The Jingle 5k Run!

What a blast!!! I will just start out of the gate by saying I beat my last 5k time by 5 minutes!!!!

YAY!!!!
It was an odd race day for me, I did my normal Agility workout in the morning - and on any other race day in the past I would have been taking the day off because it was RACE DAY. Well this was RACE NIGHT!  
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Things have somewhat changed. Though I am by no means Speedy Gonzalez, I am in fact no longer terrified of a 5k. I KNOW. . . there are worse things than a 5k out there!*shiver*

-Speaking of shivering it was COLD last night! Cold at least for a Floridian! Low 50's high 40's!
I think it added to the excitement of the event! There were a total of 1600 runners and the course was out and back within the lovely Lakewood Ranch community. There were so many people zipping around in neon shoes and glow in the dark laces! As the sun set someone fired up a grill and the scent of smoke and hotdogs filled the air as the High School band drummed a sharp march.
I could feel myself ramping up with the drum beat as I walked in cadence closer and closer to the action! The action being several Fit2Run tents as well as free spinal exams, beer, and massage stations! I'm actually really starting to enjoy night races. I feel less self aware. I'm just in my zone doing my thing and not distracted by everything.

I was regretting the fact I didn't have a jacket and was wishing I had some friends to run this with me - but I suppose deep down I always like to experience these things alone. . . I mean. I like someone out there but not the pressure of feeling like I might be holding someone back from their race pace.
That thought stresses me out too much I end up running a lot worse LOL.

So I hung out near a warmish tent and reported via text to my friends the scene!

I will say it was very well appointed for a local race. There were elf course attendants and several water stops . . . more than I think necessary for a 5k but HEY! cool! There were police stopping traffic and a nice bright and cheery well lit finish line.

Not my best look - perhaps a bit too cat burglar LOL - But I was comfortable once the race started!
I need to adjust the arms on my glasses as they press painfully behind my ears - I COULD run without them but I love to see whats happening around me!!!!
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I did run with my earphones in this time --- it WAS a JINGLE run. . .  EVERYONE had these loud jingle bells as well as the course attendants. I can't stand Jingle Bells. I know it sounds bad, but I can barely rush past those Salvation Army bell ringers that descend every year in front of our grocery store, Publix. I would feel more inclined to give if they just stood there smiling and well wishing. BUT ANYWAY!!!
- I had to walk to the start once the gun went off because it was quite a crowded race, once I passed the start it was a nice brisk jog with my girls Britney JLO and Pink blissfully drowning out all bells. =)

I notice I always start off feeling great and then in mile two I slow down a lot with a pick up towards the end. I need to work on maintaining a decent speed in mile 2. Something I did notice this race was my strength. I had so much more physical strength than in the past. I felt more surges of energy to push forward - and I will admit it was not for myself really -but just to kind of hang in with the group of people who were around me.

I had a lot of fun on this race because it was super festive and the mood of the crowd was really energized. I would definitely run this race again in the future and the T-shirt is pretty cool too.

Alright whats next?? - Setting my sights on the next race!! Thinking about the Ringling Bridge Run! Jan 19, 2013. 4 miles.
hrmm - well I guess I need to work on bridges now!
See you at the next race!
<3
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