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

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

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

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

The Latest

|week 9| marching on + back to nature

five february runfessions

make your run go faster

how to make your run go faster

race report: wolfson children’s challenge ultra relay {1.31.2016}

March 2, 2016      24 Comments

The Wolfson Children’s Challenge Ultra Relay holds a special place in my heart. We owe a lot to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, for their compassionate and successful treatment and care of little man, when he was born with pinholes in his heart. I am always happy to participate in functions that give back to and provide awareness for the hospital and its patients and staff.

This year, I was running under Empower Coaching & Fitness for Team Jack & Luke.

The twins’ story is miraculous, and I have the privilege of knowing the boys (and their family), and was so honored to be running for them.

There were some changes in setup and course for the Challenge this year. Participant and sponsor tents were set up inside the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville (rather than across the street outside of Everbank Field). And the 3.1 mile course loop would incorporate more of the area around the two stadiums, rather than being out in downtown Jacksonville.

With a 7:00 AM start time, I arrived around 6:30 to meet up with my relay team. Relay team members had to sign a roster to be submitted at the start line, and I wanted to familiarize myself with the lay of the land. I was scheduled to run fifth in the lineup, but I was also going to be pacing some of the other runners that day. I was scheduled for a long run, and I was happy to accomplish that distance alongside friends.

I was also glad I brought my snuggie and a chair along, to wait out the cold.

I hooked up with Heather – she was one of the first runners, and I was ready to get warmed up. She also saved the day – for some reason my Adrenalines were eating my socks, and driving me insane. She had an extra pair of color run knee socks in her pack and loaned them to me for the day.

Even though it was in the 30s when we started, we had a great first loop. Things heated up really quickly once the sun rose, though, and I was sweltering in my layers.  I asked Heather to tell the next runner (who I would also be supporting) that I was just going to change really quickly and would meet her along the route.

With about 4.5 miles down, I got a little break before my own scheduled loop. Jen and Stacey joined me for that run, which was good, because the course was getting a little old. However, I still felt strong and we all had a really great chat about my future training goals and my race anxiety. I honestly had no idea what my overall time or pace was, but as we neared the finish line, I could feel the familiar feeling of nausea and tightness in my throat. It didn’t matter that we were out there for fun, and logging miles, I was still anxious. Which then led to joking about me doing an ultra, because then I would just keep running and running and not have to worry about the finish line. (We’ll save that bit of insanity for another time).

I was able to take a little break before my final loop. By this point, my legs were getting tired, but I only had a few miles to go to hit my planned nine, so I shook it off and joined Emily for her leg.

At the end of the morning, I had logged about 9.4 miles, and was ready for lunch!

I got to spend a quick minute with Jack, Luke and their adorable sister.

And even got to say hi to some members of the 501st Legion.

I think Spiderman and Elsa were ready for lunch, too!

Once again, this was a wonderful event for an even better cause. It was well organized and well run, and my only complaint (which I even hate to make because the cause is so awesome) was about the course. Obviously, keeping the streets closed for half the day in a major metropolitan area is a tough feat, but the course was rather dull, looping through access roads and part of Everbank Field’s parking lot, before heading down to a narrow strip along the riverfront, complete with bricks and tight corners. At one point in the morning, the start of the course was cut (rumor has it a wedding was being held in the church across the street from the baseball grounds) and I’m not sure how or if the distance was made up. It’s a minor thing, but I did prefer last year’s course as more scenic and easier to run, even with the treacherous and steep pedestrian ramp over the river.

Huge thanks to the race staff and all the wonderful volunteers who came out to make this year’s Wolfson Children’s Challenge great. I had a blast, and am ready to do it again next year.

Have you ever run a relay?

What’s your favorite cause for which you run?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    March 2, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    This looks like a fun race for a great cause! You Floridians sure have a lot of races. I’ll be there next week for mine! Yay!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Running SerendipitouslyMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 2, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      We have great year-round weather. Most weekends, there are at least two or three races within a 60 mile radius. I love it. It’s a great way to stay motivated.

      Reply
  2. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    March 2, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    I love it when we can use our passion for running and fitness to raise funds and awareness for great causes. Love it!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…3 Pre Run Stretches To Enhance Your Run In Under 5 minutesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:35 am

      It’s really a great feeling!

