This weekend was difficult to get motivated. I've come down with a cold (again) that has my head ready to pop. Add the tragic news from Friday and rain all weekend, all I wanted to do was stay home and snuggle with my little family.We postponed the Jingle Bell Hell run on Saturday morning, and I can't say I was disappointed. However, come Sunday, the rain had come to an end and I was anxious to get outside and "run it out". Running always help me release tension, physically and emotionally. Like everyone, I had CT on my mind. (See here for a new virtual race honoring the victims of Sandy Hook)
The theory behind the Jingle Bell Hell is to map a hilly course (hell) and challenge yourself. I used the same course as last year, weaving within the hill-packed Springdale Cemetery and circling through the Glen Oak Zoo. I'm always surprised how many friends join me in this challenge, but the 2nd annual Jingle Bell Hell run in Peoria had a strong turnout once again. We lost a lot of people with the date change (rainout), but picked up a few too.
For those wanting two loops of hell (equally a 1/3 marathon), we started at 7:00am. A second group started 45 minutes later and completed one loop (4.5 miles). The objective was to all finish relatively at the same time so we could celebrate our feat together... with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies!
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| JBH Aid Station! |
I started with the early group with hopes of doing two loops, but honestly, I wasn't sure how far I would be able to manage. My head cold made it difficult to breathe normally, and the day before I got a wonky feeling in my right knee out of nowhere. So I took the run easy, walked up a couple hills that I usually would run. I slowed down my pace and just enjoyed the morning chatting with my fellow Sole Sisters. The knee seemed to work itself out, so I did continue on for a second loop. We ended up with 9.2 miles, slightly over the 1/3 marathon mark. It was a great run morning with special friends!
Sounds like a 'hellish' workout :) but as long as you enjoy it the rest does not matter :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a perfect way to celebrate post the run!
I had a great time even though the hills were making my legs burn. It's always better to run with friends. It takes your mind off the pain. Thanks, again, Jess for organizing this event. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea. I'll admit the run sounds cruel having it be 2 loops, but thats the whole reason it has "hell" in name right?
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to run it even it it was postponed a day
I wish I knew more runners! None of my friends or family run, except my husband, and he works 6 days/week! That sound like so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteYou got it done! Great job! I'm so glad to have found your blog! I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteThank you for organizing and hosting the virtual Jingle Bell Hell. A fellow running buddy K and I met for a 5k-our course included hills through a cemetary, through our neighborhood and complete with lots of wind and rain/snow at the end! I even made us bibs!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun run. Great way to get a hill workout in!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesomely hellish! You such a great support-rallyer :) I am so glad you all had a good time!
ReplyDeleteugh, I want my friends to love running...it's always just the hubby and I, but this race looks SO fun!!! sounds awesome and like a great workout :)
ReplyDeleteI did the virtual version of JBH2012 this weekend...recap here
ReplyDeletehttp://mishkaop.blogspot.com/2012/12/jingle-bell-hell-2012-race-recap.html
It was a ton of fun even if it was hell as well. Great mid winter motivator, that is for sure. No donuts or cookies for me virtually or not...LOL.
Feel better soon!
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