• 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

reclaiming my strength

|week 10| reclaiming my strength

the march ultimate coffee date

is running accessible

everyone can run! but is running accessible to everyone?

race report: daytona beach lap the track 5k {2.10.19}

February 21, 2019      14 Comments

February is always a fairly busy month for races in Florida. It’s right after the holidays when people are still in the throes of keeping up with their fitness resolutions and the weather is generally good, so it makes sense.

I had a lot of ideas about races I wanted to run in February. The Daytona Beach Half Marathon and the DONNA Breast Cancer Marathon events both fell on the same weekend, which was also the weekend of little man’s Pinewood Derby, so there were pros and cons and choices to be made about challenges, distances and the like. It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to run a challenge and I am looking for some extra bling.

The choice was made for me, though, when the boys gave me the Lap the Track 5K registration as part of my Christmas present. They were going to run with me and it was going to be a fabulous family day.

Ah, the best-laid plans.

Turns out little man got the flu, and Mr PugRunner was having some sympathy pangs. On Saturday night, we discussed the game plan, and since everyone was well enough to be left to their own devices without mom (but not well enough to be out and about), we decided that I would just make the drive in the morning, run the 5K and come home.

Not quite as much fun as originally planned, but sometimes, we just have to adapt and overcome.

Per usual, I was up before the sun, and on my way to Daytona. There were some changes to note, so I wanted to make sure I had enough time to snag my packet and get to the start line on time.

I’m not entirely sure what fueled the adjustments, but the good folks at the Daytona Beach Half Marathon added a 5K on Saturday night, removed the original Speedway Challenge, made the start time for the Sunday morning start time much earlier, and moved packet pickup, staging and post-party to the Daytona One complex across the street from the track.

None of these things were bad, exactly. The packet pickup, gear check and post-party were all located at Daytona One, a brand new retail and entertainment complex, full of stores and restaurants. There was plenty of space, and I loved getting my packet at the Bass Pro Shops, because it meant some inside time and a real bathroom rather than a portapotty.

It was also nice that I got to drop off my backpack at gear check en route to the Daytona International Speedway, rather than having to hike all the way back to the car and back again. It was a bit of a distance, and with the wind and raw temperatures, I was grateful for that little reprieve.

There’s a really nice pedestrian walkway that goes over the main road, so it was a fairly easy trek.

By the time I got over to the track, the half marathon was already underway, and I had maybe 15 minutes to go get all the good pictures. In contrast to years past, none of the races would actually end on the speedway.

I had barely wrapped up when the announcer called for the 5Kers to line up, and we were underway.

The Lap the Track 5K is fairly straightforward: runners go along the Daytona International Speedway, which takes up about 2.25 miles. From there, they exit out to the concourse around the base of the speedway. Previously, runners would complete a small loop and then return to the track for the grand finale.

This year, we exited the track, went around the exterior path and then took the ramp to the pedestrian walkway to finish in the Daytona One complex.

It was windy and cold, but also pretty humid, especially in the bowl of the track. It would have been so much more fun with the boys, but I reminded myself of how much I enjoy this particular event and kept it going all the way to the finish line.

While it was nice, there is definitely something to be said for finishing by the checkered flags and getting to enjoy the vibe of the Speedway.

That being said, there were plenty of vendors and awesome volunteers and staff. I got a great photo with the big sea turtle.

And a snap with a racecar.

There was cold beer and gorgeous bling, as always.

All in all, it was a fun morning, but I do hope things go back to “normal” next year. Despite the great swag, friendly volunteers and staff, free photos and fabulous snacks and drinks, there was definitely a little something missing, and I’d love for the event to get that back!

Have you ever experienced a disappoint course change? Did it turn you away from an event?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim G says

    February 21, 2019 at 12:47 am

    What an awesome location for a race!

    Oh that’s a bummer about the new course 🙁 I’ve had that happen with a race that I did in NYC. Unfortunately the course change was permanent and I didn’t like it so I stopped doing the race.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2019 at 1:33 pm

      I don’t know if I didn’t like it enough to not run it again – the volunteers for this particular race organization are top notch and the medals and swag are always huge, thoughtful and incredible. The price is right and all the amenities re there. But it’s an hour away, and there are other races. I guess we will see.

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks says

    February 21, 2019 at 1:13 am

    well, what a fun place for a 5K. Love it and you look very happy
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…Winter Running- Be Prepared From Head To ToeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      Can’t not be happy when doing what I love! Even if it means running on a track into a headwind!

      Reply
  3. Jenny|Running On Life says

    February 21, 2019 at 1:40 am

    I’ve been disappointed in a course but I still run it anyway.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      There are a lot of pros to this race, but finishing on the track really gave it that special something. We will see.

      Reply
  4. Rach @ Girl On The Run says

    February 21, 2019 at 1:53 am

    I’m sorry it wasn’t “up to speed” this year (pun intend hah hah) but I hope they change the course back!
    Rach @ Girl On The Run recently posted…Everyone Loves a Good Comeback, Right?My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      Ha! I see what you did there! I hope they change it back, too!

