St. Nick at Night 5K

I signed up for the Illuminations Half Marathon months ago. That was before I went to Alaska. That was before I decided to do a 5K the morning of the race. I went to packet pick-up and picked up my sweet swag. I had a few friends running the St. Nick at Night 5K, so I thought I might just run with them part way. Then, I looked a the route and they were running the other direction. HMMMM!!! I'm still really tired. I haven't unpacked yet. I've only been home a few days. Screw it ... I decided to do the 5K. I went back to packet pick-up and they were kind enough to let me exchange my bib for a 5K. It was easy. 

I want to take a minute to mention Purpose Race Events. I really really like them. Their races are friendly, local races. I am signed up for all of them in the San Antonio area. They support various causes, which is great. They also really encourage the community to come out and get fit and have fun. They are the organizers behind SpaGirl, Alamo 13.1, RioSA, Cocoa Women's, and Illuminations. I am not sure, but I think they are also behind the new Missions Half this year. Anyway, they have great swag, friendly races, good courses, great after parties, fun locations, and free photos. I love Women's events, they are always inspiring and empowering. One of my favorite things they do is the way the do the National Anthem at the beginning of each race. After a brief prayer (which I am in support of), participants sing the National Anthem. It's just another part of the participation. Anyway, on to the event. 

I met up with Coach K and Sorority Girl and we decided to walk the 5K together. Why walk? Well, I'm tired (that's my excuse, because I'm not lazy) and I'm just not "feeling" it tonight. 2 1/2 hours? Dark? After Alaska, I'm really "over" the darkness. It was a 5:30 start time, but it did get dark quick. It was also chilly. Coach K had neck injections yesterday. Running and impact, probably not a good idea. Sorority Girl is recovering from a stress fracture. So ... I had a great excuse. It's not me, it's them.

At the start line, we ran into GiGi and Cyndi who were also moving from the Half to the 5K. Hi ladies. Then, off we went. Through the grounds of the JW Marriott. As it got darker, the golf course was lit. It was still too dark to see without headlamps, though. We got surprised by the photographer flash. I think it's a hilarious, but not very flattering picture. 

We ran for just a few feet to cross the finish line and try to get a decent photo. 

Thanks for the medal. Where's the food?

We enjoyed hot beverages and snacks. No thank you, just fruit for me. Please take the chicken taco away and give me a meatless plate.  We socialized for about an hour and a half and ran into some other running buddies. We also ran into St. Nick for a holiday blessing.

As I was driving home, I was thinking how glad I was that I didn't do the half. I would just now be getting my warm beverage.

Due to some sort of construction issues, or something to that effect, the course was shortened a wee bit. Noooo problem.

So ... all said and done, I got to wear my new InkNBurn Christmas kit twice in one day. I'm planning on wearing it as often as I can between now and New Year's. Must take full advantage. I am no longer the only one at a race wearing InkNBurn, however. I'm glad to see so many Christmas "sweaters" out there ... including one from last year, and some crazy girl was wearing the Lust shorts and tank (too chilly for me). But, at least I stayed a little unique. I was the only one I saw in the Cable Tights. I love the way these clothes make me feel. Yes, if you read my blog, go shopping!!! No, I'm not getting any kickbacks for telling you how much I love their gear, I just do.

Jingle Trails 5K

I'm pretty late getting around to writing this report, but  ... better late than never. Jingle Trails is a 5K trail run that was 4 days after I returned from Alaska. I still wasn't unpacked all the way. Sorority Girl was back on her feet after a stress fracture and this was her first event. Dr. Doyle from Hill Country Spine & Sport gave her the "all ok" and she was planning to walk the race. Sure, what the heck, I will too. Powerbroker signed up her son and decided to walk as a bandit. She knew that if she had a bib, she wouldn't be able to walk and chat with us. She's a little more driven than I am. So, I signed up at iRun on Friday night. Packet pick-up was Thursday ... oops.

Saturday morning, I made my cup of coffee and headed to Eisenhower park on Saturday morning. Met up with Sorority Girl and Power Broker. Said a chilly (but warmer than Alaska) "hello" to some other friends I haven't seen in awhile. Picked up my sweet swag ... and oh yeah, bib. Greetings to the Doyles. I swear, Wendy does the best sports massages and Dr. Doyle will fix your injuries quick. They were there for massages and body work post-run for folks who needed it. Then, off to Starbucks for more coffee.

Race start and the runners were off. We walkers in the back were chatting and walking leisurely with coffee cups in hand. Pretty glad we decided to take it easy and walk because I'm a klutz and the trail was truly a trail. Rocks and tree roots ... and more big rocks to climb over. If not for the walking, I might have snapped a bone. But, it was remarkably beautiful and the conversation was fantastic. 

We managed to finish our coffee before we crossed the finish line and found a handy garbage can to toss the cups in. I don't think we even tried to run the finish. Kind of nice excuse to enjoy a lovely day with lovely women. 

I had to rush off to meet another friend for brunch before he headed out of town for the holidays. I can honestly say that I think I set a PR for my slowest 5K ever. It was totally worth it.

I also forgot to start trusty Garmin, so the course really was a 5K, but trusty Garmin doesn't show the whole loop. Operator error.

And yeah, I ha my chance to wear (I mean show off) my holiday InkNBurn kit. I got to wear it again for a night 5K later the same day.