: Ironman 70.3 Florida has moved to a new location for 2012 at Lake Eva Park near Haines City and features an exciting new course.

Just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, Lake Eva Park provides a great setting for the event. The one-loop swim starts and finishes on a white sand beach. The transition area will be set up in a large parking lot on the site. The one-loop bike route goes through Polk County and offers athletes the chance to enjoy views of citrus groves and cattle farms as they ride along the quiet country roads, while the run course includes three loops around Lake Eva and finishes in a grassy park near the lake.

When: Saturday, May 19-Sunday, May 20

Where: Haines City, Lake Eva Park

Registration Information:
Register online at ironmanhainescity.com.

General Entry: Open through January 10- $225

January 11-April 4- $250

April 5- through close- $275

Relay Entry: Open through January 10- $300

January 11-April 4- $350

April 5 through close- $375

For more information on these three events, please visit: centralfloridasports.com

Sports Central: December 16, 2011

Joe Cutler — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:08:56 +0000

Sports Central: December 16, 2011

Links:

Video Packages:

Prospectwire Showcase
Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Show Sponsors:

Abuelos
Holiday Inn Winter Haven
Best Western Park View
The Avenue Hotel
Hollywood Window Tinting & Signs
The Terrace Hotel
Days Inn Lakeland North
The Ledger

Original Air Date: December 2, 2011

Sports Central: November 4, 2011

Joe Cutler — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:22:07 +0000

Sports Central, November 4, 2011

Guests:

Rick Brown, Sports Columnist for The Ledger
Michael Mink, Principal Owner and GM of the Lakeland Raiders
Feddy Azofeifa, Director of Operations of the Lakeland Raiders
Linc Danser, Head Basketball Coach, Florida Southern College

Links:

Video Packages:

Cornfusion 5k Race
Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Original Air Date: November 4, 2011

This Week In Sports

Rebecca Thompson — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:28:47 +0000

United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) – Fall National Championships
Dates: 9/30 – 10/2
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-This 18U wood bat baseball event is expected to bring in over 1000 participants and over 500 spectators to the Lake Myrtle Baseball Park.
-For more information, please visit www.usssa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

USSSA – Christina Flames – October fest
Dates: 10/1 – 10/2
Venue: Christina Park-Lakeland
-This softball event is expected to bring in a minimum of 25 teams with ages raging from 8 to 18 years of age. There will be about 300 participants and about 500 spectators from out of county.
-For more information, please visit www.christinaflames.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Tuff Luck Ranch – Cornfusion 5K Ranch Run
Dates: 10/1
Venue: Tuff Luck Ranch – Lakeland
-This is a 3.1 mile off-road coarse consisting of traditional Florida ranch scenery and the not-so-taditional scenery of a sunflower field, pumpkin patch, and corn maze, all which you will enjoy free entry to with your race bib. Proceeds of this race will benefit The Dre Aloia Miracle Recovery Fund. Race time starts at 8:00 a.m. Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers, as well as the top 3 runners in male and female age categories. Kids run free at 9:00 a.m.
-For more information please visit www.cornfusion5k.weebly.com/ or www.centralfloridasports.com

Miaze Inc. – Cornfusion Corn Maze
Dates: 10/1 – 10/30
Venue: Tuff Luck Ranch – Lakeland
-The Cornfusion Corn Maze is something fun for everyone! This month-long celebration consists of a real corn field maze, mini mazes, farm animals, a corn box, a corn cannon, a cow train, a hayride, a pumpkin patch and more!! The Cornfusion Corn Maze will be held in Lakeland. It is open on weekends only. Admission includes all attractions.

            Adults $10                                                  Friday 2 p.m – 8 p.m
            Children (5-10) $8                                      Saturday 9 p.m – 8 p.m
            4 & under FREE                                        Sunday 12 p.m – 8 p.m

-For more information, please visit www.themaize.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Southern College “Eastern Collegiate Regionals” – Water Ski
Dates: 10/1 – 10/2
Venue: Lake Grew, Polk City
-A one round, three event tournament that will determine top teams for regional standings and national placement at Bennetts Ski School in Louisiana on Oct. 13-15. The tourney also determines the D1 and D2 teams for Nationals as well.
-For more information please visit http://www.flsouthern.edu or www.centralfloridasports.com

Sports Central: July 15, 2011

Jessica Roberts — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:32:00 +0000

