TITLE NOTE: “Auld Lang Syne” gets overshadowed this time of year by sugary sweet cheesecake holiday tunes. I shared my own top ten Christmas music list last year around this time and included Ben Rector’s version of the one-day wonder. Since then Colbie Caillat has released her own version of the old-school Scottish tune, which trumps all other previously recorded renditions. (:
The 12Ks of Christmas for Runwell! I have never eaten so well while running, which is a grandiose statement, considering the usual spread of grub at ultra marathons. December 9, about fifty of my favorite running peeps gathered at Orchard Hills Park in Chesterland, Ohio, for a festive fundraiser for Runwell. Each runner/walker completed 12 loops of a marked one-kilometer course, stopping at the toasty warm aid station after each K for a holiday treat and beverage.
Some of my favorites were the spicy brownies, candy cane cookies, Nutter Butters dipped in chocolate and decorated to look like reindeer, and the giant hoho. I politely declined the beer, chocolate wine, peppermint schnapps, and Irish coffee, but I more than made up for it with about six cups of punch…the red stuff with the foamy sherbet yumminess on top.
Some of us lingered at the aid station more than others, to consume more than our share of punch, smiles, laughter, and overall merriment. I call this “fueling,” both the body and soul.
Most of us dressed in festive elf-like apparel.
Some of us cajoled others into running more laps.
Somebody finished her 12K LAST as a result of too much yapping between laps…
…but some of us didn’t finish all twelve at all, due to too much “fueling.” (:
I have never met a more genuine and loving group of people in my entire life. We raised $1,500 for Runwell, all in support the very fabulous Des and her journey towards Racing the Planet: Iceland next summer. For more information, click on the link above or check out Des’s fundraising page.
Runwell is a non-profit foundation dedicated to inspiring individuals around the world to lead healthy, active lifestyles. It encourages anyone involved with drug or alcohol addictions, from chemical dependents to their friends and families, to get involved in sports.
RUN RUN REPEAT 