I thought I’d do my

I thought I’d do my 8 miles today on the Seabrook trails, since I figured I’d be at work all afternoon. But hey, we launched yesterday! Hooray! So instead, I headed downtown for the Jingle Bell Run, which I’d registered for a few weeks ago.
Now, the Jingle Bell Run is 5 miles, so for the first time ever, I ran before and after a race to get in all my miles! I don’t think it’s a habit I particularly want to get into, but it’s not a bad way to get in the miles while still getting to hit the races.
It certainly would’ve been nice if the weather’d been better though! Chilly, and drizzling. It wouldn’t have been as chilly if it hadn’t been as wet, but oh well.
Buzz came along and ran with me the whole way, and I must say, it was really nice to have some company. We got to just run and chat, and she kept me going at the end when my legs were starting to tire.
We headed out a bit before the race and got back to the start in 11:15. (I Google mapped it at 1.1 miles.) About 5 minutes later, we started the race itself. Though I hate the “hills” of Allen Parkway, we finished the race in 55:26. After a quick water stop, we headed back out again for what ended up being 23:16, and 2.1 miles.
That 8.2 miles in 1.5 hours, which is right at 11:00/mile. I’m pretty proud of myself for that run.