For the second year, I (and 3 others on a team) ran the Mud Run. This year, in their infinite wisdom, the folks in charge decided to move to a new venue (off the interstate) and increase the number of teams. Let's address those two changes:
First, the new venue. The new place was out off of I-26 in Calhoun County...somebody's farm. We were supposed to get off on exit 125, and when we saw cars pulling over into the breakdown lane (or shoulder) we pulled in behind them. This was probably around marker 121. An hour and a half later we finally got within spitting distance of the exit, and SC HP waved us around and told us to head to exit 129. Oh yeah, our start time was 1234 and it was now 1200. So we headed to the "new" exit. Luckily there were plenty of po-po to indicate where we should go. After sitting in traffic waiting to get in the ONE ENTRANCE, we finally got in and parked, found 1 of our partners, and hit the Port-a-potti. After finding our other partner, we checked in and got to the start line. Now it was after 1pm...at least 30 minutes after our start time. They took us as soon as we were up...and the fun began. The course was MUCH harder than last year. A lot more climbing, and way more emphasis on upper body strength. That being said, the only thing that I didn't like about the course was the lack of water stations (they had some...not near enough!) and the mud pit near the end of the run. By mud, I really mean grout in a mud-like consistency that was waist deep. People were crawling out of the sides of the pit and lying exhausted...after 10 feet of movement. Nice. And then there was a 15 foot board climb immediately after...I think they were boards, but I couldn't see through the mud. Did I mention there weren't enough water stations? If the weather had been any hotter, there would have been mucho dehydration/heat exhaustion/heat stroke.
And now the teams. There were 3600 teams. Double last years amount. I really don't think that was the biggest issue...I mean, it contributed to the traffic, the parking, the lack of water, the lack of water in the obstacles, and the fact that I couldn't figure out where the free water/oranges/bananas were. Maybe it was the biggest issue. Way too many teams.
But it was a good day. Lots of fun and pain. But good pain.
My mom came to spend some time with the girls this weekend.
Playing Patty-Cake.
While my mom was here she made us some yummy peanut butter fudge and homemade chicken and rice soup with dumplings. She also brought us a delicious apple cake which I was lucky enough to have left overs to freeze. She also took us to Aldi for a food storage shopping spree. Thanks mom! So, when are you coming back??
I just loved Em's smile in this photo (even with squash on the side of her mouth).
Em has learned how to blow bubbles and spit.
What's so funny? Oh-mommy is.
Peaches with her BFF J. Peaches was having a "moment".
Chick Flix rocked out at Rusty Anchor on a very HOT Saturday. We went to support our friend Jason (the drummer and J's dad).
This morning we went to Once Upon A Child and bought both girls Halloween costumes for $11.00. What a deal! Look how cute they are.
My sweet little PumkEM. Get it, pumpkin-pumpkEM! HAHA!
I know I am late posting this but here are a few pictures of Peach on her 1st day of 2nd grade. She has really adjusted well and has an amazing teacher. She has stayed on green every day but once and that was for stepping on pretzels during lunch (we forgive her). Why would you step on pretzels you ask? Well, a little boy dared her too and my baby doesn't turn down a dare. Now-lets just guess where she got that from.