Race Report: Candy Cane 5K 2016

The 10th Annual Candy Cane 5K took place in Winter Springs at Central Winds park. The race is put on by and benefits Boys Town Central Florida.

Training & Goals
Still sick! I hadn't been keeping up my modest base at all. I hadn't run since last week's Pink Feet 10K. I had signed up for three Christmas races and this was the first one. Now I'm thinking three is maybe too many.

Race Day: December 10, 2016
Central Winds Park is about a half hour from our house. I ended up getting lost on the way there, following my GPS after making a wrong turn, but the updated directions brought me to a side of the park that was completely blocked by construction. I felt a bit panicky that I wouldn't make it in time -- I still had to get my packet. Doubling back, I passed a cop directing traffic over a part of the road that was blocked for the race. Fortunately he was able to give me directions (it's not that hard really) and I found a spot to park. I ran to packet pickup, back to the car to drop everything off, and back to the start area. The race began a few minutes after the scheduled 8AM start which worked in my favor. I even had time to snap one photo with a holiday character, but there wasn't any time for Santa.

It was clear and 52°F with 76% humidity at the start.

Mile 1: 10:23
There were lots of jingling bells and costumed runners for this themed race. It was festive! The out-and-back left Central Winds Park and headed into an adjacent neighborhood.

Mile 2: 10:43
There was one water stop in the race, spanning over part of an out-and-back turn-around area. I got some water on the way in. On the way out I thought I heard people complaining that they had run out of water. That's not good.

Mile 3+: 10:52, 1:39*
And it was back to the park for the finish! It's no fun running with a headcold but I made it and earned my cute finisher medal.

Chip time: 33:25
Placement details: 28 of 94 in Age Group; 237 of 525 total finishers
Race Amenities: This race included a long sleeve race shirt (really thin and cheap unfortunately) and a finisher medal for all participants. At the stands around the start/finish area I also picked up some freebies like a travel first aid kit.
Cost: $23.00

*I often forget to turn off my Garmin after a race, so the final time is skewed.

Report written December 13, 2016