Ugly Sweater 5k Run

This week was a hotmess of crazy. I had to deal with police, Deans, emotionally charged students, and unstable mothers. Stick a folk in me I was so done with the week. Friday I didn't run but I happen to see a 5k Ugly Sweater Run for Saturday.

I don't do themed runs. I don't get dressed up. I would rather run a half than a 5k for a race. I thought I needed to calm my shit and have fun. Be silly and enjoy. This was not aboutrunning time but pure fun.

I got an "ugly sweater" and a Christmas tree headband. Then I would jazz up my outfit (because I don't do ugly) and run with my necklace, earrings, and   bracelets. I was going to run fancy.

Weather and Route

It was 21 degrees out, windy as all can be, fingers frozen, and uneven terrain. We ran on the Suffolk Downs racing track, we ran on grass, gravel, pavement, and even up a hill. My headband blew offand I had to carry it while running.

First Surprise.

When I got to the location, I hear my name. To my surprise, one of the students who joined my fit, fierce, goddess running group was there. This young lady had never ran. She joined our group on campus to train for her first 5k. She ran her first when I was running in state #21. I missed it. Then I saw her at the ugly sweater.  She said she had so much fun the first time she thought she would run another 5k. -- WHOO WHOO

Second Surprise

Her first 5k she said she stopped twice. This time with me, she did not stop. I ran with her. Again, it was not about me. I was coaching her while she ran. Then when we came closeto the finish line she kicked in the burst of speed to finish strong.

So proud and happy for her. Afterwards we enjoyed our medals and Kahlua. Wonderful unexpected surprise.

This was a great 5k Saturday run. Now, I'm open for another one for next year.