Happiest 5k on the Planet!

 The happiest 5k on the planet "The Color Run" took place this weekend in So Cal, and I was so excited to take part in it. When I saw the Youtube video on Shea's Facebook page I knew I had to get friends together to run. However, because I've been a procrastinator lately (wedding planning), we missed registration and the event sold out very quickly. Luckily the organization realized how many people were wanting to run, so they added a later start time and opened up registration again. I got a couple of my childhood friends together Diane, Teresina, and Carla and we all registered right when it opened.

When we pulled up to the parking lot we saw tons of rainbow colored runners heading back to their cars from the morning race. They looked like they had just lost a fight with a bunch of  Easter Peeps, it was pretty funny! Diane and Carla had never ran a 5k before so I was super excited for them to have this race as their first experience. Teresina and I are used to timing events so we were excited to just enjoy ourselves. Its nice to do something fun for once and not have to worry about time........which this race does not do. This isn't a time event, its all for the love of FUN and COLOR! 

They started the race in waves so everyone was spread out far enough to get colored at each color spot. It took some time for us to start but the race organization kept the party going with great music, and lots of fun goodies being thrown out into the crowd. Each person got a packet of color to throw at the end of the race in their goodie bags, so more packets were being thrown, along with bracelets and some fun colored socks!  We were having a great time at the start line in our nice fresh white shirts, and headbands. We saw a few people dressed in some fun costumes and there we lots of tutu's!

We finally started and the first color station we hit was yellow! Some of the volunteers were throwing color on us with their hands, and a few others had these giant squeeze bottles sort of like a giant ketchup bottle splashing color all over. They do their best not to get any on your face, but if the wind picks up that stuff does fly all over the place. I saw some people wearing goggles, and I have to say my sunglasses stopped allot of it from getting in my eyes. The only way I can describe the powder is its just like baby powder but colored!

The next color station was green........

Then the blue color station....

The final station was pink! The volunteers were having a great time in this station. They were literally throwing buckets of this stuff at everyone, there were people rolling around on the floor, and I even saw a few people making color angels! It was hilarious! I think everyone wanted to make sure they were nice and colorfied when they hit the finish line so they were doing anything possible to get that way! 

We were pretty much a colored mess by the time we finished! At one point Teresina and I mentioned that even though this took longer then most 5k's we've done, it seemed like it went by quickly because we were having so much fun! Diane and Carla did great for their first 5k, running most of it and only stopping a few time for photos and getting colored! 

Our hubbies were waiting for us at the finish line with cameras and strict rules we were not to touch them HAHA! I did have to pat a few pink shades off Robert when I "accidentally" brushed him with my arm. 

After the finish line there was the great "Color Throw". Like I mentioned all the participates got bags of color before the race. Every 15 minutes they let off a giant color throw for everyone to open their bags and make the best rainbow cloud ever! I was able to get a great photo from the color throw after ours! 

I absolutely can't wait for next year! I had one of the best time ever doing this race! If this race is in your city you have to do it!! The organization was fantastic and the volunteers were having a great time! Thank you Diane, Teresina and Carla for all the laughs and fun on Sunday!!! 

Brea 8k

I’m a little late (actually allot late) getting a race recap for this race because life has been CRAZY!. I’ve been planning a wedding, attending others weddings, friends baby showers, and working. Life in general has been soooo busy lately. I love the hustle and bustle but I can’t wait for a day that I have nothing planned to just relax in my penguin feety PJ’s watching a good movie! Now on to my frist 8k experience!!

One of my favorite stores to shop for my running gear is at Snail’s Pace in Brea. I wouldn’t have remembered about this race if it wasn’t for them tweeting about it. I’ve always wanted to run the Brea 8k because it’s so close to home, I’ve never done a 8k race, and who doesn’t love a race that will have tacos at the finish?

