As in the usual Babs fashion, I didn't completely train. I spend lots of time in the gym, but running on the treadmill is not my favorite of things, so I relied on my 8 mile "long run" and cross training. To be honest, up until about a month ago, I debated on whether I'd even go down this year. I was also registered for the Jacksonville Half in January, and ended up skipping it. I was struggling to raise money this year, wasn't as involved in helping out as I had been in past years, and felt sort of "out of the loop." I had recently won a contest through Spartan and really wanted to focus on that. I got a few donations shortly after that, and found myself invested. After yesterday's events, I couldn't be happier that I traveled for Donna #7 and cannot wait to get back next year.
After a few flight delays, I got down to Jacksonville Saturday at 12:45 or so and headed right to the expo. Though only for a brief few seconds, I got to see a few friendly faces, and I instantly felt that I wasn't down there completely alone. The weather was a gorgeous 62 (beating Boston negative temps!) and I even had time before dinner to catch some vitamin D poolside. I found a local hole in the wall Italian place to carb load at, and I instantly knew I was "home" when I walked in and was offered a Bud light or white zin. I was in bed by 8:50 and more than any race in years past, was ready to take on 13.1 the next morning.
I usually get to the start as late as possible, but decided to head there early this year, so that I wasn't having to park a mile away and walk far on sore legs afterwards. It was a great decision, for I had no bathroom line, no pre race nerves and even got to see one of my Donna buddies!
This year was by far the best race thus far. The expo was second to none, travel to and from the race location was on point and the new course was just as beautiful as always. I started out at the end of the 2 hour group, and was feeling great, but decided to jump in with the 2:15 Galloway pacer group since I was lacking in the training department, and knew it was eventually going to get a litte warmer as the race went on. I have only done the run/ walk method one other time, but after 12 miles of a 1:30/0:30 ratio, I think I may be a new convert! I didn't feel sick post race, and actually hung around the post race party for an hour.
When I finished, I had an email that again my flight would be delayed getting out, thanks to the North East cold, and on a whim Gina had me hustling back to the hotel to get my stuff and race (again) to the airport. Thanks to a 3 hour delay on the earlier flight, I was in the air at 2:45, making my time in Jacksonville a mere 25 hours!
I cannot express enough how much I love this race. From the story behind it, the staff, the mission, the crowd and the event itself I find I always leave Jacksonville rejuvenated, inspired and so incredibly proud to be a part of it. For 13 miles, I get high fives, hugs, cheers, beers (which I didn't take at 9am), nutrition and love from neighbors, friends, patients, survivors and fellow runners.
The support I receive from family and friends are nothing less than amazing as well. I hear how much I inspire you, but it is YOU that inspires me to push on and give it my all, more than I generally do in any other race. I appreciate your support so very much, and please know that you are making a HUGE difference in the lives of women and men who are going through breast cancer treatment.
Whether you have run 50 marathons, or never one at all, I cannot recommend enough being involved in the 26.2 with Donna. They have a 5k, half marathon, relay, and ultra 110. From when you get off the plane, to when you depart they make you feel so welcome.
February 2017- come run with me!
