Race Review: Santa Shuffle Barrie

This photo happened on its own as it's not always the easiest with a dog

I love the Santa Shuffle! It is just an all-around fun race. First of all, I am a big lover of all things Christmas and festive. Getting to dress up for a race in Christmas-esque costumes? I'm in! Plus December is a slow season for races, so it gives me something to look forward to.

The event is held all across the country, each event happening at the same time on the same date. It is a primary fundraiser for the Salvation Army, and what a great time of year to be doing so. 

The event is very low key so it's great for those who are too nervous to participate in competitive races. It's a 5km out and back course with signage at each km. It's not chip timed but you do get a bib and medal for participating. Each year the medal has been beautiful detailed with ample amounts of glitter: my favourite!

They also have Santa on hand for photos which I believe they later email to you.

I have run this race for 3 years now. My first year I ran with two girlfriends of mine. I dressed up as a present. Last year I ran with two students from the school I teach at. I dressed up as an elf. This year I ran with my boyfriend and dog. Mark and I were reindeer and Zoe was Santa. It's all very postmodern to see Santa pulling two reindeer. It was fun as many people were dressed as Santa, so to be reindeer caught a few eyes and garnered some great comments from fellow participants.

But really, which reindeer are we?

We knew she'd never keep the hat on her head, so around her neck it went

This year was by far the nicest weather I've experienced for a Santa Shuffle. You know, many people seem to be sad that here we are into December with no snow and temperatures frequently hitting double digits; I have to tell you, I am not sad about it. Christmas isn't just snow. I love Christmas music and lights and costumes. I don't feel like I'm missing out without the snow. Do not fear: it will come. Before you know it, it'll be April and we will be wishing it was gone!!

So this year it was mild, close to 10C but weirdly foggy. We arrived just in time to park, use the porta potty (this is an added challenge when you realize you have a dog attached to your waist) and pick up bibs. I was disappointed this year not to receive a swag bag as the two previous years I got a bag with treats in it.

Also different this year they switched the course up due to construction. The start/finish area was still the same but the race headed South rather than North, out a gravel path along the water. I ran this path as part of my spring half marathon this year so I was familiar. They also mentioned that this year they had special medals for the top 3 male and female finishers, which does add a somewhat competitive level to the event. I hadn't expected this and a small part of me wanted to race it for that special medal, but I quickly reminded that part that this run is about fun and running with my boyfriend and fur baby.

Giving my girl a pep talk

This was Zoe's first race which is super fun, especially as it ended up being on her 2nd birthday. She is just like her mommy as I have my annual "birthday run" being the last race I ran, the Run Blue Mountains race series. Also a first race together for Mark and I. Lots of very exciting firsts.

The start of the race was a bit of a challenge as this is the first time I've run a race with Zoe so trying to find a comfortable place to start and weave through the throngs of people to get to an open area was a bit of a zig-zag at best. It didn't take long and we found a nice comfortable pace and area.

The race was a lot of a fun and I was very proud of both Zoe and Mark.

Heading in to the finish

Passing by my parents

Almost there!

It's so nice to be able to share my passion with these two. It was also nice that my parents ended up coming down to watch us as well (and take the great photos). Having nicer weather of course made all that more possible as well.

Mom got in this shot! Zoe is over the photos. 

I hope to continue to make this event an annual one. I think it would be neat to participate in a different location for next year. Stay tuned!

A tired girl wearing her birthday medal. Okay it's mine, they didn't give us one for her. 

Breaking up is hard to do (with shoes).

Finally, after 672.5km on my runners I got myself a new pair. I'm very particular about running shoes. In my 2 years running I've learned I like Asics and New Balance. Mainly because I need the wide toe box and they are both reputable brands.

Usually I make 2-3 trips to different stores that sell running shoes and do my research online. My criteria usually includes: a New Balance or Asics, a wide toe box, midline stability and of course, something pretty. I usually go for middle of the line price point as well because I'm not made of money but I don't want to wreck myself. 

But, as I opened and admired my new shoes I got a little sad about saying goodbye to my old shoes. You may find this silly but I've been through a lot with my old purple and teal asics. 

I got these shoes in the spring of 2014 in April because of a sale. I knew I wouldn't need them until June though. 

Running lots is a doubled edged sword. Running more is doing more of what you love but things wear out so much quicker. Though I feel like these shoes had a full and fulfilling life it went by too fast. 

In these shoes I: 

-came in 1st for my age category for the barrie waterfront 10k June 2014

-walked the scleroderma 5k with my family to support the research of a disease near and dear to my heart 

- ran my first 8k- a local canada day race that's been around for 46 years. 

- flew to Alberta and ran some of the most breath taking trails I've ever seen. 

-ran a 10k in BC!

-climbed a mountain. A real mountain. I now know why hiking gear exists and I wouldn't suggest ever climbing a mountain in running shoes but regardless, climbing a mountain changes you. 

-ran my third half marathon less than 12 hours after getting back to Ontario on limited sleep and fuel.

- ran my 4th half marathon, a local race, and got myself a PB on a challenging quad. 

- ran a 10k on my 26th birthday with a sub 50 that I've been gunning to break since doing it once in April. Also got 1st in my age category, won a pie and was sung to on the podium. 

-ran a Remembrance Day 5k alongside my running hero, Krista Duchene. 

And of course, all the hundreds of "training" runs in between. 

Needless to say these shoes have become a part of me. They hold so many great memories and it's hard to put them aside and start a relationship with someone new. My heart breaks at the thought. 

Then of course I catch sight of these beautiful girls and don't feel so bad. 

Because I know that they too will hold many beautiful memories I've yet to make.