The 5th Annual Ho Ho Ho Run

It was 5 years ago when the training for my 1st marathon was kicked off with the run that we called the Ho Ho Ho Run. On that Saturday, just before Christmas, we all gathered for our first long run and, with our Santa caps, attempted to spread the Christmas cheer. It was pouring rain that year and the people out on that day did not have much holiday cheer. Our Santa caps and running wear was soaked to the bones by the time we were done with that run. Our holiday cheer was not, and we also discovered some items (namely running raingear) to add to our wish lists.

It began at 6:45 am, when my alarm went off to alert me of my first morning run in months. I was looking forward to it and was, only slightly, nervous about running two consecutive days in a row. Cindy picked me up and we made a pit stop for coffee prior to heading to the park.

Cindy and I met Mark, Tori, Camile, and Margaret at the park. We were all fueled with a touch of caffeine, and hearts full of Christmas cheer as we headed down the trail. “Merry Christmas!” we said to one and all as we passed. And we were pleasantly surprised by the huge response of returned greetings.

After the 2nd mile marker, the path closed and we took a detour into the neighboring streets. I struggled to find dirt to run on and eased back on my pace a little. Margaret, who left my company 6+ months ago, ran with me. We caught up on the goings on of each other’s lives as we watched Cindy and Mark move ahead of us.

Garminia was reporting a distance slightly shy of 3 miles when Cindy and Mark turned back. I had wanted to run 3 miles before turning back, but I turned around anyways. For a minute or so, Margaret and I were in the lead. It was a good thing that I turned around with them, because I nearly missed every detour sign along the way. I would still be lost in the neighborhoods if Mark wasn’t there to set me on the right path.

We returned to the start with time to spare, or so we thought. Since we had agreed on a 1 hour run, the walkers of the group would not be meeting us for another 5 minutes. Having signaled for Garminia to stop the clock, at my bathroom stop, the elapsed time read 55 minutes. We continued across the bridge to the other side of the trail. As we did, Tori and Camile arrived (on time) to see us leaving the meeting spot. *opps; my bad.*

I ran until the distance reading was 6 miles and then I walked back. Mark and Cindy, of course, ran onwards and then back. The whole group gathered together again and we then made plans to spread our Christmas cheer elsewhere.

After the 6 mile run, which I am happy to report that my foot faired well, we made another pit stop for coffee. Again, we were met with more friendly cheer from the wonderful Barista. My post-run latte was not only tasty, but topped with the milk and coffee gently swirled to make a lovely leaf image – which looked a lot like a Christmas tree. It was just what I needed to finish off the morning run.

Ho Ho Ho!
Merry Christmas!