Registration can be done 2 ways, on-line, and at Snail Pace. I of course missed both of those opportunities, so the Friday before the race I went down to Brea H.S. and signed up. I tried recruiting a few running friends to join me, but with the last minute decision to run no one was able to. Registration for this race was one of the easiest processes I’ve ever experienced. They were so organized, and all the volunteers were super helpful! I was directed into a room to fill out my little scantron of information, got my goodie bag, t-shirt, and was on my way back home in about 20 minutes! Registration took me literally about 20 minutes!

Start time was scheduled for 8am. So my alarm was set for 6:30 to get ready and stuff my tummy before my BIG 8k! I got to there a little early as I always like to do, and just walked around for a bit to feel the vibe. I have to say walking around the start line with no running buddies with me was super awkward. I always have someone with me, but this time I was that loner person you see listening to their Ipod and giving a hello smile at a start line. I did make a friend with a toddler in a running stroller that offered me a goldfish cracker when her parents were busy talking with friends. I kindly said thank you and took the fish!

When we started off I knew that there were going to be hills on this coarse so I took it slow the first 2 miles. I also had a wardrobe malfunction during this time. Apparently the shorts I wore didn’t want to cooperate. They were either riding up, or riding to low. I’m not going to lie at one point I checked to see if I had them on backwards. I pulled off the side of the race, adjusted them with a few hops to see if they were going to stay put and off I was again.

The weather was perfect, I was enjoying myself, and my music was right on beat for keeping a comfy pace. Miles 3-4 were easy for me with a couple up and down hills. I had 2 girls that I kept my eye on whom in my head, I was only racing them. I had to make sure I past them far enough to hit the finish before them. For some reason I always pick out some poor stranger to make them my enemy at any race. Keeps me motivated!

I turned the corner to the finish and speed up a little get the time I wanted, and I hit it at 58 mins YAY! Good enough for me, espeically because my running lately has been pretty pathetic! I stood in the finish area as if I was waiting for someone I knew to come in with me or something. Like I said I’m so used to people running with me that I literally forgot I was there alone. After realizing no familar faces was coming I had my chip removed, then headed over to the finish line festivities.It was filled with so many food booths from different restaurants, I was in heaven. I grab the cutest little cup of Jamba juice, a breakfast taco, some water, found a spot to sit on a curb and watch other runners finishing. I was content and happy!

I think the alone time actually lowered my stress level with everything going on right now. I left there feeling fantastic and so proud of myself. Running is a great way to clear your head and this race did that for me. Next Saturday I have the Hollywood Half marathon that I’m really looking forward too. My wedding is the week after, so it’s my last race as a single lady. I’m also running with one of my best friends Penny..I can't wait to for the laughs and her yelling "I hate the sun"!

Hope your all having a great week!

The Random Eleven Things

TAG I'M IT!!

I had 3 friends tag me in their "11 Random Things" post....Shea, Lauren and Maggie! So I'm going to pull questions from all 3 of their posts and answer them....

The RulesPost these rules

• You must post 11 random things about yourself
• Anwser the questions set for you on their post
• Tag 11 people (can't be the the person that tagged you)
• Create 11 new questions for the people you taggedGo to their blog and tell them you tagged them!

"11 Random Things About Me"

1. I'm afraid of big things like the Macy's Day Thanksgiving day balloons! I will never have the opportunity to watch the Macy's Day parade in person, but if for some reason I was...I can guarantee I would hyper ventilate at some point thinking the ballon was going to pop, and I was going to be stuck under it.

2. While going through makeup schoool I was working at Disneyland as a character doing meet and greets in the park, and performing in parades and shows!

3. I love owls...anything owls I usuallly buy. Its getting a bit out of hand now, but I can't help myself. They're so cute!!

4. While working on a film as a makeup artist, I was asked if they could film my hand to portray 5 year olds hand in a independant film called "Seth". I had to "stab" someone with a knife and drag my hand with fake blood on it over a counter. Children are not able to be on film sets more then 8 hours, so I had to step in and save the day for a few hand inserts. I was credited on this film as a stand in, and makeup artist!

5. Most people think that Halloween is my favorite holiday, but I actually enjoy all things Christmas! Halloween is my 2nd favorite!

