Sunday, December 17, 2017

Great Santa Night Run 2017 (and Weekly Wrap)

It's definitely starting to feel a lot like Christmas here in Hong Kong. Temperatures started dropping about mid-week, which made for a very chilly but totally appropriate Great Santa Night Run on Saturday.

But first, my weekly workout wrap-up:

Monday I hiked with the AWA hiking group. Since mrC was finally back in Hong Kong, he joined us.

On Tuesday I did hill repeats on the treadmill. I really, really love this workout for days when I want to run, but don't feel like doing sprints. The workout is basically a 20 minute repeat of 2 minute walk 15% incline, 1 minute run 5% incline, 2 minute walk 5% incline with a 10 minute warmup and 15 minute cool down ---> that I decided to do as a run.

We spent Wednesday running around Central getting things for Christmas and the kids coming visit. The first one arrives tomorrow!!! AHHH! I am so excited.

Thursday was an unintentional rest day. In the evening we walked to the international school for Carols on the Pitch and felt very festive listening to traditional Christmas carols while sitting on a blanket.

I pulled out an at home strength workout on Friday and finally used my new resistance bands. I liked that they added some exercise options for when my hand weights are too light.

On Saturday it was time for a holiday run just like the ones we did in New Hampshire. I admit that I am a sucker for holiday themed events. The Great Santa Night Run was held at Hong Kong Science Park, Charles K. Kao Auditorium (aka the "Golden Egg").


When I registered us for the buddy race, we had the option of Santa suits or Santa tees. Sadly, they were already out of our sizes. Too bad the tee was an extra small because it was super cute and I would have totally worn it.


We had plenty of time to wander around the venue before our race. They had fun photo ops set up like a couple of Santa Clauses, decorated tricycles and a Christmas tree. We didn't miss anything.




The first "cold weather warning" was issued for the weekend (which in Hong Kong means when temperatures will drop below 55 degrees) and we were freezing. I think we might be getting used to the tropical weather. Thank goodness I wore my capris! (affiliate) The combined low temperature and crazy wind made it feel like that fake snow could be real!


We stayed inside the building until we had to line up for our event - the buddy 3K. I even had time to FaceTime with my mom when she called and show her what we were up to. When it was time, mrC checked our bag and we corralled with the other runners, most dressed in their Santa suits.


The course basically followed neighborhood walkways for a crowded out and back. We had to dodge other runners/walkers and some areas of sidewalk construction, so there was no fear of going too fast. In fact, I think we were running a comfortable 11:22 pace (I started my watch about 4 minutes too soon at the start, so it's not completely accurate).

After crossing the finish, we hurried over to reclaim our checked bag and put our jackets back on. Then we realized we missed the finisher's area, so we headed over to grab our goodies. It was mostly Chinese-type swag, aside from a pair of earbuds and the cute stocking.


Today I made chili - because that's what you do when it's 50 degrees in Hong Kong ;)

Have you joined the Santa run fun?
Do you have guests coming for the holidays?
What do you like to make on cold winter days?


Today I'm linking up with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap!



14 comments:

  1. What a fun race and I love all the swag that you received - thats awesome!

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  2. Bummer about the shirts not fitting...those are actually cute event shirts! Yes, we make chili a lot, too, when it's cold...like sub-freezing LOL

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    1. A small would have been snug, but no way I could pull off that XS!!

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  3. I like stews and chili when it's cold--so funny that 55 is cold. Guess it's all relative!

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    1. Definitely! I used to make fun of my Florida resident parents, haha

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  4. I suppose 55 would be cold in a mostly tropical climate! Looks festive and fun. That tee is so cute. Too bad they ran out of sizes. How great your kids are visiting!

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    1. One of the reasons we need to sign up early for races - for swag that fits ;)

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  5. I love that 55 now feels cold - you've definitely embraced the tropical temps ;) Looks like a fun race!

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    1. I think we have! Still don't miss New England winters!

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  6. This looks like a fun and festive event! It's too bad that race shirt was too small. It's hard to wrap my head around a cold weather warning when temps drop below 55. I hope you enjoy the holidays and visit with your kids. Thanks for linking!

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    1. I guess after two and a half years living in China/Hong Kong it really does have an effect on our bodies. I would not have believed it myself. It's still unbearably hot to me in the summer though!

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  7. What a fun run and you and the hubs look so cute and festive! I agree that when your body gets acclimated to warmer weather, 55 seems freezing!! Lol Chili is always the first thing that I always crave when the temps start dropping. Merry Christmas and enjoy having your kids in Japan for the holidays!

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