Recreation: Trails, bike lanes disappearing

One of the more interesting responses came from longtime runner Larry Eaton. Eaton loves to run and puts in 30-50 miles a week depending on whether he's training for a specific race or not.

One of his favorite runs is along Banyan Blvd., which runs east-to-west between U.S. 41 and Gulf Shore Blvd. to the entrance of Lowdermilk Park.

Recently, though, Eaton has noticed the elimination of the bike/running lane on Banyan.

"They are reducing or eliminating the bike/running lanes to add plantings in the center for the road, for beautification I suppose," Eaton wrote.

It's the latest in a series of projects that seem to be infringing on the accessibility of trails and bike routes in town.

"I have noticed many areas where the bike lanes just stop with no protected areas to go forward," Eaton wrote. "I'm wondering what the policy is regarding priorities for runners, joggers, bikers and walkers."

It's a good question. As runners prepare for the slew of fall races to come and bikers get out to enjoy the amazing weather the "season" provides, they're also met with the influx of traffic that comes along with beautiful temperatures and cool breezes.

"Naples is a great city but with growing traffic problems," Eaton wrote. "I believe it would be a mistake to make it more difficult and more dangerous to exercise."

Nine locals were among the record 34,462 finishers at the New York City marathon last Sunday.

Chuck Moseley led the locals across the line in 3 hours 26 minutes 43 seconds. Moseley, 45, finished 145th in his age group (males 45-49) and 2,042nd overall). Moseley was followed by Scott Schlossberg (3:29:50), Matthew Sonneborn (3:38:56), Kimberly Culpepper 4:22:21, Paul Cabral (4:28:19), Frankie Stephenson (4:29:28), Dan O'Dea (4:56:05), Joanne Muenzer (5:36:44), James Lillefors (6:12:22).

The Southwest Florida 3v3 Soccer Challenge is coming to Three Oaks Park on Nov. 15-16.

The tournament is open to soccer players ages 5-to-adult. Cost is $140 per team. There can be up to six players on a roster. Players must bring proof of age.

The winners in each age division qualify for the 3v3 Challenge Nationals to be held in Florida next summer and the 3v3 Live Nationals to be held in Las Vegas in January.

Registration can be done online at www.challengesports.com. There will be a kick-off party on Friday, Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at King Richard's Amusement Park off Airport Road in Naples.

Naples' Joe Bonness wasn't the only local out there running the Great Floridian Triathlon in Clermont on Oct. 25.

Steve Gust, Craig Robinson and Ron Avola also completed the full Ironman course. Gust finished ninth overall in 10 hours 40 minutes. Robinson finished in 13:40 and Avola hit the finish line after 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles cycling and 26.2 miles running in 14:01.

The Joe Logsdon 5K will be held Saturday, Nov. 29 at Peacock Court, located on North US 41 across from the Waterside Shops in the Pine Ridge sub-development. Cost is $15 prior to the race, $18 the day of the race. Pick up a registration form at Naples On the Run.

Half-marathon training schedule for the upcoming week of Nov. 10-17. Days until the 2004 Naples Daily News marathon: 79. Goal mileage for the week: 16.

Monday: rest; Tuesday: 3 miles easy pace; Wednesday: 4 miles moderate pace; Thursday: 3 miles easy pace; Friday: rest; Saturday: cross train; Sunday: 6 mile long run.

Also this Saturday (as in tomorrow) a group run is planned at the Naples On the Run in the Gateway Shopping Center across from the mall. Runners training for the half-marathon are to meet at 6:30 a.m.. A five-mile run at your own pace is planned. Bagels and coffee will be provided afterwards, with experienced runners available for training tips.