The Naughty or Nice 5K in Lake Mary was my third race. Costumes were encouraged, and lots of people dressed up as elves or Santa Claus. One woman dressed like an angel and I heard a lot of jingle bells on the run. I wore a festive outfit and got photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a candy cane stilt walker.
Training & Goals
Prior to this race I had been running 3 times per week for almost five months. Runs around this time ranged in length from about 3 to about 4 miles. I had been fighting a head cold before the race so I didn't expect to PR.
Race Day: December 19, 2015
Driving to the start and parking were uneventful. It was good weather for running: 46°F and sunny.
Mile 1: 11:24
We started in front of Front Running Sports in Lake Mary and headed down a nice multi-use trail.
Mile 2: 11:38
Jingle all the way!
Mile 3+: 11:45, 2:09*
Even though I didn't expect to PR, I was still disappointed to see I finished slower than my previous race. That didn't stop me from having two celebratory Munchkins afterwards.
Chip time: 36:07 (NO PR)
Placement details: 26th in age, 231st overall out of 373 finishers
Race Amenities: Swag included a cotton ladies t-shirt and a nice big finisher medal. Various holiday character photo ops including Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Cost: $28.00 including $3 transaction fee.
*I often forget to turn off my Garmin after a race, so the final time is skewed.
Report written March 9, 2016
Hey, look, it's another race at Gemini Springs! This was the inaugural running of the Dash for Downs, which was held in conjunction with Welcoming Hearts' 2nd Annual Spring Festival. Proceeds from the race and the festival support Welcoming Hearts' mission to help those with special...
Disney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend started with Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K. These short races are fun runs at Disney -- they are not timed. When I ran my first Disney 5K back in April, the Star Wars Dark Side 5K, I was in the...
The DeBary Rotary River Run 5K was a new race that took place at Gemini Springs, just about a mile from my house. A race so close is hard to resist entering. The local Rotary club put on the race along with Florida Hospital Fish Memorial to benefit the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Two years ago I ran the Dash for Downs at Gemini Springs. This year the race was held as the Running with the Chromies 5K. This is a local race that benefits Welcoming Hearts, a charity that helps those with special needs and their families. Training &...
