Bright Lights 5k

 I headed over to Stowe Botanical Gardens for their Bright Lights 5k. This event kicks their holiday season and gives runners the opportunity to have a sneak peek at their lights display. While I am not sure that I would call their lights display Christmas themed, it is still a quick amazing display of lights. Overall, I would say that it takes on more of a floral themed presentation. Then, I guess that sticks with the overall context of the place. I spent about 90 minutes after the race wondering through their lights display.

But back the race, after an unseasonably warm day, the temperature was around 60 degrees at the 6pm race time. The course first took out toward the entrance and back. Facing the main building, we detoured around the right side to enter where the lights were. We continued down the right side to where they have their new kids castle. Ran all the way back the main house before going back out on the right side. We finally ran on the outer road back up and round to the front of the main house. 

I love Christmas lights and getting an opportunity to immerse myself in them was fantastic. As far as the race, only in the gardens was the running more difficult. Lots of twists and turns were present. Much of the course was ribboned off to direct the runners in a particular direction. However, the ribbons were difficult to see at night. I found myself off slowing with each crossing until my eyes located the ribbon. I never knew if I were going to turn left, go straight, or turn right. I encountered all of them on this course. 

The Awards MC was funny. For the guys, he kept saying "dudes", but all women were called "girls" along with him rocking back and forth the entire time. I got a bit sleepy just watching him.

Overall, I had a good time attending this event. I finished 7th overall and 1st in my age group. My time was okay at 20:29. My legs had a pretty heavy feeling, and they didn't particular like the back and forth turns. That's just part of the challenges. 

The Cool Down Runner