6. I have a bit of OCD...food on my plate can't touch each other, I eat one thing at a time on the plate, labels on bottles in the shower have to be facing out, files on my desk have to be lined up so I can see the names on them, the programs on my computer have to be open in a certain way, if I have to at anytime close a program to restart it...I start the whole computer! This list can go on..it happens with age! HAHA!

6. I wish I could be barefoot all the time..I hate wearing shoes!

7. When I was little I used to hate to be dirty. If I got mud or anything on my wardrobe I would beg my mom to change it.

8. I grew up going to private school.

9. I was on a dance drill team from the ages of 9-13. The movie Bring it On is very much true when I comes to cheer camps and competitions!

10. I spent the summer of 99 in Portugal and Spain with my grandparents. It was one of the best trips of my life!

11. I could watch the "Sound of Music" over and over! I always wished to be a Von Trapp family member!

Questions from Shea

Broken any bones or gottne stitches?If so, how?

I've broke my arm, foot and a few ribs! I was 4 playing at my uncles house when I took a fall and broke my arm. I was cleaning my bedroom window, slipped and fell breaking my foot. At a party (drinking a few beverages) a friend picked me up, we both fell and his knee went into my rib cage which cracked 2 of my ribs!

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a animal trainer at Sea World. I loved dolphins and everything about them, I wanted so much to be that trianer!

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

I had Kirk Cameron all over my walls! I just completely aged myself! HAHA!

Questions from Lauren

What is your middle name?

Lee

Whats your favorite book?

I'm a huge nerd and I love all things fantasy! I love anything Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings. NERD ALERT!

Where is your favorite place to be?

I love being at the beach!!

Questions from Maggie

Whats your favorite TV show?

I have so many but as of right now my favorite is "New Girl" She reminds me allot about myself, how she sings all the time, makes stupid noises, and her obession with tights with flat shoes!

If you could have lunch with an actor/actress of any era, who would it be and why?

Lucielle Ball. I love old Hollywood and she is one of my favorite famous ladies becuase of her humor. I think lunch with her would be full of great Hollywood stories and lots of laughs!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?To be invisible. That way I could go places in my PJ's and no one would know!

I know I answered 12 from the ladies but 11 is a odd number =) Now I'm suppose to tag 11 other people, but everyone I know that would do this has already. So the questions below will be for those who want to answer them and post them in the comments!!

1. What era do you wish you were born in?

2. At a zombie apolcolypse would you want to be a zombie, or someone saving others from zombies?

3. If you were a cupcake what flavor would you be?

4. Are you a summer, fall, winter or spring person?

5. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you purchased?

6. Flat or heels?

7. What do you put on your hot dog?

8. Would you want to be a back up dancer for Lady Gaga or Madonna?

9. If a movie was made about your life, what celebrity would you want them to cast to portray you?

10. If you could have your dream job what would it be?

11. You were granted 3 wishes, what would be your first?

ENJOY...and thanks to Shea, Lauren and Maggie for including me in this fun activity!!!!

What am I thinking!?

There is one question that I always get from family, friends, or just anyone who finds out I'm a runner..."What do you think about when your running such long distance" I think about the most random things...So here's a little post of things I know I've thought about while running, some were just from my 4 miler tonight..which is why I decided to post this!

• "I only have 13.1 miles to run..I can do this!"


• "26.2 miles is like driving to work and back home....what the hell am I doing running this race?"


• "I wonder if thigh high boots will look good on my short legs?"


• "Should I cut my hair, but then I can't get it into a ponytail and I like them."


• "Justin Bieber...who put this on my playlist?"


• "My shins not hurting..its all in my head, its not hurting, its not, its not..ok pain is gone"


• "That guys running shorts are a little to short, I hope I don't see anything I don't want too! LOOK AWAY LOOK AWAY!!!"


• "Phew mile 6....almost there."


• "Phew mile 14, I made it past the first half."


• "Did I close the garage before I left"


• "I can't wait to eat a big juicy hamburger and fries."


