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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2

race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2

April 12, 2016      20 Comments

I am an ambassador for the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K. I have been compensated for my promotion of the event with a complimentary race entry and other event-related amenities. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t have a great night’s sleep. The howling wind and driving rain kept me up, and I was most definitely awake when my alarm went off at 6:00 AM. It was race day!

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It didn’t take long to get myself together and make my way down to the lobby to meet fellow ambassador Anna-Marie, and Meghan.

The race had done a great job with communicating about the weather: there were several emails to let us know that the race would start at 7:30 AM as scheduled, with continued monitoring. As it was, there was a barely-there drizzle going on, so after a few pre-race snaps, we exited the Hilton Savannah Desoto.

We had about a four or five block walk to the start line in Forsyth Park. Plenty of other runners were also making the trek,and we arrived a little after 7:00 AM. For those driving in, there was plenty of street parking on the perimeter of the park and on the surrounding streets.

We had to navigate some saturated muddy patches in the park to get to gear check, and even though there were plenty of portapotties, I didn’t feel like I had enough time to make use of them before the race. There was, obviously, time for a pre-race snap.

I said goodbye to Meghan and Anna-Marie, and found Danielle.

We were planning to stick together for the half, but I was nervous. The streets were slick and I just wasn’t feeling strong or confident. I badly wanted to do this, but my head was all over the place.

Both the half marathon and 5K participants would start the race together, from the line on Drayton, alongside Forsyth Park. Runners were encouraged to seed themselves in informal corrals and there were pacers from 1:45 to 3:00 for the half marathon. Everyone would head down towards the river, and then start winding back up, around the historical squares. At about 2.4 miles, the 5Kers would break off and wrap into Forsyth Park, while the half marathoners would continue deeper into the city, before looping in for their chance to run by the beautiful fountain and across the finish line.

I wish I could tell you more about miles 4-13.1, but on that Saturday, I never made it past the 5K.

I was really enjoying the scenery: the beautiful houses and tree-lined streets. Savannah is such a unique city, and it’s great getting to race somewhere new, with new people and sights. But I was struggling early: the humidity, the bricks and the sharp turns around the historical squares was quickly wearing on me. Healthy, I would have been loving it. For some reason, I love turns and short streets on race courses – they help me compartmentalize the distances a little more. However, hurt was a different story. By 1.5 miles, my left hip was jangling every time I hit the ground.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to do. Part of me was very much “Suck it up, buttercup. You can go slow and even walk and you can finish.” The other part of me said “This is fine for three miles. It might even be fine for five or six miles. But what happens when your leg gives out at 10 miles?” I hated to leave Danielle, and I hated letting myself down. But I also wasn’t willing to do more damage that would set me back even further after the race was over.

We could see the turnoff for the 5K runners ahead: I said goodbye to Danielle and as she ran off, I burst into tears. I was so disappointed in myself and the circumstances. Another runner grabbed me in a huge hug and kept me moving. Her words were comforting: “It happens to everyone. This doesn’t define you. Take care of yourself and come back.” Truer words could not be spoken and I was able to collect myself enough to hobble-jog around the beautiful fountain to the finish line.

The finisher’s chute was very well organized. Volunteers handed out medals, and then reusable Publix grocery bags with a bottle of water, banana, orange and bag of mini muffins (The bags were a nice touch! I didn’t have to juggle any of my belongings – I was just able to pop everything into the bag until I was ready to go to gear check). There was a backdrop for photos, and then race results were posted a little further down the line.

I found Anna-Marie and Meghan, and they were good enough to help me to First Aid. I needed ice badly. The medical volunteers were great. They got me all situated and the jangling feeling started to ease.

Taped and wrapped, I was able to get my tears and my frustration under control.  It was time for a drink. Runners could choose from complimentary beer or mimosas, and Barefoot Wines was on hand for samples.

And then we sat back to wait for Danielle (and my mom, who was coming from the hotel). There was a nice steady stream of finishers: the field was just the right size to ensure there weren’t any major congestions or backlogs.

 Local group, A Nickel Bag of Funk performed in the bandshell behind the fountain as the runners came in, drawing quite a nice crowd. They played twice: once after the 5K, and then later after the half. It was nice that runners from both groups were able to enjoy the music.

Danielle finished her second half in amazing time! I am so proud of her!

Before we left the park, I had to get a picture with my mom, too. She rushed right over from the hotel when I told her I had dropped my distance, and was happy to wait with the group until we were ready to leave.

It was late in the morning, and we were pretty hungry. Meghan recommended brunch at The Ordinary Pub, so we all showered up and walked over.

It was a bit of a wait, but it was worth it.

I have never had chicken and waffles quite like these, and they were just what the doctor ordered.

We had the rest of the day to enjoy, and so my mom and I took off to wander around a bit more. We checked out the Thomas Low House, the Colonial Park Cemetery, so many of historic squares, and lots of the architectural details that make Savannah the beautiful city it is.

We planned to celebrate our last night in the city with dinner at The Olde Pink House.

I knew my mom would get a kick out of the beautiful, historic house, and the food is always fabulous.

We couldn’t decide on what we wanted, so we ended up splitting some appetizers: Oysters Rockefeller, a fried green tomato salad, and the most phenomenal cheese platter. Our server split everything for us and served it in courses, which made the experience even more exceptional.

