We did the Color Run!

Last Saturday, the boys and I participated in a color run as a fundraiser for the band program at our schools.  Basically, this is a run (5K) where at a few different points along the route, you get sprayed with colored water.  Also, at the end, you get to douse yourself with colored chalk.  What a great way to start your day (or end it, since I had worked the night before).  The only true runners in our group were Marcus and Cale.  Marcus actually came in first and Cale came in 4th.  Their times are a mystery since no one was keeping track.  I don't think Marcus even got to run through a finish line ribbon or anything.  Just the satisfaction of a job well done will be his reward.  Ewan finished in the middle and Liam and I came in a respectable not last.  Anyway, I think the boys all had fun.  Afterward, there was a dunk tank where Ewan sunk his future band director twice in a row with a powerful throw.  Some snacks and social time wrapped up our time.  Hope we get to do this again next year!

Before, all clean and crisp.

The aftermath.  Some of them enjoyed the chalk more than others.

Santa Hustle

Sometimes, when you work night shift, things sometimes seem like a really good idea at 2am.

This time, it was.

My friend and I decided to sign up for two 5K races this fall.  Back in August, we had lots of good intentions about exercising and showing off our progress with these races.

Then, I hurt my back and ended up going to the chiropractor several times a week.  No running for me.  And my friend wasn't doing that great with her running program.  Needless to say, the first 5K came, and neither of us were prepared for it at all.  We made promises to do the next one-a race where you got to dress up like Santa Claus.

I still wasn't looking forward to getting up and driving to downtown Indy for the race.  And I still hadn't run since September.  But, I also knew my friend hadn't been running either.  If she hadn't have picked up my race packet, I probably wouldn't have gone.  But, she did, and we made plans to walk the course.  At least it would be nice to see each other and get good exercise.  Another friend from my old unit was there, too.

For the midwest in December, the weather was fantastic.  Partially cloudy, slight breeze, 50 degrees.  We wore our awesome gear and had a great walk.  That's the most exercise I've had in a long time, which is not something I'm proud to admit.

A great morning with some good friends!

pre-race me, Kelly and Rachel

as part of your race packet, you got a beard and hat

post-race

we ran the last 0.2 miles to say that we actually ran across the finish line

I think we're going to sign up for another race-maybe one on St. Patrick's Day

Running: an slower, older model

I blame it all on Andy.

In February, Andy went out and got some really nice running shoes.  He's never been a runner, but wanted to start with the end goal, I think, of doing a triathelon. 

I used to run, too.  I used to do road races every year.  I could do a respectable 10 minute mile.  Not the fastest person, by any means.  But, babies and need of sleep and work and time all seemed to distract me from any kind of working out.

But, I really wanted some new shoes, too.

So, goodbye my more-than-4-year-old new balances and hello to my nice, new aesics.  I've broke them in wearing them at work-(which was super-comfy).  And last week, I decided to haul myself out the door to actually use them for their intended purpose-running.  It wasn't pretty, but I survived my first time out running for about 30 mins with a little walking in the middle.  I am not a fast running by any means, but I have a pretty consistent pace once I get started. 

Then, I did it again the next day.

Saturday was too busy a day for me to run, but, no worries, I made it out again Sunday evening. 

And, I am starting to remember what it feels like to love running again.