Lack's Dasher & Prancer 5K

I am heading home after the Lack's Dasher & Prancer 5K in Mission. Here are five quick notes about the run:

1. Sheep - There was an adorable Serta sheep doll included in the race packet. I know that's not really race related. But finding fun things in a race packets hasn't happened in a while.
2. Route - People who know the area might not have been thrilled with a view of some businesses, apartments and a gas station, but I don't know Mission and appreciated the look around. It was a nice route. (I also realize that any route shorter than a half-marathon is an absolutely beautiful thing to me right now.)
3. Take tissues - Why do I only remember when the race is about to start that cold weather makes my nose run? Fortunately, there was a five-minute delay, so I got to dash to a port-a-pottie to grab some toilet paper. Of course, I didn't have pockets, so that was a whole other issue...
4. Oven mitts - Oven mitts were part of my gingerbread girl costume. They totally came in handy. They kept my hands warm. I forgot my Flipbelt, but I was able to stash my phone in one of them. They did make it difficult to start my watch when the run started, so I asked a coworker to push the start button for me.
5. Costume - I lost the costume contest again. Once I realized it was based on popularity, I knew my chances plummeted. I got a few "I like your costume... but what are you?" Sometimes, a gingerbread girl can't catch a break. C'est la vie.

The medal was in the shape of a reindeer and the race was in support of the American Diabetes Association. Oh, yah, I got a second place plaque. 

It just wasn't for me. The GM won, but he had to leave early. Next to taking picture on the pedestals for the winners, it's as close as I'll ever get to winning.