I did it, y’all…I really, really did it!!!
I ran my very first 5K run, The Color Run El Paso, today and it was amazing!
I was nervous about running this race just two days after returning home from our Disney vacation. My husband, who is the expert runner in our family, advised that I should run just one mile yesterday to get stretched out and prepared for the big day.
We also went out as a family to get checked-in for the race (pick up my race packet) and the kids made posters (with their Daddy’s help) while I prepared dinner.
We were all up bright and early this morning to head out to the race location. I am so thankful that we arrived early and had plenty of time to get excited for the race to begin.
My girls were ready with the posters that they made.
It was an absolutely beautiful day!
The pre-race festivities helped to shake off the many butterflies I had about the run and really helped set the tone for the morning.
I met up with my friend, Jenn, who was also running and had the same start time as I did. We were able to walk over to the start line together.
It was awesome knowing that I had my very own cheering section during the race. They were an incredible sight to see as I crossed over the finish line!
I had two goals for this race…
1. to run the entire thing
and
2. to finish in 40 minutes
I am thrilled to report that I met both of my goals. Except for a few times when I got stuck behind walkers, I was able to run the whole race AND I finished in exactly 40 minutes. The Color Run is not a timed race, so I don’t have an official time, but going off of the time on my Fitbit, I did it and that’s good enough for me!
After the race was over, there was a Color Party where runners gathered in a huge crowd and at the same time threw packets of color into the air…the air became a cloud of colored powder and everyone became covered in a rainbow of colors.
MC wanted to party by my side and I was happy to have her with me and let her experience some of the fun and excitement of the day.
Then, because I am oh-so-brilliant, I went into the color party a second time with Jenn.
After two color parties, I was a huge mess and ready to head for home.
That is after a stop at Sonic for my Victory Lunch!
What a fun day!!!!
If you’ve ever wanted to run The Color Run was an excellent 5K experience! I left motivated to continue running and even to run more races in the future.
I want to thank each of you for following along on this journey of mine and all of your encouraging words as I met the challenge of running. It was truly a challenge for me, but one that has a great reward…a healthier life! I have received many texts and messages of prayers, support and encouragement for today…thank you all so much!
Pat says
I’m proud of you! That sounds like a lot of fun! I’ve never run in a 5K before and I’m not sure I will but I enjoyed hearing about your run.
Shanna says
I am so proud of you!! Congrats on meeting your goals. 🙂
Amy @ Finer Things says
That is just SO fabulous, Monica! I’m inspired and encouraged. And it just looks like a blast! Way to be an example of goal setting, hard work, and health to your kids!
Jodi says
Great job!! I need to get back to running…So happy you met your goals and your family was there to support you. Can’t wait to hear about your next run.
Laura C says
Congrats! So awesome you did it and met your goals!