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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: 30th annual florida striders memorial day 5k {5.26.2014}

race report: 30th annual florida striders memorial day 5k {5.26.2014}

June 2, 2014      12 Comments

The Florida Striders Memorial Day 5K had special meaning to us.

After all, one year ago, we ran this as our very first race ever.

I was kind of on the fence about registering, but sentimentality got the better of me, and we went for it. Unfortunately, I was fresh off being sick with some kind of bizarre ailment and I was really nervous about racing. The idea of a DNS really bothered me, and I figured worst case scenario, I could resort to walking. Not a comforting thought, but the option existed, and it was better than not starting at all.

My heart really wasn’t in it, but I tried to keep to my normal routine of setting out my race outfit (we would be picking up our packets in the morning),

and enjoyed a really delicious meal at a neighbor’s BBQ.

Then it was off to bed to try to rest up. We had a super early wake up call, because we had to get ready, and then pick up my parents. They were going to hang out with little man and his friend while the adults did the 5K.

I had a last minute wardrobe change, and then we hit the road. I wasn’t feeling great but tried to let the beautiful sunrise cheer me up.

The race moved from last year. It was set back about a mile or two from its original location, and I’m not sure I loved the change. We arrived 45 minutes before the gun, and had to park on a crowded side street. It seemed so packed in comparison to last year, with far less options. It kind of threw me a bit.

Devon, from The Food Bitch Blog, coincidentally parked right behind us. We hadn’t seen each other ages, and it was nice to catch up as we made our way to the packet pick up and start line.

with Devon

I was in a fog, all morning. We got our packets and our chips, and then tried to get my parents situated with their camp chairs and all the bags. Mr PugRunner got little man signed up for the kids’ race, and I ran into a group of runners from around our neighborhood and joined them on line for the restroom. We also met up with A Mom on the Run‘s Kristin and her family (B would be hanging out with little man until it was their turn to run). Normally, I’ve got the camera out and am looking for great ambiance photos and otherwise taking it all in, but I just couldn’t get it together.

It was humid and muggy and I was pretty sure that this was not going to be a spectacular run.

Mr PugRunner found me at the starting line.

We lined up, and the National Anthem was performed. The singer asked us all to join in, and it was a beautiful moment of camaraderie.

The gun rang out and we began.

My first mile was actually really solid. I was pleased to go out as strong as I had, considering the situation. Unfortunately, the thick, heavy air was doing me no favors, and soon, I was really struggling to breathe. It was certainly frustrating, but there wasn’t anything to be done for it but forge ahead.

At the 1.5 mile mark, Mr PugRunner caught up to me. I’m kind of glad. I was really about to throw in the towel, but he told me that our intervals matched up so he would stay close. I’m pretty competitive when it comes to us, but I appreciated the support. We had some half-hearted leap-frogging (he would get a little ahead, and then I would), but we were within eyesight for the rest of the race.

The new course was nice. It wasn’t as scenic as last year’s route, but there also weren’t the little hills from last year, either. I spent a lot of time focusing on my feet and the pavement ahead of me, rather than taking it all in.  I was glad I was there, but I wasn’t enjoying the run.

I did try to smile, though.

Screen Shot 2014-05-28 at 4.39.48 PM

 

Perhaps the first time we have ever run together as a couple.

Screen Shot 2014-05-28 at 7.46.35 PM

Finally, we turned the last corner, and sprinted to the finish line. I was, regrettably, so happy to be done.

I had to crouch down after claiming my medal. I was a little lightheaded, and worn out. I downed quite a bit of water when we got back to my parents and rejoined our friends.

Mom said you can tell we’re friends, because we put our arms around each other, even though we were all soaked. With Kristin and Devon.

Had I known little man was going to attempt to sprint the whole thing, I probably would have asked Mr PugRunner to supervise – I had a hard time keeping up. Which, isn’t the worst thing, in the world, but it was a little nerve-wracking since part of the route was set up along a main road and the only thing separating the children from traffic was a row of cones. The mile was an easy out and back, and when we got to the last turn, I just let him go. Mr PugRunner and his grandparents were set up before the finish line, and Mr PugRunner hopped on to the course with him to get him to the finish line.

