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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: the DONNA half marathon (2.6.2022)

race report: the DONNA half marathon (2.6.2022)

February 9, 2022      18 Comments

The DONNA Half Marathon had, at long last arrived. It was my first half marathon since I broke my leg and since COVID. Even better, it was a new-to-me event and course, so I was ready for the 13.1 miles and all to come with it.

The Donna Half was also J’s first ever half marathon. I was glad for a big, local event for her: an actual expo, and crowd support with an after-party is a great way to commemorate 13.1 miles and we were there for it.

The Expo

J picked me up at 1:30 on Saturday to head to the Expo at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. I can’t remember the last big expo I’ve attended, and this was nice. The venue wasn’t at all busy, and we easily picked up our bibs, bags and shirts, then wandered around the booths. We picked up some complimentary swag (tattoos and balaclavas) and bought RaceDots (super strong magnets to use instead of safety pins to fasten bibs.

The Night Before The Race

From the Expo, we checked into the Margaritaville Hotel Jacksonville Beach. We decided to get a hotel room because it made parking easy, and new would be a quick 1/2 mile from the start and finish line. It was so much easier than getting up super early, driving up from St. Augustine, and dealing with parking and gear. J’s oldest daughter M joined us, and we appointed her our race sherpa. She was a treasure.

After chilling out for a few, we started to make a plan. First, we came to terms with the deteriorating weather. At the beginning of the week, temperatures were as high as 70F, but at this point, it was going to be in the 50s (with a real feel in the 40s), with rain and 20 mph winds. My plan to run in shorts was quickly abandoned.

We went to Target to pick up some extra gear. I packed emergency tights and a rain jacket, but snagged a long sleeve top to layer. J got a similar rain jacket and leg sleeve shirt. My flat runner is completely inaccurate.

From there, we hit Cruisers for burgers and cheese fries. Yum.

At the hotel, we enjoyed some wine in the lobby and then called it a night.

Race Morning

I woke up at 4:45, well before my 5:30 alarm. There was a steady downpour at this point. I showered, and started to layer up. We worked on fueling, loading our pockets, and packing a changed of clothes for M to hold at the finish line. I had so much nervous energy: it was like my first half all over again. We finally got ourselves together, dropped our suitcases at the front desk (no late check out), and began the trudge to the start line.

The Start Line

It was miserable, but I was so happy to see the start line and the Runner’s Village. I had the feeling of reuniting with an old friend. Is that crazy? J has never had this experience, so I enjoyed taking her around (despite the conditions), to show her all the amenities. We were both freezing and miserable, so I was grateful for a distraction.

We visited the portapotties twice, chatted with a friend, and finally made our way to the start line.

I was disappointed to see the crowd was smaller than in years past, but it was still so good to be surrounded by so many runners. We sang the National Anthem, and then the race began. The marathon and half marathon runners all took off together, and it was nice to have some race “normalcy” again.

Miles 1 – 6.5

I wish I could break this race into smaller chunks for you, but it is such a blur. From the start, J and I were slammed with headwinds and spitting rain. The wind was so loud I couldn’t hear the walk/run breaks on my watch, so we just pressed on. That same wind drowned out our voices, so it was hard to talk.

At around mile 3, I took off the rain jacket and tired it around my waist. It wasn’t comfortable and J had similar issues with the flapping and twisting. Ugh.

On a normal day, the course would have been beautiful, taking us north from Jacksonville Beach into Atlantic Beach. And I took great joy in all the spectators that still came out despite the weather. It was just a little cheer on an otherwise dismal day.

Water and Gatorade was available every two miles or so, and spectators supplemented with aid stations. When we ran by a small church, deacons and pastors distributed Communion hosts and wine for those who wanted to partake on a Sunday morning.

The course went mostly north, although we did add in a few smaller blocks along the way. I didn’t mind: direct out and backs are not my favorite, and I liked the constantly changing scenery.

At around mile 5.5, we came to the end of our northward travels. The course looped in a gigantic block through some stunning neighborhoods, and we both stopped at a portapotty this time. When we rejoined the course to head south, there was a first aid station and more bathrooms.

