Color Run GR "The Happiest 5K on the Planet"

I completed my first 5K today...I finally joined the 5K fad.  Although, I will admit that I didn't run.  We just walked.  I generally don't think running looks very fun or enjoyable.  However, I will agree that the Color Run does appear to be 'the happiest 5K on the planet'.  I didn't see anyone looking miserable today.  Everyone was having a good time.  It almost makes me want to train to run a 'real' 5K.

Purple Color Station #1

My journey to completing a 5K started with my sister that decided I needed to do this Color Run with her.  After giving it some thought, I decided I'd buy the shoes and do some training.  However, I discovered the cost of the Color Run and did not complete any training due to the hot temps this summer.  Consequently, I didn't sign up for the Color Run.

Stacey posted a couple things last week about the race on my fb wall and a friend of mine saw it.  She then offered me her spot in the Run.  My sister hurt her Achilles tendon and needed to walk instead of run.  So, I was able to walk with my sister in our first Color Run and my first 5K.

Cloud of pink from Color Station #3

I was a bit leery when I learned that I would be walking with 10,998 of my closest friends in this Run.  I thought the crowds would be crazy.  However, I was very surprised.  It was busy, but it was really fun.  The people watching was amazing.  The costumes...angels, brides, tutus, fairies, colorful knee socks, crazy headbands, the dancing, the general craziness of 11,000 people in a small area was fun to absorb.

I left my house at 5:26 to meet my sister at 6:45 in GR.  We then drove to downtown.  Snagged a parking spot and headed to the race area.  Thankfully, Stacey picked up our race packets on Friday and so we just joined the racers.  We ended up in Wave 2 and left the starting gates around 8:05.  We averaged about a 15-minute mile.  It was a good time and we had lots of good time to chat throughout our walk.

We finished our 5K, took some pictures and then headed to Breton Village for a stop at the Omelet Shoppe...yum.  I consumed all the calories I had just burned.  But, it was good!  I was home in time to pick everyone up from church.  Fun times!