This past weekend was the second annual Legacy Village Jingle Bell 5K. The race was put on by the Arthritis Foundation. I kept getting coupons in my inbox for race registration, but of course when I actually went to register, the coupon had expired. Then a few days later they emailed me another one. Can’t win ‘em all I guess. The boyfriend and I ran the race last year and had a great time.

Sunday’s weather was cold. I think I felt colder then it actually was because I’m a little bit of a wimp when it comes to snow. I thought I’d warm up once the race got started, but I didn’t and by mile two my lungs ached from the cold air and my toes were still numb. The crowd was a sea of red and green and Santa hats bobbed up and down all around me. The boyfriend drew a good number of whistles from his tiny Christmas boxers that he chose to wear over some athletic shorts. It was a funny sight to see. Event staff handed out jingle bells to tuck into our shoes, but after last year I chose not to. (They bothered me too much and eventually fell off anyways.)

post race

I’ll admit I’m not in the best shape at the moment. I peeked in September and have let myself relax a little since then. I try to work out three to four days a week and my diet has been here and there with the holidays. I don’t mind though. I’m enjoying myself. The beginning of November was the first time I was actually able to run completely marathon-injury free. I also have big plans for 2014, so mine as well enjoy my off season at the moment.

I’m thinking about trying to run a race every month in 2014. The only thing I’m a little hesitant of is January, February and March. I hate cold weather and running in the snow. Of course most races would be a 5K with bigger races in the warmer months. Still giving some thought to that, especially with sticking to a budget with race fees. Stay tuned.

my 2013 Race Bibs

I also have plans to run the Cleveland Half Marathon in May again. I’ve gone back and forth so much with running the full or the half. I’ve decided if I’m going to race a lot in 2014, I can’t injury myself right away from a marathon in May. It took me over two months to recover from the marathon in September and since summer is peek racing season I don’t want to be out of commission for that.

I turn 24 next week, but I don’t really mind. I’m excited for what the next year has ahead of me and I don’t think I’ve felt like this for my birthday in a few years now. Life has been pretty darn good to me lately and I can’t wait for a new year to write down all my goals for 2014. I’m also excited for the holidays and seeing friends and family.

So runners and fitness readers, is this your “off season” or “break” too? Are you a little more lenient this time of year or is there never an off season for you?

A friend sent this to me so I don’t know who it belongs to, but I want one.