Saturday, December 5, 2009

Surprise Santa Shuffle

Last night, as I was perusing the blogs I frequent, it dawned on me that I have seen a lot of posts lately about the upcoming 5K Santa Shuffles which seem to be happening all over North America. I decided to take a peak at my own local listings and was completely surprised to discover that there was one set to take place today.

Upon occasion I have been know to succumb to fits of spontaneity, and so I decided to embrace my less organized component and I quickly investigated partaking in the fun event! I discussed it with my husband and the dear man agreed to accompany me for moral support and picture taking, so I became even more excited by the prospect of taking part. Then I called one of the sponsors and they told me that registration would continue into this morning and that it was not to late to join. They even assured me that there would be many people walking, so I felt better about potentially being the biggest slowpoke.

Then… I decided to go for it! I thought, “Why not? The registration fee goes to charity and that way I get my exercise for the day over and done with before noon!” It sounded like a win-win to me.

Amazingly, it turned out to be a win-win-win! No, I wasn’t awarded one of the draw prizes. But, I had fun! Honestly, I had such a great, amazingly wonderful time! Four months ago, I never would have believed that participating in a 5K would have provided such a great high. I loved doing my first one back in October, but it was a milestone; it was important and enjoyable for different reasons. Today, I took pleasure just in being active!

I did better than last time too! Not only did I jog for a lot more of the course – I would guess half to three-quarters – but I took four minutes off my time. I finished the race at 37:59!!! I even got to high-five Santa as I crossed the finish line!

I had a blast today and I am so in love with the choices I am making for my health and well being. It felt amazing to get out there and race along with like-minded people (approximately 700 registrants apparently) and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to next year and the opportunity to do this again. I’m sick, I know, but I also had a whole lot of fun today and I really can’t wait to feel like this again at my next 5K!

13 comments:

  1. OMG!!! You ROCKED that 5K. Congrats! You look awesome in these pics!

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  2. WOW, big congrats & 4 minutes off!!!! What an accomplishment!!!!!!

    Now, what is with that dot on your face!!!?? That is something I would do!!! :-)

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  3. Thanks, ladies!

    Ha, ha, ha! It's a strange growth I've had as a child! The best part is people tend to remember me! LMAO!

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  4. great work! I'm planning to do our local jingle bell run dec 21. I agree - what's with the black dot, you've come so far, you should be proud!

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  5. My husband is the Executive Director for the Salvation Army's social work here in Niagara, so it put a smile on my face to see what charity you ran for! Seriously, your body does not look like that of an overweight woman!!!! I can't believe the difference from your progress pictures!

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  6. You must be beaming! I'm really inspired.

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  7. Yay, that's awesome! You DO look great!

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  8. YOU ROCK!!YOU ROCK!! YOU ROCK!!! Such an inspiration!!YOU're Awesome....so glad to be following your journey!

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  9. It's now the end of my day and time for bed, but I am STILL feeling great about the race! I'm so glad I decided to participate, even if it was at the last minute!

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  10. Well done on the run...I'm still to participate in a fun run...cant seem to find out here in germany where and when they have the races...so difficult living in a country where u dont understand most of the language.

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  11. Way to go! Our Santa Shuffle was under horrible showy windy conditions but a lot of folks made it out and finished it (a little slower than they normally would tho). Good for you for getting out there.

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  12. Incredible! You are a woman on a mission. Nice to get a high-five from Santa, too!
    Congrats!

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  13. We were definitely lucky with the weather here... it was gorgeous (albeit still cold). Marcelle, the large running shoe store here and in the States (the Running Room) is an excellent source of finding out about races. Perhaps there is something like that in Germany?

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