• "I wonder if Grandpa would be proud of me for all my running accomplishments"


• "OHHH AWWWWW look at that puppy, I want a puppy!"


• "Ok last time I had a Gu was at mile 4...so I need to take another at....oh forget it!"


• "Eggs, shampoo, gatorade, toilet paper, turkey burgers, pasta sauce, lunch meat for Robert, bread, do we have yogurt?...Maybe I should make a list before going shopping."


• "I will never do this race again"


• "I will never run again"


• "I should try a Zumba class, its sounds fun"


• "I wonder if Robert is at the finish line waiting for me or if he's still in bed"


• "Did I put my car key in my hydration belt, or did I lock it in the car?!!"

The one thing I ALWAYS think about during running is...

• "Where the F is the finish line already"

There's a ton of other things that go through my head. I constantly think about my grandpa and my roommate Esrin that past away. I use them for so much strength and think such happy thoughts about them. I use running as my therapy, and a way to clear my head. Its hard to tell a non runner what you think about withouth them thinking your crazy. Not sure about other runners but allot of times I even forget I'm running a race and just enjoy the run. This is usually when my brain decides to drift off into LA LA Land I begin to think about what it would be like to be a backup dance for Beyonce!! HAHA I always finish all my running whether it be a race, or just training feeling so much better about things!


What are something you think about? Is running therapy for you?

Christmas time & running from coyotes!

Robert and I celebrated our last Christmas as a unwed couple. I can't believe this time next year him and I will be Mr. and Mrs B! We had a wonderful holiday with our families and kept our tradition together opening presents & breakfast in bed on Christmas morning. It was perfect!!

Santa was extremely good to the both of us, and I'm so excited to ring in 2012. This past year was hard with us having to say good bye to my grandpa in February, so I'm ready for a healthy and happy 2012.

Another thing I'm ready to get moving in 2012 is my running. I have been lagging so much that I'm a bit ashamed of myself. I think with the time change and sitting in almost 2 hours of traffic every day to get home makes me lazy. I want to get out there when I get home, but I'm so tired that sleeping sounds better.

Coyote Creek Bike Trail, La Mirada Ca

Yesterday I got a email from Penny and a few text messages for my friend Jessica that put a little spark back in me. When I got home last night I changed my clothes right away and went for a nice 4 miler. Behind my house is a great new little trail that I ran for the first time. I've heard coyotes several times in this trail at night playing and barking, so I was little scared to go. I don't know much about coyotes. but I heard they're a little fierce if they feel threaten. Not sure if they would feel that way with a girl 5'2 running through their playground, but I wasn't going to take any chances. I took my ipod off so I can hear around me (just incase a coyote was hungry) and just enjoyed the quite of the water running through the riverbed. IT WAS AMAZING!!

Nathan Safety Light..I love this gadget for night time running.

I knew it was going to get dark while I was out so I decided to take my awesome Nathan safety light with me. I bought this last year and have realized when I wear it I get noticed more by cars. I clip it right on the front of my shirt or pants and make sure I have the most annoying flashing mode on. I can't express the importance of making sure your seen at night while your running. People don't pay attention while driving, so you have to make sure your safe!

My new favorite running partner!

Robert got me a nano for Christmas that is now my new running BFF!! I used to use my Iphone for music, but sometimes I just want to go out without wearing my Ifitness belt. So this little guy just clips right onto my pants and holds all my playlists! Amazing how a small 4 miler makes me want to get home today change my clothes and go for another 4 miler!!! I'll keep you posted........

I hope everyone had a wondeful Holiday and I wish you all the best New Year!! Bring on 2012!!!

Where have I been??!!!

WOW!! October is the last time I shared a race report or even posted on here! I’ve been so busy that I just haven’t had the time to sit and write anything. Lots of things have happen since then, and lots of exciting things to come. So I suppose I should share and get things up to speed!!

Let’s start with the month that pretty much took over my life OCTOBER!

