Santa Hustle 5K Recap

I had such an awesome time running the Santa Hustle 5K in Milwaukee on December 6, 2014. 

I love that we have made this family event the past 2 years!  Last year the kids were not able to see me run as Maddie got sick in the middle of the night.  This year was different.  

We drove up Friday night to our hotel and bought some snacks in their nicely stocked pantry.  We relaxed and watched TV in the room.  We stayed up late and snuggled in the very comfy queen-sized beds.

I actually was very creative this year, which is so unlike me, and brought goodies for St. Nick and our Elf on the Shelf with us.  I was up before everyone else the next morning, so I was able to plant the elves and place the goodies in the kids' shoes.  They were so excited to see what St. Nick brought for them and the looks on their faces when they saw Ellie and her buds was absolutely priceless!  So worth the trouble of packing them. 

Finding Ellie and her crew!!

Digging in their shoes for the goodies!!

After the fun of the morning, it was time to get ready to go to the race!  We got ready and headed to the Lake Front!  It was a beautiful morning and the weather was pleasant!  I opted to get my packet the morning of the race.  This year instead of shirts, they had sweatshirts.  They were running small with the sizes so I ended up with a Men's Medium.  It was big, but it's really comfy so I'm good with it.  I probably look a little silly in it, but I don't care!  It is what it is!

The skyline of Milwaukee is really beautiful!!

Shameless pre-race selfie!!

The race itself was really fun!  I wanted to push myself to race hard and fast, so I lined up in the 9 minute mile corral!  I usually always doubt my capabilities, but today I wanted to prove to myself that I can race hard and run miles in the 9 minute range. I did my very best with times in the 9:30 range for the entire race.  It was not a PR for me for the race, but I felt like I really pushed myself hard.  I have been running slower in 5Ks since training for longer distances.  I am working to build my speed back up and keep it for a longer distance.  Winter goals right now.  I am happy with my official time of 29:47.  I was 28:57 last year and felt like I ran faster and harder this year, but it is what it is.  I am not that upset about it!  I enjoyed myself, it was for a good cause (Toys For Tots), and it was the first year that my kids were able to see me run with a bunch of other Santas!  

The best part of the race was coming to the finish, seeing my kids waving to me from a a tree they were sitting in!  Very awesome memory!

When I finished, we headed over to see the reindeer and get pictures with the giant blow up Frosty!

My babes and the reindeer!  EJ even petted one of them!

My babes and I with Frosty!!  (See my huge sweatshirt!! It's so comfy though!!)

Luckily there were a bunch of other people taking pictures so we were able to have a family picture taken and we made sure to return the favor!  

I love this family tradition that we have!  We enjoyed a fun night away in a hotel, a fun Santa Hustle race, and Christmas shopping afterwards!  It was an awesome weekend!  I can't wait to do it again next year!!

As always, Be Strong, You Never Know Who You Are Inspiring!!

Run On My Friends!!

Laura