Musing on a Caribbean Autumn

November 6, 2009

As I anticipate St. Croix's first ever ultramarathon, I have enjoyed the cooler weather of late, if not the shorter days. Of course reading about snow and other familiar autumn occurrences makes me nostalgic for the more dramatic seasonal changes found on the mainland. After a year on island, however, I have become more attuned to the subtle shift in seasons here in the Virgin Islands: there is about a 5-6 degree F difference between average temperatures in summer and winter. It seems insignificant at first, but over time the change becomes quite noticeable to the point that I was searching out a long sleeve shirt the other morning.

Aside from the marvel of how sensitive our bodies are in attuning to the surrounding environment, it makes me think that as much as locals should enjoy the relatively cool weather in January for the inaugural St. Croix Scenic 50 mile run, our mainland guests should expect to sweat like they are running in a sauna. In fact when scheduling the race, I thought about embracing the oppressively brutal heat during the summer and billing the race as Badwater preparation. We don't hit quite the same numbers, but factoring in humidity, we are routinely in the upper 90's to 100+ on the heat index (F). Alas, we chose the "relatively cool" time of year.

I guess ultrarunning masochists will just have to come experience the special brand of beautiful Cruzan hurt we have in store for everyone this January 24, 2010!

http://www.stcroix50.com

See you here in 79 days!

St. Croix's Ultramarathon & Race for Recovery's Todd Crandell

October 8, 2009 - Todd Crandell will be on St. Croix for the St. Croix Scenic 50 mile run. Don't miss your chance to meet and race with this amazing person and incredible athlete.

Todd Crandell PC (Profesional Counselor) and LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III) is the founder and Executive Director of Racing for Recovery™, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation with the mission of preventing substance abuse in adolescents and individuals and offering a positive alternative to those currently battling addiction.

Todd and Racing for Recovery™ have been featured on CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, and NBC News, ESPN’s SportsCenter, ESPN2’s Cold Pizza, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated.com, Runner’s World and Triathlete Magazines, the nationally-syndicated Mitch Albom Radio Show, and a number of other radio, newspaper and magazine interviews across the United States and throughout the world.

Crandell’s book, “From Addict To Ironman,” co-written with John Hanc, gives an unflinching account of his addiction and recovery and has motivated thousands in their fight to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Todd Crandell regularly speaks to groups and individuals to convey one important message: “With sobriety anything is possible.”

Ultra Marathon is Born

St. Croix, USVI - On January 24, 2010, St. Croix will host ultrarunners in its first ultramarathon on the island. What better way to see this gem of the Caribbean than to run over a good portion of its rugged mountains and along its stunning shoreline?

Go to www.stcroix50.com for more information.