Sunday morning flour is falling

7:36 AM

Signed up for my first ever “Bali color run.” Plot twist: it started in 2011; I only discovered it this year. Health! Happiness! Paint race! I was sold.

Pre-game: me vs. crowds

Ochlophobia brain: “Cancel.”

FOMO brain: “Do you want to watch everyone’s stories from your bed again?”

Result: I went.

Morning at Renon

I never see Renon this early

Renon at sunrise = wholesome chaos.

Sunday me = hibernating creature.

It was cute:

kids decorating bikes like it’s elementary-school parade day,
joggers who clearly train for mornings,
a Hare Krishna group doing their ritual (I’d only read about it (wiki ). Seeing it IRL felt gentle and grounding).

Thirteen. Thousand. Humans.

That’s what they said joined.

My brain heard: “thirteen thousand opportunities to panic.” I did get wobbly.

I leaned on my friend and breathed.

Stayed.
Didn’t bolt.

Tiny victory unlocked.

The “run”

Okay, honesty corner: it was more Color Walk. Which is perfect for me because if it were a real 5K, I’d be performing a dramatic collapse by kilometer one. Paint flew, music thumped, we shuffled along like confetti-covered penguins.

Expectations vs. reality? Different. Still fun.

Expectation: sprinting neon gazelles.

Reality: Color Walk™, and honestly? Thank goodness. If it were a true run I’d be lace-untied in the back.

The Stage Zone (aka: The Sardine Moment)

After ~3–4 km we reached the stage. CROWDEAD. I lasted about two hours in the crush before my lungs filed a complaint. It was scary and silly and electric. All at once. #anakgalau energy.

Was it fun?

Scary (introvert alert), then silly, then fun. Friends help.

So does surrendering to the mess.

Tiny tips if you go

1. Wear sunglasses + a mask/buff (color dust gets ambitious).

2. Tie your hair up, oil your hairline, and bring wipes.

3. Ziplock your phone.

Would I do it again?

Yeah. Because:

1. I woke up early and found a version of Bali I never see.

2. I didn’t let the crowd win.

3. Friends + powdered rainbow = memories, even if they’re mostly of us walking, laughing, and dodging paint grenades.

If your city hosts one, go! With comfy shoes, water, and an exit buddy. You might surprise yourself.

We call it what it is: a joyful, painty parade lap.

Early wake-ups are worth it. 🌈

Good outing,

ikkel 🎨👟

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