      Reply
  3. Michelle Rogers says

    March 2, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    That looks like a fantastic and fun event! I always wonder though, how do people run in some of those costumes? 😀

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:43 am

      Oh, the 501st wasn’t running! They are a group of men and women who are obsessed with Star Wars (the dark side, in this case) – they create and fabricate their costumes, in accordance with very strict guidelines, and they also do appearances for hospitals and charities. They were on hand for the kids that day. It’s always awesome when they come out in full dress.

      Reply
  4. Cassandra Smith says

    March 2, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    I have never done a relay, but would love to some day. I’ve been invited to do this relay for the last two years, but I wasn’t able to get off work to do it. I’m hoping when it comes time next year that I will be able to. It looks like y’all had a wonderful time for such a great cause, too!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:43 am

      Fingers crossed for next year! You will love it!

      Reply
  5. Margo says

    March 2, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    What an amazing event! The costumes look great too!
    Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick “Ventura Highway” 50-Minute Workout Playlist Featuring: Foos, Eminem, Gaga and moreMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:43 am

      It was fantastic!

      Reply
  6. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    March 2, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    I love knowing that you are racing for a good cause. It lights that little fire even more. I’ve never done a relay, but I have my eye on a Ragnar!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Why You Should Try Group TrainingMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:44 am

      I would love to do a Ragnar, too. The closest one was in Key West, and that’s been canceled for this year, at the very least. I’m going to have to figure out another one to do.

      Reply
  7. Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Such a great cause and event! Relays sound like so much fun, especially when doing it with friends.
    Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…Don’t Try This At Home and Gimme All the Washi!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:45 am

      I love relays – so much hype and excitement, plus getting to spend time with friends while running. All my favorite things!

      Reply
  8. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    I love participating in events that support causes that mean a lot to me. I had no idea how your little man’s defect, so I can only imagine how much it means to you to run this race each year.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…March 2016 Monthly GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:51 am

      He was born was what’s called Atrial Septal Defect. We had absolutely no idea, and I am so grateful for the nurse who realized something wasn’t quite right and pushed for some testing. He was transferred to Wolfson Children’s 24 hours after he was born. They thought it was an intestinal blockage from swallowing meconium, but then he turned blue on the nurse, they ran more tests and realized that his heart wasn’t functioning properly. He was in the NICU for two weeks, and then spent the next six months at home on a heart monitor. It was terrifying and we are so grateful and blessed that the ASD healed on its own. So many others need to have surgery to repair it. The staff at Wolfson Children’s were the best, and we were in such great hands the whole time. We are always happy to give back to them in whatever ways we can.

      Reply
  9. Becki S says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    Love this cause and love that you not only got to run your miles but support and pace others doing theirs. Great job.
    Becki S recently posted…One More RepMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:52 am

      It was so great! This was a wonderful experience.

      Reply
  10. Ivanna says

    March 2, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    This looks like a great time. and I love the costumes also. Good job!
    Ivanna recently posted…HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED TO EXERCISEMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 3, 2016 at 12:52 am

      Thank you! It was great!

      Reply
  11. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    March 3, 2016 at 4:18 am

    Supporting children’s causes is so important. I’m fundraising for the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals this year for the Cherry Blossom Run, and it’s really humbling. I always enjoy your race recaps – even though the course was a bit dull, you did a great job getting those miles in on your team!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Cherry Blossom Training Week 5 RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      CMN is an amazing group. Jack & Luke were actually CMN babies and to this do so much for the organization.

      Race recaps are my favorite thing to write. I always hope that I have what it takes to make others what to get out there and run.

      Reply
  12. Sandra Laflamme says

    March 4, 2016 at 3:45 am

    Such a wonderful event and what a great cause you were running for. I love running our local CHAD Hero Half which raises money for our local hospital.
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Boston Marathon Training Update. Running Tired.My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

      That sounds like a great race for a great cause!

      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 pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • |week 9| marching on + back to nature
  • five february runfessions
  • how to make your run go faster
  • |week 8| when it rains, it pours
  • five ways to ensure fitness success

Facebook Likes

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.
Had some company for an easy walk today. Thanks to Had some company for an easy walk today. Thanks to @ktemedicaljobs for joining me!

