Athlete Race Recap: Santa Stampede & It's A Wonderful Run

It was a holiday-themed weekend of racing for Full Circle Endurance athletes!

• Santa Stampede 5K - Littleton, Colorado
• It’s A Wonderful Run - Seneca Falls, New York

Santa Stampede 5K

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Jennifer Pearce raced in the Santa Stampede 5K in Littleton, Colorado.  This race fell on the first truly cold day this region of Colorado has experienced this winter season, so this gave Jennifer some extra incentive to push herself so she could keep warm.

Since Jennifer completed her big races of the 2021 racing season we’ve been focusing on improving her efficiency in all three disciplines of triathlon, but especially on her run.  Jennifer used the Santa Stampede to put some of that work to the test; her goal was to run this 5K at a an efficient cadence.

Well, I’m so delighted to tell you that Jennifer was successful!  Her average cadence for this 5K was 4% higher than her “natural-for-her” cadence was a mere four months ago.  All of the hard work that she has been putting into this is definitely paying off!

Changing elements that support efficiency in sport (such as cadence) is a long, tedious process that requires a lot of mental engagement during workouts and patience - both acute and long-term.  Jennifer has risen to this challenge!

Well done, Jennifer!

It’s A Wonderful Run

Three Full Circle Endurance athletes - Lisa Crockford, Julie Matyasik, and Beth Tucker - took to the streets of Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, December 11, 2021 for It’s A Wonderful Run!

Seneca Falls, New York is famous for being the site of the Seneca Falls Convention, which was a major foundational event in the Women’s Rights Movement in the United States of America. In addition, it is believed by many to be the real-life inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford Falls in Frank Capra’s beloved classic Christmas film It’s A Wonderful Life.

Every December, the village of Seneca Falls puts on the “It’s A Wonderful Life Festival” in the town, and It’s A Wonderful Run is a part of the seasonal celebrations.  Thousands of people descend on Seneca Falls to participate in this event every December.

Even this year, attendance was high, with over 3,100 people finishing the 5K.  It’s a very laid-back, but fun race.  Families run or walk together, themed costumes abound, and holiday greetings and carols can be heard every step along the route.

This race is definitely more fun than “serious” and all three Full Circle Endurance athletes had a wonderful time.  The race was cancelled in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, and Beth Tucker had this to say about returning to Seneca Falls this year:

“I LOVE this race with all of my heart and this year seemed so much more special.  Never again will I take it for granted.”

It’s A Wonderful Run was a great opportunity for these three athletes to celebrate the ability to run, be with loved ones, and make merry.  It’s A Wonderful Life, indeed. :)