Sunday morning I awoke at 5am to set out on the journey of completing my second 5K race. I was out the door by 6 in order to catch the 7:20 boat across the water to Seattle. It was cold, windy, and dark. Little did I know that the weather would turn around to be something wonderful. Instead of boring you all with every last detail of the day, I will sum it up to 5 key reasons as to why it was a great run.
Reason 1: Location–The park where the course was set had scenic paths and the trails were twisty. The last stretch of the run was along the water. 
I assume we looked something like this.
Reason 2: Chili–Post race, everyone was given a bowl of hot chili. Vegetarian chili was offered, and the line for the meatless option was three times shorter than the line for the meat chili. We walked up to get our bowls and waited less than a minute.
Reason 3: Free Loot–Along with the free chili, we snagged free coconut water(s), fruit, and baby Lara Bars.
Do not be fooled by this photo..I grabbed at least five more handfuls of the Lara mini’s.
Reason 4: Unique race–Most races don’t have a wet and dry option. Choosing wet meant I signed up to run the last few hundredths of the race sopping wet. I took a detour into Lake Washington for the Polar Bear Plunge. I swore my body weight doubled after pulling myself out of the lake to finish the run.
After..
The plunge took the breath out of my lungs because the water was so cold. Though the dive into the lake was refreshing, I felt slightly immobilized when I could no longer touch the ground.
Swim around the end of the line, dunk your head, and run out of the water.
Reason 5: A friend-Having someone next to me made the time fly by. They grabbed my arm when I felt like I couldn’t swim, and they trotted to the finish with me dripping wet.
I finished 3.17 miles in 32:43. The pace was nice, and the weather was ideal. Sunshine and blue skies. I would most definitely do this run again.
The chili feed was not enough for my cheetah appetites so I ended up getting some more grub.
Another piece of wall art to continue the collection.
Q: What is the most unique race you have done? Definitely this one..jumping into a lake was fun.
Blissfulbritt 
26 thoughts on “5 Reason 5K”
Manfriend
This race ties the most unique race with the 19 Mile run in 100 degrees I went on in Cuba! I loved this run with you, I look forward to the next challenge/run/adventure, and hopefully we can take the plunge again in 2013!?!
Alexandra
Cool! Free chili, gorgeous scenery, and after run whole foods trip with manfriend? Perfect day in my book! 😉
Emma
I love that Manfriend commented! Hi Manfriend! Is it weird that I am saying hi to him? I’m ok with it.
What an awesome race! I don’t really run…ever, but if I were to run a 5k I would want it to be like that one.
Josie
Wow! That’s a tough run!! Well done. I am a wuss when it comes to cold… I think I would choose the dry option!
One of 3 running resolutions this year is actually to do 2 unique/fun races!! I am thinking costumes, or interesting location or some gimmick. 🙂
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
What a great but tough run! Even though I live in the Northeast, I am still a wuss in the cold.. when it gets too chilly… treadmill it is for me!
That is so nice that you did that run together though, love it 🙂
Lou
Congrats dude, that’s awesome! What a cool race, love the polar bear plunge bit…. kinda crazy but pretty cool! Best bit = free food and chilli, yeeeeeah! Love your photos of the lake etc, pretty. A man that can build a fire is one to keep for sure.
Never run a race…. can’t run! I’m a good spectator though 🙂
nicole the exbulimic
oh my goodness! does man friend have a brother who likes yoga girls with cute puggles? haha! 9pm bedtime and 5am runs sound fabulous. you two look so gorgeous and healthy; and i’ve never known a girl to do “the plunge!” loved reading about this experience! happy new year, brittany! x
Ayla
I’ve only ever done 2 races and both were kind of boring (but fun) so you definitely have me beat. I almost did a race called the Rubber Ducky though! Except I managed to injure myself during the race I did 2 weeks before it so I had to back out. I do plan to do the Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder this summer so those will probably end up being absolutely epic.
itsthecookiemonster
wow, i could never wake up at the crack of dawn to run 5k and dunk myself into ice cold water. U are one brave soul! HAPPY NEW YEAR! you started it off with a bang 😀
glidingcalm
WHOLE FOODS HOT BAR! food of the godS! 🙂
manfriend seems wonderful. I love fires. and men that can make fires. My Boy is always on a mission to ignite the fireplace.
congrats on the run!! it looks like a pretty place!
happy day to you!
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
I’m freezing in my bed right now. I can’t imagine jumping into a lake!! great job! 🙂
thoughtsappear
You did the Polar Bear plunge? Whoa! It’s like 20 degrees here this morning, so that seems like an especially crazy idea!
“He can make a fire, too.”—This will be extremely important once the world freezes over. Keep him around.
Errign
Whoa – cool race idea! Seriously awesome you & the manfriend got to do it together too 🙂
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
Yaaayy for your race!! Looks awesome:D
keepnthefaith
this is awesome!! and you guys got some great stuff out of it too!! I am more of a meatless chili person as well even though Im not a vegetarian. My love for beans is a little bit crazy 😉
I wish my hubs and I could do something like this together!
Kim @ Eat, Live, and Blog
Your race sounds awesome! It great that you can jump into the lake and then finish your race. That must’ve been fun. Oh and free food is always great. 😉
healthycollegegirl
how fun!!! what beautiful pictures. looks like an awesome run!
also, you’re WAY more bad ass than i am. you would have had to drag me into freezing cold water kicking and screaming!! 🙂
pbbrittany
Congrats on the race! Brrrrrr- that water must have been so cold!! and by the way- you and manfriend are so cute together 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
This looks like such a fun race! Gorgeous views, delicious food, water, and doing it all with your manfriend! 🙂 Glad you had a great time, girl!!
B
Wow! Kudos to you for not only doing a 5K but doing one that involved getting into freezing water!
blissfulbritt
Thank you! It was such a blast.
Paige @ Running Around Normal
That sounds awesome! No races I’ve run compares to that ending 🙂
Sarah - feeedingbrainandbody
Thats an intense race, brrrrrrr! I don’t think I could do it! Congrats the pics are fabulous 🙂
amy41143
Awesome pics, Brit! I LOVE your animated stick figures haha..
You’re a brave little lady for jumping in that cold arse water! I’ve never heard of any 5k’s that offer that option, but it def sounds fun! Any man that will wake up early on New Years Day to run a racer is a keeper!
hippierunner
Congrats on the 5k and braving the cold! You rock. And you’re lucky to have such a cute running buddy!
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