Jingle, jingle

My daughter and I went out to the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis today. It is a festive 5K, kids' 1-mile, and little kids' "Santa Chase." Rick and our son are out of town so I didn't think I could run the race, but my friend Angie offered to help watch my daughter during the 5K. It worked out great! I did have to pay $10 extra for race-day registration and did not get a shirt, but I was happy to be able to run! My legs still aren't 100% from the marathon. I got a sub-21 (I think it was 20:57 or so, not sure of the official time). Again, my first mile was 6:27, way too fast, and my second was 6:52. I was pushing it so hard by mile 3 that I didn't want to take the effort to hit the split on my watch, so I didn't! (I know Rick is thinking right now, "Well, why didn't you use the Garmin?") Fleet Feet has a new finish line inflatable arch for the finishers. It was a neat touch and great to see it from far back! The best part of this race was that is was so Christmas-y and so fun for the children. My daughter (once we reunited after the race) did the Santa Chase, jumped on a moon bounce, got a hot chocolate, and made an ornament craft. We had some good girl time and supported a good cause too.