Chariots of Fire meets Christmas- The Jingle Bell Run 2010

I can remember sitting in our first Gateway meeting, the morning after my sister queens and I were crowned, when the board told us we would be running in a 5K. I think the silence after that announcement was broken only by the sound of our jaws dropping to the floor. While I've always thought of myself as fit and healthy, never, NEVER did I think of myself as a runner (frankly, because I'm not!). After our involvement with the Halloween 5K for Miracles, I was even more intimidated! Thank God our board is equipped with seasoned veterans for marathon running! If it wasn't for the constant encouragement from Kerri, Mike, Caitlin, and Mary (in spirit!), as well as Jillian, I may have chickened out. But now that it has been said, done, and run, I really enjoyed the exercise and experience, and actually, I am signing up for more 5Ks in the future!!

The team in front of Harrah's, ready to get the race started!

The Jingle Bell run is an annual 5K, famous throughout the Midwest for the runners that wear, what else, but jingle bells on their shoes, wrists, and hats. Our team was decked out in Santa hats embroidered with our names/titles on them (Thanks Mom and Dad for such a great early Christmas present!) All proceeds raised from registration went to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, one of the nation's leading causes of disability. This Foundation uses there financial support to provide public health education, pursue public policy and legislation, and conduct evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Every step I ran, I realized more and more what a blessing it was to be running, pain free, unlike so many of the patients that we were helping through our participation. Who knew a 5K could be so humbling!

Caitlin and I after the race... I don't think we look THAT tired, right?!

This event had even more meaning to the McIntosh members of the Gateway board.  Kerri, our avid marathon runner, convinced the family to run the Jingle Bell 5K 7 years ago.  Continuing to register and run every year, it soon became a Gateway tradition as well as a family tradition.  The goal this year: to finish under 33 min. I had made a bet with Kerri that she would reach that goal. If I won, she would get to pick any song for me to try for talent. If I lost, I would get to pick a random song instead (Like we needed this run to be more interesting!).

All 1600 runners! Somewhere in there is our team LOL!

Kerri and I catching a quick picture after crossing the finish line.

After the first 5 minutes of Jillian and I running together, we began calculating how fast we could finish if we walked the rest of the way. We found that setting little goals and encouraging each other to run to the next stop sign before we walk again or run until the next mile then walk for 3 minutes, helped us stay motivated despite our lack of endurance. If I had to put a moral to this experience, it would be to never be intimidated by a large task, but instead, rejoice in the minor accomplishments that help tackle the major goal.

With about a mile left, we caught up to Kerri and put on the afterburners! Of course, the last stretch was uphill! But with Kerri by my side, we crossed the finish line in a full on sprint! Time: 32.20. Mission accomplished (and bet won)! :-)

Thanks to the McIntosh family and the Gateway board for scheduling such a fun and encouraging event! Also, thanks to the Arch 106.5 and Harrah's Casino and Hotel for sponsoring the run!

Victory! Score: the Gateway group-6, 5K-0