I hate running

Every year for the last six years I've sat down to write a summary of my experience at the Merrell Mud Run. I always try to put some sort of philosophical spin on it. It used to be that I ran to prove I was stronger than I felt during those toddler/baby raising years. This year, I signed up because it was tradition and I didn't have anything better to do that weekend. That's where I went wrong. That, and inviting my kids.

Now I always try to paint my children in a positive light, and most of the time it's easy. But if I'm "keeping it real," as the kids say, then I should let it be known that they were kind of a pain in the ass. I invited them into my happy place when I should have left them at home. I knew this immediately when we got there and they noticed it wasn't as kid friendly as it was last year.

"There's no hamster wheel!"

"There's no rock wall."

"The playground's crowded!"

That's when I left them with my mom and headed over to the starting line. She deserves a medal for hanging out with them all day.

I ran like I always do, and maybe even a little faster since walking gave way to sounds of rattlesnakes in the bushes beside the trail. And instead of finding some sort of runner's high where my mind could zone out in a bliss of tranquility, my brain decided to fire off a million thoughts that I really didn't feel like thinking about. My head became even more annoying than my children and all I could do was keep moving. I scaled walls, crawled through tunnels, and jumped in puddles, all while really missing my old running pals that have joined me in years past and made something I hate (running) fun.

So that's that. Nothing to wax philosophical about. I hate running. I'm not even that fond of mud. And I think the novelty of running a race wore off and I may find myself back in a dance class before I find myself in a mud pool again. It served its purpose and I proved to myself that I could do it.  It's time to move right along to the next challenge. Synchronized swimming? Underwater basket weaving? I don't know. But whatever it is, I'm not inviting my kids.

More whining. "I'm DIRTY!!"

Spring break "Late Over" with her bff.

Corinne got tubes in her ears. She was so scared when we went into the prep room that it broke my heart. She had one single tear run down her cheek in the most sincere sadness I've ever seen her display. Thankfully the nurse gave her a "cocktail" immediately and she was flying high after that. I love her so much and hope we never set foot in a hospital again for a very long time.

More spring break fun

Corinne made me breakfast. Love her.

Spring break with my nephew

How much do I love this picture?

Corinne loves a selfie. I find hundreds on my phone.

Newsies with Jenn