Screen Shot 2014-05-28 at 4.41.41 PM

We need to do more races with him. He loves it so much, and I love having a family hobby.

No PRs for me, this time, but it wasn’t a worst, either. I’m glad I put myself out there, and I’m looking forward to feeling better and performing at a higher level.

What a difference a year makes.

Do you run races when you’re under the weather, even though you know you won’t be in top shape?

What was your first race?

 

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Comments

  1. Stacie Seidman says

    June 2, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Nice job getting out there! It’s not always about a PR, sometimes it’s just about getting it done. And even better if it’s with your family!
    My first 5K ever was at the Hartford Marathon in 2009. Go big or go home right?! It was huge, and I was so nervous at the start! I ran with a generally average time. I never ran that 5K again though. I did the relay there the next year, and haven’t been back since. I should probably do the half there one year.
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Weekend Recap and Our First Show of the Season: Part 2 SundayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      June 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

      Oh, wow! That is huge! Well done! It would be cool for you to go back and do the half!

      Reply
  2. Karen Loves to Run (@karenlovestorun) says

    June 2, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    I love that you made this a family event! Great pic of you and Mr. PugRunner and little man! The beach looks beautiful 🙂
    Karen @karenlovestorun
    Karen Loves to Run (@karenlovestorun) recently posted…Weekend in PicturesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      June 3, 2014 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks! That’s not even a beach. It’s just the river. We have some gorgeous sunrises.

      I have to tell you – I am having a really hard time commenting on blogger-based blogs lately. I have been reading yours religiously, but my comments disappear after I type them 🙁

      Reply
  3. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    June 3, 2014 at 1:48 am

    Love that you ran this as a family. Hope you’ll be feeling better by the next.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Road to RecoveryMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      June 3, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Me, too! It’s so hard when you’re not at 100%

      Reply
  4. Jesica @rUnladylike says

    June 3, 2014 at 1:52 am

    What an incredible year! I love that you returned to the same race where everything started, but I’m sorry you were feeling so terrible. I hope you are starting to feel better! You started an incredible journey and should be so proud of all you have accomplished! Can’t wait to watch you and your husband continue it. xo
    Jesica @rUnladylike recently posted…Inconsistency and PerspectiveMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      June 3, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Thanks, Jesica. I’ve been a bit frustrated lately: I feel like I’m not progressing. I was injured and then I was sick, and it feels like I keep having to start at the beginning all over again. I hate all the self-doubt it’s bringing to the surface, but I keep plugging away.

      Reply
  5. Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says

    June 3, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Love that you do this as a family, looks like an incredible race and such fun memories to create together!
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Hot Springs National Park, ArkansasMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Anne says

    June 3, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    Happy raceiversary!

    I’ve never raced sick before but I can only imagine how challenging that could be! I’m glad Mr. Pug Runner was able to give you a little boost! Now that I think about it, unexpectedly seeing someone while running gives me more of a second wind than anything else!
    Anne recently posted…Weekend EatsMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Gabriella says

    June 4, 2014 at 3:39 am

    Ugh, I have run a race while under the weather – my latest race, a 10k! Totally terrible idea, but it is nice to look back afterwards and say, “Hey! I didn’t let that get in my way” (as long as you didn’t push yourself too much!). I wasn’t sick, just in the middle of finals and sleep-deprived, not to mention nutritionally out of whack and stressed. It was a learning experience at least, and like you I was surrounded by friends and loved ones, so it was more than all right. 🙂
    Gabriella recently posted…sorry i’ve been kind of absent lately…My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      June 4, 2014 at 7:55 pm

      True story! It’s really hard when all things aren’t at their optimal best. Lack of sleep can really change the game (let’s look at this morning’s miserable two miles on three hours of sleep. Bad idea!) and when you add in stress and subpar diet, you can certainly see the negative effect. But you’re right – it feels good to say “hey, it wasn’t my best day, but I sucked it up!”

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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