First Race aka The Jingle Jog

[Richard7]

So I signed up to do a 5k fun run back in September. Today was the day, the day of the Jingle Jog. Being still somewhat new to this running game I obviously was oblivious to the fact that there are loads of these all over the country.

I was running today to raise money for the local Hospital Charity so it was nice to be able to give something back to the folk of the NHS following my transformation from Couch Potato to Runner.

This was also my first race. I have run a ParkRun but we all know that these are not races, so this was my first. I followed the same advice that I got for my first, and so far, only ParkRun by starting towards the back. This turned out to be a bad move for this particular run. It seemed like I was at the back fighting through treacle entrenched Santa's. We crossed the start line still walking and as the field began to thin out people were still walking in front of me.

After what seemed like an age I finally managed more of a Turkey Trot than a Jingle Jog. I think the slow motion running took its toll on my legs as I ended up finding the going really rather tough.

Finally, after two laps over a completely different route to the one that I had assumed would be run I came to a finish. A pleasant addition that I was not expecting was a bottle of water, biscuit and some bling. My first bling - overjoyed - to top it all my better half had shaken hands on a commitment to do the run with me next year.

Happy Running everybody. 🎅

[Hidden]

Well done! that looks like a lot of fun too

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I was a spectator at a Santa🤶 FUN run this morning, I saw exactly what you said about your run Richard, fun is the word, not race, the winning time was 18.20, but what I found really amazing was how many 10 and 11 year olds ran a sub 30 minute run, there were two under 12's who ran in about 24.55.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

What a happy Santa you look! Well done to you! Congratulations!😊🎅🏻🍾🥂🎉🏅👏🏻👍☀️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🎅🏻🎄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Perfect score all around... and company for next year.. even better... Go you!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Fantastic! Well done that man for getting out there and raising money for a great cause 👊🦋👏

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Absolutely brilliant Richard7! Did you find it really hot in your suit? Only 7 sleeps until UpTheStanley and I don our lovely outfits and do the same. We have decided to run together and just enjoy the occasion. It’s great that you’ve got commitment from your partner for next year too. Show off that bling.

[Richard7 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, initially it was ok temperature rise. It was a 2 lap course and after the first lap I started to hot up. A lot of people were discarding their tops but I was determined to keep mine on.

I think enjoy it is the right way to go especially if you are doing it with someone else. Make sure you take some bells with you 😉🔔

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Richard7]

Good idea, hadn’t thought of 🔔 🔔

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Lovely photo Richard, sounds like you had fun jostling with the other Santa's...and a special bling well earned. 🎅😊xx

[LittleLath]

Well done Richard 👍🏼

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

What fun Richard, and great that it earned you your first bling too! 👍🎅🏃🏅👍🎄

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Well done on your first race, Richard! And such a great cause. It warms my heart to think of all the Santas running for charity today. 🎅 x

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Sounds as though it was a bit challenging, so well done for battling through! Santa suit manufacturers must have made a fortune yesterday. Nice bling 😃

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

We paid £5 extra to get a costume Sandie. They are probably made in their millions in China by people working for a pittance. The material is like a felt polyester and cannot be washed. The Mrs Santa outfits were thicker fabric so didn’t tear as easily as the men’s. Very small though, anyone bigger than size 14 had to wear the men’s outfit.