• 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

runners celebrate earth day

how can runners celebrate earth day?

|week 16| gearing up for summer

5 ways to manage seasonal allergies

(virtual) race report: team nuun half marathon [11.7.20]

November 11, 2020      25 Comments

When I broke my leg in November of last year, the main thing on my mind was getting back to running longer distances. I was aware that I might be way slower and have a harder time recovering in the aftermath of my injury, but I was comfortable with that.

My plan was to run the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon in December. Of course, that was until the pandemic came along and forced most large events to go virtual or cancel.

But then Team Nuun offered a virtual half marathon to its ambassadors. I wasn’t sure if I should put myself out there. Running a half marathon on my own didn’t seem at all like something I wanted to take on, but since Memphis was certainly off, I decided to give it a go.

team nuun half marathon

The Weeks Before

Every week, Team Nuun sent out a training plan for the 2500 half marathon participants. It was a solid plan, although a bit more intense than I could handle. At the moment, I’m not comfortable running more than three days a week. I’d love to bump it to four, but I’m not there, yet.

As November 7 got closer, my nerves began to get the best of me. I waffled quite a bit about whether or not I was going to attempt the distance. It just seemed so very far out of reach. Of course, in my head, I knew I could actually traverse the miles, but I wanted to be strong.

I reached out to J, and asked if she wanted to join me for a few miles. She’s training for a 10K, so I hoped she might be in for a bit, whether I finished or not. We had a plan.

Virtual Race Morning

I woke up on the Saturday in question, not really sure what was going to happen. It had been one heck of a week and my nerves were frayed. The weather had been up and down, and my ankle was stiff and had plenty to say to me. Though it wasn’t raining when i planned to leave the house, it had rained overnight and the ground was slippery.

Failure to plan is planning to fail, however. I set up a small aid station in my driveway, with some Nuun tablets and a pouch of Justin’s almond butter. The idea was that I could swing by the house when I needed some hydration and fuel.

Miles 0 – 2

Before you continue, I want you to know this is not going to be one of those super exciting race reports. There was no cute outfit. I took no selfies of us making what seemed like endless loops of the neighborhood. I have no scenery or cool animals or wonderful sights to offer. This is just me, and my friend, and my husband, putting our heads down and gritting it out on a hot and humid Florida Saturday.

So I really wanted to get up super early and hit the road, to get the bulk of my run done by the time I met up with J. For some reason, I was so tired when the alarm went off, and I just snoozed for an inexcusable amount of time.

The fault is mine, but I managed to snag two miles before I came upon J leaving her house.

Miles 2 – 8

J really wants to race a 10Kk, so her goal is building up to that distance. I’m happy to be along for that ride, and so we took ourselves out for six miles together. It was great that I had set up my little aid station, because we both took part in it. Our neighborhood is perfectly laid out to make it easy to loop back to one’s house, so in that regard, we were well set.

Since her shins had been hurting, I dropped our intervals down to 1:30/1 (we usually do 3/1), just to make sure I could take my time on the wet pavement and she could keep an eye on her legs. It worked just fine.

Miles 8 – 9.5

When we hit 8 miles, we switched to walking. At this point, I had decided that I was ok with a DNF. My right toes were tingling with nerves, and I knew when we parted ways, I wasn’t going to have the motivation to continue on my own. This wasn’t really like me, but sometimes, it’s just not your day.

Enter Mr PugRunner.

J and I were just about to split up (me for my house, her for hers), when we bumped into Mr PugRunner. He had a rest day from his plan, but wanted to walk his virtual Alzheimer’s 5K. I did some quick calculations, and thought that if I had a walking partner, I could totally finish the half! He said he was ok with company (sometimes, he likes to be alone), and so off we went!

Miles 9.5 – 13.1

At this point, I regretted everything. I was so happy to be out there supporting Mr PugRunner on his walk, but it was hot and I was starting to get hungry for more than just almond butter. Ugh. At one point, I mentioned that I just wanted to go home, but it would be stupid to quit with just one mile to go. Mr PugRunner agreed (he’s good like that), and so we went on together until I hit the 13.1 mile mark!

Victory!

Bonus!

While I didn’t register for this event with any hope of receiving anything (shocking, I know) but the joy of completing a half marathon, I did get a special bonus.

1500 participants received a special Team Nuun Half Marathon in the mail, and I about jumped for joy when I opened my mailbox to this sparkly package!

Friends, there is still a lot of work to do. This is not how I would want an in-person half marathon to go, but I am really grateful that I was able to complete 13.1 miles, less than a year from a truly major injury. I’m proud of myself for not giving up (although I think I would have been ok with the DNF in this situation), and I am looking forward to a chance to try my hand (or legs) at the next event)

Have you run a virtual half marathon?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says

    November 11, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Congrats on your half! Virtual racing is a special beast where you have to be both race director and participant all in one. I haven’t broken my leg and it’s fair to say that from 9.5 to 13.1 miles all I do is regret my life decisions and then once it’s over I’m just like when can I do this again?
    Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Eats: CurrentlyMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you! Yeah, the regrets was strong until the end. I’m looking forward to going back to 8 miles tomorrow.

