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Running Kids Scavenger Hunt

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 18:23:18 -0700

Another fine event by RunningKids.net. Everything was lovely until the end. Started off a little late (always drives me nuts). But the race had some great volunteers, excellent course, unbelievable weather, awesome challenges, and over all the four of us had a great time. Bent the rules a little bit with Cmonkey (min-age was 7 - he was 4), but the Adams bike worked well.

My main beef with the race was the unbelievable length of time at the end of the race until awards. All the race notices said that the cut-off time would be 2 hours. We started at 10:00-ish and finished about 11:45. Awards didn’t start until after 1:30 because they were still waiting on a team - 3 1/2 hours later? I understand the desire to be inclusive - but to hold most teams over two hours? This was probably a record in the amount of time from end of race to awards ceremony. I’ve been in many races where the winners were awarded before I finished. It’s not a bad thing.

Brady Saunders Youth Off-Road Triathlon - From Thing2

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:51:30 -0600

I had fun. On the swim I was kinda slow. But on the bike I was trying to go really, really fast. And on the run we went over to a flag pole around and back twice. We were the only people who were our age. We need to practice more running. Dad thinks we need to practice swimming.

Brady Saunders Youth Off-Road Triathlon - From Thing1

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:48:19 -0600

I had a lot of fun. The bike riding cooled me off. I slipped on the gravel on my second loop. I got a cool shirt at the end.

Brady Saunders Youth Off-Road Triathlon - From Dad

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:40:08 -0600

Dad definitely learned a few lessons from this race. Practically in our back yard so I came to get the packet when they said they would be ready. Since the race started at 8:00, I left at about 7:00 to get the guys. I figured if they weren’t ready, I’d return later to get the stuff.

We made it and set everything up. Note #1 - buy one of those things to put race numbers on for them. The swim was a across the lake to a buoy and back. At 100 yards it was too much for my guy. Ben was mentally melting and James’ allergies got the best of him. They along with a couple other boys would stop and hang on the canoes. The other folks motored. Endorphin Fitness kids did a great job on the swim.

By the time they got to the bikes, Ben had checked out of the race. James almost caught him. Ben did fair in the bike, but wasn’t at his best. Once again, James showed heart and finished with a smile. Didn’t get too hot. Final surprise was that there was only 1 category, so our boys (the youngest) didn’t place well against the much older children.

Overall a fun race, but the main thing I realized is that I need to become a swim coach.

Running Kids Race #3 - From Dad

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:33:19 -0600

Another great race at Belle Island. Noelle and her team did a fantastic job organizing and running this race. The field was pretty small (due to the Twin Hickory Triathlon). I hope that Noelle doesn’t get discouraged as this is a great race and a great service. I wish her and her sponsors the best.

Thing2 tried hard this race and cut good time off his earlier races. However, been a recent 7 year old didn’t give him much of an advantage against the older boys. If he doesn’t get discouraged, he will own it next year.

Thing1 is so mellow, he didn’t really care about the race. He stopped twice to pick up “neat feathers.” I really need to run with him so he won’t stop. As long as he has a lifelong love of keeping fit - I don’t care. My biggest joy was how happy he was when he won the raffle after the race and received a survival kit / bag. He was so psyched it was better than winning first.

Can’t wait until CMonkey is old enough to run. I might start signing him up as a 5 year old and running with him.