This was NOT a planned race.
I had signed up for a half marathon on Feb. 18.
But as you know I sprained my ankle in December and although it had healed and I had returned to running, I decided to defer my entry until next year and focus on training for the March 17 NYC Half Marathon.
But could I go on a vacation without a race scheduled?
Nope. So I signed up for Bridge the Gap 5k because:
- A race.
- (Only) a 5k and I had done runs up to 10 miles (though slow run/walk)
- The price didn’t go up if you registered at the last minute.
- It wasn’t too far from where I was staying in Florida.
- There was Senior Sneaker pricing (for those over 65)
- The course was described as scenic (running along the water and over a bridge)
- I’d never been to Singer Island.
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I have started running again but slowly and with a lot of walking.
My ankle was not 100% but it didn’t hurt when I ran.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Truthfully I was not sure that I would run the race. I was on vacation and enjoying relaxing while hanging out with friends.
In fact the night before the race, my friend and I went out for Mexican and had a few margaritas. Then we stayed up discussing all the world problems until midnight.
Oops. All the things you shouldn’t do before a race.
My friend wasn’t going to run it but I thought she might drive there with me so we could spend the day together after.
I decided that if the weather was nice and I could get up at 5:15 am, I’d do it. If not, we’d just go to the beach.
If I did run the race, my goal for it would be just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity and I’d probably be hung over and sleep deprived
Race Description:
…a beautiful 5K run beginning at Ocean Walk Singer Island across the 65 feet high Blue Heron Bridge. This challenging and incredibly scenic course takes runners up and over the Blue Heron Bridge with views of Peanut Island and the Port of Palm Beach, returning back over the bridge and finishing at Ocean Walk on Singer Island.
- Prerace: Coffee, bananas, bars.
- Post race: DJ Dance party, vendor booths
- Age Group Awards (5-year age groups, 3 deep)
- New for 2024: Ruck Division, a special division to walk with a ruck sack, weighted vest/ backpack.
Your registration fee includes a premium long sleeve shirt ($50 value), a collector’s finisher medal + a tote bag with goodies:
- Garden of Life Digestive & Stress Probiotics
- 4Ocean Signature Bracelet
- 1st Phorm Meat Stick or Protein Bar
- Lip Balm
- Mint Eco, Free Car Wash
- and more!
Proceeds from this event benefit Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County and provide scholarships, mentors, and hope for low-income students.
the course (according to Strava (after)
Race Day:
As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal. I was up at 5:15 am in order to be ready to leave by 6:00 am. The race started at 7:30 am and it was a 45 min ride there.
I didn’t even check the weather. I just put in a tank and skirt. I decided to forgo the compression calf sleeves since it would most likely be warm and humid.
Believe it or not, my friend got up too and said she would come if I drove.
We were deliriously tired but hey, carpe diem.
There was no traffic at that hour and we saw the sun rising as we drove over the Blue Heron Bridge.
We easily found parking in an outdoor mall near the start.
I picked up my bib and shirt.
And my friend signed up for her first 5k!!! She said that she would just walk.
I was ecstatic.
Since we were early, we walked around collecting freebies and taking photos.
zumba, anyone?
Then we walked back to the car to drop stuff off.
Soon it was time to line up.
I pushed into the crowd and my friend ended up in the back. There were close to 800 racers. All ages and paces. Everyone was so friendly and cheerful.
I was very relaxed. But at the same time, wondering how it would go. Would I remember how to run fast? My last 5k was back in September.
Here’s what I remember about the race (Warning it’s kinda a blur)
There was a bang, confetti and off we went.
I vowed to enjoy the course and not look at my Garmin the whole race.
I remember that it was an out and back before we headed over the bridge. It was nice to see the speedy lead runners and also I spotted my friend among the walkers. She yelled “Go Darlene!”
I don’t think I walked until the first water stop, about a mile in and before we hit the bridge.
I admit that I never train for hills so whenever I see one, I just walk. But most of the runners around me were walking too. I walked, ran a bit, walked more… ran a bit.
There were drummers helping us get to the top… It was needed.
see me struggling on the right?
But then, I could pick up the race and sprint down the bridge.
Of course, we had to do it all over again. There was second water stop… I was getting warm and had two cups this time. I also saw my friend again and we waved to each other.
my friend took this pic as she was walking over the bridge
The second time over the bridge wasn’t any easier and I ran/walked up it and ran down it.
Then we ran along the water (I think I walked some more as I was tiring and hot) and finally the finish line was ahead.
Unfortunately there was no sprint in me but I did my best and I crossed with a smile and bubbles in the air.
I looked at the clock and of course, my first thought was “Over 30 minutes! How did I run this slow? WTF?”
The negativity didn’t last long. “What a beautiful course. Nothing hurt. I ran over a bridge twice. I raced!!!!! I am very lucky!! Such a great day. Can’t wait to do another.”
Post Race Activities:
After I got my medal (and a towel), I got a text from my friend that she was doing good and was at Mile 2.
I had some coffee (that I hadn’t noticed before the race.)
I waited at the finish line for a bit but then it dawned on me that it would be fun to encourage my friend.
So I ran the last mile and joined her as she walked to finish her first 5k. She was so proud.
We then checked the results and surprisingly I won my age group.
While they were announcing the top 3 in the race, the Masters and Grandmasters winners, I noticed someone who looked like Jeannie Rice. (A 75 year old who holds world records at most distances.) Yes, it was her and I fangirled big time.
she was the Masters winner (with a time of 23 minutes)
For the age group awards, you just picked up a pint glass. East peasy.
Of course more photos before headed off for our free breakfast.
and some free ones:
Scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy. We skipped the mimosas/beer.
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
- Easy packet pick-up.
- Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
- Cool uva projection long sleeve shirt. Gender specific too.
- Warmup Zumba before the race.
- Lots of freebies.
- Real bathrooms at the start/finish area.
- Two water stops along the course.
- Well marked course.
- Water views the whole race.
- Out and back sections so able to see the faster and slower runners twice.
- Nice medal.
- Free breakfast and mimosas/beer post race.
- Free photos (over 1,000)
- Awards announced for top 3 but age group awards just picked up separately.
- Age group award was a pint glass
- Scavenger hunt prizes
- Important Charity – education scholarships
- Great weather (sunny and not too hot)
- Meeting Jeannie Rice
- Ankle felt fine after the race.
The Bad:
- Running over that steep bridge twice.
- My slow finish time.
- They ran out of shirts in some sizes
The Ugly:
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. For all the reasons above.
Final Stats:
still holding my title as “queen of the positive splits”
Next Up:
Happy Running! Ever run an impromptu vacation race? If so, did you enjoy it? Do you always race while on vacation? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 