Acumen Jingle All the Way 10k
On Sunday morning at approximately 9AM I completed my first organized 10K run - the Acumen Jingle All The Way 10k.
I discovered the run online a week ago while looking for qualifying runs for the National Marathon in March.
It was cold and I had to wake up at 6AM, but it was worth it. I even got home in time to get ready for church (my church has service at 1PM).
The 10k took place at West Potomac Park in DC, right next to the Mall and all the monuments. The path passed right by The Awakening, which was pretty cool. The race started at 8AM so I arrived nice and early at 7AM to make sure I lined up on time and stretched a bit. It was cold, about 30 degrees Fahrenheit the whole morning. Good thing they served Starbucks and hot coco for free. Approximately 2,900 participants showed up… in Santa outfits, Reindeer headpieces, and even a Frosty the Snowman Costume (with a do not smoke sign on his back, crossing out a pipe). During the middle of the run I remember seeing some guy juggling 4 balls the whole 10 kilometers… why? It was interesting to hear all those bells jingling in people’s shoes. Good thing mine fell off, it was really annoying.
The actual run itself was pretty easy because I run often, but I don’t usually run 6 miles straight without taking a break. Only some mild leg cramps the last mile. I finished in less than 54 minutes, which qualifies me for the National Marathon. My goal was to finish in less than an hour. Good thing I brought a cell phone, because I forgot my watch! Had I no timing device to pace myself with, I would have been very worried during the whole run.
*Update* My official chip time is 53 minutes 14 seconds.
The registration packet included:
- A pair of running gloves, which came in handy in the cold weather
- A long sleeve shirt
- Jingle bells… which fell off my laces in the middle of the run. I hope no one stepped on them!
- A ChampionChip, which is a transponder used to track times in races and ensures people don’t take taxi cabs to the finish line
- A bib
Now I need motivation to train… anyone else want to run the National Marathon?