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what’s running through my mind?

|week 9| marching on + back to nature

five february runfessions

race report: superhero run 8k |2.13.21|

February 17, 2021      19 Comments

The Superhero Run 8k was a completely new-to-me race. I seem to have a few of these on the schedule. It’s kind of neat to be out there on new courses for new causes, earning some different bling and swag.

Why the Superhero Run 8K?

I selected this race specifically because it was a smaller field (limited to a total of 400 runners between the 5k and 8k) with wave starts. Additionally, the idea of an 8k intrigued me. It’s just shy of five miles, which seems way more fun than 5k. The Superhero Run 8k hard a great price point ($30 for race, shirt, and medal), and the course ran along the riverfront, so at least the views promised to be pretty.

The night before race day

Life is a funny thing, and my race plans fell a little out of sorts. My running buddy ended up not being able to join me. Bad storms threatened the entire weekend. I kept my chin up, determined to run, regardless of rain, and just kept my fingers crossed as I laid out my flat runner on Friday night.

love and running

Pre-race and packet pickup

With a start time of 8:30 AM, I planned to arrive at the venue around 7:40 AM. There was a decent walk from the parking area to packet pickup, and I’m glad I built in the extra time. Runners had to pick up bibs and shirts inside a school office (the race’s partner charity was a local school), and while masks were required there and in the start/finish area, it was a bit more crowded inside than I liked. I got my things as quickly as possible and then hustled back outside and away from other people.

Then it was the trek back to the car to drop off my shirt, and back again to the start line for a quick potty break. My stomach has been very uncooperative this week, and I didn’t want any additional challenges.

The one mile fun run scheduled started at 8:00 AM, and once those runners started coming through the finish line, the race director stepped up to the bullhorn. He shared instructions for the waves and for the course differences between the 5K and 8K runners. The played the Star Spangled Banner, the pastor of the partner school said a quick prayer, and then it was time to go.

On your mark, get set, go!

I registered for the second wave of runners. After the first wave took off, everyone moved up, masks on, to take a place on the orange cones on the ground.

superhero run 8k

It was a great way to keep everyone separated about six feet apart. Of course, once we crossed the start, everyone sort of came together for a bit. I kept my mask on until I had some distance from the rest of the pack, and then tucked it into my sports bra with my keys.

We first made a loop around the block, passed the finish line, and headed down to River Road, so named because it runs along… the river. The race takes place in Moosehaven, which is a gorgeous, ‘private membership retirement community” in Fleming Island. The homes are absolutely stunning, and so are the water views. Even though it was a gloomy, dreary day, at least there was something nice on which to focus.

superhero run 8k

In spite of everything, I had a great run. I felt really strong and stuck to my plan. The 8k runners continued past the 5k turnaround, and at the end of River Road, took another loop around that block, made a small out-and-back on a side road and then headed back to the start line. I stuck to my intervals and pushed it the whole way.

Taking my PR!

At the finish line, I claimed my medal, a PR (for a new distance) and put my mask back on as requested.

superhero run 8k

After a quick picture in front of some of the superhero-themed signage, I made my way back down to the river for another race photo.

superhero run 8k

I made it back to the car literals just as the rain started. Whew! It was sheer luck to be done and ready to head out before the bad weather, and I was grateful to be dry for the ride home.

All in all, it was a great event. I loved the shirt and medal, and am happy to have both in my collection. Time to turn my sights to a race for March!

superhero run 8k

Ever run an 8K? Do you ever choose a race based on the views?

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Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    February 17, 2021 at 9:27 am

    Great job! I’ve never done an 8k before but it sounds like a good distance. There aren’t too many races around here with good views. The ones down by the harbor are nice but usually we only actually run along the water for a couple of miles at best.

    Reply
  2. Shathiso says

    February 17, 2021 at 11:58 am

    So happy that you had a good race and that it was in-person! I can’t wait to hear news of that here! I’ve never done an 8K race either! But I love the distance in training so if ever there was a chance to do that distance in a race, I would!

    Reply
  3. Wendy says

    February 17, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    I’ve done a few 8ks and it is my favorite distance! It’s great that you are having so many in-person races. Sounds like this was done really safely. Congrats!

    Reply
  4. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    February 17, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Great job. Sounds like a fun one. Glad it was offered.

    I’ve done an 8k I think. Or maybe not lol.

    Congrats on a new PR.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:09 am

      It’s an off distance, but I’m glad I got the chance!

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    February 17, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    I love an 8K-we don’t have too many around here but it’s a fun distance. Very exciting to run a real race and yes it’s totally a PR!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:09 am

      This is the only 8k I know of, and I had a blast. I hate 5ks, so it was nice to do something different.

      Reply
  6. Kimberly Hatting says

    February 17, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    There was a nearby 8K race I’ve done several times (on the grounds & track of a NASCAR venue), but it ended its “run” a few years ago. It’s a fun distance 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:08 am

      That sounds really fun! We have a 5k/half marathon on the Daytona track here. I haven’t done it in a few years, but it was always a good time.

      Reply
  7. Liz Dexter says

    February 17, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    I chose my first marathon based on the fact it was in Iceland and covered areas I knew, so I could imagine the views as I trained- then when i reached those views in the race, what did I do? Burst into tears.

    Love the medal and t-shirt, really cool. Well done!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:07 am

      That sounds amazing, though! Aw, I love that you were so emotional! What an incredible experience for you!

      Reply
  8. Jenny says

    February 18, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Ah, you’re making me long for a race! It sounds like so much fun! We’ve got some live races going on down here as well- i’m just waiting for my foot to be 100% (well… maybe 85%) before I run one. Congratulations on your PR!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:06 am

      It was such a great time! And yes, you should wait for that foot to be ready! No one wants to see you aggravate an injury!

      Reply
  9. Abby says

    February 18, 2021 at 3:04 pm

    Ahh the shorts weather races are making me jealous!! I missed my race over the weekend due to subzero temps and snow!! Looks like it was so much fun!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:06 am

      That’s crazy! I hope you warm up soon! Of course, after the tanks and shorts, I had another few days of temps in the 30s, so it’s been quite an adventure.

      Reply
  10. Denise says

    February 18, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    Sounds like such a nice place for a race. I too like the 8k distance. How lucky to just miss the rain. Phew!
    Congrats on the PR!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:05 am

      Anytime I miss the rain, I’m a happy camper!

      Reply
  11. Laura says

    February 18, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    Congrats on the 8K PR! It sounds like such a fun distance to race!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 21, 2021 at 2:05 am

      It was great! My only complaint, was that it was literally just shy of the 5 mile mark, which kind of annoyed me LOL.

      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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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.
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