.JPG)
This race was not on my original schedule of races, but my friend Pamela Starr suggested I run it for my birthday weekend. I was scheduled for a long run, so why not add some excitement and enjoyment to a long run. I have not run this race, but had heard many positive comments. It was very well organized. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a Fall half. Just be sure you train for hills!
I was pleased to hear that we would not be running over the Hart Bridge, used in the Gate River 15K. It is a very high bridge at the end of the 15K. The course map for USMC showed two bridge crossings in the first three miles. How bad can that be? Each bridge was just shy of one mile. The first bridge the Main Street Bridge, pictured above, had a metal grate surface which was a bit tough on the feet. The Acosta Bridge was up next, a bit longer and comparable in height. So, at the three mile mark I was pleased to see we were still on pace and the bridges had not taken a toll. Not yet.
The course flattened out as we ran through some very nice business and residential neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The start time temperature was in the low 70's and as the sun rose, so did the temperatures. Much of the course was shaded and protected the runners. All that would come to an end. Somewhere between mile 10 and 11, we were directed to the "Riverwalk", a beautiful area on the North side of the St. John's River. It provided us with a fabulous view of downtown Jacksonville. Only problem, no shade, none, nada, zilch. Bright, open, sun drenched last two miles. By now the temperature had climbed into the 80's.
Along the "Riverwalk" we were surprised by the fact that the "Riverwalk" climbs about four stories, for no apparent reason. Talk about a killer point in a race, this was it. It wasn't the common "wall" that we hit, this was a manufactured hill. To add insult to injury, this portion ends with a corkscrew type downward spiraling ramp. All very tight turns.(I hope you are picturing this). Round and round we go, down at least six levels until we are back at river level and back onto the sunny walkway. I could see our hotel. I knew that the finish was one mile ahead. No more hills.
I finished with a respectable time, maybe even a tick quicker than I had expected. Having not trained for hills, the bridges were a struggle. We train in the Florida heat, but we never get used to it. Along the way I had seen several other Orlando runners. At the finish I found Pamela and then found Firehouse Subs and treated myself to a tasty turkey sub. Disappointment overwhelmed me when the Dunkin Donuts booth was out of stock.
In summary a great day, a birthday celebration. Pamela did question me when I used the word "FUN".
