Twisted Hues

Having a blast at the Color Run’s post-race color fest. Photo Credit: Jennifer Lott

Yesterday, at 8:38 a.m., I participated in my first Color Run. While the race encourages people to live healthier, this 5k promotes diversity, creativity and community and not speed, competition or athleticism.

I ran the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor course with my second cousin Jennifer and her sister Katie. Thousands danced to Top 40 hits waiting for their wave in the race to begin. Dressed in mostly white, racers were blasted in a rainbow of non-toxic, paint powder after completing each kilometer. At the finish line, racers experienced a post-race party with beautiful hues of powder.

Prior to race day, preparations focused mostly on creative aspects not training runs. On the eve of race day, we gathered at Jennifer’s apartment to transform ourselves into the Twisted Hues. The team name represents our ideology that all colors are beautiful and that our inner warriors carry us through even the toughest of life challenges. Twisted Hues is hopeful that more family members and friends will join the team roster at future, active events that promote healthy living, unity, peace, and charity.

Twisted Hues (L to R) include my cousin Jennifer, her sister Katie, and my cousin Meghan, who created our look for the event.                       Photo Credit: kateschannel

Twisted Hues’ race style was mostly created around the idea my cousin Meghan had. She inspired and taught each of us to make rainbow-colored tutus. She planned to take part in the Color Run event. But, unfortunately, at the last moment was not able to join us at the start line. Her contribution to the Twisted Hues resulted in boosting our self-confidence as well as plenty of style kudos from fellow Color Runners.

What a finish. Katie, Jennifer and I enjoy watching all the beautiful hues. Photo credit: Jennifer Lott

I believe the next event the Twisted Hues will be signing on for is the second annual Run and Play for Ariana Mae at the Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge, Mich. The event begins with a 5k run and one-mile walk, followed by a Candyland Scavenger Hunt. The event supports the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Program. Proceeds from this year’s event will fund the addition of a new play structure at Fitzgerald Park in memory of Ariana Mae. To learn more about the event, register, or make a donation visit www.arianasrun.com.

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Thinking About Shorts Today

Wake-Up!

The buzzard went off at 6:30 am. Should I shower? An extra 10 minutes to snooze? I told myself to take the 10 and then do a 5-in-30 workout on the elliptical after everyone was out the door. But, I knew this workout would not happen. Unless it’s a Zumba morning or it is warm enough to bike the Clinton-Macomb Trail, I am not motivated to exercise in the morning. I showered.

Love is…

Nutella and Peanut Butter breakfast sandwiches served up with fresh strawberries. Nothing beats two angels waiting for the bus with happy tummies.

The Outside

I reached for my venti-sized coffee and opened my blinds. At first I saw gray. That was okay. Mornings are all about beginnings anyway. There is no telling how life will play out today and where I might end up before closing my eyes tonight.

About Writing

Read and subscribed to a couple more blogs about writing. There are so many with helpful resources, thoughts, inspiration, and communities of those experiencing what writers experience. Two  discoveries from this morning are Out of My Mind and She Writes.

Body Image

One of my friends from high school works for The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and Action. She advocates for people with eating disorders in Washington D.C. To help address the growing issue of size-prejudice, she is promoting a book for children, Shapesville, which educates young people on shapes of people as well as diversity and tolerance. Another source that inspires positive talk about body image is Operation Beautiful.