Jingle Bell Run 2016

Every year, my running group hosts their annual Jingle Bell Run. This year, it took place on Tuesday night and was basically a little fun run throughout one of the main Christmas light areas in town (it's not a race nor is it a timed event).

Runners could choose between several distances - 2, 3, or 4 miles and the course was out and back.

There were plenty of jingle bells for our shoes....it wouldn't be a jingle bell run without the bells!

Before we began the run, our coach started with the door prizes for both kids and adults. Guess whose name was called first?!

Brayden!

I picked up this cute Christmas bear for him! :)

Both mine and Heather's names were called as well! Yay!

There were lots of goodies to consume, too!

After getting our jingle bells on, we were ready to go!

My running buddy Heather and I decided to go with 3 miles.

I LOVE looking at all of the Christmas lights down this street and the jingle bell run was the perfect way to see them! We will have to keep this tradition alive, even after my running group disbands.

The lights were glowing off the water...such a gorgeous route!

Around mile 1.5, we turned around and headed back to the start.

These trees are always festive, too!

This is one of my favorite group runs and I look forward to it each year! (Here's a couple of recaps from the archives....2010 and 2012 and 2013.) Even Brayden enjoyed himself and didn't make a peep from the jogging stroller!

After I returned home, I surveyed my winnings! Looks pretty good if I do say so myself!

Do you participate in any holiday themed races or events during the Christmas season?

Fitness Friday–12/20 & A Jingle Bell Run

Currently training for:
-Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon – February 2, 2013, Louisiana
-Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22 & 23, Walt Disney World

Saturday – 4 mile run
Sunday – 10 mile long Run 
Monday – Rest day
Tuesday – 3 mile run; Squats/Lunges Routine
Wednesday – Squats/Lunges Routine
Thursday – 3 mile Jingle Bell run; Squats/Lunges Routine
Friday – Squats/Lunges Routine

This weekend, I have a long run planned – long as in…longer than 13 miles. I haven’t run a long run like this since Rock N Roll NOLA back in February. I’m WAY behind in the game, I know. Guess we will just  see how it goes!

Last night, I joined my running group for our annual Jingle Bell Run.

When we arrived, we were each given a set of jingle bells for our shoes and a light reflector so we could be seen in the dark.

Our route was a 3 mile one, with the option to turn around for 2 miles if so desired.

We made it to mile one, then this happened….

Yeah, that’s a house that’s being moved…and it was taking up the entire street AND sidewalk. House 1, Karen 0.

Instead of waiting or finding a way around, a few of us turned around and ran to the opposite end of the road (passing the way we came).

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, this route is beautiful, and I especially love running it at Christmas time. All of the homes are decorated and it’s absolutely gorgeous. If you’re in a hurry, you shouldn’t take this road at night – not only are horse drawn carriages all along the road, cars also drive reaaaaaaally slow so they can take in the lights.

These pictures do not do it justice!

Yes, it was warm enough to run in a short sleeved shirt and shorts. Crazy weather.

After the run, we enjoyed gumbo, sugar cookies, and satsuma’s.

Best part, I won a door prize!

Woohoo!  I love this run, it’s my favorite of the year. Can’t wait for next time!

Have you/are you going to run a Christmas/Holiday themed race this year?

Three Things Thursday, Christmas Style

Number One

Tonight, I’m running a Jingle Bell run with my running group. That was a ploy to see how many times I could say “run” in the same sentence! Kidding…

Anyway, out of all our special yearly events, this is by far my favorite. We loop jingle bells onto our shoes and we run down my favorite lake route, after dark, while looking at Christmas lights. It’s amazing. I’ll definitely share soon!


This is not Louisiana – I borrowed this picture from facebook. :0)

Number Two

I’m totally being a Debbie Downer here, but this situation kinda stinks. So, back in November, I was asked to take part as a “host house” in a progressive dinner at Christmas time. I was incredibly excited and slowly began preparing my house about six weeks ago (extra “fluff” outside, put up two trees, etc). I received notice this week that the progressive dinner part has been cancelled. I debated on having a party at my house anyway, but my guest list is kinda small because I was limited on the amount of people I could invite for the progressive dinner…and it’s super close to Christmas…so instead, I think we will just have my family and Jason’s family over for gumbo. I’m excited to hang out with our families (we all love each other), but the general situation stinks, especially because so much work went into all of it. Ah well. Such is life!

Number Three

Contrary to the way I made myself sound in yesterday’s post, I’m not a couch potato. I’m way too ADD to sit on the couch and watch movies – even when Jason and I watch a movie together, I’m usually doing something else at the same time. Basically…if I’m home, there’s a Christmas movie playing on the TV, even though other things are going on at the same time. Oh yes, and I’ve never seen Love Actually. What’s wrong with me?! I definitely will now, thanks to your recommendations!!

Six days until Christmas!

This was from a dinner I attended last week – someone tried to feed Santa a mint!

Anyone finished with their Christmas shopping?