Sports Central #153 on PGTV

Guests:

Peter Ornsby, Webber Head Track & Field Coach
Sonny Tingley, Bright House
Mike Cobb, The Ledger

Events:

Scenic Sprint Triathlon
Polk County Amateur Championships

Video Packages:

FYSA Olympic Development Training
Polk County 25th Anniversary Tourism Dinner
Sunshine State Cup (Lacrosse)

Original Air Date: July 15, 2011

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Rebecca Thompson — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:48:41 +0000

Ski Paradise INC. – 2011 Southern Region Championships – Water Skiing
Dates: 7/27 – 7/31
Venue: Ski Paradise in Mulberry
-This event will bring in over 450 participants and over 350 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com or www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/Mulberry

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) – College Showcase
Dates: 7/29 – 7/31
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-This FYSA event will bring over 100 soccer players from across Florida to Polk County. Also, 30 collegiate coaches are expected as well as over 150 spectators.
-The participants are by invitation only and individuals will be placed on teams. The college coaches will be scouting the talent.
-For more information, please visit www.fysa.com

National Softball Association – Florida Youth Firecracker Tournament – Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Dates: 7/30 – 7/31
Venue: Diamond Plex – Winter Haven
-This event will bring in over 30 youth teams and their families to the Polk County area.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) – Triple Crown
Dates: 7/30-31
Venue: Universal Shooting Academy – Frostproof, FL
-This event will bring in an estimated 300 individual and newly created team competitors from across Florida, which is the 3^rd largest IDPA club in the country.
-For more information please visit http://idpa.com/default.asp, http://www.frankgarciausa.com/usa.html, or www.centralfloridasports.com

Hawks Racing – 4^th Annual Scenic 17 Sprint Triathlon
Dates: 7/31
Venue: Babson Park – Webber International University
-This event will bring in 300 participants from across the State to swim, run, and bike.
-For more information please visit www.altavistasports.com, www.webberathletics.com, or www.centralfloridasports.com

This Week in Sports

Kris Keprios — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:50:26 +0000

Homeschool World Series – Baseball
Dates: 5/2 – 5/7
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
- The Homeschool World Series will bring in 28 baseball teams and over 1000 spectators to Polk County. The Homeschool World Series Association (HWSA) is a nonprofit corporation that endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America in a distinctly Christian environment.
- For more information check out www.centralfloridasports.com or www.hwsa.com

Florida Community Colleges Activities Association (FCCAA) Baseball State Tournament
Dates: 5/6 – 5/11
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
- The FCCAA Baseball State Tournament will bring in the top eight JUCO baseball teams from across Florida to compete in the five-day, double-elimination tournament for a birth in the NJCAA National Championships.
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com or www.flccaa.org

NSA Youth Softball – Flowers for Mom Tournament – Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Dates: 5/7 – 5/8
Venue: Diamondplex – Winter Haven
- This tournament will bring in over 35 girls fastpitch softball teams to Polk County.
- For more information, visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Citrus Sports, LLC – Lakeland Twilight/State Championships – Cycling
Dates: 5/7 – 5/8
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
- This event will bring in over 500 participants and over 1000 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Triple Crown Sports – Florida State Championships Round One- Baseball
Dates: 5/7 – 5/8
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex & Chain of Lakes Ball Park – Winter Haven
- This event will bring in over 30 baseball teams to the Polk County area.
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) – State Tournament – Baseball
Dates: 5/7 – 5/8
Venue: Southwest/Westside Complex – Lakeland
- This AAU event will bring in over 30 teams of elite players from all over Florida ages ranging from 8 to 12 to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.sunshinesports.net or www.centralfloridasports.com

Polk Museum of Art – MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by the Lake – Art Festival
Dates: 5/7 -5/8
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
- This event will bring in over 150 art enthusiast to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.polkmuseumofart.org or www.centralfloridasports.com.

Lakeland Runners Club – MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5K – Running
Dates: 5/7
Venue: Lake Mirror Park – Lakeland
- More than 1,200 runners will participate in the 32nd running of this classic 5K.
- For more information please visit www.lakelandrunnersclub.com or www.centralfloridasports.com.

Citrus Sports, LLC – Polk County Cycling Classic – Cycling
Dates: 5/9
Venue: City of Lake Alfred
- This event will bring in over 350 participants and over 1000 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com