I once again had an amazing time this year at Halloween Haunt as a makeup artist. This year was bittersweet for many reasons. I decide that this will be my last year as a full time makeup artist for the event. After 15 years I think that its time to hang up my haunt shoes. I know there are many other things out there for me, and it’s time to explore them as an artist. I’m also going to miss working with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. It’s always hard to explain the friendships that come from working only one month of the year with people, but believe me when I say they are all special and I’m a lucky girl! Not to mention if it wasn’t for this event I wouldn’t be engaged to the most amazing guy in the world. It was a wonderful time to say the least and I’m truly going to miss everyone….Next October I’ll be a married women on my honeymoon, so it’s definitely something to look forward to!

Some Spooky Fun Photos!

Before I knew it...it was November!

Robert and I took a trip to New York for the weekend mid November. I've never been so I was really excited to see a Broadway show, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty and all things NYC! Robert is lucky to work for a company that has a few apartments in the city, so we got to feel like true New Yorkers with our little place. I absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of the city and could totally spend more time there. I can’t even imagine how many miles him and I walked…we walked EVERYWHERE!!! The whole city was already decorated for the holidays which totally put me in the holiday spirit!

Our weekend in the Big Apple!

In a blink of a eye Thanksgiving was here and it was time to Turkey Trot. My my mom and I participated at the Long Beach trot, she walked her 2nd 5k, and I ran the 10k. It's such a great family event and I was so happy to have my mom there with me. I wish dad was there to, unfortunately he doesn’t get many holidays off so he was stuck at work. This race is always such fun and I really enjoyed just running it alone. I had my music going and I was just running enjoying myself. I’m still having pain with my shin area that only hurts when I first start running, then after a few miles the pain is gone. Not sure what’s going on, but I think it’s time to get a appointment with my A.R.T. therapist. I was contemplating only running the 5k, but as soon as I hit the turn around I decide to just keep going to complete the 10k. I forgot Mr G 2.0 that day so I have no idea what my time was, nor do I care. I was there to have a fun and that’s exactly what took place…FUN!! After the race we headed home to celebrate the holiday with my dad!

Turkey Trottin!

Now for December…

I know its only December 8th but so much has happen. Tons of wedding plans took place this week, and this past weekend we took a trip! Saturday we packed up the car and ventured out to Las Vegas with friends to run the Rock N Roll half marathon. A week before the race I came down with the worst flu ever, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to run or not. I wasn’t going to make a decision until last minute so I packed up my running gear anyways. We got to the expo in the early evening to pick up my packet and I can't tell you how frustrating this was! Not only did I never receive any sort of email with instructions like most races, but when we finally found the convention center there were NO signs on where to park, or where the expo was. We got 3 different employees give us 3 different ways to get the expo. It was a disaster! I got my stuff and left as quickly as possible!
When I woke up Sunday morning in the hotel unable to breath, I knew that running wasn’t an option for me. I’ve ran with the flu before and it was an awful experience. It was sort of a blessing in disguise because after reading the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Facebook page, the race was a disaster! Since I wasn’t running that day I had only one other goal which was finding Fern before she started her half marathon! After a few tweets and text messags I found her! YAY! She was ready to walk her little heart out and I made sure she knew that so many people were cheering for her!! I was extremely disappinted to hear that Fern was one of the thousands of people not to get a medal. I find that odd because it was a sold out event and I didn’t run, so that’s one extra medal. I’m sure I’m not the only person not to run that day, so who got our medals! I’m not race director or nor have I ever been involved in organizing a race, but if an event is sold out I would think that enough should’ve been ordered? No?....

Little Vegas Fun

So what does the rest of 2012 have in store for me? Well I'm going to keep my racing to a minimum and just focus on getting training in for LA Marathon. I have a few races in early 2012 that I really looking forward to..and I'm also looking forward to my wedding on April 13th! Can't believe that is only 5 months away..WOW! I also promise myself to keep my blog updated as much as possible. If I have a hour to sit and watch a silly reality show, then I have hour to write a race report or update here and there! Hope you enjoyed my super long post...I've also promised myself to shorten these =) HAHA!!

