Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Cold. That is the best word to sum up Saturday’s event. Despite that I do have to say it was a lot of fun. We set out early in the morning and headed to downtown Evansville, IN. Very smart on the part of the planners, the registration was inside. We walked in to find groups of fitness enthusiasts staying as warm as they could before being forced out to the start line.
Thank goodness for the welcoming Starbucks tent set up outside offering free coffee. This time I was definitely not having coffee to help my performance, but to keep me from freezing.
It was in the high 20s/low 30s and I know all of you in the great white north are laughing at me right now and probably saying, “That’s not cold!” In my defense let me say that a few weeks ago I came back from my current life in Brazil were it is summer…and 90 degrees. Even the 30s take some getting used to. It also didn’t help that the course went along the river which drops things about 10 degrees and led to some mighty chilly winds.
First was the kid’s race. Only a few brave souls took part, but it was fun to watch. Each got a metal from none other than good ol’ St. Nick.
Next came the adults – first the runners and then the walkers (which included me and my family this time around). The costumes were the best. Running along were elves, reindeer and even Mrs. Claus. Striped socks, Santa hats and bells were part of almost every person’s attire.
I had the chance to speak with some members of the planning committee from the Arthritis Foundation and I was so happy to hear some great news. That morning they had 450 participants pre-registered and where planning to have 500 before the start of the race.
Even better was the fundraising. They average about $10,000 each year and on Saturday morning they were up to $16,000!!! How great is that?! Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to put together a very successful event. I was glad to be a part of it.
I also wanted to mention a couple minor accomplishments among my team, The Frosty Prancers. I was very proud of my mom and sister-in-law who pushed through to the end. It was so cold and after a mile there was a very convenient opportunity to turn down a side street and head back to the car, but they made it to the finish. Secondly, my dad had is knees replaced a few years back and the 3.1 miles he walked on Saturday was the longest distance he’s gone at one time since his surgery! So success could be measured all around.
Participating in any events this month? Tell me about them in the comments, even if you just want to tell me how much colder it was!
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