      Reply
  5. Kimberly Hatting says

    February 21, 2019 at 3:09 am

    We live about 10 miles from a speedway that hosts a few Nascar races every year and a handful of other events. There used to be an 8K race held there, that included a lap around the track (for the start and finish), but it’s since been discontinued. It was always fun running on the steep embankment of the track!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2019 at 2:06 pm

      It’s crazy how the walls are almost vertical!
      I feel like this year there were more actual car races going on so they had to accommodate that. Not sure how the racecar scheduling works, though.

      Reply
  6. Stacie Seidman says

    February 21, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    I get the impression the changes were to get more people into the retail venues. I get that and everything, but I agree, sounds like it takes away from the “feel” by not ending where it used to.
    Sounds like a decent day overall, just a little disappointing to miss out on the family time.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2019 at 3:48 pm

      Absolutely possible. Stuff still isn’t open and it would be a very smart co-branding opportunity, but not at the loss of that track finish. In my opinion, as a non shopper LOL!

      I did miss the heck out of them, for sure.

      Reply
  7. Darlene says

    February 21, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    I like this race. But then again, I have nothing to compare it to.
    I have friends who live in Flagler Beach. I need to come visit and run a race.

    or you could head south to Melbourne…

    or north to NYC…

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 22, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      Yup! There are great races in Flagler! I’m working on NYC! That’s a dream for me!

      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 10| reclaiming my strength
  • the march ultimate coffee date
  • everyone can run! but is running accessible to everyone?
  • what’s running through my mind?
  • |week 9| marching on + back to nature

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.
Our Arrrowman is home! This weekend, A went off Our Arrrowman is home! 

This weekend, A went off to his “Ordeal” for Order of the Arrow. 

For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. 

Candidates had to take a 24 hour vow of silence, sleep alone under the stars with just a tarp or groundsheet, spend a day in arduous labor, and do it all on scant rations. 

He, his troop mates, and the other members of his group did an amazing job and should be so proud of themselves! We can’t wait to see where this adventure leads him next!

#MomLife #ScoutMom #MomBlog
It’s Azalea Season!!!! This is truly such a bea It’s Azalea Season!!!!

This is truly such a beautiful time. We are so fortunate to have such beautiful blooms this year. It definitely adds some much needed color after all the rain and gray.

I might have to take my hike to the azalea gardens this week to see even more of these beauties. 

Got in a great walk, and now I’m off to pick up our newly initiated member of the OA! It’s a fabulous day!

What’s on your agenda?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Rain, rain, go away! But until then, I’m getting Rain, rain, go away! But until then, I’m getting after another ten miles!

It’s been a crazy week. A had lots of big papers and exams, Mr PugRunner is in the process of launching another incredible business venture, I learned how to administer an epi pen, and currently A is out on his “ordeal” (he was nominated for Order of the Arrow, in recognition of Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.)

Grateful for running to help settle my nerves, keep me balanced, and serve as a reward for a full and productive week!

What does running provide for you?

#running #setbacktocomeback
Took the miles on the road today. We had a family Took the miles on the road today. We had a family field trip to check out some gorgeous street art and murals. It was good to unplug and discover some of these stunning works of art. 

Plus, we all got some fresh air and exercise and A allowed me to snap this moody photo. Everyone wins! 

#HiddenJacksonville #JaxMurals #JaxStreetArt #Riverside #MomBlogger #MomLife #TweenMom #StAMoms @staugustinemoms #LifestyleBlog #LoveWhereYouLive #OnlyInJax #LoveFL
“Running! If there’s any activity happier, mor “Running! If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be.”
Joyce Carol Oates

Today was one of those days. Everything just worked right (even coming off a migraine). 

Days like this are always a treasure.

I hope your run brings you joy today ❤️

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Stinging rain, cold wind, and just a whole lot of Stinging rain, cold wind, and just a whole lot of “no.” 

I’m tight today, so I’ll be looking into a stretch break, for sure!!!

Who’s with me on some recovery?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
What do you think about when you’re out on a run What do you think about when you’re out on a run?

I’m sharing my inner monologue over on the blog today! Link in bio! Come check it out! ☝🏻

#Running #RunningThoughts
The bad news: we got rained on!!! Booooooo! The g The bad news: we got rained on!!! Booooooo!

The good news? At least I was with friends.

Did you have a rainy run? A sunny run? Hot or cold? Friends or alone? Tell me how it’s going!

#running #setbacktocomeback
Every month this year, I’ve been committing to s Every month this year, I’ve been committing to some kind of wellness challenge. 

January ➡️ planks
February ➡️ balance

Lately, I’ve had the urge to get back in a gym. Kickboxing is out for right now but I think I could take on boot camp or spin. 

Then I felt a little guilty about spending the money when I have some weights and bands at home, our neighborhood has a gym, and I have a surgical procedure on the horizon (boo, wisdom teeth), so I thought I would work my way up to group classes by starting at home.

Day 1 done! ✅ with an assist from @sweetlunapug!

What’s your favorite strength workout?

#crosstraining #fitmom
Happy Monday! Headed to the bridge for some hill Happy Monday!

Headed to the bridge for some hill repeats and then walked over to the beach to really breathe in that salty air. 

Starting this week strong! How about you?

#Running #SetbackToComeback

Copyright © 2021 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!

This site uses cookies: Find out more.