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

The Peace Love Cure 5K in Sanford was my second race. It was a nice out-and-back course through downtown Sanford and along the waterfront. Proceeds went to the American Diabetes Association.

Training & Goals
I had started training using run/walk intervals and I intended to try this out in the race. I did approximately 5 minutes of running with 1 minute walk breaks. After a disappointing time in my first 5K, I only hoped to finish faster than my last race.

Race Day: November 14, 2015
We found parking in downtown Sanford and I made my way to the starting area. I stood far back in the corral for the 7:30AM start. It was warm at 61°F and sunny.

Mile 1: 10:57

Mile 2: 11:23

Mile 3+: 11:44, 1:53*
Walking breaks improved my overall pace, it seems! I was very happy with this time.

Chip time: 35:15 (5:46 PR)
Placement details: 24th in age, 174th overall out of 343 finishers
Race Amenities: Swag included a long sleeve women's tech tee and my first finisher medal.
Cost: $33.30 including $3.30 transaction fee and $5 coupon (registered late)

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

Report written March 9, 2016

My first race! I started running in August 2015 with a Couch to 5K program. After I was over halfway through the program I decided to sign up for a 5K race that would occur close to the end, and the Lighthouse Loop 5K fit the bill. There was a half marathon race along with the 5K. Lighthouse Loop is a great local race that benefits Volusia County school athletic programs.

Training & Goals
I got my Garmin Forerunner 15 running watch just prior to this race. Using MapMyFitness on my iPhone had led me to believe I could finish the race in well under 40 minutes. I'm not sure if my phone gave me optimistic statistics or I was too busy smiling like a fool to run fast in this first race, but sub-40 didn't happen! By raceday I had been running three times a week for almost 3 months, with most runs around 5K. In addition to hoping for a good time, I also aimed to run the entire race without walking breaks.

Race Day: October 25, 2015
We left home in the dark to head to the coast for the race. Volunteers pointed us to parking and I think we must have arrived just in time to park along the road across the river from the starting line. Those arriving later probably had to hoof it a bit more but there was ample parking for all participants. Arthur walked with me part of the way across the bridge to the start. It was 73°F when the race began shortly after 7:15AM.

Mile 1: 13:50
We started over the Dunlawton Bridge right at the start of the race. I stood far back in the starting area and navigated around a bunch of stroller-runners as I traversed the bridge.

Mile 2: 12:56
The race was a lollipop route and as I headed for the small loop at the turnaround I was amazed that people were already on their way back. They were so fast!

Mile 3+: 13:10, 2:17*
I got a little bit lost at the end. I blinked and suddenly everyone that was in front of me disappeared -- I didn't realize there was a sharp turn into the finish area. I stumbled a bit as spectators frantically pointed me in the right direction. Oops!

The after party was great, but I felt a bit guilty eating the delicious breakfast buffet as a 5K runner. There were people there who ran 4x what I did!

Chip time: 41:01
Placement details: 13th in age, 197th overall out of 321 finishers
Race Amenities: Swag included a sleeveless women's tech t-shirt and a flat reuseable backpack goodie bag. Medals for half marathon runners only.  There was also a nice post-race spread with bananas and a free hot buffet breakfast from Aunt Catfish on the River.
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