Drenched 5K...

 And another random fun run 5K under the belt. 

This one was called Drenched Run. 

Julie had rounded up a bunch of us and formed the team Blame it on the Rain.

As the race got closer and I was starting to distinguish the difference between 5Ks, obstacle races and fun runs, I started dreading it.

I thought about it for a long time and decided I wasn’t going to do it.  After what has been going on with some of my fellow peeps and the whole leaving me alone crap, I just figured this wouldn’t be all that much fun for me so I opted out.  Well – that didn’t happen either.   As soon as I explained my frustrations to Julie on these fun runs and why they weren’t fun for me anymore she immediately said she would power walk with me.   Julie.  Julie who is the competitive, outstanding runner.  She stated the race wasn’t timed, she really wanted me there, and she was a great power walker and looking forward doing it with me.  So rad.

So – I did in fact end up doing Drenched Run.  As much as the race itself kind of blew, we all had a great time.  Here’s my recap:

I carpooled with Shane/D and we arrived nice and early after a bit of side tracking turn arounds from a typical man not paying attention to directions. (*snicker*).  We pulled in, parked right in front, and headed over to check in.  It was literally right there.  The race took place at Exposition Park in LA.  For those of you who don’t know (like I didn’t) it’s right by the Coliseum.  It’s also where the museum that holds The Endeavor lives.  DAMMIT!  I so would have planned to see that afterwards, but alas, another time.  So we get our T-shirts, sunglasses and bibs and head back to the car where we proceed to do our normal pre-race routine.  This is becoming second nature now.  Sunblock, apply bibs, drink water, snack, take pre-race photos and find everyone else.

I took a few shots before it got crazy

Once we all gathered, we meandered over to the start line where everyone was headed.  This was one of those races where you all get released in mini waves but the same start time.  Holly decided to also power walk with Julie and I which was rad and we all got the coolest photos because guess who brought the waterproof throw away camera.  That’s right!  Folks with water guns were already shooting each other and laughter was erupting and off we went.

There was a fire hose at the beginning as you see here

Then along the way random spectators could nail you as well

So we fell into our power walk and headed on.  Now, what we realized as we went through this race were a number of odd things.  First of all the streets weren’t closed, so cars are whizzing by you and homeless people are watching wondering what the hell all these wet people are doing running around The Coliseum.  We actually had to stop at a streetlight and wait.  This is also where a cop yelled at someone to get off their cellphone and drive.  After we crossed the street we hit a bubble bog.  OK fun!  Just like the Bubble Run.  Took some fun shots here:

At one point we got into a discussion about the fact that the Olympics have an actual power walking event.  Julie went on to explain how serious it was and gave us an amazing demonstration...

 Hilarious.  Adore that girl.

Then on and on through an odd course then around the Coliseum.  I shot this for Fatima

Then another Bubble Bog.  Then we round the corner and start the same run again.  We’re literally running the course twice.  So again, same homeless folks, now more annoyed.  Same cop but this time we beat the streetlight and same Bubble Bogs again.  So – more photos – and this is where I spotted the professional photographer.

Then one random guy who was less than enthused to be spraying us with a hose.  This I believe was the only “water obstacle” on the course.  Really?!

After passing that dude we rounded the corner towards where we started and the apparent finish.  At the finish line is another Bubble Bog (Did I sign up for Bubble Run again??!) and when you went through the bog, there was a tarp that had oil or something on it and water to make it slip and slide –esk.  Well – Holly, Julie and I took full advantage since there were no other obstacles and threw ourselves across the slide.  I must say – I slid the farthest and off the slide.  I don’t know what it is about me and random slides where I take out everyone around me.  Maybe I’m just really enthusiastic!  When we stood up, soaked and laughing, there was our crew gathering around us. 

“That’s it?” we said. 

Apparently.

So, Julie and I went around and fell back into the race and slip and slid again.  This time Art attempted to snap a shot of us doing so.  You can see Julie on the ground and me about to.  Which I of course promptly slid over enthusiastically again.  I also may or may not have shoved innocent children out of my way. HA!

By the way...the photographer actually caught Shane smiling....Miracles happen!

Post Race Team Shot...nice and wet

So we all chatted and laughed and wrung ourselves out as we wandered around to check out what was around.  Not much.  We ended up snagging a beach ball and a game ensued as we waited for the water balloon fight to start.  A few of our crew went off to smoke but the rest of us played ball.  It ended up being super fun. There was a little dance dance party and Holly continually shooting her boyfriend with water which was amazing.

The announcer then called us all around the area where the water balloon fight was going to start.  I wasn’t planning on getting too involved.  The thought of flying objects coming at my head didn’t really appeal to me, but I did want to catch some shots.  As soon as the dude said “GO!” it was a mob.  Everyone ran to the middle, grabbed balloons and started warring.  It was hilarious and surprisingly not that dangerous.  Shane and I stood back a bit and were chatting when Julie spotted this opportunity and promptly slammed him right in the chest.  I ended up staying behind him after this since he’s taller and started getting really good at catching some of the balloons thrown at him and throwing them back.  It was quite a sight and fun to watch everyone. 

Afterwards they had a couple of water hoses spraying the crowd and everyone was playing, and getting wet, and playing some games, and laughing.  It was quite hot out so it was a perfect day.  We headed back to the cars, dried off and said our goodbyes.  Shane, D and I hit an early lunch with pre-race drinks on our way home and sat outside as to not get the seats too wet. 

So in conclusion, I won’t sign up for this race again most likely since the race didn’t offer all that much.  But I must say – the crew was in high spirits, it was a beautiful day, and we all had an absolute blast!