Race Report: Make Room For Santa 10k Run (Dec)
I don't know what I was thinking... It's like I had a momentary lapse of reason. I hate 10ks. Yet, for some reason last week, I was compelled to sign up for the Renegade Racing's Make Room For Santa 10k Run. When given the choice between the 5k and the 10k. I clicked the 10k option.
Really, I just wanted to Run with The Ladies. They have raved about this charming local Race for years. Each year I see the cute pictures of them dressed in their holiday flare, Running happily along.
When I signed up I truthfully wasn't expecting much. I just figured it was a fun local Race where everyone has an excuse to dress in costume. I have to admit I was impressed with the amount of thought and organization that went into the Race. It was the little perks that helped make all the difference!
After a late night celebrating a Fab5 member's induction into the Ironman Family, I woke up a little foggy and pulled on several layers expecting cold conditions. The Ladies and I gathered together for a quick Photo Op (courtesy of Irvine Police) and walked over to the start line.
The Race this year went back to it's original start location in Hicks Canyon Elementary School, which pleased The Ladies. The course, according to the site, is "flatter" and "more scenic" than years past. All of us were looking forward to an "easy" run.
Walking up to the Race Start, you couldn't help but feel the Christmas Spirit... there were Santas, Mrs Claus, Elves, Reindeer... sparkly tutus, striped socks, antler ears, Christmas hats... you name it, it was there! Our Gang took in the sites/people watching as we waiting in line for the Port-A-Potties.
With 10 minutes to spare, our group pushed (er, positioned) our way thru the Race Corals. I got a good laugh at some of the Pace Signs the Race Organizers had to help Runners (or Walkers) determine where to line up: "Walkers/Strollers/I really don't care about my pace Wave". Even with the humor... it didn't work... I still found myself stuck behind some double strollers and power walkers. Oh well, entertaining still.
Gun goes off. Off we go... 10k and 5ks together. So imagine a crowded start as we headed North/East onto the Mountain to Sea trail. For the most part the course is a series of out and backs. First few miles is on the M2S trail, then the 5k-ers splinter off to head on back to the finish line. The 10k-ers head off towards Peter's Canyon.
Bobbing along to Wham! but still feeling slightly queasy from my night out, I lifted my head long enough to realize a woman was holding down first place in the race! Julie Swail or now Julie Ertel - a notable coach and triathlete who competed in Olympics - was heading back to the finish and leading the pack! Seeing her cruise along with a smile (no doubt she heard my shout out) put a little spring in my step. I almost forgot how much I hate 10ks.
Doubling back to the M2S Trail, the aerobic fitness started to wear off. I still had 2 more Miles to go... and maintaining that alarming heart rate couldn't be good. But then, my competitive edge kicked in. Through out the whole Race two ladies were Running ahead of me. It was clear, from my vantage point, one was doing her first 10k and the other was a Veteran Runner, encouraging her partner along. In my head I decided, I had to beat them.
About Mile 5 1/2 I did... picking up the pace a little, I gave them no thought as I pushed to the Finish Line. And just as I turned the corner to turn on my kick... the Veteran Runner pulled up to sprint past me. I did what any other Runner would do... I went with her. Her response: Kick it Harder. My response... You're on!
At the end of the day, she got me by .2 seconds (even despite throwing my head and chest out in front of me at the finish line- like any child would do!). Crossing the line, I swear she cut me off... and when I went to thank her for the sprint in, she coolly blew me off. Close friends have heard what I think of her bad sportsmanship... but let's just say she clearly had an attitude! (And that is why I'm SO pleased to tell you not only did I technically beat her chip time, but I'm also 3 years older! : P)
Cooling off, I walked past a photo op with Santa, collected my medal and chatted up with some friends. Overall I was very happy with the course and the Race itself.
Perks of the Race:
Really, I just wanted to Run with The Ladies. They have raved about this charming local Race for years. Each year I see the cute pictures of them dressed in their holiday flare, Running happily along.
When I signed up I truthfully wasn't expecting much. I just figured it was a fun local Race where everyone has an excuse to dress in costume. I have to admit I was impressed with the amount of thought and organization that went into the Race. It was the little perks that helped make all the difference!
