This Old Runner
  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts

This Old Runner Writes

 

Race Recap: One Step Closer to the Cure

9/23/2016

 

It Started with a Full Moon

The moon over St. Petersburg waterfront.
The moon over St. Petersburg on race morning.
There was a full moon over St. Pete at 5:05 am. The weather report said mostly cloudy until 8 am, then partly cloudy until rain at 2 pm. The bad news: 90% humidity.

It was going to be a hot, sticky run.
My plan was to run slow and steady, somewhere near a 12 minute pace. I felt acclimated to the heat, but planned to run/walk if the humidity was oppressive. This race falls a couple of weeks before my true season, so I considered it a training run — a way to get back into race mode.

I fueled and foam rolled and headed out the door by 6 am. Parking was easy and free at the Mahaffey Theater parking garage. I chose a spot on the first floor, and walked the short distance to Albert Whitted Park where the race began. The early birds and volunteers were there. There was on site packet pickup on race morning at 6 am.

This is my personal recap. Detailed race review —> 2016 One Step Closer 10k


I scoped out the starting line, hit the no waiting port-o-lets, then walked along the waterfront to Demens Landing and back to stretch my legs. The moon shone over the dark yacht basin. And yes, there was a cool breeze off the water. Conditions were perfect for a run around the city — at least until the sun came up.
Runners at Albert Whitted Park before the One Step Closer 10k Race.
Runners await the sunrise and the start of the One Step Closer to the Cure 5k/10k.
The moon set was followed by sunrise at 7:17 a.m. The race announcer called for runners to line up. Lines at the permanent restroom and the 8 port-o-lets were very long at this point. There was lots of chatter and picture taking. Fundraising groups had their pictures taken. (The race encouraged group entries for fundraising, and gave an award to the largest group.) There were lots of smiling faces and happy people at the starting line. I met a sweet dog, named Keith, who walked the 5k with his owner. I saw several dogs, and a minature pony, participate in the races.
At the start line, I positioned myself near people who looked like they ran my pace. I was concerned when a runner pushing a stroller moved to the front of the group, but who knows. Just because I can’t push a stroller and run fast doesn’t mean she couldn’t. Besides, the city streets are wide, so I didn’t anticipate any bottlenecks.

Race Course through Downtown

The horn blew, and we were off and running in downtown St. Pete. It’s a lovely race route along the waterfront. We ran north on Bayshore, past Demens Landing and the St. Pete Yacht Club, past the Museum of Fine Arts to the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel. We turned right and ran the brick avenue to Vinoy Park, moved past a noisy and active Northshore Pool onto Northshore  Drive NE, and ran all the way to Coffee Pot Blvd. The city parks on the waterfront with Tampa Bay behind them provided a beautiful view. Next, we crossed the Snell Isle Bridge and followed the boulevard to Vinoy Golf Course, then turned around and followed the same route back, with the addition of a small loop on the Pier approach.
I ran the first two miles, then decided on intervals: 3 minutes running with 1-1/2 minutes walking. Early in the race, everyone was soaked with perspiration, some people were literally dripping sweat. Humidity is no joke. Kudos to race management for the ice cold water on the course.
 
There were plenty of friendly police and volunteers on the course. The roads were closed to traffic, which gave runners lots of room to run. The race was well organized and executed. I didn't see any port-o-lets on the race course, but did note passing public restrooms at the Pier, North Shore Pool and the waterfront parks.
 
Happily, at the end of the race I had enough energy to kick in my finish for a 1:16 time, which put my pace at 12:19. Not bad for a training run in high humidity. I was handed a medal, walked 5 steps and grabbed a cold bottle of water from a tabletop cooler. I wanted to dunk my head and arms into the cooler of iced water, but instead I decided to sit near the playground and talked with other runners.

Lots of Ice Cold Water

The best thing this race did for runners was cold water. Excellent job! On the course and afterwards, the water was cold, and plentiful. This is so very important and appreciated on a hot day in September during and after a 6 mile run! Thank you.
Post race festivities offered shade under a big tent with more cold water, lots of soft drinks, chocolate milk drink, and sports drink. I saw bagels, granola bars, apples and bananas set up under the tent. Sponsor tables gave runners freebies like sunscreen, water bottles, hair ties, bracelets and samples. A man playing the guitar entertained runners seated on folding chairs. There was a separate Survivors Tent and a Kids Zone with a bounce house and that cute pony.
 
