Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells…

Ooooh I had such a brilliant time today racing with DD. It was the Corrida de Noël de Toulouse 10km race, Father Christmas hats and red T-shirts compulsory!

I’m normally a bit serious when it comes to racing, but seeing as I bagged a new solo 10km PB last weekend (finishing 2nd female at the Ronde de Ramonville), I thought today was a perfect opportunity to have some fun with zero pressure or expectations.

The sun was out and the sky was that heart-soaring shade of blue that makes you glad to be alive, so I set off decked out in floppy Santa hat, dangly Christmas earrings and with the Chariot festooned with tinsel. My little passenger was bundled up warm and happily surrounded as always with noisy toys and enough snacks to feed a small country.

We jogged right from the front gate, which gave us a perfect 5km warm-up along the river to the start line. We got a bit hemmed in to begin with, but managed to find a bit of space after overtaking for the first kilometre. The route hugged the Garonne, right in the city centre, on paths and pavements that I have pounded with the buggy many times. It was incredible to run on my home turf with such a fun and festive atmosphere. 

One thing I adore about running with the buggy is how many shouts and cheers we always get. Today I did not stop grinning all the way round… in fact, I would go so far as to say it’s the first race I’ve ever done that I didn’t want to end! Such such good fun.

We zoomed round the two laps, DD enjoying a little snooze for most of it, and ended up finishing second female. Our official time was 41:28 (I had 41:16 on the watch), which is our buggy 10km PB to boot! We hopped up to the podium to collect our prize (a €90 Decathlon voucher – always very welcome), then jogged home again (which gave 20.6km in the legs by the end of the morning).

What a perfect start to the Christmas holidays. Time for some wine and chocolates now… and possibly a bit of rest!