• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge

It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active

Time To Take A Breath

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: riverside pain physicians tour de pain, day 1 {8.1.2014}

race report: riverside pain physicians tour de pain, day 1 {8.1.2014}

August 12, 2014      10 Comments

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you probably know know the tale of how I started running last year, but then had to take a major hiatus to have my tonsils removed, and spent about one and a half months recovering in the dead of summer, missing out on some really fun-sounding runs and being generally frustrated with my slow return to the sport.

The Riverside Pain Physicians Tour De Pain was one of those fun-sounding races. A local favorite, Tour De Pain invites runners to test their limits by completing three races in 24 hours.

tdp14
(source)

I’m not really sure what I found intriguing about this series of races. Maybe it was the additional challenge. Maybe it was testing my body beyond what I normally would. Maybe I was delirious. It’s hard to say. But Mr PugRunner and I registered for the three-race series several months ago, and I have to say I was really looking forward to it.

We actually weren’t sure if Mr PugRunner was going to be able to participate at all. He had spent the week and a half leading up to Tour De Pain not feeling well. He was being quite careful to rest and stay hydrated, and at the last minute, with the blessing of his doctor, decided to go for it. I’m proud of him for doing so, even though I know it was hard on him.

I picked up our packets on Thursday at the running store: we each got drawstring backpacks and our race t-shirts, along with the bibs and timing chips we would need to wear for the duration of the event. Mr PugRunner kind of laughed at me as I laid out my outfits for the series, and then asked if I was going to put out his, too.

I did.

I didn’t photograph them, though. Maybe next time.

Our first race was Friday night at 7:00 PM – a nice 4-mile jaunt on Jacksonville Beach. Running on the sand was going to be a first for both of us, but we were up for the challenge. We arrived a little over an hour before the gun, and got a relatively close (and free) parking spot. Score.

We met up with our friends, used the bathroom and found a nice spot in the shade.

The weather felt alright. It was definitely hot, but there was a somewhat refreshing breeze and in the shade, the humidity was tolerable.

I had some more Gatorade and used the bathroom a last time. We had both brought granola bars with us, but I decided I didn’t need mine. I was pretty relaxed, for me, but my stomach wasn’t up to anything solid. With about 15 minutes to spare, we walked over the boardwalk to the beach and the starting line.

Once down by the water, we realized that the breeze was going to be a factor, and probably not a positive one. Our friends also told us that we would be timed by the gun, so to line up as close to the front as possible. I hate to do that, because I am terrified of serving as a speed bump to the faster people, but I figured that if I just stayed to the right, hauled butt through the start and then scrambled out of the way, I would be able to minimize extra seconds my time and not trip up anyone.

My strategy worked, and when the gun sounded after the National Anthem, I went out fast. The group of runners almost immediately split, with half running down closer to the water, and the rest staying higher up on the beach. There was plenty of hard-packed sand for running, and I was pleased to find it wasn’t that much more difficult than pavement running.

The challenges came from running two miles into a pretty stiff wind. And what I can only describe as tide pools, leaving wide, sometimes deep, puddles and ridges of sand on the course. And people lounging in beach chairs with their families. And dogs whose owners couldn’t quite control them cutting through the runners (it didn’t bother me, but some runners did stop in their tracks when a very large and excited canine leaped at them and that wasn’t right).

Water stops were set up at miles one, two and three, which was much appreciated, especially after the turnaround at mile two. While it was great not to have to contend with the wind anymore, we were now running straight into the setting sun. I felt like I was sprinting between the shadows of the skyline cast on the beach, just to get some relief. Ugh.

I don’t really love out-and-backs, but in this case, it was very, very helpful to have the finish line in my sights. Even if it did feel like it was taking me forever to get there. But, get there I did, and I was so very happy to be done. At least, for the night. It was hard, hard run, and even though my legs weren’t bothering me (thank goodness), the elements and taken a lot out of me.

It was a bizarre feeling, to be finished, but to know that you had to get home, get cleaned up, and be up before the sun to do it all over again. Twice. We were both tired, but buoyed by that runner’s high. We said our goodbyes, went back to the car to wipe down and change into clean shirts and make the almost-hour drive home.

We were starving so we stopped at the local Italian joint for a quick bite. I had a beer but by the time dinner actually came to the table, I wasn’t hungry anymore. I forced myself to eat some, and then it was home for a shower and lights out. I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but I managed.

Up tomorrow? The 5K road race and one mile sizzler!

Are you able to sleep after a race?

What’s your favorite post-race meal?

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. megan says

    August 12, 2014 at 6:15 am

    love your outfit! 3 races in 24hrs sounds quite cool! 🙂
    megan recently posted…Week 6 of 12 Half Marathon Training: HALF WAY!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 12, 2014 at 12:44 pm

      I always get a lot of complements on that top. I loved it because it was different and bold.

      lt was quite the experience.

      Reply
  2. John (Daddy Runs a Lot) says

    August 12, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    I love running on the sand! Though running on the sand means “there & back again”s are inevitable . . . your strategy of running close to the water is certainly what I’ve found to be the best — the hard-packed sand really, really is like running on a road (as long as you don’t mind getting your feet wet with the occasional wave . . . not an issue for me, as I run barefoot on the beach), running on loose sand is downright difficult.

    I think I’ve mentioned it before, but the “multiple races within 24 hours” kills me, every time — though I keep signing up for events.
    John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where random wins the dayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 12, 2014 at 1:46 pm

      I didn’t hate it, although I do run in shoes and loathe getting my feet wet. I don’t think it would be good for my knees long term and I probably would only do it in instances like this. We have a few beach races available throughout the year (because, you know, Florida), so I’m definitely not as intimidated by the idea.

      Reply
  3. jan says

    August 12, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    Love that first pic of you & your hubby! Cute! I haven’t ever done back to back races now, and in my current injured state, that sounds really scary. I can’t wait to hear about the rest!
    jan recently posted…When Running is Your Social LifeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:04 pm

      It was really scary! I mean, of course, it was fine, but it was definitely a huge leap of faith for me to attempt!

      Reply
  4. Angie says

    August 13, 2014 at 12:50 am

    I have avoided races that include beach running, but it sounds like you had a pretty good experience (at least with the actual sand). I may have to try one next season.
    Angie recently posted…The New House!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2014 at 2:37 pm

      It really wasn’t that bad. It would have to be packed. Soft sand would have done me in, immediately!

      Reply
  5. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    August 14, 2014 at 12:33 am

    Sounds like an awesome challenge.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Weight Watchers – Weeks 3 and 4 of MeetingsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 14, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      It was really fun in a lot of ways. Hard, too, but I am choosing to focus on the fun. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Well, Hello There

bio
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 a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge
  • It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active
  • Time To Take A Breath
  • Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition
  • Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

Archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!