After a late night celebrating a Fab5 member's induction into the Ironman Family, I woke up a little foggy and pulled on several layers expecting cold conditions. The Ladies and I gathered together for a quick Photo Op (courtesy of Irvine Police) and walked over to the start line.
The Race this year went back to it's original start location in Hicks Canyon Elementary School, which pleased The Ladies. The course, according to the site, is "flatter" and "more scenic" than years past. All of us were looking forward to an "easy" run.
Walking up to the Race Start, you couldn't help but feel the Christmas Spirit... there were Santas, Mrs Claus, Elves, Reindeer... sparkly tutus, striped socks, antler ears, Christmas hats... you name it, it was there! Our Gang took in the sites/people watching as we waiting in line for the Port-A-Potties.
With 10 minutes to spare, our group pushed (er, positioned) our way thru the Race Corals. I got a good laugh at some of the Pace Signs the Race Organizers had to help Runners (or Walkers) determine where to line up: "Walkers/Strollers/I really don't care about my pace Wave". Even with the humor... it didn't work... I still found myself stuck behind some double strollers and power walkers. Oh well, entertaining still.
Gun goes off. Off we go... 10k and 5ks together. So imagine a crowded start as we headed North/East onto the Mountain to Sea trail. For the most part the course is a series of out and backs. First few miles is on the M2S trail, then the 5k-ers splinter off to head on back to the finish line. The 10k-ers head off towards Peter's Canyon.
Bobbing along to Wham! but still feeling slightly queasy from my night out, I lifted my head long enough to realize a woman was holding down first place in the race! Julie Swail or now Julie Ertel - a notable coach and triathlete who competed in Olympics - was heading back to the finish and leading the pack! Seeing her cruise along with a smile (no doubt she heard my shout out) put a little spring in my step. I almost forgot how much I hate 10ks.
Doubling back to the M2S Trail, the aerobic fitness started to wear off. I still had 2 more Miles to go... and maintaining that alarming heart rate couldn't be good. But then, my competitive edge kicked in. Through out the whole Race two ladies were Running ahead of me. It was clear, from my vantage point, one was doing her first 10k and the other was a Veteran Runner, encouraging her partner along. In my head I decided, I had to beat them.
About Mile 5 1/2 I did... picking up the pace a little, I gave them no thought as I pushed to the Finish Line. And just as I turned the corner to turn on my kick... the Veteran Runner pulled up to sprint past me. I did what any other Runner would do... I went with her. Her response: Kick it Harder. My response... You're on!
At the end of the day, she got me by .2 seconds (even despite throwing my head and chest out in front of me at the finish line- like any child would do!). Crossing the line, I swear she cut me off... and when I went to thank her for the sprint in, she coolly blew me off. Close friends have heard what I think of her bad sportsmanship... but let's just say she clearly had an attitude! (And that is why I'm SO pleased to tell you not only did I technically beat her chip time, but I'm also 3 years older! : P)
Cooling off, I walked past a photo op with Santa, collected my medal and chatted up with some friends. Overall I was very happy with the course and the Race itself.
Perks of the Race:
- Charming, local race through Irvine
- 10k, 5k and Kid Race divisions
- Decent Race Registration prices ($25 for 5k and 35$ for 10k)
- Race Day Registration for those that procrastinated
- Costume contest!
- Course on both Bike Paths and Dirt Trails
- Ornament Medal
- Cute Long Sleeved Cotton T-Shirt
- Race offered a Race Recovery Goodie Bag redeemable at Whole Foods Tustin
- Parking for us was a cinch, we decided to use the free parking at Starbucks
- Very organized and well communicated race instructions
- Pretty decent crowd support
- Flat and fast course
- Race Expo looked pretty cool, although I did not have time to scope it out
- Appears to have a high attendance of Local Running Clubs
- Raffle held at Packet Pickup for Free Mizuno Running shoes
- Course was a bit congested, particularly the first 1/2 Mile
- Perhaps one less out and back would have been nice... taking advantage of all the Mountain to Sea and/or Peter's Trail have to offer
- ... say it with me, no Beer Garden :(
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