Miles 6.5 – 13.1

We just kept running. After our bathroom break, there was nothing else to do but move. J missed a water stop so there was a point where she got super thirsty. I insisted she take two cups when we reached the next aid station. We also snagged a cookie and some orange pieces from the kind spectators who braved the weather.

At some point during the back half of the race, there was a gel station, too. I had my I had my HoneyStinger gels so I didn’t need to take any of what they handed out, but there was a really nice selection of flavors for the runners.

At about mile 8, the rain whipped up again. I was literally about to take off my long sleeve shirt, but I had to get back into the rain jacket with hood to avoid getting wet. Ugh. And I know this is an awful picture but I just wanted to share how gorgeous and thoughtful the decorations in the neighborhood were. This street was lined with banners, pink flamingos and balloons. The homeowners blasted music and noisemakers, and held up signs. Some offered drinks and snacks. All were appreciated.

At this point in the race, I was pretty done. My hardware does not appreciate cold or dampness, and was assailed by both. When J had to make one last bathroom break I told her I was just going to keep slowly walking so she could catch up. There was no way I could stop and start again. I used the time to text Mr PugRunner to give him our position and an ETA. We had a tracking system but I had no idea if it was working or how accurate it was.

J found me on the course, and we took off again. While I had hoped to be out of the headwind, somehow it still felt strong, which was just so unfair. But we pushed right on, J got communion and the race continued.

The Finish Line

Finally, the twists and turns stopped and we were back on the main road. There was a turnaround where the marathon and ultra runners rejoined the course, so we had to pay attention to the course markings. At a certain point, one of the runners said we had seven blocks to go, and that perked me right up. Seven blocks was a tangible countdown, and they were short blocks, too! We could see the finish line in the distance (and usually that throws me off) but this time I was so grateful.

Again, the noise made it so that we couldn’t be super faithful to the run/walk intervals, so I told J that we should just run. Seeing the families cheering us on was just what we needed to get us through!

We kicked it in and crossed the finish line!

I am sharing this picture because it’s the perfect blend of joy and misery and TRex arms. If you know, you know.

Volunteers were right there handing out medals, bottles of water and mylar blankets. Hilariously, I was so excited because I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a mylar blanket after a race before.

We collected our thing and got ourselves into the Runner’s Village. Despite the freezing temperatures, I wanted a beer, which they kindly handed out with coozies.

And then we went to the next station for soup. Volunteers handed out chicken noodle and tomato with crackers, and they even had coffee at the same tent. It was not the yummiest, but it was warm and full of salt. I soaked some Saltines in the broth and that got me going again.

J went to the restroom one more time, and then we got ourselves together to get lunch. At this point, I was starving, and wanted french fries. Badly.

Post Race + Thoughts

We walked back to the hotel, which was probably the best thing we could do, and got cleaned up and changed in the restroom. By the time we were presentable, drinks and fries had been ordered and we were ready to celebrate!

First, I am so proud of J. When we started running together, she said there was not way she could run a half marathon. And look at her now!

Second, I needed this. Since my accident, I have been terrified to get back in the proverbial saddle, and now I feel so much more confident. Realistically, I don’t think I can run four and five half marathons in a year like I did in “the old days”, but I don’t think I need to shy away from the distance anymore either.

Also, realistically, I don’t think a second marathon is in my future. It was always a maybe, but now I know that 13.1 is a good place for me. And that’s ok.

As far as the DONNA itself? Give me more. I loved this course and I would love it even more with reasonable weather. The cause is incredible and the community support is unparalleled. I was sad to see how small it was, knowing it suffered due to COVID19 and the weather, but I was also so happy to be a part of it for the 15th year. Everything was top-notch, from the volunteers, to the course, to the swag. It was everything a comeback half should be (but with rain) and I didn’t know how badly I missed the world of big races.

Have you missed the “big race experience?” Ever come back to a distance after injury or illness?