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks says

    November 11, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    I am also not comfortable running more than 3 days a week. MY body does not like it. I think it’s so fabulous that your husband joined you to spur you onto the finish. Huge congrats Jen! A really nice comeback

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      Thank you! It was a good day. I used to be able to do 4-5, and I miss that. I also used to be able to back-to-back running days, too. It’s hard to admit defeat with that.

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 11, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Great job 😉 That’s a major accomplishment given the injury you rallied back from! Unfortunately (?), I have done many virtual 13.1’s LOL That’s a l-o-n-g distance without a fun race course or crowd support. Congrats!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      It’s so long. And it’s hard when it’s all the same streets and views. Ugh.

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Laurie says

    November 12, 2020 at 12:18 am

    Good for you!!! It really took a lot of perseverance, but you did it! Congrats on the tough half marathon finish. Mr. Pug deserves a big hug for his support.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      Thank you! Mr PugRunner was awesome in that moment. Saturdays are usually his rest day, so everything just fell into place.

      Reply
  5. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    November 12, 2020 at 1:20 am

    Congrats again on your half! I wonder if in some ways it was nice to almost trick yourself into thinking you weren’t running a half-marathon. There have been days when I convinced myself to run a certain amount and then once I’m out there its easier to add on some more. Either way, you have come SO far this year!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      I think it was probably the smartest thing I did that morning LOL! It reached a point where it would have been stupid not to go on and finish, so off I went.

      Reply
  6. Wendy says

    November 12, 2020 at 1:47 am

    I’m so proud of you! You found a way to finish and you did. It might not be your ideal half, but 13.1 miles is a long distance no matter how you do it. Own it! You’re back!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      It’s so far! This is why we have cars, right? LOL! But yes! I’m back! Thank you for all the support!

      Reply
  7. Stacie Seidman says

    November 12, 2020 at 3:20 am

    So happy for you! You did the thing!!!! Making that comeback!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      I did the thing!!! <3

      Reply
  8. Catrina says

    November 12, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    And you absolutely should be proud of yourself, Jenn! Such a fabulous job!
    I know how it feels like when you just want to give up. But you pushed through and that’s what counts.

    You’ll be fine when live races are back. They can’t be compared to those mentally hard virtual ones.
    Catrina recently posted…Looking For The TrailsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Yeah, I think it will better with people and aid stations and a change of scenery. But also prefer larger races where I can get lost in the crowd, and that might be hard to come by for a while. Oh well – it’s just one more thing to figure out.

      Reply
  9. Darlene S Cardillo says

    November 13, 2020 at 12:29 am

    Virtual half marathons are so much harder than real ones. Pat yourself on the back.

    Unfortunately this year has been full of virtual half marathons…not one was a stellar performance but it got done.

    I have a real one this weekend… I am pretty nervous because it feels so foreign and I feel so unprepared. But I am also excited to be racing again.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      Oh, gosh! Good luck! I hope it’s an incredible experience.

      Reply
  10. Debbie says

    November 13, 2020 at 4:39 am

    Congratulations! You did great! You’ve come so far in a year. It’s only going to get better from here on out.

    I also did the Nuun Half Marathon. I was happy to do it, and totally thrilled and surprised with the medal, but I have to say that I am so ready for the real thing. I’m ready to race again.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:31 pm

      Yeah, virtual racing just isn’t the same. I was so happy to get that medal. This one meant a little bit more to me, just because of how long it took me to get to this point.

      Reply
  11. Laura says

    November 13, 2020 at 12:03 pm

    Congrats! You did a great job sticking through the miles! Virtual half marathons are harder than in-person ones. It’s awesome how Mr. Pug Runner provided you with support!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 13, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      Thank you! It was hard and miserable, but I got it done.

      Reply
  12. Liz Dexter says

    November 14, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    Well done! It doesn’t seem a moment ago you were worried about getting to 10k!

    And yes, club had a Not the Birmingham Half but I didn’t like the route so my friend and I did a Not the Not the Birmingham Half where we ran into town, visited the Lego giraffe outside the Lego Store and ran home, along the canals. Very hard though.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      I want to see the Lego giraffe!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 2020: a year in running | Runs With PugsRuns With Pugs says:
    December 16, 2020 at 11:14 am

    […] and edgy all month. I can only attribute it to anxiety and probably some PTSD. I signed up for virtual half marathon with Team Nuun, and thought about bailing, but […]

    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

  • how can runners celebrate earth day?
  • |week 16| gearing up for summer
  • 5 ways to manage seasonal allergies
  • why bdr safety harbor is my perfect comeback half (+ a discount code)
  • |week 15| bring the heat

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.
🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌍 “The Earth will not 🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌍 

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
—John Paul II

#earthday #DoGood #SaveThePlanet #LoveMotherEarth #BeTheChange
Let’s take a big step forward and smash the rest Let’s take a big step forward and smash the rest of this week!

