Join Up With The Color Run 2015 Shine Tour And Sparkle!

***While I have blogged non-sponsored for The Color Run several times in the past, including our popular Color Run Mime post, I will receive free admission to this year's event in exchange for this post. All photos are original and copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015. Shine on America.

Momma Told Me: There's always time to sparkle.

At last the day is finally nearing- the day I begin counting down too from the moment The Color Run ends (though it never really ends as your sinuses are coughing up rainbows for a solid week, but I digress,) the VIP Ticket Sales for my local Ventura, CA event. That's right, this October 17th my sister city is going to rock the running rainbow like never before with the all new, one year only, Shine tour! This 'fun run' event just got a whole lot more magical with the addition of glitter! If you're new to the whole Color Run thing, you've either been hiding under a rock, or not reading my blog.

We did our first Color Run event 2 years back in a group of family members young and old. The Color Run is a 'fun run'  by definition, so every age and level of fit is welcome from tenderfoot to fitness buff to jelly donut. Run, walk, or jog-stroller the 5 k (which really is peanuts people, 3 miles goes quick even at a walking pace!)  And, our first year, that's exactly what we did, walk the course to get a feel for the experience.

The first year they handed out our color starch toss packets in our race day packages and eager participants were caught tossing them around and in the air before the start whistle had even begun. I suspect the host cities didn't like this very much, since the starting line as intended to be a 'clean zone,' and this past year we were issued color packets at the end of the race *frowny face*. No worries, there is still plenty of color to be had throughout at 4 unique color stations. And, did I mention you're encouraged to dress up and have a little fun? You'll find the friendliest and most creative characters at a Color Run course. Among last year's favorites was a team of superhero caped littles, a 6'5"  short shorts wearing man with sunglasses and an afro, and Sad Mime.

While the Color Run is a blast you won't be ambushed by people throwing color in your face- you'll have a race day map well in advance and always see the Color zones coming. they're usually at the end of  hill or long stretch as an extra special reward for your athletic perseverance.  Dress up in a rainbow of spandex and tulle or wear all white cotton and really soak up the color- it's up to you! At the color stations you can stand and be sprayed with as much color as you want, until you decide to emerge from the cloud of colored corn starch. Just remember to protect any phones or cameras with waterproof bags- that color's a sneakey sort!

Sometimes you'll feel like you just don't have enough color- I've seen people emerge from the run with but a spot of pink or yellow, almost like they 'beat' the course. To each their own, I go in hard and like a wrecking ball- Miley would be proud. Last year Jay painted his face white to really soak in the color, the year before I plastered myself with 'war paint,' the only real rule is to go in and have fun. It is #TheHappiest5k after all!

We've had so much fun at our past Color Run events that we're making a photo wall out of our finish photos. We already have the above 2 shots memorialized in canvas and are counting down the days until October 17th when the event passes through town yet again. My trademark has been my rainbow eyeshadow- but everything else is up for debate- I'm tossing a few 'game day' ideas around in my head but it'll be hard to top last year's sad mime and kitty cat! I'd go with dressing like a unicorn but the mascot IS a unicorn so that simply doesn't seem original enough. Jay's has enough interest in the mime returning he's planning on going with that but you'll have to stay tuned to see what I decide to go with this year!

Speaking of 'this year,' last year's 'twist' was the kaleidoscope tour, in which runners had the chance to run through a tornado of colorful streamers at the finish line. This year we're sparkling hard on the Shine tour with glitter at the finish line! even more exciting, our race kit comes with a medal so we can rock that color spirit all year round! Do not miss this one of a kind event- there are copycats but NOONe does it like The Official Color Run! Click the button below to sign up for alerts on the event nearest you and register with code MLC143657 for $5 off the city of your choice now through March 15, 2015! Have you done a color run or fun run event before? If so, what was your favorite?

 What Daughter Says: Make time to shine this year with the Color Run!

Simple Running Tips For Beginners

***Today's discussion features sponsored links- regardless I only offer advice and tips that I feel are of interest to my readers and genuinely valuable.

Momma Told Me: You've got to start somewhere.

We’ve all heard how running is so beneficial to weight-loss and health in general. It's the perfect Momma Told Me example of a chore where the benefits it reaps are so much greater than the effort in the sowing. Unfortunately, running often feels nearly impossible at first; thankfully the body quickly adjusts to meet the demands of running through simple conditioning. Muscles may feel sore the next day after your first run; however, by the second run, the body has already began to adjust. s a life long couch addict, if I can do it- so can you. You don't have to be doing record times or even 10ks to feel the benefits of running. Here are some of my best tips to get you started down the right path.

It’s best to start out slow. Day by day, lengthen the duration of a run and shorten the direction of walking. Begin by running a minute and walking a couple of minutes; continue this pattern until you can keep your target heart rate while jogging a constant 5 minute period. I began training to run on a treadmill recently at the gym and have had great sucess with this technique. Alternate between this method of running and walking several times over several days and you will surely see improvement. And don't forget- always warm up first by taking a walk and stretching the muscles before any intense activity.

Wear comfortable shoes while running. It’s a good idea to shop for shoes that are either half a size to a full size larger than what’s normally worn. The feet expand while running and walking, and various athletic socks can alter the fit of your shoes significantly. Choose shoes that are flexible in the sole; flexible shoes will conform to the foot’s movements and will provide beneficial shock absorption. Shock absorption is crucial to making your training pain-free. Wearing the wrong shoes will result in pain in the ankles, heels, knees and arches and be a big discouragement to your progress and motivation.

Wear the right clothing. In the hotter months, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for flexibility. The body can sweat a great deal during a run and clothes that are made of cotton allow for air to pass through the clothing and cool off the body. It’s important to avoid getting overheated while running and in the colder months, the body can still sweat. Be sure to bundle up to run in the colder months while wearing cotton so that excessive sweat can be absorbed by the clothing and prevent you from overheating. Personally, I prefer to focus on the fashion aspect of running- bright colors and fun prints are not only safer for outdoor terrain but help keep me motivated and positive bout the task ahead!

After a run, it’s important to take a cool-down walk and to stretch. Stretching relieves tightness, but also increase the duration that one can run the next time. In addition running helps to open up the air passages and pores, which can be great for overall health! It’s also equally important to have plenty of water before, during and after a run. Camel packs that can be worn on the back are great for storing water and similar appliances are now made for forearms. They feature a straw that connect over the shoulder, or along the chest, to sip from. The bonus advantage of a camel pack is that it keeps the body cool as well as it sits on the back to relieve travel weight in movement.

Endurance will build after time. The key is to keep on running. Be patient, and don’t push it too soon and set goals for yourself such as small 5k fun runs or short 3k beginners events. Surround yourself with a support group at a similar level and you will surely be stringing up those race bibs and trophies in no time! I once thought I could never be a jogger, let alone a runner, but just a short amount of time has quickly proven me wrong!  Do you run or jog for exercise? For sport? For fun?

What Daughter Says: Running isn't for everyone, but nearly everyone can run if they just get out there and get moving!