“There is magic in misery. Just ask any runner.”
(Dean Karnazes)
The 2026 running season continues to drive me forward. I set an aggressive race schedule for the year and decided to create a new endurance test for myself.
Why? I’m always looking for a new challenge that helps me celebrate life. 😊
My training program is comprised of weekly runs that gradually build up to my weekend long runs. Example: Tuesday 4 miles, Wednesday 6 miles, Thursday 5 miles and Saturday 10 miles. This is an example of a typical training week before I enter marathon training.
So, as you can see, my weekend runs are normally in the double-digit range, so this is no surprise to anyone following my running journey.
The title of this blog article is Double Duty. Why? Great question as always, Melissa. 😊
I found a local 5k in Port St. Lucie on a Saturday morning (2/28/26) and a half marathon in Stuart, Florida on Sunday (3/1/26). Both races are local to me on the Treasure Coast, and I decided running two races over the same weekend sounded fun and was a challenge I have never tried before.
The total mileage was not something that bothered me since I consistently run over 15 miles during a training session when I’m marathon training. I didn’t know how my legs would recover from the 5k in time for the half marathon but I’m not afraid of trying something new.
The Riverland 5k is new in the local running rotation. This was the 3rd Annual running of this race and my first time giving it a run. Riverland is a new development in the Port St. Lucie Traditions area—really nice place.
I didn’t have a preset idea of how fast I wanted to run but I saw this as a test to my fitness levels as I prepare for my running tourist trips (Louisville, Nashville, Lincoln, Indianapolis, etc.). There was a small group of runners at the start line, but everyone seemed to be excited to run. I got a 2-mile warmup in before making my way to the start line. I posted up in the back of the start corral and decided to let the race come to me.
The 5k was on a paved running path that cuts through the Riverland community. It was a simple out and back on the paved path with a few shaded areas. Fast forward and I finished second in my age group with a time of 28:45 which was a 9:14 per minute pace. I felt good throughout the race and was happy with my time, pace and fitness levels. I knew I could have gone a bit faster but didn’t want to sacrifice anything before the half marathon the next day.
I left the Riverland area and drove down to Stuart to pick up my race packet for the 2026 Game On Marathon of the Treasure Coast Half Marathon the next morning. I ran this race back in 2022 but never signed up for it again. It has a double bridge crossing, and I didn’t enjoy that aspect back in 2022. I have a better mental and physical preparation process for bridge runs now so decided to give it another run this year. The EXPO was in Veterans Memorial Park which is in downtown Stuart. This was a no-frills EXPO, so I got my race packet and a few pictures before heading back home to prepare for the half marathon the next morning.
I made my way to 2nd Street Bistro in downtown Fort Pierce to get some carbs in my system. I went with my tried-and-true Chicken Parm dish with extra pasta and Bud Lights. Running is a great way to not have to count calories, so I enjoy this aspect of the running process. 😊
I picked out my race outfit when I got home and then got off my feet to rest up. My bedtime was a bit earlier than usual since I needed to get up and drive back down to Stuart the next morning. It’s about a 35-minute drive so I got on the road in plenty of time to find parking, warm up and stretch before race time.
My legs felt good even though I ran the 5k the previous morning. I didn’t formulate a race strategy while waiting in the start corral. I wanted to run and finish strong and not put too much thought into a specific time—I know that sounds like an excuse but getting to my second start line of the weekend was already a win in my book.
I posted up towards the middle of the race pack and waited for the gun to launch us on our 13.1-mile journey. There was a lot of traffic as we crossed the start line, so I decided to relax at the start and let the race come to me. It always thins out after the first few miles so there was no need for me to be in a hurry at this point.
I was able to run consistent mile splits throughout the first half of the race and felt great at Mile 5 which was the first bridge crossing. The course goes through a local neighborhood after the bridge crossing and there were a few spectators out on their lawns cheering for the runners. The second bridge crossing was at Mile 10, and this is where I struggled a bit. The wind and sun at this point were the elements we had to fight going over the bridge the second time. I slowed a bit here, but I kept battling towards the finish line. Side note—I need to get more incline and bridge work in before Nashville at the end of April. I’m not ready yet! ☹
The last 3 miles were all flat and I was able to make up some time in this portion of the race. I crossed the finish line with a little kick and a large smile on my face. I was smiling because I created a running challenge for myself and I was able to accomplish my task. I made my way into the running village and grabbed food and Gatorade. They didn’t have beer this year so I was disappointed I couldn’t drink at 9 am on a Saturday morning. 😊
No worries, the double duty was complete, and I had a smile on my face. I learned my training needs to improve prior to heading to Nashville but I’m not far off from peak running form. I will get back in the running lab and work on my fitness to ensure my legs are ready for the hills in Nashville and I can enjoy the process.
Double duty was fun—now back to your regularly scheduled program. 😊
Irie!
Calvin Williams
“Running is the answer. The question is irrelevant.”
(Unknown)
Walk Into the Future 