Lindsey Mastis

I met the DetermiNation team early Saturday, May 14th. We decided to run the Capitol Crescent Trail. I planned to run three to four miles, but ended up running six. I’m glad I did because I got to meet Santa!

There was a light rain, which made it easy to stay cool while running. I brought my music with me, but didn’t turn it on once. I ran with volunteers Rebecca and Maria, and they kept me going strong. We talked a lot about cancer. I wanted to share my family’s stories about cancer and was inspired when I heard theirs.

As soon I started losing my breath on the trail, I looked up and saw a jolly man in red shorts. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was Santa! I yelled out and gave him a big high-five. We kept running and a few minutes later I began regretting that I didn’t get his picture. (You have to have proof when it comes to these things!)

Before I knew it, our group ran three miles. We had to turn around and run three miles back. I was pumped up and feeling good. I brought my camera along with me, and I started taking pictures of the bridge, the trees, and anything else that looked neat.

All of a sudden, there he was again! It’s like Santa knew I needed a boost. I stopped and got my picture taken with him. He pulled out a handful of coins. I got a gold one and I got two silver ones for my nephews, Cameron and Eli. (They are going to be so excited when they see the picture of me and Santa!)

When I got done, I saw a man walking his cat. I meet the most interesting people (and animals) while running!

I had such a great time. The best part, was that my right foot did NOT fall asleep. I’ve been having trouble with it for over a year. After three miles I feel tingling in my toes, then my foot, then my ankle, and then I have to stop and try to get feeling back, otherwise it goes up my whole leg. It’s what got me behind during this year’s Cherry Blossom 10-miler. I think the difference is my shoes.

A couple weeks ago while my sister, Andrea, was in town, we went shoe shopping. Not for heels– but for running shoes. I went to Pacer’s in Silver Spring and got a different brand: Asics.  As much as I liked Brooks (I have three pairs of them after all)– I’m in love with my Asics. My foot hasn’t fallen asleep once. I hope it stays that way.

I can’t wait to train again. I hope to see Santa– but I’ll also opt for one of his reindeer. In the past (when I didn’t have my camera) I saw President Obama’s helicopters, an Eagle, and a beautiful blue crane. Next time something magical happens, I’ll hopefully be running with my camera. After all, I never know what will be on the trail!