Thanks for reading!

Santa Monica 5000 - 10K

I totally forgot I had registered for the Santa Monica 5000 10k until I got an email with “race day information”. When I saw the date on the message I realized that I was registered for another race the same day..major registration fail! I decided to run Santa Monica anyway since I hadn’t run it before. I always like to try new races and most of the course went down the LA Marathon finish line stretch. I wanted to see what it felt like running down San Vicente and Ocean without rain and hail hitting my face!

The night before Penny sent me a text letting me know that she was going to join me at the race. I was excited to have someone there with me because lately my running has been beyond horrible…actually embarrassing would be a much better word for it. This summer has been a struggle to get my running shoes on and go out for any miles. I was hoping this race would give me that “spark” that I once had for running. This time of year is especially hard to get any running in with my hectic schedule. For those of you that have been keeping up with my blog you know that once a year during the months of September and October I’m a makeup artist at one of the largest Halloween events in California, Knott’s Berry Farms Halloween Haunt. For 25 nights my fingernails have permanent cream paint in them, prosthetic glue ends up in my hair, and fake blood on my clothes. Not to mention the lack of sleep that takes place between real job and fun making monsters job…so sleepy all the time! But I was determined to get my butt up in the morning and run this 10k. My gear was laid out and my alarm was set!

Sunday morning I met Penny at a park and ride so we could drive into Santa Monica together. She still had to register and I needed to pick up my goody bag, so we decide to get an early start meeting at 6am. The only way I can explain any race day or plans with Penny would be an episode of Laverne & Shirley. There are always laughs and lots of shenanigans that take place between the two of us.

When we got to the start line I actually had butterflies in my tummy. I knew this wasn’t going to go very well but I was willing to give it my all and run my little tushy off. We were finally on our way and I could feel my breathing was all off. I couldn’t take a nice deep breath like I normally can, and my legs wanted to stop by mile 2. I had 4 more miles to go and my body was like “Um what the hell are you doing” I looked at my pace and I was so disappointed, I was at 12 min miles and I could feel myself getting slower. Penny was trying to stay with me, but I knew I was holding her back so I told her to just go. She’s been do so well with her running and I didn’t think it was fair for me to ask her to stay with me. She also has Long Beach Half next weekend so she needed this run. I did a lot of thinking as I did a slow run walk past miles 3 & 5. I told myself that this non running business was OVER. I need to get back on the running train and get back on NOW. I had to push myself through a 10k..how sad! I once ran a full marathon and now I’m barely making it through a 10k…this was my lesson and it was learned!

When I hit the turn around I realized that it was a downhill, so I used that to my advantage and sped up a little. I made sure to keep it steady so when I hit the flatter area I wouldn’t be winded. I past up a few people that had past me up and I was actually enjoying the run. I had beat myself up earlier over how bad this race was going, but then I realize that moment that feeling I was having of running with my music pumping, the wind hitting me, and my legs feeling great was what this was all about. I told myself that this week I was going to start up again. Doesn’t matter if I do 2 or 3 miles a day, the bottom line is I’m doing something. I need to get my pace back, I don’t want to see 12 or 13 has my pace average. Funny how a little thing like a 10k can make you ponder so much, but it’s a good thing.

I saw the finish line in the distance and I was having major LA Marathon flashbacks. The last time I was running down this stretch I could barely see anything because of the weather. My dad was next to me telling me that “we’re almost done” and I remember thinking I just finished 26.2 miles! It brought the biggest smile to my face and I was proud of myself all over again. I hit the 10k finish with not the best time in the world but you know..its another finish for me.

After this weekend I decided that I need to do a few more small races the next few weeks, then come November 1st after all this Halloween madness is over I’ll up my mileage. I have a Rock N Roll Las Vegas in December and I need to be ready for it. I think this little plan will work for me. Starting off my small races will be the Run Forest Run 5k in Long Beach. I usually run the Half Marathon there but scheduling and lack of running has me at the 5k…see you all there!!!