In the blink of an eye 2013 is over. The below link pretty much sums up my running over the past 365 days. The photos below are a glimpse of the year that was 2013.
What did you do this year that you are proud of? Excited about? Worked hard to achieve? Where did your run that you’d recommend to others? I’m always looking for new routes and destinations to run.
Sunday was the Ugly Sweater 5k held in La Crosse each year. In past years the race has been referred to as the Rotary Lights 5k. This year they changed things up a bit adding some festive fun with ugly sweaters. Let’s just say my sweater was UG-ly!
Since it was cold outside with a windchill of -8 degrees, we put on our warm layers including my super warm base layer from Target that I bought that very day. Once again, I have not put laundry away in a while and I could not find a lot of my layers. This shirt stays in place, is fleecy warm on the inside, wind resistant, and so cozy all for $19.99. Keep in mind it is snug and tight like a base layer should be. I did go up a size and could have went up two sizes for a bit of a looser fit. You can find it online here.
After some quick photos at my mom and stepdad’s house we were off to the race. We got to packet pick up, picked up our race numbers, and waited inside the warm lobby of the Radisson. With the race start just steps out the door, we enjoyed the warmth until we absolutely had to head outdoors.
The sun was setting and we were jumping up and down like most runners were doing our best to stay warm. Lucky for us ugly sweaters are surprisingly warm. Garland, too. My holiday Pro Compression socks offered some added warmth and fun to the outfit. I love these socks, and if you are hoping to also make sure to use coupon code BLG13 to get 40% off and free shipping on your order.
Santa started the race-gun and all. Sort of a disturbing sight to see Santa shooting a gun in the air, but I get he isn’t the real Santa. The real Santa is obviously far too busy to be at the starting line of the Ugly Sweater 5k.
The gun went off and we were off. The race started in Riverside Park, took us onto the pathway along the frozen Mississippi, and then lead us onto the La Crosse River Trails. We clicked off our first mile on the snow covered sidewalks and trails in 8:06. At the halfway turn around we ran around a North Pole sign with the sounds of holiday music nearby. We kept up the pace and ran back along the trails finishing under the Rotary Lights lighted canopy. Then it was time to enjoy the lights and our new Ugly Sweater mugs.
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Race perks included a mug with free hot chocolate after the race and a chip for a free Pearl Street Brewery beer later at your choice of local bars. Love me some Down Town Brown-Double yum!! Can’t wait to drink out of my festive mug this holiday season!
Ugly Sweater 5k
Time-24:38
Pace-7:55
Overall-52/412
Gender-19/293
Age Group-9/112
Festive Running to All and to All a Good Night!
{#1-Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Chili}
Friends liked this chili at our Friendsgiving get together that proved interesting!
{#2-Holiday Flowers}
Seeing these flowers on our island every time I walk through the kitchen makes me smile. I love the textures, colors, and smells. Such an easy holiday decoration.
{#3-Gingerbread Beer}
Leave it up to Blue Moon to brew up this hint of spice brew. Delicious!
{#4-Ugly Sweater 5k this weekend}
You can register even right before the race. Plus, with highs in the 20’s in our area it will nearly be a heat wave this weekend!
{#5-Kits for the Homeless}
For pay it forward day in the #elf4health challenge, one of the things I did was create these bags for future homeless Ryan and I drive by. We are each keeping two in our car to be ready at any given time.
Happy Weekend!
{#1-Pasta with Pumpkin Sauce and Sage}
A new recipe I tried last week that was different, but really good. Perhaps not the healthiest, but not the worst either.
{#2-Rotary Lights 5k now Ugly Sweater 5k}
Ryan and I are all signed up for one of our favorite Christmas traditions. See my post about previous year’s Rotary Lights 5k for more info. Now to find an ugly sweater for me and the husband…insert evil laugh!
{#3-UW-L Turkey Trot}
This weekend will be my 7th Turkey Trot. Can’t wait.
{#4-Festival Foods 5 Mile}
New on my racing calendar is the Thanksgiving Day 5 miler. I’ve always wanted to race on the actual turkey day, and Thursday I will make my debut!
{#5-Relaxin’ with a Runner’s World}
Made time to do some reading about running this week. I heart Runner’s World.
Anybody else have holiday races coming up?
Happy Weekend!
sneaksandstilettos.com 