Jingle Bell Run 5K

It was a fun day of bountiful beauty.

How does that grab you?

On Saturday, December 2nd, I ran my first-ever Jingle Bell Run, and it was a grand time!  Living in Iowa, there are not many options for holiday-themed running events. Up until a couple of years ago, there were two favorite holiday-themed races I had done every December, but ((poof)) both are now gone. Fortunately, I found the Jingle Bell Run in a last ditch effort for some holiday racing fun...and it was more than just a fun morning in colorful Christmas attire.


The Jingle Bell Run is actually a national event with numerous local venues across the United States. Affiliated with the Arthritis Foundation, all proceeds from the various events benefit those afflicted with arthritis as well as providing funds to enhance research efforts. For more information, you can check out the Arthritis Foundation website HERE to find a race near you or to make a donation.

One last rally in the car before hitting the start line

Anyways, it wasn't too hard to convince my running friend, Barb, to join me. We had the car loaded and pulled out of town around 7:15 to make the trek to Des Moines (about an hour away). Packet pick-up began at 8:00 with the race start at 9:00.

On the fence on what to wear, I posted this pic on my Facebook and Instagram pages...and the response was an overwhelming amount of love for the Obnoxious Santa Leggings (OSL's).

Santa Shorts or Obnoxious Santa Leggings?

So, I went with the OSL's. Besides, the temps were a bit chilly for bare legs in Iowa.

OSL's for the win

Saturday was such a beautiful day! Even with the chilly temps (in the mid 30's at the start time), the sunshine was blindingly bright and the air was calm. Hands down, the weather could not have been more ideal for a festive holiday-inspired run.

We snagged our packets and headed back to the car for a bit. After a quick porta-potty run, we headed back to the check-in tents to line up.

Santa was there!

Then we walked.

Having not done this race before, Barb and I just followed the crowd. I think we only walked 3-4 blocks, but there was such a herd of people, it took quite awhile for all of us to get to the actual start line.

I didn't notice an actual timing mat, but there was an arch to run under (that acted as a start line). We were given the command to GO! and we were off. Immediately, on Westown Parkway, there was a walking bridge for us to cross. This bridge was pretty steep and it was long. Already, I was second-guessing my wardrobe choice (namely the red puffer vest that looked so cute with those Santa leggings). The sun was bright, and I was feeling warm (already), and I could tell I had started out too fast because I was breathing pretty hard.

Once I'd cleared the bridge and was back on a fairly flat surface (headed south on 50th Street), I felt much better. Only, I saw another bridge a short ways up ahead (close to the halfway mark). The second bridge wasn't as treacherous as the first, but still a challenge none the less.

I had pulled ahead of Barb, but she caught up with me right before the third bridge (near the start of the third mile). She edged her way a little bit ahead of me, and I continued to follow her. The route veered into a residential area, with a long, gradual curve as we made our way back towards 60th Street.

The final mile went smooth, and before long, I was back on the 60th Street for the final jaunt to the finish line. Barb finished right ahead of me (maybe 10 seconds?), and I was able to give myself a little surge of mojo for that last little stretch.

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a medal upon crossing under the finish line canopy. I had not seen anything in the event information about finisher medals. We don't see a lot of finisher medals for 5K's in Iowa, especially for events such as this that are touted more as a fundraiser than a competitive endeavor.

Isn't it cute? The silver "snow" even sparkles

My finish time was decent, though not quite back to where my "usual" 5K time would be. Granted, the course did have three bridges, the first of which was right outta the gate, and I really have not been training for a 5K (ummm...ZERO speed work as my knee continues to heal). Oh well.

My Garmin showed my splits as 9:02, 9:04, 9:03...how's that for consistency?

Ironically, when they announced awards, the age groups were in 10-year increments...until they got to mine, and it jumped to 15- year increments (what the WHAT???). Barb (who is seven years older) actually got 3rd place in our "extended" age group....which meant I got 4th place (there were no other gals in between us at the finish). And that's just my luck. There have been countless times I have placed 4th in races and have nothing to show for it (LOL). Again, oh well.

I thought this race was a lot of fun. It's always great to see so many participants (runners and walkers) dressed in holiday attire and having fun while supporting a great cause. Unique to this event was that it was run entirely on sidewalks. There were course volunteers (and police officers) monitoring the few actual streets we had to cross, and the crowd of runners/walkers seeded themselves appropriately. Also, everyone spread out quickly, so there never seemed to be any crowding or unnecessary dodging in the first mile.

Although my finish time reflects a good two minutes slower than typical, I'm happy with it. I felt like I ran the entire race strong. Although the first mile was tough due to that big bridge, it didn't deter me. I honestly felt like I was running much faster than my finish time indicates, but that just goes to show my body is not quite 100% back to where it was pre-surgery. No big whoop....5K's are not my specialty anyways.

This is definitely a race I'm gonna keep on my radar for next year. Since I know more about it now, I also hope to do some fundraising for it as well. Care to join me?

Have you ever done a Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation? Ever dressed in festive attire for a holiday-themed race? How do you feel about finisher medals for a 5K?

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**I'm linking this with Deb for the Wednesday Word...today's word is beauty (and there was plenty of that happening with the weather, the Santa leggings, and the fundraising efforts of the race)

**I'm also linking this with Debbie and Rachel and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner.