Sunday, December 9, 2012

Jingle Bell Jog 4M (+12)

Saturday was The "A" Team's 2nd annual Jingle Bell Jog in Prospect Park. Lots of fun was had and it was a nice way to kick off the holiday season. I am not actually into the holiday spirit (surprisingly, surprising to many), but this 4 mile race with my PIC definitely lifted a bit of my bah humbug-ness. How could it not? I was wearing a tutu and an elf hat with bells, for the love of Christmas!

It was a nice little race around the park and completely relaxed. Although, I did discover another pet peeve of mine: when spectators tell you to run faster. Granted, we weren't racing, but how do you know I'm not going as fast as I can? Not Cool. I know it's meant as encouraging, but you don't know anything about that person or what battles they're fighting- just tell them they're doing a good job and be done with it. Then maybe, I won't want to punch you in your throat.

Aaaand moving back to the holiday cheer. . .

The red and green bagels with hot chocolate waiting for us at the finish line was a nice motivation to run a bit faster. YaY! for holiday themed races. I felt like there was a lot more costumes and festive gear this year and that always makes it more fun!

It would've been awesome to be able to say "I did 4 miles, let's go home and take a nap", but I still had 10 more miles to do (I did 2 before the race). The PIC and I took the long way out of the park so she could join me for 2 more, but then it was me and Prospect Park. I kept telling myself if I wanted to stop and just do whatever I had left the next day, it would be ok. I have to give myself an out just to get myself out the door, you know? But once I got in my groove, I just wanted to finish them. Smart, huh? You should try it, too ;)

My body is tired of being in permanent pain. I know that's why I've been struggling mentally during the week. Luckily, I figured this out and instead of focusing on the pain, I tried to let it go. That worked for awhile, as did focusing on my stride and form. It's going to take awhile to fix an entire training season's mistakes, but at least I'll have something to think about when I get bored. I also decided I'm not going up to 20 miles this time. If I can have a mentally kick ass 18 miler next week, I will be happy.

PS- I used one of my RnR drawstring bags to put my tutu in after the race. I safety-pinned the straps together so they wouldn't slide off and it worked like a charm! I even forgot I had it on. I don't know if anything heavier than tulle would work, but at least it's an option.

I was in more pain than I would've liked and thankful for the extra layers after (I was super overdressed for the 47 degree weather. In my defense, it was overcast and supposed to rain). The fact that the Q train took for.ev.er. and the commute back to my part of Brooklyn was long and crowded didn't help much either. I did jump in an ice bath and ate before I passed out for 5 hours. I woke up long enough to transfer from the couch to the bed and proceeded to sleep the whole night through. When B came home and I didn't stir (I'm a super light sleeper), she had to check to make sure I was still breathing. WoW, clearly I needed sleep.

That Disney medal better be worth it!


Are you a fan of this season? Do you dress up for themed races?

6 comments:

  1. Cute outfit! I think I'm doing two next weekend: 12Ks of Christmas and the Frosty Run 10 miler. I was an uber slacker this weekend and skipped the 15K I signed up for today, which I've never done before. Oh Goofy, I think I hate myself for signing up for that... (insert dramatic sigh here)

    But I do enjoy reading all about your races/runs. It helps me try to keep motivated! Good job. :D

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    1. You are a total slacker! I'm jealous of the 15k support- but I will be running one next weekend. Even though I'm sure there are tons of races around NYC, if you don't have a car you're kind of limited. Hence, all the NYRR races.

      Anyway- I will forgive you if you run costume-y for both of those races :) bonus points if a tutu or sparkle skirt is involved!

      Trust me, I feel the same way. But I'm thinking about how exciting the weekend's festivities are going to be and if I'm not physically prepared I'm going to be pissed.

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  2. The medal WILL be worth it!! We can twirl the heck out of those suckers when we cross that finish line!

    Throat punching ... I KNOW that next time a spectator annoys me with encouragement I'll be visualizing punching them in the throat!

    I need to come stay with you from now until Goofy. Seems like you've got the get up and go that I don't have these days!

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    1. I hope so! I think I'm going to wear it all year.

      I don't have the get up, I just am very good at tricking myself. I'm telling you, it works!

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  3. Haha - I usually visualize punching people in the face, but I am going to have to remember punching them in the throat!! I agree - sometimes spectators do not realize they are demotivating rather than motivating. Clap, cheer, say good job, and sometimes just leave it at that.

    Love your outfit!! It is making me excited for my 12Ks of Christmas coming up this weekend. I do love holiday themed races. And I will be sporting a red sparkle skirt in honor of the season.

    I am so impressed with your training. The medal will so be worth it!!

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    1. I'm such a short fuse during training. haha. Poor guy, I know he was trying to be encouraging but it still pissed me off.

      Take lots of pictures! I'm jealous that other cities have multiple holiday themed races.

      Thank you :) I hope so!

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