I have to say it is a little weird to dress up for a St Pattys Day race 3 days after St Pattys Day!...but I always love a good excuse to dress up! This was the second race that would add up to my 'half marathon' for March for the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission since I was unable to find a half marathon in enough time since I came up with this idea. Total miles for the month...15.5 miles! (not counting trianing of course!!)
It was a beautiful day...warm morning starting in the 60s...the 'Super Moon' was just setting...was a clear day and perfect running conditions. The race was held at Evergreen Cemetary outside of downtown Jacksonville. The event consisted of 2 races...a 5k and 10k, both to start at the same time and the 10k would make two laps around the cemetary. This was a small community event in comparison to the Gate River Run...only about 600 runners or so. The course was completely shaded by huge trees drapped with spanish moss. I later learned that there is an annual cemetary tour by the Pilot Club where volunteers dress up as different centuries and discuss the great life's of those who have past.
I arrived quite a bit early, had great parking, and got use of the porty potties before the crowd arrived. As we gathered and waited I met a lady that was on a mission to run her first half marathon by January in the Disney race! It was fun to chat with her, compare running notes, and spoke about my mission and how cancer has affected both of our lives.
I set out to try to go at a slower pace for the first 3 miles so I could run without stopping. However I ended up at a 11minute pace for the first half which is about 30 sec faster than norm. At mile 4 in my run/walk pace I found a burst of energy and started doing sprints with a 9 min pace which allowed me to pass the group of people I was with for the first three miles. I then found myself right behind a mother/daughter team. The little girl was probably about 8 years old. They were on a run/walk pace as well, but I could tell the daughter was keeping the mom from running full out. There actually were a lot of kids for this race. It is good to see families get so involved in such activities!..its such a great beginning to a healthy lifestyle!
It was a great day and an easy course for a beginner race. I cant wait for next months challenge...back to a half marathon at the Clearwater Iron Girl!
6.2 mile Finish Time- 1:07
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