1.5 years ago I decided to get in shape. I started attending a Boot Camp and faithfully attended 4 days/week for 7 months, before choosing to work out on my own. Boot Camp proved to me that I could do the unexpected. I learned how to run and got addicted to exercise. Summer 2012 came and I continued to work out, getting up early so I could work out early enough to avoid the heat and humidity. I even worked out on the beach at Galveston and Destin, Florida. The start of the school year slowed me down a bit, but yy SEPT I was back to working out. I even enjoyed running, something I never thought would happen. Jan 2013 I signed up for The Color Run. I knew if I paid for this I would be motivated to continue working out, even in the Houston COLD! Although I didn't work out every day, most weeks I did run 3-4 times per week. In February I upped my training by using the Couch to 10K app, which would push me a bit more. Although I would run 3 days a week, my strength training wasn't being addressed.
This week I continued to run on MWF. Friday night Kev and I went to pick up my race packet. Too say the least, I was shocked when Kevin decided to register for the race as well. Although he runs about twice a week, we'd never run together before. We tried once, but our rhythms were way off, so continued to run on our own. I was so excited he chose to do this, but a bit nervous also.
This morning when we woke up, the wind was blowing 20-25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Although the temps were in the low 50s, with the wind it felt much colder! We left at 7:30 for downtown. As we were approaching I10 exit, all traffic in all lanes was STOPPED. We couldn't see flashing lights, so unsure what was going on. Traffic on other side of highway closed as well. What seemed like an eternity (keep thinking we'll never make it on time) was soon over and we were on our way. Parking downtown was easy, although standing in the line to pay to park was FREEZING (yes, both Kole--along for the "fun of it" and Kev sat in the van while I froze to pay!) I then climbed back in the van for 10 minutes to warm up before we proceeded to the start line.
On our way to the start line, we saw lots of people really "into" this--tutus, bandanas, hats, team shirts, colored socks and tights, wigs, just about a little of everything. Music was playing and crowds were beginning to form. 13,000 people had registered. We made it to the start line 20 minutes before the race was to begin. Everyone standing there was so pumped and ready to have fun. At 9:00 the first group was off. While we were waiting for our start, a person behind us opened their "color pack of fun" and got Kev good--good thing it was Aragon Purple!
Finally, it was our start! We both just wanted to get out and go after being crammed in with everyone. Took us probably1/4 of a mile before we got in our groove. Surprisingly, our rhythm/pace was together! We had to dodge strollers, kids, and walkers but soon we were to our first color dump--turquoise it was! Although I had a turquoise contact for a little while, it never stung, just made the world look different! It soon washed out of my eye. The blue powder caked to my teeth stayed with me much longer.
Just when I was excited that I could see clearly again, I see the first challenge. We have to run up an overpass! Now "hill running" is not anything I had done since back in Postville Summer 2012! I was not prepared! Running uphill and battling the wind were two obstacles majority of the way. Looked forward to the downhills! After my first mile, I was on a good pace, 10:40, almost 2 minutes better than my average pace. However, the first mile didn't involve hills! There were 2 spots I had to walk for about 20 yards, but that's it. The rest was my running pace. Kev and I crossed the finish line together! My goal was 36 minutes, but ended up being 38 minutes. I still feel good about that time considering the hills, wind, strollers, falling children, and all the walkers we had to weave between.
Music was going, more color was being thrown, and everyone was having a great time. We got some water and a protein bar before locating Kole and heading home. I'm so glad I did this, and even more excited that Kev decided to do it with me. Although someone has challenged me to a half marathon, I'm thinking the fun 5Ks were there's no pressure, rather just to have a good time is more my speed.
