‘5K’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Do: Run or Dye 5K {Get Fit}

April 23, 2014 · Narrative

The kids and I, and a friend, did the Run or Dye 5K the day before we left on Spring Break. My mom thought I was crazy, loading up our time right before we left for vacation, and she might have been right. Except for the fact that that was the only thing we had to do that day, along with dropping off the dogs at their assorted caregivers for their own “vacation.”

And so it was.

This event was located right at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with the 3.2 mile course laid out in the parking lot. Our wave was at 9 am, so luckily between the proximity to our house, and the later start time, we didn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn.

#smallblessings

Almost at the crack of dawn, but not quite.

This was our first 5K to kick off the season this year. The kids and I usually do three or four a year, and it’s definitely a firm signal to Spring weather. The temps were in the mid-60s that day, which was pretty perfect. We’re signed up for one in July, and I’m betting I won’t be saying the same thing about “pretty perfect” weather.

Since the advent of the originator The Color Run, tons of different similarly themed races have been cropping up ever since. Like last year’s Color Me Rad, and this Run or Dye, they’re all basically operating under the same premise. You go through various color stations and have colored powder thrown at you by volunteers.

Tons of fun.

All of the races give a portion of the proceeds to a local charity, which I love, and it makes for awesome photo opps, natch, and generally a great way to kick off your day. Although a good boost of steps for my Fitbit, with its 3.2 miles, the distance is really no big deal. I mean, Madeline has been doing them since she was three.

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Do: Color Me Rad 5K {Summer Bucket List}

July 22, 2013 · Narrative

I do believe that doing a color-based 5k might be the most amount of fun that anyone can possibly have. Last year, I did my first Color Run, and did it with a group of girlfriends.

Aside from the snail’s pace trek through Chinatown on the way home, it was a blast and a half.

Since I didn’t have the kids that weekend, they weren’t able to do it with me, but I promised them we would find another one and do it together.

And we did.

This weekend’s 5K was the Color Me Rad, which is pretty similar to the Color Run. A portion of the proceeds from this particular 5K are donated to the Ronald McDonald House, which, of course, is awesome.

A few days before the race, we headed down to the appointed check-in spot to pick up our registration packages and swag.

Because when there is color and neon involved, how could you miss the fun swag? Our registration came with a pair of sunglasses, a tattoo, and a blue t-shirt (not meant for the actual day of the event, since you’re supposed to wear a white t). As soon as the kids saw the fun swag tent and the volunteers in their neon and tutu and anything goes attitude, they got a serious peek at the fun that was in store.

I was dreading the early morning wake up call on Sunday, and managed to only eek out 4 hours of sleep the night before. I quickly got ready, woke up the kids, and we started applying tattoos.

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Ford Warriors in Pink {Breast Cancer Awareness}

October 17, 2012 · Ad-Free

Last week, some of Nick’s soccer teammates had on pink wrist bands, to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month of course. When I saw Nick didn’t have one on at first, I asked him about it.

“I don’t know what it’s for,” he said.

So I sat down and explained it to him. How during the month of October, there is a little more awareness brought to a very scary disease. And that the color pink is a way to remember the research still needing to be done, and a way to show your support. And then I explained what breast cancer was. And that we had friends who had family members affected by it. One of our very dear friends, who we visited in DC last summer, lost his sister-in-law to breast cancer, at way too early an age. And a good friend’s mom was diagnosed with it just last month.

And I reminded him that we had done a 5K to support breast cancer research before. And that he had waited while I got my first mammogram done over the summer.

And then not seconds later, he put the wrist band on. Because he understood.

And I knew he did.

This October, Ford Warriors in Pink® has launched its first ever produced documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” The film honors 11 men and women breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle with its “Models of Courage” program. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support for the breast cancer cause. In that time, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause.

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The Color Run NYC 2012

August 26, 2012 · Narrative

Tonight, there is no Weekend Photos in Review. But photos? I have plenty. I did the Color Run in New York with friends this weekend.

And it was multiple levels of awesomeness.

My third 5k so far this year, and the best one yet.

I don’t know how it could possibly be topped.

Except perhaps by doing another Color Run.

I first heard about the Color Run last year. All the reasonably close Color Runs had already passed for 2011, and I made a mental note to keep an eye out for the schedule for 2012.

And the more pictures I saw.

And the more videos I watched.

The more excited I became about it.

Billed as “the happiest 5K on the planet,” they couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate slogan.

Because it truly was.

Everywhere we turned, people were smiling. Dancing. Laughing.

One of the most awesome experiences ever.

Swear.

Although my alarm was set for the ungodly hour of 5:15 am, excitement woke me up at 3:56 am, and I couldn’t get back to sleep.

Everyone met at my house and we were off super, super early on Saturday morning.

Caffeine and a laundry list of other items in hand, we were ready for our adventure.

A bonus to getting on the road that early, we got to see the sun rise (New York skyline in the distance).

Twenty-five thousand people signed up to run on Saturday.

And again for today.

Craziness.

The Color Run organization donates a portion of their profits to two local charities at each event they hold.

Which I seriously love.

Considering the amount of people that attended the event, it was incredibly well organized. From the registration packets and parking, to lining up to race, to the party at the finish line. Not one glitch in the system.

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Weekend Photos in Review

April 22, 2012 · Narrative

Any weekend that kicks off with Friday afternoon cupcakes from a co-worker is bound to be good.

We know three families with autistic children, so when I heard about the 5k to support autism research, it was a no-brainer. Especially when one of the families was participating in the walk.

And if I can convince someone else to get up at 6:30 am to do it with me? Even better.

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Spring Bucket List {5K} – DONE

April 19, 2012 · Narrative

“I can’t do the 5k with you,” texted Mystic’s daughter when I asked her to join us.