There were lots of survivors in the 1 Miler Fun Run/Walk. It was fun to watch the young kids running this race. Some 5k and 10k runners participated. I cheered for everyone, then went home. I really enjoyed this race and gathering. It was a meaningful event that celebrated survivors and raised funds for Ovarian Cancer research. My hat is off to the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
Picture

Final thought:

The temperatures here are always going to be hot in September, but this race is a great way to test your fitness after a long summer.

Comments are closed.

    RSS Feed

    Copyright ThisOldRunner.com

    Disclosure: Some posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy through those links you won't pay a penny more, but we may get a small commission.

    Hello!

    This Old Runner profile photo
    This is where you'll find me writing instead of running.

    BibRave Pro logo with lion
    Click the BRP logo to save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro

    Best Damn Race Ambassador logo and discount code
    SAVE 10% on any 2021 BDR Race with "ThisOldRunner"

    ​2021 BDR Schedule:
    Sept 25: Orlando
    ​
    Oct 16-17: Safety Harbor
    BestDamnRace.com​

    Upcoming
    ​Races:


    VIRTUAL
    ​​
    May 2, 2021 
    Pittsburgh Half Marathon

    2021 Pittsburgh Marathon Logo
    Registration opens 2/1/21 at NOON ET for all the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend VIRTUAL events. #4Run2 #MOVEPittsburgh #PittsburghMarathon

    NEW DATE
    May 15, 2021 
    Hippie Dash
    ​​Safety Harbor

    Goodwill Hippie Dash logo
    The Hippie Dash is a 10k, 5k, 1-mile Walk, Woof & Roll (dogs & strollers welcome) and a Flower Child Fun Run for the little hippies! Proceeds benefit Goodwill's programs. Wear your grooviest outfit and you could win a prize. Dogs are welcome in the 1-mile Walk, Woof & Roll. Post-race party with FREE beer, munchies, and DJ playing 60s music. Chip-timed 10k and 5k on certified courses.

    NEW DATE
    ​October 16-17, 2021 
    Best Damn Race
    ​Safety Harbor

    Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Half Marathon Medal
    SAVE 10% with code: "THISOLDRUNNER" Plus, BDR offers no-risk registration! If the race doesn't happen, you get your money back (minus processing fee). Come join me for a real race next October! 5K, 10K, Half, Double Challenge and Triple Challenge events are open! #BDR2021 #BestDamnRace #SafetyHarbor

    ​2022
    January 15-17, 2022 
    St Pete Beach Classic Mara Challenge

    St Pete Beach Classic logo
    My dream is to run the St Pete Beach Classic Marathon Challenge. It's 4 races over 2 days that totals 26.2 miles. (Registration Opens 5/1/21) #SPBC #RunStPeteBeach

    Blog Topics:

    All
    2018 Race Plans
    2019 Pittsburgh Half
    2020 Paris Marathon
    2021 BDR Events
    2021 Pittsburgh Marathon
    305 Half Marathon
    465 Virtual Race Challenge
    Aeropex
    AfterShokz
    Air Force Half Marathon
    Air Force Marathon
    AJC Peachtree Road Race
    Athlinks
    Beach Races
    Benderson Park
    Best Damn Leftover 5k
    Best Damn Race
    BibBoards
    BibRave 100
    Bib Rave Bundle
    BibRavePro
    Bib Rave Pro
    Bifocal Sunglasses
    BigFoot Tri & Trail
    Blisters
    BOCO Gear
    Boley Jingle Bell Run
    Bolt Run 5K-5Miler
    Bonus SWAG
    Bradenton Half
    Brand Discounts
    BUFF
    Chick-fil-A 5K Tampa
    Cinco De Miler
    Clearwater Fit Foodie 5k
    Cocoa Beach Half
    Compression
    Conquistador Half & 5K
    Copperhead 5K
    Coupon Code
    Cross Training
    CTM Band
    Cupid's Undie Run
    Custom Sunnies
    Des Linden
    Des Linden Step Challenge
    Discount Code
    Discount Codes
    Discover Caladesi Island
    Disney Wine & Dine
    DOMS
    #Earthathon Relay
    Earth Day
    Elf Virtual Run
    Elite Division
    Energy Gels
    EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
    #EverySingleStreet
    Extreme Fit Compression
    First Watch Sarasota Half
    Fit2Run Holiday Challenge
    FitnessBank
    FL Beachathon Half
    FlipBelt Crops
    Florida Races
    FL West Coast Half
    Flyby 5K
    Food Groove Mission
    Food Themed Races
    Fort DeSoto 15K
    Frugal Fitness Hacks
    Gasparilla Distance Classic
    Gasparilla Distance Classic Expo
    Gatorade Endurance
    Gear Discounts
    #GEFitLibs
    Getaway 10K St Pete
    Gifts For Runners
    Giveaway!
    Global Running Day
    Half Marathon Tips
    Halloween
    Heart Rate
    Heroes Memorial Run
    Hidrate Spark
    Hiking
    Hippie Dash
    Holiday Races
    Honeymoon Island Half
    Hooters 10K 5K Clearwater
    Hot Chocolate 15K
    Hot Chocolate 15K Tampa
    Hot Chocolate 5K Tampa
    Hot Weather Hacks
    How To Run In Hot Weather
    Hydration
    Ice Necklace
    In-person Race
    K9s United Race
    Kettle Krush 5K
    Key West Half
    Knockaround
    Knockaround Sunglasses
    KT Tape®
    Legoland Brick Dash 5k
    Lessons Learned
    Local Races
    Madeira Beach 5K Series
    May Day Races 10K
    #MedalMonday
    Miami Beach Half
    Mud Run
    Myofascial Release
    Napa Valley Marathon
    New Orleans
    NuGo Protein Bars
    Nutrition
    Obstacle Course Race
    OCR
    One Step Closer 10K
    OOFOS
    Orange Mud
    Orange Mud Transition Wrap
    Orlando
    Painted Rocks
    Par 4 Miler
    Paris Marathon
    PB & J 10K Run
    Pittsburgh Half
    Pittsburgh Marathon
    Pittsburgh Races
    Places To Run
    Plogging
    Pokemon Go
    Pretty In Pink 5K
    Product Review
    Providence Marathon
    Pumpkins In The Park 5K
    Quack Attack 5K
    Race Bibs
    Racecation
    Race Code
    Race Codes
    Race Costumes
    Race Day Photos
    Race Day Tips
    Race Discount
    Race Discounts
    Race For The Cupcake 5K
    Race Fuel
    Race Giveaway
    Race Recovery
    Race Reviews
    Raleys
    Ram Racing
    Recovery Sandals
    Roadside Attractions
    Robinson Presv 10K-5K
    Rock N Roll
    Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
    Rugged Maniac
    Run Around The Square
    Runderwear
    Run For All Children 10k
    Running Gear
    Running Hack
    Running In The Rain
    Running Shoes
    Run Run Santa Races
    Safety Harbor
    Sarasota Half
    Sarasota Music Half
    Scavenger Hunt
    #SceneOnARun
    Science In Sport Fuel
    Science In Sport REGO
    ScoobyDoo Run
    #SeenOnARun
    Shark Week Sunnies
    SiS Gels
    SiS REGO Recovery
    Skyway Bridge 10K
    Spring Break Races
    Steel City Road Runners
    Step Challenge
    #StepWithDes
    St Pete Beach Classic
    St Pete Grand Prix 5K
    St Pete Rocks
    St Pete Run Fest
    Summer Running
    Sunset 5K Series
    Sweepstakes
    Tampa Bay Parks
    Tampa Flavor Run
    That's So Pittsburgh
    The Great Race
    The Liberty Mile
    Thin Mint Sprint 5K
    TIA 5K On The Runway
    Tips For Older Rookie Runners
    TPA5K On The Runway
    Trail Running
    TrekzAir Headphones
    Triple Crown Of Running
    UA HOVR Sonic
    UA Running
    USAF Mara
    Valspar Championship
    Virtual Race
    Volunteer
    Was Your Race Cancelled?
    Weedon Island Preserve
    Weedon Island Trail Run
    Weedon Trail 8K
    World Refugee Day 5K

    Finish line Hot Chocolate 15K Tampa
    Another happy finish line!
Meet This Old Runner  |  Contact Us  |  Read the Blog 
Race Reviews  |  Places to Run ​
Race Discounts  |  Brand Discounts
​Request Product Review
DISCLAIMER: I'm not a running coach. I don't even play one on TV. Please ask your doctor or professional for advice specific to your body. 
DISCLOSURE: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links you won’t pay a penny more, but we may get a small commission. ​


Copyright 2016-2021 This Old Runner. All Rights Reserved.
​
  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts