Let's Go!

We did two fabulous races in Denver; the Color Run and the Denver Broncos 7K.

We had a blast with the kids! The Color Run was all my daughter's idea. I said YES. It's amazing how saying YES to one of our kids ideas can bring about a great memory and quality time.

Storm loves to run. The 7K was an opportunity for quality time with his dad.

Here's the truth. We bought race packages for all 5 of us for the 7K. Two of our kids didn't make it. They were tired and a little banged up, so we let them sleep and went with one. It was better for us to be there with the one who wanted to go. It didn't turn out like we thought it would, but it was great! The other two had fun at home together and made us a great pancake breakfast to come home to.

On our way to the 7K we saw a fatal car crash, and got news that a dear friend of Scott's sister passed away in a car accident the night before leaving her two kids severely injured in the hospital. She's a single mom, dad's out of the country. Scott's friend was heading to Denver to be at the hospital with the kids. It was sobering. Cherish every moment we have together. How can I experience pleasure when there are people in the midst of grief. I hugged everyone a bit tighter.

In both races I saw parents frustrated with their kids for not having fun, keeping up, or just mad at themselves for having to wait. Kids and races can be tricky. If it's a rough day, it's okay. Make sure you prepare well for food for the kids. They get hungry. I have to drop my agenda and remember this is an opportunity to get outside with people I love in a beautiful place. Sometimes I take Brene Brown's trick and say, "shame, shame, shame" out loud. As a parent I can be disappointed that my expectations are not being met and feel shame. If you are going to do a race with kids prepare to chill out or risk making something fun into something miserable. I could have guilt tripped my two kids for staying home, brought them and listened to them complain, beat myself up for spending money on them when they didn't race, or give myself and them grace. We chose to let them stay home and have a fun morning together while we had a nice time at the race. Some battles for our pride, shame and expectations are not worth dumping misery on everyone because it didn't go how I had hoped. Hold the race day with an open hand and have fun.

I LOVE architecture. Walking around town is like walking through an art show. My soul starts to sing as I discover new places. Part of the joy of a race for me is the incredible things I see along the way. I hope you enjoy some of the sights from Denver. LOVE this city!

THE COLOR RUN

Vintage industrial buildings line the course.