Jingle Bell Run

It's better late than never on these post, right?
The annual Jingle Bell 4 miler was a fun event as always. Here's the low down on the morning.

It was about 30 degrees with a 20mph+ north wind. Needless to say, it was not ideal running conditions.
I ran 8 miles with my gang prior to the race and quickly showered and changed to make it down to the Waterwalk with about 10 minutes to spare.

4 Mile Start

I was a member of a group costume: "The Ugly Sweater Party." I planned to try and run and defend my title as 1st place from last year, so I dressed the part, but missed the fun. These guys ran along passing out hot cider and candy canes along the way.

Ugly Sweater Party!

The gun sounded and I ran with all I had. We were quickly turned into the wind and I struggled as did everyone else. The  wind was cold and strong. I quickly pulled into the front. I could tell I was in about third place. I pulled up to second and then this rouge runner came blasting by me. She had on baggy sweats and an over sized hoodie. I had no idea who she was or where she came from. I chased her the whole race and never caught her. Later I discovered she wasn't in the race. She was apparently either a bandit who jumped in at some point or was just out on her run. Either way, she psyched me out the last three miles.
In addition to feeling like I was going to hurl, the course marshall's weren't at their spots and the first 20 of us ran the wrong way out into traffic. That kept it exciting :)
I ended up finishing 2nd overall in a time of 26:53 or something like that.

Finishing up my 4 miler

The highlight of the day was Kenton and Judah. Last year Kenton won the costume contest in his magnificent "Holiday Fireplace" costume. This years costume was more a performance piece that didn't go over as well. His great idea was to be George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life." He planned to reenact the famous scene of George running through the streets of Bedford Falls screaming "Merry Christmas..." Kenton's mistake was taking the costume too far. He thought to paint his face "black and white" as the character is only seen in black in white. It didn't translate.

"Merry Christmas you old Building and Loan!!"

While Judah was dressed as "Clarence" or an Angel *with Wings* (post bell ringing), the one mile gun went off and Kenton screamed and waved for the whole chilly mile.
Due to the paint and Judah's costume, they received 2nd prize in the costume contest. They won for being the "Ghosts of Christmas' Past."

Yep, we're 'special'

That was hilarious! Oh well, they took their Applebee's gift card anyways!
The morning was concluded with lots of medals and prizes. I received a LED head lamp and a medal for my 2nd place finish. The best part of this event was all the door prizes though.
Before it was over I had received enough gift certificates from Road ID to get an ID of my choice, Panera Bread gift cards, Applebee's money, and Freddy's Frozen Custard money!

The finale of our morning included Kenton, dressed as George Bailey (The richest man in Bedford Falls),  going back in for a soda to take on the drive home. Since they all were technically free to the runners, George Bailey comes running from the Waterwalk building yelling: "GO!! RUN!!!"

We made it home with two, yes TWO cases of Diet Pepsi!!!

Oh, Merry Christmas you Old Building and Loan, Merry Christmas Mr. Potter, and Merry Christmas to you too!