8 Things I Learned at the Color Run

Today I ran my third Color Run with some of my favorite people. It was in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium, and if you've ever been to a Dodger game, you will have no problem imagining there being enough room for a 5K course AND plenty of parking for the participants. We ran the exact same course last year, so this time I knew what to expect and was totally relaxed. And it truly was the happiest 5K on the planet, as they boldly claim at the Color Run. I had a great time and now that I'm a few hours removed, I realized that I learned a few things about myself today:

1. I am not a safe driver, apparently (wohoo! careering past the Staples Center!), when there is no traffic because it's 7 am on a Saturday. I think I just forgot for a minute who was in the car with me (i.e., not my kids, who enjoy simulated roller coasters wherever they occur in daily life), plus it's exciting to take the 110 on-ramp at freeway speed, since most of the time it's bumper to bumper and takes a good 35 minutes or more. Also, I don't notice the giant sign for the Dodger Stadium Exit until it's almost too late ("Mo! Where are we going, Mo?!" Thank you, third-row backseat drivers!).
2. It feels really good to laugh really hard. I think I've read somewhere that there is such a thing as laugh therapy, and I believe it. Probably some chemicals get released when you laugh so hard that you can't breathe. Either way, it helps elevate my emotional state.
3. I'm still self-conscious about dancing, even with good friends. I don't know what it is. I think I can't play team sports like basketball for the same reason. That's a whole other story, but the short answer is probably pride? I can't seem to get myself to really let loose.
4. I still like to sprint, and I can even be fast sometimes. My kids always beat me everywhere. I have been avoiding running long enough that I started to think I couldn't do it anymore.
5. I can still do a one-handed cartwheel without falling down. Sadly, there is no photographic evidence to substantiate this claim, but I do have several eye witnesses (said witnesses may or may not have tried to sabotage my landing with a banana peel at a later time).
6. True friendship means you can pat colored cornstarch off each other's backsides with impunity.
7. Sometimes, ordering McDonalds at a drive-thru is a party!
8. I am absolutely going to pay for this day tomorrow. (see #3 about avoiding running) Perhaps some Advil is in order.

A nice, hot shower and about 5 blue-snot sneezes later, I'm all clean and ready for a nap!--I mean, ready to face the day and be productive. Because I'm responsible and a mom.