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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: ortega river run (2.25.2023)

race report: ortega river run (2.25.2023)

March 1, 2023      15 Comments

The Ortega River Run is a long-standing favorite race in the Jacksonville area. It’s got a large following, and it’s part of the local Grand Prix series. Runners use it as a warm up to the Gate River Run the following weekend: both races have two bridges. Also of note, the Ortega River Run is a 5 miler, a fact I did not realize until after I registered. Whoops.

Packet PickUp

Even though I signed up late (literally the week before the race), I still had the option to pick up my packet in advance. That went smoothly, and I was able to also grab a few HoneyStinger waffles for fuel. I had dinner, and tried to get to bed early.

It is worth pointing out that these were new shorts and I should have known better. Even though they are the same brand and style as my regular shorts, they fit differently, and I had to do some fancy maneuvers to tighten and knot the drawstring mid-race to keep them from ending up around my ankles.

Race Morning

When I have a new race on the schedule, I always get a little nervous about logistics. In this case, the race instructions advised that parking would be limited, and since I didn’t know where I was going, I decided to leave ridiculously early. I stopped for coffee and a plain bagel on the way, and then headed to the Jacksonville Episcopal School in Ortega.

Things were already crowded when I arrived, but I amazed to find a parking space not far from the school Victory! But it was also only about 7:15 AM, when the race started at 8:30. There was a one mile fun run scheduled for 8, as well.

I used the time to eat my bagel, read, and use the restroom. If we are being honest, I was a little off and a little edgy. Things have been hard at home, so it’s been difficult to relax.

I met up with a few people (I’m putting myself out there a bit more) from the local running community, which was fun, too.

But soon enough, it was time to start. This is a pretty popular race, so there were over 1000 people.

The Race

An 8:30 start time is already tough in Florida, but this day was especially hot.

I didn’t have a problem running five miles (even though I was really hoping for that 5K), but it was hard and I tanked quickly.

The course is really pretty. The Ortega area is full of gorgeous neighborhoods, and the river is a highlight, even if there are two bridges along the way. That being said, there isn’t a lot of shade, which made the hot day feel so much worse.

If I am anything, I’m intrepid, so I just forged ahead. The course spread out after the first time, as they usually do, but I was with a decent crowd for the duration. There were a few official water stops on the course, but some families also set up, handing out other refreshments, like donuts. It was too hot to even consider it.

The first bridge was pretty flat and went fine. the second was a little steeper and really rocked me.

By the time I got down from this bridge, I wasn’t feeling great. Ugh. I slowed my pace, and took a few extra walk breaks.

Finally, the finish line was in my sights, and I made my way through. I have never been happier to be done.

Post Race

There was a really nice party environment set up in the courtyard of the school. Runners could get ice, water, and bananas as well as other goodies from the vendors who had their tents set up. There was also music and plenty of photo ops.

I didn’t feel like navigating the crowd, so I moved down to the water for my post-race photos.

Final Thoughts

Even though this wasn’t my day, at all, I really enjoyed the race. It was well-organized, well-attended, and all details were in order. I think I need a redemption effort on this one: I can do so much better.

That being said, it did shake my confidence for the Gate next week. I realize I have to be much more careful with my diet and hydration (I’ve been eating more veggies, and way less carbs and protein lately), and I need to lock that down immediately. Hopefully, these lessons will stick with me through Saturday.

Do you have any races that you love that just didn’t go great for you?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    March 1, 2023 at 10:13 am

    Congrats on your race! Sorry it was a tough one, but it sounds like you were able to push through and make the most of it.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:42 am

      I always manage to get through! But sometimes it would be nice if it was easier.

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks says

    March 1, 2023 at 2:05 pm

    We all have tough races and that. Florida heat would kill me! I like a 5 mile distance it’s a great training distance. Finishing is winning! You got this Jenn

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:41 am

      It can be brutal. Tomorrow will be like 70 something at the start. There’s just no reason for it. None.

      Reply
  3. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says

    March 1, 2023 at 5:53 pm

    Uh yes, seems like all the races I ran last year didn’t go well. haha!! Look at you with all of the runners at the start line! Yay on meeting up with people! Race day parking is always a huge (and sometimes scary!) unknown for a new race. Great job on your finish. Congrats!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:41 am

      This will be the month of awful races. And then we will move on.

      Reply
  4. Debbie says

    March 2, 2023 at 1:17 am

    I get freaked out about logistics too. So I tend to get to races way too early just like you. Don’t beat yourself up about this race. It was hot which throws everything off. Hopefully, the weather will be cooler next week and you can have a great week.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:40 am

      It’s going to be worse! Boooo!

      Reply
  5. Jenny says

    March 2, 2023 at 1:21 am

    You know… WHY, since Florida is hot AF, don’t we have more SHADE??? A little shade makes all the difference. Yes, 8:30 is a late start time for a 5 mile race in Florida . They probably thought it wouldn’t be too bad since it was in February (ha! Guess again.). But, you did it. Sounds like you learned some things that will help you in the next one. Good luck with it!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:40 am

      Seriously. Shade would have changed it all. I don’t know that I will sign up for it next time, before I have a very clear picture of the weather that day!

      Reply
  6. Catrina says

    March 2, 2023 at 6:49 am

    Well done, Jenn!
    When things don’t go well the week before, it’s a good omen for the next race. Now you have all the issues out of the way, including the annoying shorts! You will rock the next race!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:39 am

      I don’t know that the next race will be better, but off we go! I’m wearing tried and true shorts this time!

      Reply
  7. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    March 3, 2023 at 12:37 pm

    The important thing is that you enjoyed the race.

    We all feel as you do.

    There may be other bad races too but better than not racing at all. IMO.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 4, 2023 at 1:39 am

      Absolutely. I just need some wins and bright spots, too. Eventually, I’ll get one!

      Reply
  8. Liz Dexter says

    March 5, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    Well done for getting through that and for being able to think it through afterwards and pinpoint what might have not helped you. That’s a lovely medal, too. I really don’t like doing races so am planning very few more now. Happy just running around (well, would be happy if I COULD just run around at the moment as on the injury and virus bench, but these things will pass).

    Sorry things are stressful in the rest of your life, too, and hope that eases for you.

    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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