Jingle Bell Run 2013

Hey Everyone! It's been too long, and I have SO much to tell y'all. Basically this post is dedicated to the Jingle Bell Run 5k that some of my girls and myself did on Saturday morning!

First off, recall that I did this race last year. You can read about that here!

I remember how I felt last year doing the race. Great time and plenty of fun to be had. We ran it out and walked the bast majority of the hills.

This year, we were a little more hardcore. Every since Mom had the idea for us to run, without stopping, at the Dam Night Run 5k this summer (link here) I have felt like I can do any 3 miles without stopping. So, although Spencer & Mom hadn't ran in a while, I had been logging in miles. I told them we would just pace it out, walk if we need to, and have fun - we weren't there to win medals.

So here's the story of how it went down:

Race started at 9 (Hallelujah) and we got there at about 8 something. We got out shirts (super cute), bibs, time chip, and jingle bells- no problem.

We went to the bathroom and then got back in the car to wait until 8:45 to then get out and line up (it was freezing, don't judge). We line up, ask some girls to take our picture, and I pull up my MapMyRun app so I can have an idea of where we are at during the race.

Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal

We start off and we're feeling good. Not even 10 minutes in, this poor guy is bent over just vomiting around this little bend we had to pass him on. It was sad (and disgusting) business. He looked really in shape, not quite sure what happened there. Anyway, still running. Slow, but steady (like a freaking racing turtle lol).

We are 1 1/2 miles in before I really hear anyone actually wanting to slow it down, which was fine. This race has a ton of hills/incline, so it's understandable. I just knew I could keep going and told them I was going to keep at my slow run, and they could power walk it behind me. It was basically the same pace, but I was still hoofing it! I was very impressed with myself.

My Mom's Finest Picture Taken Ever Probably Lol :) Much Love Momma!

Mom && Spencer

Towards the end, I was breathing a little heavy. Crap it was freezing out and I was feeling the last big hill. But I just keep my eye on getting to this pavilion thing that was pretty close to the finish line.

How Beautiful Is This?!

Once I was there, I knew that I had done it. When I heard people cheering (couldn't see them yet) I took off in a full out sprint and brought it on home with a strong finish, something I could be proud of. I was so happy with the way I ran that race- the fact that I ran the whole race.

The Climb was like 1200 ft !

It was almost more of an accomplishment to me running this Jingle Bell Run the whole way through than running the Dam Night Run for my first nonstop run, because of how intense the terrain was. JB Run is rocks, dirt, inclines out the whaz; whereas, Dam Night Run was the highway. Granted- both I walked away from grinning like a fool haha. Afterwards, the girls and I went to Olive Garden for a Ladies Luncheon. Afterwards, I went home, showered up, and headed over to the bfs. No naps this year.... but I was not that tired. Not exhausted, nothing hurt. Great Time I Say!! Here's some pictures to leave you with!

We're Staggered Up Like a Little Fam ;)

We didn't even plan to all wear green :)