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Day #1: UCA Cheerleading Camp 2014

6/30/2014

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Day #1 of UCA Cheerleading camp started with the girls learning their Extreme Routine Dance.   Throughout the week, the girls will work on this dance while added in a cheer, jumps, stunts, and other visual transitions.  By the end of the day on Tuesday, the LeRoy High School Cheerleaders will have a full routine to perform at the Championship Performance on Wednesday.

Family & Friends are encouraged to attend our final performance on Wednesday in Horton Field House.  Please consider arriving around 9:00 AM if you wish to see our final performance.

Last night, I split the girls into two groups: JV (Freshmen & Sophomores) and Varsity (Juniors and Seniors).  At the end of each day, I ask the groups to reflect on their day and to nominate their peers for awards.  The Varsity votes on two JV athletes that (1) showed leadership and (2) worked hard or improved.  The Junior Varsity girls also vote on a Varsity athlete who displayed leadership and hard work.  I also reflect on the day and award a “Coaches Choice” award for one varsity athlete and one JV athlete.

VARSITY AWARDS (as voted on by the JV girls)

Leadership:  Lindsay White - Lindsay uses every opportunity to teach, guide, and mentor the underclassmen.  They look to her as someone who offers good advice, always shows patience, and explains concepts clearly.

Hard Work/Most Improved: Chloe Morgan - Chloe lets her actions speak louder than her words.  She works hard when she stunts and also concentrates completely when learning new dances or cheers.  She doesn’t quit until she knows that she has it perfect. 

JV AWARDS (as voted on by the Varsity girls)

Leadership:  Lexi Graybeal – Lexi was put into an uncomfortable situation within the first two hours of camp.  She was asked to step in as a secondary base for Destinee’s stunt group.  She didn’t show a sign of fear, asked questions when she needed to, listened closely to instructions and technique, and worked hard.  Lexi based for the first time in her life today and as a spectator, you would never know it.  She stepped up to the plate without hesitation and worked hard to keep up with her all-Junior stunt group.  Way to go Lexi!

Hard Work/Most Improved:  Raelyn O’Brien – Raelyn is a tireless perfectionist.  She doesn’t quit working until the stunt is in the air!!  The upperclassmen see her as someone who improved BECAUSE she worked hard and wanted to learn and absorb every stunt!! 

COACHES CHOICE:

JV Athlete:  Lexi Graybeal – On top of her ability to work hard  and learn quickly when she stunts, Lexi perfected the dance and performed in a dance off competition in front of the ENTIRE camp today!  She is always focused working to better herself and her team!

Varsity Athlete:  Kati Winkle – Kati taught Lexi all that she needed to know in the area of stunting and also picked up the dance faster than anyone else on the team. She is someone who also  focuses to constantly better herself and her team.  Kati always leads by example.

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Nicci Pruser and Destinee Evans for doing their skills perfectly, putting your trust in a new base, and accomplishing tasks through Teamwork!

LHS Cheer also brought the KINDCampaign to Cheer Camp!  There are pictures below of our Senior girls on the microphone telling the entire camp about our KIND Campaign experience at school.  LHS handed out "Kind Campaign packets" for each school/squad :)

Day #1 was a lot of fun, the girls are really getting used to their new stunt groups and I have seen a great deal of improvement in all of our cheerleaders today.  Everyone seemed to sleep well, meals have been awesome, the kids are making healthy choices and drinking TONS of water J  I will write another post this evening with a summary of Day #2 events!  More award announcements, stories, and pictures to come!  Stay tuned...  For now, here are some pictures from Day #1!



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The Blend

3/26/2013

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I am sitting in Washington, Illinois at "The Blend" Coffee Shop & Cafe.  It is a long story of why I am in Washington, IL in the first place, but I wanted to write about how much I enjoy this coffee shop.  They have a huge menu of coffee, lattes, and tea, baked goodies, and breakfast sandwiches.  It is approaching 11:30 AM and I have been here since 8!  Grading is done, blog and website have been updated... productivity at it's finest!

