Jingle all the way

'Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was quiet not even a mouse. We were all headed out to run a fine race, so we were loud and rowdy all over Mird's place!

This past Saturday, literally with bells on because it was the Jingle Bell Race after all, us sisters got out and ran an actual-- like a real bonafide, measured,timed, and goodie bagged--10K race at Alma College (well technically it was 6.4 miles), but nonetheless it was a damn race! Yes a R.A.C.E. race, Race, RACE!!! We were a little wound up about this one!  Can you tell?!?

Close your eyes and picture Mird and I frolicing along a lovely bike path with our festive holiday gear on, our spirits at record high levels, kicking our heals up, laughing all the way...ha ha ha. Now you get a feel for what it was like Saturday!  This event gave us a reason to believe that someday soon we will return to the days of regular racing with all of our cool running friends all over the country on our journey to get all 50 states done. Until then, a small race with an open start time for two hours, and face masks requirements had to do!

Someone recently told me "Believe" is the word of the 2020 holiday season. Then I received this lovely Christmas card in the mail and I think whoever said that was right. We've got to BELIEVE there's an end to all the craziness of 2020! We have to believe that normal, boring, old, weekdays, followed by spectacular weekends filled with amazing races where high fives, and water stations are allowed are right around the corner! 

 Go ahead and BELIEVE in 2021! It's going to be awesome baby!

The Jingle Belles...Get it?!?!

This race was a jolly good time of course. It was just so nice to have a somewhat normal feeling race experience. While we did get face masks instead of t-shirts, and there wasn't an after party, other than that it felt like a normal, everyday, run of the mill, race.  There were a bunch of cool runner people hanging out and then running out in Mother Nature who dished us up some crazy ass rainy weather!  And these days it was a true Christmas Miracle because races are dying just like the people! And I don't care what anyone says, running outdoors, separated safely, with a small group of people is way better for our health than hiding in our houses, alone. We just need to use some common sense in our behavior so I recently started washing my hands and stopped licking the doorknobs. Haha.

I think the coolest parts of this race was Marisa (photo below) leading the way on her bike. She also had bells on and a fancy boot because her foot is injured and she was playing Christmas music along the way. She added a ton of festivity and Christmas Spirit to the race experience! I really admire her tenacity and positivity! It was absolutely contagious!  There were many more spectators who showed up to cheer out in the rain on a chilly Saturday morning than I expected. To be honest, I expected zero so the couple dozen spectators scattered along the path was a welcomed surprise!  I believe this is a good indicator of the times we're living through; People are willing to wake up early Saturday morning to go stand in the pouring rain to cheer for a bunch of runners (most of which are strangers) just to have a reason to leave their houses.  Also super cool was the fact that one of our friends was wicked fast and won 7th place overall!!! Way to go C!!! You're awesomesauce for sure!!

Marisa the parade marshall of the day!

We're wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love Vern and Mird