Saturday night was only my second night race that I’ve done and it was so much fun! Hubby and I, along with our friend Corinna, did the Santa’s Twilight 5K on Honeymoon Island in Dunedin. It was only the second year and I didn’t get to do it last year because I was sick. I was excited to do it this year.
The weather was nice, but very windy. Thankfully it wasn’t warm, it was on the cool side. We wore shorts, red shirts, and fun twinkling Santa’s hats! I’m so glad hubby thought to get them. It made it really fun and festive.
We arrived at Honeymoon Island early and just in time for a beautiful sunset. You know me and sunsets…. I took too many photos, but I couldn’t resist. I am just drawn to the water and the amazing colors of the sun at the end of the day…
I also took what may be my most favorite finish line photo ever. I have decided that all finish lines should be along the water and have beautiful twinkling lights like this one. So pretty!
The race started just after 7pm when it was dark. We all had glow necklaces to wear and we knew the course would have luminaries to light the way. And of course we had our fabulous twinkling hats!
Finally, we were off! We started towards the back to let the crowd thin out. Santa Claus was at the start line cheering everyone on as they started, The kids who were running were so excited!
I had not run all week and I was so excited to get out there. It just felt great! Thankfully, my baby toe that I busted last Tuesday did not hurt.
My first mile was the slowest, just trying to get around everyone. Just before Mile 2, the crowds thinned out and I was able to run a really nice pace. I ran the entire distance, no walk breaks. It was a really nice course and it was fun to see all the lights and the costumes of the other runners. I knew that I was finishing my fastest 5K race when I was almost at the finish just before 29 minutes. I finished strong at 30:56 with an average pace of 09:38 per mile. Pretty darn good!
After we all finished, we waited in line for what might be the best post-race goodies ever. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, a banana, cookies, and chocolate dipped pretzels. Sugar rush!
It was really a fun time. I always enjoy doing races with hubby and my friend Corinna. It’s such a fun way to stay active and earn a cool medal to add to our collections. This race will definitely be on my list for 2014!
And of course, now I have a new 5K goal in mind… It’s time to tackle a sub-30 5K. I know I can do it! I am even more determined to do it after seeing the official race results and how I placed. Wow!
Have you run any Christmas races this month?
I love the sunset pictures. That sounds like it was a great race, I’d love to do a night run on Honeymoon Island!
Great pictures!!! Congratulations on the time!! Great job!
My family and I participated in the Vanessa Welch Reindeer Run in Orlando on Saturday. You are right – the decorations, costumes and holiday spirit make these races extra fun.
I want to do this race so bad ONE YEAR!
That looks like a total blast, running on the beach at night.
There are some Christmas runs here.. But they are all in the snow. I signed up for a few runs in March, but am on hiatus until then!
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