Hale Freezes Over

Last weekend was the Hale Freezes Over race, sponsored by the Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah.  It was freezing cold, but a great way to start off a new year of running.

Our usually large family group of runners was reduced to just me this time (Julie was on hand as an event photographer and supporter, as she wasn't feeling quite up to it due to recent climate issues in our apartment), and I opted for the 5K run, as opposed to the offered 5K walk or 10K run.  The course was moderate, except for that insane uphill slope for the last half mile, and the crowd was pretty good too.  I didn't quite reach my time goal for this first race (I think running in the frigid out-of-doors really does make a difference), but I was still really satisfied.  Coming in at about 22:30 I placed 3rd in my age group (perfect time for them to just give medals to the 1st placers, right?), and 9th overall.  They did have a lot of great prizes in the drawing, none of which we won, but the prizes just for running were pretty awesome too.  They included a nice, long-sleeved race shirt, assorted gift certificates, a snazzy "Participant" ribbon, and two tickets for the upcoming production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, not to mention the nice snacks they had, which included pizza!  Now that's what I call incentive.  They even included a discount on their upcoming fall (optional costumed) 5K, Highway to Hale.

I just love 5Ks that have clever swears in their title.