Santa Claus 10K in Paris!

While studying abroad in Paris, I joined a soccer team called WISP (Women’s International Soccer Paris), and in order to play on their team for a 5v5 competition, I needed to obtain a doctor’s certificate for competitive soccer. The WISP captain told me that the team sometimes ran races together, so I should also receive a medical certificate for competitive running. 

 

A couple of days after I acquired the medical note, there was a 5k (about 3 miles) and 10k (6.2 miles) race for breast cancer happening that weekend. Some of my teammates were going to run the 5k, and I decided to join. After the race, however, I felt inspired by my captain, who has run many marathons, to run a 10k since I’ve never run more than five kilometers before. She told me about the Corrida de Noel Santa Claus race that happened to be the Sunday just before I left Paris, so I had to do it. 

 

I began training and felt rather successful first running six kilometers, then seven, then eight, and I even ran ten a couple of times. My favorite run started from my home, to Nation, to Porte de Vincennes, to Chateau de Vincennes and a little through Parc Floral, and then back home. The first half was always difficult, but the way home was a breeze. 

 

I felt confident enough to run the Santa Claus 10k, and when December 16, 2012 finally rolled around, I was anxious but excited. I arrived at the event which was out in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, and I saw millions of Santa Clauses. This picture was during the warm-up just before the race. Everyone was dancing and following along to the people on stage.

 

 

 

Although I struggled on some of the tougher parts during this race, I would definitely run it again and encourage anyone to run while living in Paris. It can be difficult sometimes with all the people and crowded streets, but I discovered new places that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise and gained a better sense of direction in Paris. I no longer felt like Paris was a large, unknown city, but an adventure for me to explore. 

 

I felt comfortable, like I was home.