Finishing February with 143.5 running and walking miles and feeling great about it! Can’t wait to see what March will bring!

#Running #SetbackToComeback
❝Whatever you think you can do or believe you ca ❝Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.❞
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

All action for today’s 10 miles! It was hot and my ankle was a little cranky, but thanks to a change in route and some awesome pacing from @montarriba, it got done!

What magic are you making today?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Sometimes, you just have to remind yourself that y Sometimes, you just have to remind yourself that you are the Best Damn Runner! 

And remember that @BestDamnRace is coming! In 2021! We have three #BDR2021 cities and dates, and we hope you will join us for the Best Damn Medals, Best Damn Swag, Best Damn After-Party, and Best Damn Series around!      
💚New Orleans (VIRTUAL) - 3/28
💜Orlando, FL (9/25)
❤️Safety Harbor (10/16 & 10/17) 

Save 10% off any distance in any of these cities, with code RUNSWITHPUGS!

#RaceDiscount #Running #BestDamnRace
Twinning with our @roadid and @dogid! Wearing thes Twinning with our @roadid and @dogid! Wearing these keep us both safe and protected in case of an emergency.

@SweetLunaPug wears hers on her harness, but I just ordered her a new Rock Solid collar so she can change things up.

How do you keep your pup safe?

Save 25% on your www.RoadID.com order with code RUNSWITHPUGS!

#RoadID #DogID #DogSafety #RunnerSafety #TeamRoadID #running #runninggear #runnerdiscounts
I struggled getting out the door this morning. I c I struggled getting out the door this morning. I couldn’t figure out my clothes. My stomach wouldn’t cooperate. Eventually, I got it together and got out the door.

Not my best. Not my worst. Grateful all the same. 

How is your day going?

#running #SetbackToComeback
The Florida weather can wreak havoc on our skin, e The Florida weather can wreak havoc on our skin, especially if we are athtetes, and even MORE especially when the weather can't make up its mind. 

The @freskincare DETOX ME post-sweat mask is a great way to combat the sun and humidity. And the cold and wind. And central heat and air conditioning. And everything in between! With ingredients like Kaolin Clay to draw out impurities and absorb excess oil and Blue Azulene to reduce inflammation and soothe damaged and stressed skin, I know my skin can be both protected and restored post-run. 

I apply the DETOX ME mask after my runs, and let the natural ingredients do their work to detox, exfoliate, and purify. I leave the shower feeling refreshed, glowing, and ready to face my next adventure!

Order today at https://www.freskincare.com/JENNL for 40% off DETOX ME and THE DETOX SET + take an additional 10% OFF with code JENNL at checkout!

#affiliatelink #detoxme #skincare #FreSkincare #wellness #HealthySkin #lifestyleBlogger #WellnessBlogger #SelfCare #RunnerSkincare #AthleteSkinCare
Stretching into Wednesday like... My back and hip Stretching into Wednesday like...

My back and hips have been a little achy so I took a minute to twist and readjust. It aways feels good to reset.

How are you getting it done today?

#running #setbacktocomeback
Good morning, beautiful people.! Stretching out t Good morning, beautiful people.!

Stretching out the tightness after a great morning run and getting ready to face whatever Tuesday has to throw my way!

How are you moving this morning?

#running #setbacktocomeback
No margaritas for us, tonight! Instead, we had som No margaritas for us, tonight! Instead, we had some quick ramen 🍜 with all the noodles and veggies. This is a super easy meal, and we can all customize our own creations.

What’s your favorite ramen combo?

#instagood #Ramen #SendNoods #Noodles #FamilyDinner #EasyMeals #RamenLover #Chopsticks #VegetarianMeals #Dinner
I am so thrilled to back on the @RoadID Ambassador I am so thrilled to back on the @RoadID Ambassador Team for the 2021 year!

Our on-the-go family takes safety very seriously. My husband and I wear ours when we are out running, cycling, or hiking. Our son takes his on camping trips and Scout excursions. Heck, even @sweetlunapug has a @dogid on her harness, just in case! This way, we know that in case of an accident or medical emergency, we have identification, contact info, and medical direction, all readily available.

Use code RUNSWITHPUGS to save 25% on your next order on www.RoadID.com! 

#TeamRoadId #RunnerSafety

Copyright © 2021 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!

This site uses cookies: Find out more.