Now That'll Make Ya Run Faster!

I've been running here and running there! My favorite place to run is a park near my home. Sometimes I even run there, run in the park and run back home. It opened a year ago and it's a beautiful place to run alone or with a friend. There are restrooms and water fountains throughout the park which is so important when running in the heat. It's easy enough to get 4 miles of scenery and sweat! 

"Great care was given to the restoration of the land’s natural habitat during the park’s development. One key feature is a wetlands section on the western side of the park which has been restored with 100 percent native plants. The park is home to fox squirrels, numerous bird species, gopher tortoises and water turtles."
 ~ From the park website

What you don't see listed above are these:

On Memorial Day, I went over to the park to run 4 miles. As I ran past one of the lakes I heard a growl from the tree line which is the barrier between the bank of the lake and the path I was running. I was not on a trail but on a paved path - the same path I have run for a year. And it's the same path lots of people walk, run, bike and skate on. 
Back to the growl. At first I thought it was a dog off leash - a viscious dog. Startled, I glanced to my left. BUT I KEPT RUNNING. I looked around to see what I could climb on should I need to do that. Nothing. I can't shimmy a palm nor a pine tree. About 3 yards from the first growl, I heard the second growl. 

And I wondered, "Do gators growl?"

Why, yes they do!

And it's mating season. Gators are more aggressive this time of year and are looking for 2 things: a mate and food. (Which makes me wonder, "Do they ever look for something else?")
I'm pretty sure I ran my PR that day! 


Click on this link to hear what I heard: . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growling
 Once on the page, look to the right and play the recording. 

So until gator mating season is over, I'll be running here ~ Clearwater Beach (steering clear of sharks near the water's edge at dusk) and there ~ Philippe Park (no lakes just low hanging branches).

This week while running, I've had to avoid gators, construction, a boy on a Segway and a low hanging branch that I barely saw in time to keep from knocking myself out! Hello, Gilligan!
And I have 2 more days of running before my Sunday off.

Where is your favorite place to run now that spring is here? 
Any dangers to beware?

If you're a mom who runs, I'd love to feature you here. Leave me a comment if you are interested. The process is painless...some interview questions through email and pictures. That's it!