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
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