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Comments

  1. Carol says

    February 9, 2022 at 1:18 pm

    Congratulations! Despite the miserable weather, you persevered and completed the 13.1 mile course. Looks like you were happy and ready to celebrate at the end. What a great accomplishment!
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 9, 2022 at 2:02 pm

      Sooo ready!

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks says

    February 9, 2022 at 2:10 pm

    You can never predict the weather! I bet it was amazing to be back at one of your favorite races with your friend. Congratulations to both of you

    Reply
  3. Darlene S Cardillo says

    February 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    this sounds exactly like my race several years ago in Melbourne. That is why I am running it again. Of course again it may rain.

    Since I am from up north, I still wore my tank and skirt and just got soaked and chilled. Not fun. (ive been running in 0-30 so 40-50 is a heat wave lol)

    What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?

    I think for a return from injury race, you did great! Pat yourself on the back! And on to the next..

    Reply
  4. Jenny says

    February 9, 2022 at 2:28 pm

    Congratulations to you and J! That weather sounds terrible- go figure, with all the sunny days we have, you got that one. But it sounds like it was a great experience for both of you. That race sounds amazing- I want to check it out sometime (i wish it were a little closer!) Hope you’re enjoying some well-deserved R&R this week.

    Reply
  5. Catrina says

    February 9, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    Congratulations, Jenn and J! You did awesome!
    Drinks and fries sound like the best post-race food.
    My first race after N injury was a simple 5k Turkey Trot, but it was such a victory over a long injury. I’m happy you are back to running half marathons!

    Reply
  6. Kimberly Hatting says

    February 9, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    I know the feeling of coming back from injury, especially when it’s a big race. The universe really feels like it’s come full-circle (bad cliche’ but the truth, LOL). Congrats!

    Reply
  7. Wendy says

    February 9, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    Congrats! I’ve run some miserable races and somehow, those finish lines feel so much sweeter! I’m sure it felt great to cross that finish line again. Great job to both of you!

    Reply
  8. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    February 9, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    I’m really sorry your first half race back had such crummy weather! And poor J. Although my first have was literally freezing, at night, and started to rain towards the end. Vegas baby!

    Still never fun & you guys showed so much grit.

    You never know about that marathon . . . just sayin’.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Top 6 List of 2021My Profile

    Reply
  9. Stacie Seidman says

    February 10, 2022 at 12:42 am

    So excited for you! I’m so sad you had such crummy weather, but even more reason to be proud of this accomplishment! Great job!

    Reply
  10. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    February 10, 2022 at 12:44 am

    What a tough race, but you both did awesome! Its crazy how much the weather changed over the course of the week. Great job adjusting and making the most of it!

    Reply
  11. Kim G says

    February 10, 2022 at 3:00 am

    Congratulations! Sorry to hear that the weather was so crappy šŸ™ but it sounds like you made the most of it!

    Reply
  12. Liz Dexter says

    February 10, 2022 at 9:49 pm

    Well done to both of you! Horrible weather but you did it! On marathons, think of me, I forgot I’d applied for London and we find out if we got in this month. Argh!

    Reply
  13. Michelle says

    February 11, 2022 at 3:55 am

    Congratulations Jenn! Those race conditions sound so rough – huge kudos to you and J for making it through!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 15, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      oh, it was terrible. I hate the rain and the wind, so I was miserable.

      Reply
  14. Shathiso says

    February 11, 2022 at 4:54 pm

    That weather Jenn!!! Oh my word! Firstly, I’m so proud at how much you fought your way through this race. And secondly, your friend is a superstar! So happy she got to experience what we love about racing and that you could be there as she took on this huge adventure, both in training and on the course itself. Well done to both of you! And next time, let’s hope for better weather!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 15, 2022 at 4:51 pm

      <3 <3 <3

      I wish it had been nicer for her, but you have to take what the weather gives.

      Reply
  15. Laura says

    February 16, 2022 at 12:37 am

    Congrats on the race! That’s rough for J she had such bad weather for her first half. Soup tastes so good after a cold race, I love it when finish lines have it.

    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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