Ron and his Chickens

Best Costume Winners!

That was our team name today. Actually, I coined that at least a year ago. The four of us hang out a lot. Ron, the rooster, and us three girls, one being his wife Debi, Sarah and myself. It was only fitting that we choose that name for our team when we registered for the first annual Russian River Mud Run in the town in which we live. We have done numerous running events together. Usually they are quite serious, though. We have run half marathons and numerous 10K races, all for time. This was just for fun, so while they offered a 10K or a 5K, we opted for the 5K. We planned to stay together and just have a good time, in costume of course.

We had never done a mud run before. This was a blast. First off, we were greeted at the starting line with clapping and cheering from all the other participants. Our costumes were a big hit. The music was blaring and we were doing our best chicken impressions as we waited to go. The run had nine obstacles, sure to leave you good and muddy. The first  couple were easy; up over hay bales and into a mud puddle and a steep, muddy hill with rope assistance, but then we came to a large group of people. It was hard to see what was ahead. When we could finally peek through the waiting crowd we realized we were at the top of a very large hill covered in a blue tarp that was being sprayed with water. That looked a little scary and it was. Basically, you slide down and land in a mud pool. One at a time, down we went, until we were completely submerged. I watched people ahead of me. Everyone would briefly disappear before coming up for air. I ended up with water and mud up my nose, but was helped out by two shirtless dudes who looked really good without shirts so it was worth it.

The rest of it was pretty easy. Mud was the name of the game, but that was what we were there for. At the finish line, we had the delightful pleasure of being hosed off by a couple of firefighters. And we won for best costume. Our award? A rock.

Muddy chickens and a rooster.

I’m ready for your hose, Mr. Fireman.

Sarah, chicken dancing under the hose.

No comment.

Our rock.