I want to say that I started this race in a very difficult position. Friday evening, I stupidly pulled a muscle in my back while babysitting, so I spent the rest of the night in complete pain, wondering how I was going to get through this race. I used ice, heat, and even rolled out my back, but nothing seemed to work. Fed up, I went to sleep and woke up slightly better, but not enough to superstar the run.
I got there around 7am (so. early) and there was already a great crowd at the stage...dancing, warming up, and taking pictures. Vendors from Earth Fare and Honest Tea were set up, ready to hand out samples and coupons to everyone. Before I knew it, it was time to proceed to the starting line. Almost immediately, a rope was placed in front of me. I was informed I'd be in Wave 2. I was a little upset about this because of my back issues, I just wanted to get the race over with. Suddenly, the crowd was asked to move up and I was taken to Wave 1 with a couple rows of other runners/walkers.
I got super emotional during the singing of the National Anthem and being told that there was a boy there running his 5k with cancer. There I was, with a silly pulled back muscle, while people die for us everyday, people get sick everyday, and they can do incredible things and nothing can stop them. When it was Wave 1's turn to run, I told myself not to run right out of the gate, but to warm up first. Apparently, my legs decided jogging was the proper warm up. I paid attention to my back and I would walk whenever the pain became unbearable, and then start up again.The course was through a super hilly residential area, so I took it easy.
*I cannot take credit for any of these pictures. I was unable to take pictures on the course, because my hands got color on them so fast that I didn't want to damage any of my electronics. However, there were photographers on the course, so I will be sure to update when they upload their pictures.*
The Color Stations:
First up, PINK.
Pink was the first color station. While pink is my favorite color, I was very disappointed at how...not pink I was, even though I was right near the volunteers with their spray bottles of pink mixture. Still, I mentally was able to check off the first station, which I made to without passing out or dying. 1 down, 3 to go!
Next, YELLOW.
Yellow was the second color station. My disappointment with pink was overshadowed by the thick, intense clouds of yellow, which actually made its way into my nostrils and mouth. That was a little unpleasant.
Then, ORANGE
Orange had the best energy of all of the color stations. The volunteers had no mercy, and everyone left the station looking like they were shaken around in a bag of Cheetos. I mentally say, "I've gotten this far! One more to go!"
Finally, BLUE
Blue was the final color station. They had a radio with awesome tunes (Pump Up the Jam, for the win) the volunteers were super encouraging, saying we were almost there and we could do it and giving out high fives. I sprint to the finish line, and it's over. I rejoice.
Not only were there the color stations, but there were also volunteers spraying more color (green and purple, mostly) on us with spray guns outside of the color zones. This color had more of a paint consistency, and it was very cold. I dodged these near the end of the race by running behind them. After the race, the runners crowded near the stage and we all opened our color packets that we were given with our t-shirts and fun swag. The crazy part was that there were still runners waiting to start the race in later waves! This race was a pretty big event.
I think my favorite part of the Color Run was the crowd and volunteers. There were people standing on their lawns cheering us on, and to be honest I sort of tuned out on my music and interacted with the crowd more. Police officers were standing near the "Road Closed" signs, and one of them made my day when he high-fived me near the finish line.
The worst part of the Color Run was getting all of that color off! I still have some on my toes of all places that I don't think will ever come off.
Overall, this race was super fun. The only thing I would change is that I would definitely run this race again with a friend. I loved how "no pressure" this race was, even though I was injured I didn't feel like I had to beat anyone. I would definitely suggest this one if you want something fun and different.
Have you ever participated in a "fun" run? Are there any races you would want to try, like a Color Run, Mud Run, or a Zombie Run? Comment below and tell us!
Now, I can spend my time gearing up for my next 5k on July 13. Hopefully, I can stay injury free for this one.
See you on the pavement,
Nikki and Kelsey
