So yesterday I participated in my very first 5k which was the Color Run. It was SO much fun! I guess they really know how to live up to their catchphrase "The Happiest 5k On Earth". One of my personal goals was to do my first 5k, and being it being my first I wanted to make it count! I also was super nervous about feeling like I couldn't keep up with the general crowd. When you are just starting with running, you don't want to be setting the bar too high. Running is something that I am really learning how to properly do THIS year. What I mean by properly do, I mean how to run consistently without having to feel like I am going to puke or pass out. The previous months I have been slowly building my endurance by running a mile or two at least once a week (outside) and utilizing my warm ups at the gym by using the treadmill. I am not a fan of the treadmill due to getting bored but it has helped a lot.

Our Before Picture

I did the Color Run this year with my parents and my sister where we entered as a team. Our team name was "Brave Hearts". This was to represent the personal struggles we have endured. We made team shirts which each ribbon was a different to represent our own cause. My mother survived a heart attack last year which is why her ribbon was red. My sister's and dad's was silver to represent my sister's struggle and perseverance with Dyslexia. Mine was blue to represent my husband's battle with Testicular Cancer. I really liked having our own meanings because it gave me an extra sense of motivation.

Starting line

Pre-run selfie

When we arrived to the starting line there was music pumping and the energy was infectious. The weather was cloudy and sprinkled off and on. There was still a very good turn out. When they started the run, they allowed people to run/walk in waves so it would create less chaos. One thing I didn't really like with the run was that it began with a hill. Luckily after that there wasn't too many hills. They had various color stations where they throw color at you as you run. That was a lot of fun. When I finished I was given my color packets and medal. I don't know what my time was because they don't time you but I would have to assume it was 35 minutes. I did have to take a couple walk breaks because of some of the hills. Something I want to work out for the next 5k (which I am signed up for one in September).

Post Run

When you finish you get to do the "after party" which they play music and have color throws. Once again the energy was amazing and I seriously couldn't stop dancing. I haven't had so much fun a long time and I was incredibly proud of myself for doing it. I wasn't perfect and didn't have the best time but I DID IT. I honestly never thought I could ever finish a 5k let alone do one. I can see how it can be addicting because you get a "runner's high" once you are able to get going. Also it can addicting when you want to always strive for improvement.