Despite my injury, it was a great day. I was, thus far, very impressed with the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K weekend, and I am hopeful to be back next year for another go at the 13.1. I love women-specific races – they tend to be smaller and more intimate, with thoughtful swag (like quality tote bags) and great attention to detail, and this race was no exception.

Thank you to the city of Savannah and all the staff and volunteers, who helped make this day one to remember. But it wasn’t over! Stay tuned for my review of Sunday’s Yoga on the Square!

Have you ever had a race that didn’t go quite as you hoped?

What makes a race extra special to you?

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Comments

  1. Angie says

    April 12, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    It sucks to fall short of your goal race, but I think you did the right thing. There is always next year. I love the words from the woman. I need to repeat that to myself. I have developed a random foot pain, and Star Wars Half is in 5 days.

    Savannah looks gorgeous. I really need to go there one day to visit.
    Angie recently posted…Finally!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 12:00 am

      It was an awful feeling. I think I made the right call too, but it’s really hard to admit that.

      Oh no! I’m sorry about your foot. I hope The Dark Side is amazing for you. You have no idea how badly I wanted to be at that race.

      Reply
  2. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    April 12, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    I’m so sorry about this race but sounds like you definitely made the right decision to turn around. That runner who hugged you was so sweet, I almost teared up reading that.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Orangetheory Fitness RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 12:03 am

      The woman on the course was amazing. I’m really not a hugger, but she just wrapped her arms around me and didn’t let go until I was calm. I don’t know how she knew it was what I needed, but I am very grateful to her for her support in that moment.

      Reply
  3. Carmy says

    April 12, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    I love live entertainment at races!
    Carmy recently posted…Protein and Runners, Add These Into Your Shopping Cart!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:04 am

      Live entertainment is always fun!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  4. Mary Beth Jackson says

    April 12, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    I am so sorry you had to cut your race short but kudos to you for being smart enough to make the right decision! Savannah is on my bucket list for sure- looks like a lovely race!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Running never takes more than it gives back!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:05 am

      You will love it!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  5. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    April 12, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Ugh, I’m so sorry that your hip was bothering you during the race and you had to stop at the 5K. It sounds like you listened to your body and did the right thing, and hopefully you still had a nice time. Savannah looks absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to make a day trip last year when I went to Charleston but ran out of time. The chicken and waffles look to die for! Congrats!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Love Run Half Marathon Relay Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:04 am

      I did have a nice time. It would have been nicer if I had had the race I wanted to run, but I can’t let that ruin the rest of my trip.

      Charleston is still a solid drive from Savannah – and it’s somewhere I still need to visit. A race there would be nice, too.

      Two thumbs up for the chicken and waffles. I would have it again.
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  6. Elle says

    April 12, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Sorry for your pain and disappointment – so glad you had lots of suppport around you though and that it was a good trip overall.
    Elle recently posted…5 Reasons to Take Your Workout OutdoorsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:02 am

      I was very lucky to have my friends and my mom close. I don’t know how it would have gone without them there.
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  7. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    April 12, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    oh man, so sorry you had to cut the distance for your run. But better safe than sorry and more recovery time later! And mimosas at the finish? yes, please! Savannah looks absolutely beautiful!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Race Recap: April Fools Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:01 am

      Mimosas make everything better. It was actually a full day of mimosas, if we’re being honest. Nothing wrong with that!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  8. Natalie Mitchell says

    April 13, 2016 at 12:35 am

    I am really sorry about your race. I think you did the absolute right thing to stop and not injure yourself further. I hope your hip is feeling better!! There will always be another race, but taking care of you is #1.
    Savannah looks like such a beautiful city! I can’t wait to go there 🙂
    Holy chicken and waffles – in a CONE?! That is just too amazing.
    Love that your Mom was there with you!!!
    Natalie Mitchell recently posted…Where I am One Year Post Knee SurgeryMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:01 am

      It really is a gorgeous city. My hip is doing better, but I have definitely had to step back from running for my own sanity.

      The cone was what spurred me to order the chicken and waffles. It was such an interesting concept, and it worked!
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  9. Abby @BackatSquareZero says

    April 13, 2016 at 1:14 am

    I am so sorry you had to drop down, but I am so proud of you for making the right decision. better not to injury yourself for longer and to just miss out on part of one race and not many more with an injury from trying to push through. Such a smart decision.
    Abby @BackatSquareZero recently posted…Adding in Speed – IntervalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 13, 2016 at 2:00 am

      Thanks, Abby. I’m still not entirely at peace with it, but I guess it is what it is. :/

      I’m working hard at getting back on track and hope that I can enjoy the fruits of that labor soon.
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 2My Profile

      Reply
  10. Stacie Seidman says

    April 14, 2016 at 3:51 am

    I can’t imagine having to make that decision when you did. I don’t blame you for spilling some tears at all! But good for you for finishing the 5K strong and knowing when to listen to your body. You’ll be back better than ever in no time!
    Looks like a wonderful event, and they definitely seem to pay attention to all the details. Love the idea of getting all of your post race goodies in a tote!
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…What’s Up Wednesday!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 14, 2016 at 12:23 pm

      I wouldn’t call my 5K finish strong. I am pretty sure I am still weeping in my finish line photos.

      The details were totally covered – the tote bag was freaking genius! Plus, I can reuse it for other stuff! Winning!

      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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