An excuse to visit every corner of the state is one of the reasons joining this group seemed like a good idea, and I’m definitely getting the chance to see some nice little towns, especially along the Route 8 corridor, like Bethlehem. Eventually I may spend more time in these towns than 45 minutes before and five minutes after each race, but for now, I’m just getting a taste of the place and then heading back home.

Bethlehem was designated “elusive,” so the race was heavy with 169ers, though overall a pretty small field. I started near the front and managed to keep pace with at least the people around me, ending up in 11th place, which may be a new best for me. Nearly everyone else ahead of me seemed to be in my age group, though – these kind of races are chock full of 40 year-old guys – so I came in 6th in my age group. It was a beautiful, warm day for a run, and a nice, rolling course through the back roads of Bethlehem. Next year, I’ll stick around for the food and crafts.

Santa Made Me Do It 5K | 5K | 12/5/15 | 21:50 | 14/169