Color Me RAD..... Ok!!

So on Friday I received a text from my brother asking if I wanted to run a 5K with him... "tomorrow," Yep, not even 12 hours notice. Now, last year, I would have jumped at this in a heart beat, because last year I was a runner.... This year, different story. Sadly my running shoes have been collecting dust in the closet. (Yes I am ashamed!) So I was hesitant to accept the offer. He didn't allow me much thinking time because about 10 minutes later I got a picture of our "numbers." And so it begins...
The Reno Color Me Rad run was at UNR and the proceeds go to Special Olympics. I figured I could humiliate myself for a good cause, and at best I'd at least finish in front of someone... And I did. Woohoo!!
It's actually a really chaotic race, where you aren't really able to run the entire thing because there is 4000 other people running! (yay! for a little assisted breathing room!)


With the color run, the concept is wear all white and the "color bombers" are going to chuck a chalky, powdery, colored substance at you while you run. Fun!! So after a quick stop at the W to pick up a pair of white shorts I was ready to go!
Of course, I had just gotten my hair touched up the day before and was slightly afraid I'd end up with rainbow colors in my delicately porous hair, so I lathered up the conditioner and left it in!




We made our way through the mob of 4000+ people and headed for the starting line. Let the count down begin! 5,4,3,2,1 we are off! Headed for our first bombing station and I was holding my breath! That is one big purple cloud!

We made our way through about mile one and everything was going good... Then I got a blister. UGH! Pain in heel! Since I had just read "Born to Run" I figured now was a good time to give it a shot. I took off my shoes and ran the last 2.1 miles in my socks! I have to say, it was much better than the blister rubbing against my shoe! About mile 2 I wasn't sure I had a lot of run left in me! Darn it all for not staying in shape! However, seeing people far more out of shape than myself, I kept running or jogging? maybe fast walking... But who's really paying that close attention! Through the  final blue plume of color I could see the finish line!

What a relief that was!! You can tell I am sooo excited!! Mostly tired of carrying my shoes I think. Perhaps delighted to have finished the race without needing the EMS crew. Of course also getting to run my brothers first race with him... All things were great in the end once I crossed that line! After the finish, we made our way to the photo booth and then to the "center stage" for one final color blast!

The final countdown to celebration!

This turned out to be such a fun race, and I look forward to doing it again next year. Though next year, it'll be a family run and my little "cheering section" will be joining me on the trail! These two were lovin' it just as much as everyone around them!