Yesterday was a tense day, but Im seeing a small light at the end of the tunnel. Now to keep it going. There is always work to do, and the the only way to get it done is to dig right in!

Who’s digging in today?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
*** GIVEAWAY *** One winner will receive one FREE *** GIVEAWAY ***

One winner will receive one FREE month of @StudioSweat onDemand, an incredible platform for some of the best onDemand workouts around!
 
You know I love running, and that I miss
studio workouts, so @StudioSweat has been an incredible solution for my cross training and workout needs. Now, no matter where I am, I can enjoy a variety of top-quality workouts, with engaging, certified trainers at an affordable price.
 
They offer just about EVERYTHING, from
cardio, spin, and sculpt, to stretch and yoga, to youth and travel friendly options. Stream or download your favorite workouts to your available device and you can have a virtual
workouts wherever you are! Each class
description offers the duration, intensity and necessary equipment, so you’re always prepared and ready to go!
 
I’m getting back into spin with the Angry
Music Happy People session (those tracks, tho!), and I love all the incredible stretch options, to help me keep my runner’s muscles healthy!
 
GIVEAWAY RULES
- Follow @RunsWithPugs and @StudioSweat
- Like and save this post
- Tag three friends who would love to
try the Studio SWEAT onDemand platform
- BONUS - share this post to your
stories and tag me (good for one extra
entry)

{US Residents only. Giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram. Studio Sweat and I just wanted to share the love. Giveaway closes Friday, April 23 at midnight ET. Winner will be selected at random and notified via DM).
 
  @StudioSweat #Giveaway #SSOD #FitnessGiveaway #hosted
Sunny days ahead! Five miles done with the ladies Sunny days ahead!

Five miles done with the ladies! The rain held off again and I’m grateful for that!

Busy day wrapping up school, going out for lunch, making Earth Day cookies, AND getting Dose #2 of my vaccine. Lots of emails to send, too! 

PS - keep watching this space! I’ve got a great giveaway coming up later today! You’re not going to want to miss it!

Anyone else loving this sunshine? 

#Running #SetbackToComeback
I mean.... Look at that pretty sit. This is five I mean....

Look at that pretty sit.

This is five seconds before she launched herself off the patio to go yell at her fur-ends for not inviting her into their yard (@sam3ph)

#pug #sweetlunapug
That feeling when you find your “lost”favorite That feeling when you find your “lost”favorite running tank AND the rain holds off! Winning!

Cool and breezy at the bridge. I didn’t push - it’s going to be a busy week so I want to conserve some energy for the days ahead.

How is Monday treating you?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Slept in, waited out the worst of the rain and lai Slept in, waited out the worst of the rain and laid out a drizzly 5k walk. I followed that up with an ab and arm workout and am going to park it on the couch for the rest of the day.

I am hopeful that this upcoming week is bright despite the storms. 

How is your Sunday?

#Running #SerbackToComeback
Today, we volunteered on behalf of a Scout working Today, we volunteered on behalf of a Scout working on her Eagle project. Over the course of two days, she led a team of volunteers in the creation of these artificial oyster reefs. 

In total, there are about 400 of these artificial reef pieces, made of oyster 🦪 shells set in concrete with burlap rebar. These blocks will be set along the shoreline to help prevent continued erosion, as well as filter the water and serve as homes for other sea creatures and marine life.

It was such a privilege to be part of this process. 

#scoutlife #saveourplanet #lovewhereyoulive #bethechange #saveouroceans #oyster #volunteer #momlife #momblogger #scoutmom
Chilly, drizzly, ugly morning. Super quick four mi Chilly, drizzly, ugly morning. Super quick four miles before heading off to a conservation project. 

Got my long run done on Thursday so I would be able to fit everything in. Fingers crossed the weather holds so it’s a productive day!

#Running #SetbackToComeback
First time trying @mrmorgansshaveice! He went for First time trying @mrmorgansshaveice! He went for the Strawberry Shortcake and it was delicious! 🍓 this will definitely be a summer staple!

What’s your favorite kind of shaved ice? 🍧

#stamoms #shaveice #staugustine #momlife #boymom #staugustinemoms #tweenmom #momblogger #supportlocal #lovewhereyoulive #lifestyleblogger

Copyright © 2021 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!

This site uses cookies: Find out more.