Today we participated in ILEA's (International Law Enforcement Academy) 2nd Annual Fun Run & Obstacle Course. The girls and Matt ran the 3k with the Marine Detachment, while I ran with
the slow zebra Grady and a few Embassy ladies.
The course was comprised of a traditional road race coupled with ten military-type obstacles, to include: monkey bars, balance beams, scaling 6 foot walls and a rope swing over a 10 foot mud pit (Grady's favorite, of course).
The day started off with group calisthenics, an agility challenge sponsored by the Embassy's Green Team and
a lot of whining. Thankfully, by 8:30 am we were off!
Riley joined the Marine's in the front, while Sheridan impressed everyone with her skills on the monkey bars. Of the 400 or so racers, both girls placed first in their age divisions, with Riley actually
the first female to cross the finish line.
As is Grady's
style, he complained during the
entire 3k. However, he managed to complete the race, sprinting to the finish line through a gauntlet of cheering supporters as he was one of the youngest competitors.
Each finisher was awarded a "medal", made of ecologically friendly recycled cardboard (much to Grady's chagrin as he was hoping for a medal made of metal). And in addition to their trophies, the girls also received a small package containing a water bottle and three cans of tuna. Because nothing quite celebrates the thrill of victory like diving into a tin of fish.
"Sorry, Charlie."