This
was the 34th Annual Gate River Run, and also known as the largest race in the
country. 20,000 runners in all were to take part in the days festivities which
included a 15k, 5k, and 1mile diaper run. About 14,000 of those participated in
the 15k, or 9.3 miles that starts at the Jaguar Stadium, travels over the St
Johns River crossing 2 bridges of downtown Jacksonville, finishing by going over
what is known as the Green Monster, and then ends back at the Stadium.
It was
a beautiful race day. Temps started out cool..about 40 degrees, but quickly
warmed up as the sun rised and would reach 70s. This was my first time running
the Gate, and as warned, dad and I left over an hour and half before race
time...what should have been plenty of time to have a relaxing morning before
starting time. That was until we were stuck in traffic right at the Stadium
exit for over 40 minutes...practically just sitting there. Apparently the
traffic cops werent working that exit. So, I had to jump out of the truck and
walk it into the starting area and leave dad to deal with the parking chaos.
I made
my way straight to the porta potties....twice....and to much disappointment,
both were already out of paper!...boy, this was going to be a long day if this
is the way the day was starting!
I met
several people getting into line up that commented on the pink ribbon
tutu....one being a survivor that wanted to add a ribbon. Mental note to
self...carry a marker and ribbon with the business cards...for the next races,
just in case.
It was
amazing how many people were there! So many, the line up even sprawled into the
grass. Waiting around for a 5 minute delay, I look down, and realize I am
grazing shoulders with a friend of mine Vicki! ...out of how many people and we
just happened to be shoulder to shoulder! It was nice to have a quick chat, a
smile, and a laugh to calm the nerves before the gun was fired.
It took
about 6 minutes to make it to the actual starting line. I ran probably 50 feet
past the start and I hear..."Meliiiiissssaa!!"....my dad had found
his way to the start in time to see me start the race! I gave him a wave and
was off to complete the Gate!
The
course overall was nice. I was a bit disappointed in just how many politicians
and/or supporters were out with their huge picketing signs. I am sorry, but I
just do not feel that race time is a time and place for that....especially when
they are taking up the space we need to run. This was the first time I ran with
this many people, and being claustrophibic a bit, I found myself running on
sidewalks for a majority of the run.
I was
also a bit disappointed on the lack of volunteers. Is it such a huge race, are
most of us running instead of volunteering? If only 1 friend or family member
per runner would volunteer, then we would have enough help! I wish people would
understand how important it is to volunteer for community events. I would
arrive to water stations and no water would be set up. I would actually have to
stop and wait for a cup to be poured! I was in about the 10-12 minute pace...I
would definitely say the middle of the road, so its not like I was in the back
of the pack. How could they be running out of water already? There also was
only 1 gatorade station, and no Gu stations at all. I guess I am spoiled with
the 26.2 with Donna marathon! =) Hopefully feedback will improve this race. I
have heard its gotten larger every year, but if you cant keep up with the help
as you expand, then maybe its time for a 'cut off'?
Anyways,
the scenery was lovely and the roads were in good condition. The only time I
had to slow was when a run/walker would suddenly stop in front of me without
looking over their shoulder, or when crossing over the open grates on the
bridges....scarey!
Half
way through the race, I came across Beecker....yes, the same Beecker that was
at the Savannah Bridge Run! Was funny to see the same costume! I introduced
myself as Ms Pacman! =) There was also a Superman and Robin (Im thinking that
is standard for every race). I also came across an army man carrying a huge
pack. I asked him how much weight was on his back??....60lbs!! There were also
several firemen out running with their tanks and full uniforms on as well!
About
mile 7 or so, I was on one of my walk breaks when I was patted on the shoulder
by a runner. I looked over and barely heard what this little elder lady was
saying as she ran by because of my blasting 80s music in my ears... but what I did
catch was she was a survivor and was glad I was doing what I was doing. Yep,
that was just enough motivation to get me running again!
The Green Monster was my favorite part of the race. And is
probably the part of the race I had the most energy for some reason. I think
the experience with the Savannah Bridge Run (one of the toughest of the south)
for the past few years, helped me sprint up a majority of the incline as most
people walked. Once you got to the top, you can look down the river and see the
first bridge we crossed in the far distance. It looks so far away, it feels
good to realize thats how far you just ran! The exit of the bridge is a long
spiral that takes a while to get down.
I finally made it to the straight away and once again I hear
my name being yelled out! My dad spotted me again out of the big crowd! I got
my first medal of this Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission race series and I cant
wait for my next race...the Evergreen St Pattys 10k!
9.3mile Finish Time- 1:54
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