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. 

Race review: Santa shuffle 5k

I love the santa shuffle. This is the second year I've done it. Last year I ran with my two friends, Andrea and Chris. 

This year I decided to sign up as my run club has this run as their graduation run for the 5k group. 

Some members of the run club. 

I also offered in passing to the run club my colleague and I started at school if any of the kids wanted to run it id run with them. So that brings us to today. My run club includes a colleague and a parent from school so they both joined with their kids and another student came too. 

I love the Santa shuffle for many reasons:

-it supports the Salvation Army and they do a lot of great things in the community. 

-it's so low key and accepting. Sure you have the handful of hardcores but for the most part people are dressed festively and having fun! I love wearing ridiculous things and having fun stuff on. Remembering the love of running, not just the competitive side. 

Note my children's elf costume from the dollar store. Including elf shoes with bells. My genius moment included cutting the bottom off as to not slip. They stayed on the whole time but were a little worse for wear by the end. 

-it's not chip timed. Like above mentioned, low key and laid back. 

-still a "real" race with bibs and some of the nicest bling I've seen. 

-a great race kit.

-there's a 1k "elf run" for kids. They too get a medal. 

It was such a rewarding experience running the race with two students, one in grade 3, another in grade 6. They ran the whole 5k without stopping. It's so great to share my love of running, the highs the lows, the challenges and the rewards especially the feeling of accomplishment. All of a sudden their accomplishments are so much more meaningful than mine. 

An "elfie" with my favourite elf. She went and got this costume because I did. What a sweetheart. Except that it amplified the fact that I was wearing a children's costume as it actually fit her. 

And ran with this guy,(left) his brother ran with their mother. He was in my class last year and if I picked favourites it would be him. But I don't. :)

I'm so thankful for running. And teaching. When I can make those two intersect somehow the love just overflows. I've been running for just over two years and I wish I'd found my love of running sooner. I'm thankful to have a positive influence on children in healthy ways in hopes that this is just the beginning for them as I wish I'd found it as a child too. What a blessing to be a runner teacher. :)