The Color Run

On Saturday, I "ran" my first "5K". I use the term "ran" because there were some points when it was impossible to run with so many people. The 5K is also in quotes because while The Color Run is advertised as "The Happiest 5K on the Planet," according to my running app, it was only 2.5 miles. Michael's also showed the same, so it wasn't just me.

 The boys wearing their "Color Runner" sweatbands at check-in. It was only about 46 degrees. The coldest part was standing in line waiting for the race to start and for our wave/ heat (not to be confused with a heat wave- ha ha) to move to the starting line. We went to line up about 1 hour before the official race start time. I would say we were probably in the middle of the pack.

 This is the view behind us and there were equally as many people in front of us too.

 

Our family pre-race

 Our Team, named 3G because 3 generations of our family were participating! (Left to right standing: my mom, my brother, my aunt and my sister-in-law)

We spent pre-race taking pictures, trying to keep warm and doing our best to entertain the boys. It was a long wait because they were excited, but tired, cold and bored. Both boys wore swimming goggles to protect their eyes from the color dust.

I'm not sure if we were in the third or fourth wave/ heat. They were starting us every 5 minutes in groups of about 1,000. Michael, Amy (my SIL) and I were running; my mom, Austin, and Aunt Diana were walking. Tate was riding in the stroller/ running and Mayer was in the Ergo Sport.

We covered the Ergo with a white t-shirt to help protect it from color. (BTW, Happy International Babywearing week!) Originally, he was going to ride on my brother's back, but he was so fussy before the start we moved him to the front so Uncle Swan could talk to him. It worked out much better because he didn't want to keep the goggles on the whole time. Since he was riding in the front, Austin was able to put the goggles on before the color stations and take them off after. He was also able to cover Mayer's mouth so he breathed in less color dust. Tate covered his mouth with a bandana during the color stations.

 At one point, the race course circled around and there were participants on both sides of the street going different directions. After the race start, we didn't think we would see the walkers again until the finish. We were so surprised to see them on the cross street! Tate got so excited when I yelled his name. Michael, Amy and I all ran past and gave him a high five.

When we finished our run, we turned around and walked back about 1/2 mile to wait for the walkers so we could finish the race as a team/ family. Tate ran with Michael and I carried Mayer.

 I'm so glad we went back to finish the race together because the end of the race was the most fun!

 Mayer did NOT like the color on his hands and when we gave him his color packet to throw, he started to eat it! Tate LOVED the color. My mom told me Tate was so excited when they got to the blue color station that he asked if he could roll in the color! (He saw some others doing it and blue is his favorite color.)

 I have been training for a 5K and even though the route wasn't really 3.1 miles and it was impossible to run the entire course, I'm so glad I chose a family run for my first race!! We are doing another family run in 2 weeks. This one will be in our Halloween costumes. 

Now, I need to find a timed race for me. I think it will help me keep focused if I have a time to beat. For me, running is no different than swimming when it comes to training. I need a goal to keep me going. I have had several other runners make some suggestions, but they are both in 2013 and both look overwhelming for someone that has only been running since July! I mean, seriously, I just ran 1 mile without stopping for the first time 3 months ago! Here are the suggestions I've gotten: Warrior Dash and Run For the Rocks half marathon. The Warrior Dash requires leaping over flames. I have zero "ups" and would roast for sure!

And speaking of overwhelming, I don't know if he's serious, but Michael keeps talking about Pike's Peak! Is there any way to train for that in Central Kansas?! I mean, I have enough trouble breathing when the course is flat. 

 As a beginner, I think I should stick to what I am comfortable with and right now that is 3.1 miles... maybe a little more (but I sure don't complain when it's a little less).