Muddy Buddy 2009

This is the fourth year that Skyler and I have participated in the Muddy Buddy. This is my most favorite race of the year because we have so many friends that do it with us. Plus, this is the one race that Skyler and I get to race as a team.

If you've never heard of the Muddy Buddy, let me explain it to you. Like I mentioned, it is a team race. You switch off mountain biking and running. I started the race on our bike and Skyler started running. I mountain biked to the first obstacle, where I dropped the bike, crawled under a large cargo net, and then ran away. Skyler ran to the first obstacle, crawled under the cargo net, and then picked up the bike that I left. He mountain biked for the next leg of the race while I ran. He passed me and rode to the second obstacle. He dropped the bike, walked across a balance beam, and then ran away. I ran to the second obstacle, walked across the balance beam, and then picked up our bike and rode away. So we were leapfrogging through the entire race course. This continued a few more times until the end of the race. When both partners arrive near the end, you get to crawl through a giant mud pit. Then you cross the finish line.

Our friends Jeff and Kelly did the race for the first time. I think they were trying not to get dirty!

Carrie's girls raced in the Mini Muddy Buddy. It was fun to watch the kids race.

Carrie had a new partner this year. This was Kim's first race and she did great!

We hung around for a while, letting the sun bake the mud into our clothes and skin.

The reason we hung around for a few hours was because Skyler and I placed 2nd in our age group, a giant move from 7th place last year! We were proud and happy that our friends stayed to watch us receive our medals on the podium.

Can't wait until next years race. Hopefully even more people will come join us in the mud!