Here comes Santa Claus
Here comes Santa Claus
Right down Williams Street in Crystal Lake...
I woke this morning to the sun beaming into my bedroom like a spotlight. I cracked my eyes open and there at the end of the sunbeams was a candy-apple red suit. It was beautiful! I went ahead and put on the full Santa suit, complete with beard, belt and hat so that I could run 5K with over 1000 other friends all donning the same attire.
Here comes Santa Claus
Right down Williams Street in Crystal Lake...
I woke this morning to the sun beaming into my bedroom like a spotlight. I cracked my eyes open and there at the end of the sunbeams was a candy-apple red suit. It was beautiful! I went ahead and put on the full Santa suit, complete with beard, belt and hat so that I could run 5K with over 1000 other friends all donning the same attire.
The good people at packet pickup said that the pants were running short so I should go with a large. The hat was a bit small for my head, but otherwise, I thought the fit was pretty good.
On my way to Crystal Lake, I wondered what the people in the cars next to me thought when they saw me at stop signs. It was fun to park downtown and see all of the other racers exiting their cars in their Santa suits and all of the other incarnations of winter-related get-ups.
As you can see in the first picture, Main Street in Crystal Lake was beautifully decorated and more than ready for the gaggle of runners that would be rendezvousing in front of the Raue Center.
On my way to Crystal Lake, I wondered what the people in the cars next to me thought when they saw me at stop signs. It was fun to park downtown and see all of the other racers exiting their cars in their Santa suits and all of the other incarnations of winter-related get-ups.
As you can see in the first picture, Main Street in Crystal Lake was beautifully decorated and more than ready for the gaggle of runners that would be rendezvousing in front of the Raue Center.
While this was my first time running this race, I have heard from many people in the community every year how great it is. I've come into town each year on race morning for church down the street and have noticed that the sun is always shining on the Santa Run. So I was not surprised to see so many familiar faces!
The race started right on time and although it took a little bit to get across the starting line, we were chip-timed, so it didn't matter. I really enjoyed the course! It weaved around downtown Crystal Lake, by the high school, down Oak and Woodstock streets and back by the train station to Main Street.
It was much colder outside than I thought it would be when I left the house, so under my santa suit I only had my short-sleeved The Running Depot shirt and a pair of capris. I didn't bring gloves or anything warmer. While I was cold before the race, I was perfectly fine once we got a mile in. After that mile, my upper body warmed up and I knew I made the right choice in undergarments.
Then I felt a draft...in the back...
Guess I should have pinned my santa pants to the capris. Now I know for next year. Sorry all of you behind my behind. Bet you didn't realize you paid for a run AND a show...at least it all goes to a good cause...
Then I felt a draft...in the back...
Guess I should have pinned my santa pants to the capris. Now I know for next year. Sorry all of you behind my behind. Bet you didn't realize you paid for a run AND a show...at least it all goes to a good cause...
This race was a BLAST! I highly recommend the Kiwanis Santa Run for Kids! The money raised is distributed to several agencies throughout Mchenry County that benefit kids including Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Girls on the Run NWIL, CASA, The Mainstay-Light Center, & Turning Point. The atmosphere was fun and extremely family friendly. This makes another winter race that I definitely want to make a family tradition! Thank you so much The Running Depot for sponsoring me in this race!
Next up is the Frozen Gnome 10K on January 9. I can't wait! I haven't been out in Sternes Woods in forever, but I have a date with those hills this Friday. The woods are so beautiful and challenging and I am chomping at the bit to get back in there!
Thank you so much for reading, friends! I'll be back blogging next week and will need the support and accountability to once again force myself back on the food tracking bandwagon...ugh...let's help each other! My MyFitnessPal handle is trptchick. Friend me and help a sister out! Have a wonderful week!
Next up is the Frozen Gnome 10K on January 9. I can't wait! I haven't been out in Sternes Woods in forever, but I have a date with those hills this Friday. The woods are so beautiful and challenging and I am chomping at the bit to get back in there!
Thank you so much for reading, friends! I'll be back blogging next week and will need the support and accountability to once again force myself back on the food tracking bandwagon...ugh...let's help each other! My MyFitnessPal handle is trptchick. Friend me and help a sister out! Have a wonderful week!