I was gifted this race entry as a contributor for the St. Augustine Moms Blog. All opinions ore my own.
On the second weekend of February, parts of Jacksonville, downtown Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Beaches area turn pink for an excellent cause: the DONNA National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer.
Conceived in 2008 by local journalist, Donna Deegan, after her second of three breast cancer diagnoses, the DONNA Foundation helps raise funds for breast cancer research at the Mayo Clinic and provide financial assistance to families who are struggling with this awful disease.
Needless to say, the support for this event is absolutely overwhelming and inspiring and it’s truly an honor to be a part of it.
This year, I am sad to say that things were a little more personal and the race weekend took on some new meaning.
Since I had two events this weekend (the 10K on Saturday and the first, 6 mile leg of the Marathon Relay on Sunday), I wasn’t entirely sure how I wanted to run. Part of me wanted to take the 10K slow and save it for Sunday, while the other part just wanted to push it both days.
One of my Facebook running groups talked about meeting up prior to the race and breaking off to run together, and I was ok with that. I figured I could just go out and see how I felt. I didn’t have any particular goals, other than to support a wonderful cause.
The morning was ridiculously foggy.
I was able to snag a decent parking space near the Convention Center. The Saturday races take place right outside the Expo location. I arrived fairly early, and was able to use one of the (inside) restrooms, before meeting up with some of the group members.
There were some vendors and tents set up around the fountain and local celebrities, including Donna Deegan, Jeff Galloway and David Gerrard gave speeches about the event.
There was a brief warmup with one of the local fitness companies, and then everyone took their place at the start line.
The day was overcast, thank goodness, but the humidity was a bit deceptive with the coolness.
I hadn’t run the 10K before, and it was definitely a different route than I had previously encountered. From the Convention Center, we wound through the roads of downtown, coming back out on Bay Street and heading towards Everbank Field. However, instead of turning around, we continued into some of the neighborhoods at the back of the stadium. It was kind of cool to have a different set of sights for a change, and that distracted me from everything else.
The bad news was that I had gone out a lot faster than I had planned, and the humidity was really taking its toll. At three miles, I needed to slow up. At four miles, I took an extra walk break, and I struggled to come back from there.
When I finally crossed the finish line, I was thrilled to see that even though I hadn’t PR’d, it was the fastest 10K I’ve run in over a year. I was glad for that strong finish and also glad that I was able to run in honor of some truly wonderful people.
I was so proud of everyone who come out to represent.
And I was thrilled to run into a fellow St. Augustine Moms Blog Contributor – she and her kiddos were taking on the 5K, which followed the 10K.
As I have come to expect from the DONNA events, everything was wonderful. From the course support to the cheering crowds, to the amazing volunteers to all the pink everywhere. I loved it, and I hope that next year, I can run both the 10K and 5K as part of a larger challenge event.
It was time to grab a bite to eat, shower up and prepare for the next day’s Relay Adventure. Stay tuned for Sunday’s recap!
Do you have a huge local charity event like DONNA?
Have you been having all the fog like we have?
Sounds like a great event, and obviously for a wonderful cause. Congrats on the fast time! Can’t wait to read about the relay!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…What’s Up Wednesday
What a great event. I would love to do this one. Esp because this cause is near and dear to my heart.
I think I may be in Sebastien (near Melbourne) instead of Hobe Sound. Getting closer….
Darlene recently posted…Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend 2018
It would be a great one for you. I think you would adore it!
Definitely getting closer!
I love any race that’s for a great cause, especially when it raises funds for cancer. This sounds like a well organized event and congrats on your fast race time!
Kim G recently posted…5 Ways to Stay Motivated During Marathon Training
Well, “fast” is subjective, but it felt really good!
Congrats on a strong race in tough conditions! Seems like just yesterday the Donna races were brand new. Can’t believe 10 years have passed!
Marcia recently posted…Carlsbad, Spring Cleaning and Catching Up Over Coffee
I know. They have been really successful, and I’m glad they have done so much good.
I don’t think we have any DONNA races in Iowa (?), or if we do, they’re not marketed very effectively. Congrats on a strong finish! It’s always tough coming back from a near-bonk after a too-fast start (not that I know anything about that…). My race next weekend (Leprechaun Chase 10K) benefits the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, and that is a cause very dear to my heart.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…When your cup runneth over
Haha! The bonk is my favorite (not!) DONNA is definitely a very local race. It would be nice if they branched out, but for now they are keeping it close to home.
Can’t wait to hear how the Leprechaun Chase goes!
My coach runs DONNA every year. I’m hoping to join him one year.
Rachel recently posted…Total Body Challenge
You absolutely should! It’s such a wonderful experience, all the way around!
I just did that Jingle Bell 5k in December, which is a nationwide fundraiser for Cure Arthritis. It was fun and top notch. It’s great that you got to be a part of it and that it was your fastest 10k in a long time! Congrats!
Wendy recently posted…Coffee Talk
I’m so glad you had a great experience – and I know that cause is near and dear to your heart.
I’ve never done this event, but I did live in Jacksonville for around 7 months and heard great things about it! If I ever make it back down that way I’d love to race in one of these events.
You definitely should! It’s worth it in all ways.
A strong finish is always good and for a terrific cause too. congrats!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Add These Bodyweight Exercises At The End of Your Run
Thank you! I felt really good!
What an awesome race and congrats on your strong finish! The hospital where I work does an annual 5K which I usually run.
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Is That Coffee I Smell?
I love those hospital-sponsored races. They are always so great!
This sounds like such a great event! Every year I do the Tri for a Cure which is a huge charity event for the Maine Cancer Foundation and it is so inspirational!!
Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’m so glad you get to participate!
Congrats on running a strong race, especially given the humidity. Its always extra special to run a race that benefits an organization that is near and dear to your heart. For me, it makes the actual running of the race that much more meaningful.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…March 2018 Goals
It really is and it does. I love that we can do this for those we care about.
I have heard so many great things about the DONNA races.
Great job on your 10k!
I like supporting our local race that helps raise awareness about human trafficking.
They are amazing races! Thank you so much!
That sounds like a wonderful and worth cause!