Reader Discretion Advised due to Adult Language
The Jingle Bell 5K was tons of fun! I had the perfect running partner, one of my favorite San Diego attractions as a backdrop, no rain, and a personal record!
My Running Buddy
Bonnie turned out to be an awesome running buddy. She is a faster runner than me (but then, who isn't?!) but she was kind enough to stay at my pace for most of the race. Bonnie finished the Las Vegas marathon the week before so she said she didn't mind an easy pace. Let me clarify- an easy pace for her... not me!
She didn't try to get me to talk. I explained to her that I hate talking while I run and she was so cool about that! She didn't ask me questions or say anything that required a response. I like to talk when I'm not running... but when I'm running, talking is not fun because I can't breath. I like breathing better than I like talking.
Balboa Park
The entire race took place in Balboa Park. I love Balboa Park! If you've been there, you know why. The place has beautiful trees, amazing architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere. If you ever come to San Diego, you have to go to Balboa Park! The San Diego Zoo is located here and there are lots of wonderful museums to visit.
A Break in the Rain
When the alarm went off at 5:15 on Saturday morning, I could hear the rain pouring down on our roof and patio. I love rain but I find it difficult to get out of my nice, warm, cozy bed when it's cold and wet outside. I forced myself to get up and get ready.
I wasn't worried about running in the rain. I was worried about waiting in the rain. Bonnie and I had planned on arriving around 6:45 in order to get parking and have time to get our bibs & stuff before the 8:15 start. I was worried that we would have to stand around for an hour and a half, shivering in the rain. Thankfully, the rain took a little break which perfectly coincided with the morning registration, packet pick-up, and the race itself!
A Personal Record for Me
This was my second 5K. My first was the Carlsbad 5000 back in April. At that time, I was dealing with painful knee issues and the race was a struggle. In addition, it was very warm on the day of the Carlsbad 5000. These factors, combined with still being very much a running newbie, made my first 5K very easy to beat in terms of finishing time.
WHAT?!! Not a Personal Record?!
I was writing the above when I decided to read my blog about the Carlsbad 5000 because I was unsure of my time. Turns out I ran the Carlsbad 5000 in a shorter amount of time than the Jingle Bell 5K!! UGH!! The Carlsbad 5000 was 38 minutes 11 seconds. According to Rudolph-the-Red-Faced Garmin, the Jingle Bell was 39 minutes 12 seconds. A minute longer. Grrrrr...
Please enjoy this little distraction while I go throw myself a hissy-fitty, pity party. I'll be back momentarily.
Still not ready... enjoy this one for a while:
Alright, I think I'm ready to continue. It's amazing how much an adorable, smiling, golden retriever puppy can change one's mood.
What the Heel?
I'll blame this failure to PR on my bad heel. I'm going to get my cortisone shot on Friday and I'm going to find a new 5K to run. I will run it faster than my Jingly Failure on Saturday. I will, dang it!
Ho-Ho-Ho, I'm Slow-Slow-Slow
Anyway, I got to meet Santa. I didn't get to do that at the Carlsbad 5000.
My Running Buddy
Bonnie turned out to be an awesome running buddy. She is a faster runner than me (but then, who isn't?!) but she was kind enough to stay at my pace for most of the race. Bonnie finished the Las Vegas marathon the week before so she said she didn't mind an easy pace. Let me clarify- an easy pace for her... not me!
She didn't try to get me to talk. I explained to her that I hate talking while I run and she was so cool about that! She didn't ask me questions or say anything that required a response. I like to talk when I'm not running... but when I'm running, talking is not fun because I can't breath. I like breathing better than I like talking.
Balboa Park
The entire race took place in Balboa Park. I love Balboa Park! If you've been there, you know why. The place has beautiful trees, amazing architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere. If you ever come to San Diego, you have to go to Balboa Park! The San Diego Zoo is located here and there are lots of wonderful museums to visit.
A Break in the Rain
When the alarm went off at 5:15 on Saturday morning, I could hear the rain pouring down on our roof and patio. I love rain but I find it difficult to get out of my nice, warm, cozy bed when it's cold and wet outside. I forced myself to get up and get ready.
I wasn't worried about running in the rain. I was worried about waiting in the rain. Bonnie and I had planned on arriving around 6:45 in order to get parking and have time to get our bibs & stuff before the 8:15 start. I was worried that we would have to stand around for an hour and a half, shivering in the rain. Thankfully, the rain took a little break which perfectly coincided with the morning registration, packet pick-up, and the race itself!
WHAT?!! Not a Personal Record?!
I was writing the above when I decided to read my blog about the Carlsbad 5000 because I was unsure of my time. Turns out I ran the Carlsbad 5000 in a shorter amount of time than the Jingle Bell 5K!! UGH!! The Carlsbad 5000 was 38 minutes 11 seconds. According to Rudolph-the-Red-Faced Garmin, the Jingle Bell was 39 minutes 12 seconds. A minute longer. Grrrrr...
Please enjoy this little distraction while I go throw myself a hissy-fitty, pity party. I'll be back momentarily.
@%&$!! @&%&**@!! &^%$&@#!??!
Still not ready... enjoy this one for a while:
@%&$!! @&%&**@!! &^%$&@#!??! &*&@@-- awwwwww...
Alright, I think I'm ready to continue. It's amazing how much an adorable, smiling, golden retriever puppy can change one's mood.
What the Heel?
I'll blame this failure to PR on my bad heel. I'm going to get my cortisone shot on Friday and I'm going to find a new 5K to run. I will run it faster than my Jingly Failure on Saturday. I will, dang it!
Ho-Ho-Ho, I'm Slow-Slow-Slow
Anyway, I got to meet Santa. I didn't get to do that at the Carlsbad 5000.
That's Bonnie wearing the #1122 Bib. I told you she's adorable!
Comments
I hear ya loud and clear about the talking while running. I'm all for other people talking, but am not the greatest talker while running.
Tomorrow night is the running club christmas dinner and I can't wait because I'll get to be a normal person instead of an out of breath, tired, unfit girl!
Well done on the PB!!!!!!!
I'm glad you had such a great time during such a beautiful race. You'll get the PR! And let me just say it is so nice to see someone with paces similar to mine! Everyone else is Olympic-style fast, so it's nice to come across a "normal" runner. I'm sure you're still faster than me, as you're dealing with an injury, but still. Thanks for being a motivation. How was the half marathon? I've always wanted to do one, but I've never felt like enough of a "real runner" to try. I've been a wuss.
I've read lots of articles that say you should be able to carry on a conversation while running - PURE NONSENSE! I would have to be walking to do that!!! As you say, breathing is better than talking!
You know what-I am slow too. I have embraced my penguin status and love it!!!
I'm glad you had such a wonderful friend to run with!
Glad you at least had fun!