Jingle Bell Jog is a perfect race to get into the Santa-loving spirit. The last time I ran a holiday-themed race was December of 2016 and that too was the Jingle Bell Jog. A lot was the same this time around (Santa suit, holiday-themed medal, and pictures with Santa), but a lot was different, namely the location of the race. When I last ran the Jingle Bell Jog, the race started in downtown Miami and I crossed the MacArthur Causeway TWICE. This year, the race was in Miami Lakes and the course was flat, flat, flat.
Going into this race my plan was to have FUN, regardless of the pace. As I said in the post about the MIA5K, I really want to get back into running 5Ks. Part of that desire is that 5Ks are a different training and racing approach: you are moving fast right from the start, so it’s all power for three miles. Plus, how can I not have fun when running with all these Santas around?
I had some lingering soreness from my runs and workouts earlier in the week making mile one of the race all about feeling out my body and letting my mind ease into the pace. There was a bit of headwind during mile two and my goal in this mile was to keep moving forward with the same amount of effort. Mile three was all about adding more spring to my step without adding more effort. Running through the finish line brought me back to that new runner from 2012 who ran all races with the intention of having the most fun possible.
Goal
Have fun.
Post-race assessment:
Mission accomplished. I had fun and then stuck around to cheer on other runners and watch the kids’ races.
Pros:
Ample free parking.
Quick and easy packet pickup.
7:30am start time; race started almost on time.
Out-and-back course.
Santa suits for everyone.
Cute finisher medals.
Lots going on in the finish area: free massages, cookies and cupcakes, and pictures with Santa.
Local race vibe.
“Snow” at the start of the race.
Start line was within walking distance from a Dunkin’ Donuts and they were open by the time I arrived.
Cons:
Medals were set up in an area different from finish line.
Cannot be controlled by race director: weather! There was a headwind while I was on the course and rain during the kids’ races.
The Jingle Bell Jog is a great holiday race with lots of local vibes. I’m so happy I signed up for the race and had the opportunity to run just for fun. Now I’m really, really excited about changing things up and shifting gears from my half marathon focus of the past few years to a 5K focus. Only three half marathons between now and then!
Official time: 26: 45 (8:36 average)
For more on the Jingle Bell Jog race series, go here.