My Run or Dye Experience
I raced the rainbow. I ran the world's most colorful 5k. I experienced life in color.
Pre-Race: This past Saturday, I participated in my 2nd 5k run (my first "color" 5k!). Anyone that knows me will agree that my relationship with running is definitely a love-hate one. I love running, but I hate running on a treadmill or on a short track that I have to run around repeatedly. My ideal running situation would be a long scenic path. Unfortunately there aren’t any near me, so my running path is around the same 1/5th mile area for however long I plan on running. It’s definitely not the most exciting running trail. I’ve only run one 5k before, so I wanted to make sure my body was properly prepared for the distance. About 9 weeks ago, I started using “C25K”, a free 5K training app that helped keep me active and made the distance and duration of running surprisingly bearable. The day before the run, my brother and I went for to pick up our race packets and goodies. With our race fee, which I purchased with an amazing deal on Groupon, we received a Run or Dye shirt, a drawstring bag, 2 Run or Dye temporary tattoos, a rubber bracelet and a packet of dye for the dye party at the end of the run.
Race Day: My nerves were all over the place Saturday morning. I made myself a piece of peanut butter toast and a little bit of coffee to get me through the morning. I've never been much of a breakfast person, but running on an empty stomach was not an option. We got to the race venue about an hour before it started to warm up, stretch, line up, and possibly catch free stuff while we waited. We didn’t catch any free stuff, but the music and the crowd energy was infectious. I danced around, met some friendly faces, and left my nerves at the starting line. My brother and I were part of the 2nd wave of runners, so we started shortly after 9. I lost my brother at the beginning of our run, so I alternated between jogging and walking at my own pace. Luckily I had my trusty running playlist to keep me upbeat and motivated. My favorite part of the entire run was reaching the dye stations. The volunteers were so cheerful and motivating while throwing dye at everyone that was running through, I couldn’t help but smile. I reached the finish line at 9:36 and I felt amazing.
Post-Race: After the race, I hydrated and enjoyed the music and colorful environment (pun intended). With the music playing and color in the air, it felt like a giant party celebrating successfully completing that 5k. I know for a fact that this 5k will not be my only “color” oriented run.
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| Post 5K Dye Party |
Pre-Race: This past Saturday, I participated in my 2nd 5k run (my first "color" 5k!). Anyone that knows me will agree that my relationship with running is definitely a love-hate one. I love running, but I hate running on a treadmill or on a short track that I have to run around repeatedly. My ideal running situation would be a long scenic path. Unfortunately there aren’t any near me, so my running path is around the same 1/5th mile area for however long I plan on running. It’s definitely not the most exciting running trail. I’ve only run one 5k before, so I wanted to make sure my body was properly prepared for the distance. About 9 weeks ago, I started using “C25K”, a free 5K training app that helped keep me active and made the distance and duration of running surprisingly bearable. The day before the run, my brother and I went for to pick up our race packets and goodies. With our race fee, which I purchased with an amazing deal on Groupon, we received a Run or Dye shirt, a drawstring bag, 2 Run or Dye temporary tattoos, a rubber bracelet and a packet of dye for the dye party at the end of the run.
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| A Pre-Run Selfie was necessary |
Race Day: My nerves were all over the place Saturday morning. I made myself a piece of peanut butter toast and a little bit of coffee to get me through the morning. I've never been much of a breakfast person, but running on an empty stomach was not an option. We got to the race venue about an hour before it started to warm up, stretch, line up, and possibly catch free stuff while we waited. We didn’t catch any free stuff, but the music and the crowd energy was infectious. I danced around, met some friendly faces, and left my nerves at the starting line. My brother and I were part of the 2nd wave of runners, so we started shortly after 9. I lost my brother at the beginning of our run, so I alternated between jogging and walking at my own pace. Luckily I had my trusty running playlist to keep me upbeat and motivated. My favorite part of the entire run was reaching the dye stations. The volunteers were so cheerful and motivating while throwing dye at everyone that was running through, I couldn’t help but smile. I reached the finish line at 9:36 and I felt amazing.
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| Starting Line |
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| Post Race |
Post-Race: After the race, I hydrated and enjoyed the music and colorful environment (pun intended). With the music playing and color in the air, it felt like a giant party celebrating successfully completing that 5k. I know for a fact that this 5k will not be my only “color” oriented run.
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| Run, Dye, Party, Repeat? |
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