8am, 30F degrees, & Jingle Bells on all our shoes

It was a great run... It was my first 10K run!!  I'm so excited how I great I felt before, during and after.  There was about 10 of us from the Team Challenge that met to run the Jingle All The Way 10K today.

I was surprised when I learned there were over 4,000 runners in the race and was even more surprised when we all lined up at the Start Line with no problems.  Of  course it was a mob of people all gathered... this was the best way to start - all of us huddled together, blocking the wind and chill from each other.  Everyone was wearing their jingle bells on their shoes... so it was great to hear us all start to run.  

Every kilometer was marked, which proved to be very motivating.  And as you can see from the course map on the left, we ran so far and then circled back to return to the Start Line, which was now the FINISH LINE.  I found this to be great for my first run.  We ran along the Potomac River, which was pretty with the sun shining, but also was chilly by the water.  It was an even, flat course, with a minor hill to cross a small bridge... but nothing like Jeremy & I run during lunchtime like over the 14th St Bridge or behind Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  So I was ready - Thanks, Jeremy! lol

I ran with my friend, Kate, during the race.... funny how I planned to run with Elizabeth, but with so many people there it just didn't work out.  Anyway, the object of the race was to just have fun and enjoy the experience!! Thanks to Sherry for my 1st Race Great Advice... I jogged some before the race, so my body was ready to go and I also made sure I had fun - thanks Nichole!  And it looks like my next visit to DK, might include a race - so that will be exicting... maybe I'll get Kelli & Mads to run, too. :-)

I felt more than prepared for this race - so thanks to Team Challenge Coaches for great training and Jeremy for all my lunchtime runs.  I didn't break any records, unless there's record for happiness! haha Kate & I crossed the finish line at the same exact time and it's a funny time, too.  We completed the 10K in under 70 mins exactly... 69:59!!  Now, I have my first race time recorded to keep improving.  I remember crossing the 5K line at 37 mins, so I would say I had a good consistent, evenly paced first run.  I'm still learning about things I should pay attention to so I can improve my runs, but I can't do anything wrong if I'm having fun!! :-)

I'm really looking forward to Miami... the warmth, the extra distance (so should be double the fun - ha ha!), and the great cause we're supporting - Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.  I'm still trying my best to reach the fundraising goal and with only $1,000 left; I believe we'll achieve it.... don't forget every donation helps!!

Here's something that one of our coaches shared with us that puts the remaining $1,000 left in perspective and what an impact everyone can have with a small donation ...

If 100 people donated $10 that would be 1,000 bucks for a great cause!! $1,000 can send one child with Crohn's or Colitis to Camp Oasis who may otherwise not be able to go!

 Thanks to all my friends and family supporting me with this great & important cause!!