Yes, you can. You’ll be fine.

“I don’t think so.”

Taylor, Madeline did it last year when she was 3-1/2. You’re almost 19. I promise you, you can do it.

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

No, not at all. But if Madeline can do it, I know you can. The hardest part for you will be getting up early on Sunday morning.

And since she can sleep away the day very easily (teenagers!), I was being totally serious.

This was our third time doing the 5k Walk for MS.

But this year, it meant way more.

One of the girlfriends that I did it with this year lost her mom to MS.

So besides just walking for a good cause.

And for exercise.

And to spend time outside with my kids.

We walked for a far greater purpose this year.

To support her.

And these three?

They all killed it.

Without question.

Or nagging.

Or whining.

So.very.proud.

I never had a doubt.

The 5k. Then lunch. Then this. (Her and Nick always sleep with their eyes the teensiest bit open. Weird.)

And beyond the good exercise. The good cause. Bonding with kids. Beyond all that. There is this.

This littlest member of the family, with the little legs that could. Made sure that we all had our medals with us on Monday morning. So they could be shown to co-workers and schoolmates alike. She checked and doublechecked. We wore them out of the house.

She was so.very.proud.

And had every right to be.

And so was I.

Spring 2012 Bucket List. 5K. Done and done.

April 19, 2012 – Bonus Photo

Last night, I managed to check one more item off our Spring Bucket List. Friends watched Madeline (thank you, thank you, thank you!) and Nick and I went off to see Hunger Games. He declared it the second best movie he’s ever seen. Works for me.

Recipe: Asian Turkey Meatballs and {Eat. Live. Be.}

April 18, 2012 · Narrative

This should make Joanne very happy. Eat. Live. Be. I’m here.

As a multitude of 5ks and Zumba classes permeate my calendar and Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred dvd gets plenty of play time. I’m here. I’ve been here.

Clean eating? Yep, I’m there too. Oh how I’ve missed it. There’s just something so very satisfying about it that is sometimes hard to articulate. Unless you’re there too. But the rub? Eat good food and you feel good. I’ve noticed the shift again, as I’ve purposefully made my way back to where I’m supposed to be.

The familiar feelings of euphoria when an early weekend morning is punctuated by sweat stinging my eyeballs. Which is, I swear, the sign of an awesome work-out.

The words “No, I can’t, we’re doing a 5k that day” coming out of my mouth.

The friends that get it. To the point that we just scheduled another 5k. In September. Out of state. After we get through the three we already have on the calendar.

When I’m in the zone, I have blinders on. And I instantly remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.

For me.

For them.

Always and forever.

Amen.

Mary Fischer’s quote rings in my ears. “Tell me, what are you going to do with this wild and precious life?”

“You have exactly one life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly.” Colin Wright

“…to know there is a better story for your life and to choose something other is like choosing to die.” Donald Miller

A co-worker and I were talking about that last week. Tomorrow being guaranteed to no one. I worry that I won’t have time enough to do everything I want to do. For me. Or with my kids. And I’ll be darned if we’re just going to laze our days away turning into zombies in front of the tv.

Sure there is tv time.

Down time.

Chill time.

But it’s dotted by play time. Spring Bucket Lists. Playgrounds. Activities. Adventures. Memory making. In our backyard. And in the great outdoors.

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Ten on Tuesday

April 20, 2010 · Narrative, Ten on Tuesday

Some days I really am not friends with our dog, Eli. Today was one of those days. To the point that when Nick left the house for school this morning, he asked if Eli would still be here when he came home. “But if he’s not, can we get another dog?” Sorry, Eli, the kid sold you out in less than three minutes flat.
When Nick was three, if we ate a piece of gum, candy or Tic Tac, we’d be really quiet when opening the wrapper so he wouldn’t hear and ask for a piece. Madeline, on the other hand, has her own way of finding out what you’re eating. “Mommy, ahhhh! MOMMY, AHHHH!” Demanding that I open my mouth and show her. “Jelly beans?” No, Madeline, I have nothing in my mouth. I swear. She must ask me five times a day if she asks me once, and I just got grilled before she went to bed tonight. “Jelly beans, Mommy?” No, Madeline. “Gum?” Nothing, Madeline, there is nothing in my mouth.
If you ever have to call Emirates Air for any reason, allow yourself a good day and a half to get through. Between busy signals, random disconnects and down computer systems, that’s about how long you’ll need. And if you finally get through and that’s the exact moment your two-year-old proceeds to head towards full-on wail, the bathroom is a good place to hide out and finish your call. Just sayin’.
If you find that it’s the third week of April and you’ve only made three new recipes this month, you can fix things by making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes. Now to make another 20 recipes in the next week and a half to catch up.
The National MS Society is extremely disorganized when it comes to running their 5Ks. Sorry, guys, they need to be called out. For a professional, national organization that regularly runs a multitude of annual 5Ks and assorted other fundraisers, their gaffes this past Sunday just weren’t cool.
National MS Society gaffes aside, I am unbelievably proud of my medal. Even though they ran out of them halfway through because they were busy giving them to everyone who quit the race on the first lap. If you don’t plan properly and order enough for everyone who registered, then they should be saved for those that actually finish the 5K. Not the three hundred or so that bailed after two miles. While in line to grab lunch, we happened to see a volunteer with a few on her arm and made a beeline for her. Just moments before, I had talked with another person who did the 5K. She was diagnosed a month ago with MS, and as soon as she found out, she gathered a team together to do the walk with her. Only to do it and find out that they ran out of the medals. Once we found the few extra ones, we hunted her down in the crowd to give her one. Her eyes welling up with tears said it all….
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