Welcome back to the good ol’ race report! After all these months, I finally made it to a start line and I am really so happy. While this isn’t my favorite race, the timing was right, and I was happy to take the opportunity. I had zero expectations and honestly, not even the inkling of a goal, but I was good with that. Let’s get into it!
About the RunJax Labor Day 5K
Like the name says, this is a 5K run in Labor Day, that stages at the main 1st Place Sports running store. It usually boasts about 1000 runners, and the course follows a loop down Baymeadows, through the residential area behind it, and then back along San Jose. After the race, runners can head into the store to shop the annual Labor Day sale.
The Night Before
Even though I wanted to just head to bed after a busy weekend, I was doing some dog drop ins. My plan was to check in on my clients fairly late so I could get through the race and back to them in the morning. I laid out my flat runner and tried to get some rest. Unfortunately, I did NOT sleep well: it was one of those nights where I was so painfully aware of the clock and it just wasn’t great.
Let’s Head To Race Morning
So of course the 4:45 AM alarm was a little painful. While this race is really only 30 minutes away, I wanted to be there early. The start time was actually 7:30AM, I needed to get my packet, and parking at this race is difficult. I would rather be there with an hour to spare and a great parking spot than driving around the area looking for a spot.
Mr PugRunner wanted to join me at the race, but he took our second car and met up later. In the meantime, I got my t-shirt and bib, dropped everything off in my vehicle, used the portapotty twice, and met up with some running friends. It’s been too long.
Finally, it was time.
Start Line Through Mile 1.5
At 7:30, we took off. The first mile of the race is pretty much just a straight shot up Baymeadows Road. There are some little inclines, and if you’re lucky, you can get to the left turn before the sun rises too high in the sky. I’ve been working with intervals over the last few months, and I used this time to play around with what felt comfortable. Since I didn’t have any specified goals, this was a great time to experiment. We turned left and entered the residental portion of the race. There was a water stop a few yards from the corner, but I skipped it, as usual. I don’t usually feel the need for hydration in a 5K.
Mile 1.5 Through The Finish
Sometimes, good things have to come to an end. Everything was fine. I felt decent, I was on the last stretch before the finish line turn, and I was getting excited. And then… “disaster.” Somehow, I stepped on either a large rock or one of those sweet gum “berries” and I rolled my left ankle (aka, my “good” ankle). In the moment, it felt like the whole thing bent right tin half. The shock took my breath away, and I remember stopping dead on the course. There was probably less than half a mile to go, so I started moving, but I was absolutely rattled to my core. I crossed the finish line in one of the most defeated running moments I could remember, and burst into tears.
Mr PugRunner met me and let me cry it out a little. I was embarrassed for being so emotional, but I was also really hurting and just so sad that I was so careless out there. After some deep breaths, I got myself together. I got an electrolyte popsicle, my post-race medal photos, and then made my departure.
Post-Race Thoughts
Despite my little mishap, this is a solid race. It’s always a good crowd, the course is familiar and pleasant enough, and the amenities are great. Other than my personal parking issues, the race provides pretty much everything runners need: a nice medal, a soft t-shirt, plenty of restroom opportunities, age group awards, well stocked water stops (two on the course), and popsicles afterwards.
I would absolutely do it again, although I’ll be much more cautious on that back stretch! And yes, I’m fine. It was a very painful rest of day, but I was lucky that it sorted itself out and I am not plagued with any lingering aches or weakness. I’m just so glad to be back and can’t wait for my next event!
Have you ever hurt yourself on a race course? Did you run on Labor Day?
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Ouch, that ankle roll sounds brutal!
I’m so glad it sorted itself out without lingering issues. Huge congrats on getting back to the start line and finishing strong after such a long break, that’s a big win in itself. Well done, Jenn!!
And I love that you used this race to experiment with intervals, such a smart way to keep it low-pressure.
It only made sense, since I wasn’t really pushing for anything more heroic.
I’m so that was so scary for you after all you have been through! I’m glad it wasn’t serious and that it’s better! Looks like a fun race day overall
I broke out in one of those cold sweats and I saw stars. Not being at all dramatic. It was awful. But maybe it’s a good thing in that it’s out of the way?