Jingle Bell Run

One of my goals for 2013 is to do some races which would take me out of the normal racing box. I have several wish list races I'd like to do. One of the races I've wanted to do for the past few years is the annual Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation.

I have a friend who suffers with rheumatoid arthritis. Over the years her joints have fused together making mobility and exercising in general very difficult; however, you'd rarely hear her complain. She's a co-owner of my favorite hang out joint, Perdue's. I wanted to participate in the Jingle Bell Run in honor of my friend, Tracy, but I needed to wait and see what my teaching schedule for December would be.

The quick change in the car

As luck would have it, I was scheduled to teach Flow at 8 am. With luck and good traffic, I could get downtown to the Riverplex in plenty of time to find a parking space and meet up with my T3 teammates. So I registered for the Jingle Bell Run on Monday evening.

T3 Members at the Jingle Bell Run

T3 registered as a team for the run. As a part of the team registration fee, we received some awesome red and white striped socks. With a quick change in the car (hahaha don't tell anyone), I was ready for the run. I met up with the T3 team looking for someone to run with. I figured the Jingle Bell Run was a fun event and a chance for me to run with my T3 family.

Lots of Santa's helpers waiting for the race to start

The event had approximately 1,300 runners with a goal of raising $90,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. I haven't heard the final numbers yet to see if we met that goal.

TMS Running Club

In addition, the Tremont Middle School Running Club had about 20 participants running in the event. Parents, siblings and teachers lined the route cheering on the middle school runners as they started to enjoy the sport of running.

Jen crossing the finish line

I ran the race with my friend, Jen, hoping we'd put her on the path to a PR; however, I think we spent way too much time talking and enjoy the 60 degree weather. It was a beautiful day to be outside running. When we came to the final half mile, I told Jen to find a rabbit and chase him down. I took off after mine which enabled me to capture a picture of Jen crossing the finish line.

Crystal pushing to the finish 

Jen and I waited and cheered on the rest of the T3 members as well as the middle school runners. Everyone seemed to really enjoy being outside - and running without 5 layers of clothes. Instead, I was almost too hot in the long sleeved shirt and vest I decided to wear. Unfortunately, neither Jen or I achieved a PR; however, we enjoyed the fabulous December weather and raising money for a great cause.