I usually drink regular, black coffee.  Today, I opted for a Toffee Latte with half of the sugary and syrup-y goodness.  I added a tyrkey, swiss, bacon bagel for breakfast and my morning was off to a great start!  In the three hours that I have been here, I have eavesdropped on the people in the booths around me.  Some people are here just enjoying each other's company, most other people are here with their laptops and work files.  A group of several women in their 60's sat on the other side of the cafe and I could hear their conversation clearly.  The topics of todays "coffee shop gathering" went from weddings, to retirement & insurance, to the weather, to church, to... DUCK DYNASTY!"  I'm a fan of the show and I thoroughly enjoyed listenting in on their opinions and quotes from Uncle Si, Willie, & Jace.

The Blend Coffee Shop is such a perfect example of a small business that fulfills a need and satisfies a want for the community of Washington.  There are signs posted throughout the shop that end with, "Thanks, Yvonne."  I am assuming that Yvonne is the owner and entrepreneur of The Blend Coffee Shop.  This coffee shop is filled with personal touches of local artwork, hand painted wall designs, comfy couches, and shelves with board games.  A great place to catch up with friends, get some work done, play a game, or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee! 

True evidence of a successful entrepreneurial business venture!

I snuck a picture of the front counter and the barista that made my latte and breakfast.  I hope she didn't see me sneak a picture of her on my phone!

It's time to leave the coffee shop and head to Midway to meet my family and catch my flight!  Tomorrow, I'll be enjoying MORE SNOW while skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado.

 Happy Spring Break, Everyone!

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2013 Virtual Stock Investment Project: 5th Hour Economics

3/26/2013

6 Comments

 
VIRTUAL STOCK EXCHANGE PROJECT

The purpose of using Virtual Stock Exchange
Project is to give you a better understanding of trading strategies and
portfolio management. You will also learn a variety of financial and investment
information that will help you to make important investment decisions in the
future.

 
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"Well, first off, I would like to say that I have had a blast wth this project even though for the majority of the time, I have been in 2nd to last place.  The most important thing I have leanred about investments and the stock market is that it most definitely unpredictable.  At the introduction of this project, I thought that I had a prety good feeling about how I was going to do, and I thought I would know what would happen.  Throughout the course of the game, I have learned the hard way that nobody, especially a novice incestor, can gage the every move of the stock market.
As I reflect on my experience, I think the biggest thing it did to me was humble me.  I thought I could just come in here and make a bunch of money and then walk away.  If there was one thing I could equate to trading in the stock market, it would be gambling.  It is a very risky game and you have to know the rules!" ~ Cole Pliura
"Investing in the stock market can be extremely risky.  The popularity of a company doesn't determine its success in the stock market (Facebook).  Looking at a stock's history can help you determine whether you want to buy or sell the stock." ~Austin Matlock
"No matter how many revelations I have had, I have continued to remain in the low ranks of the stock project.  I don't believe that I am cut out for being an investor but the immense difficulty of this project allows me to have a great respect for the people that are willing to actually go out with other people's money and invest it for them." ~Josh Pruser
"I have learned that it is important to know something about the stocks that I am investing in before I buy them.  The stock market is very unpredictable and it is very risky to put real money into it.  I am pretty careless and risky with the virtual money that we use, but I would have a hard time doing this with my real money." ~Chris Reinhart
"I have learned that it is important to buy stock when it is low and then turn around and sell it when it is at its high to gain a profit off of it.  I have also learned that stocks are extremely unreliable and unpredictable.  One minute, you can be in third place and feeling like you're invinvible because one stock brought up up that high; then, you can feel like the scum of the earth because the same stock brought you down to the following week." ~Alex Mears
"During this project, I have learned what an actual stock is.  A stock is a share of ownership in a company that can be bought or sold.  Before we ever started this project, or even this class, I didn't know what one was.  I have learned that you shouldn't put all of your money into one stock and rely on it.  You need to take changes and make smart choices on which companies to invest in.  You do that by researching the company and seeing how well or how bad they are doing in the market.  If their stocks are at a low price, you should buy them.  That way, if the stock price goes up, you can make a lot more money than you initially spent."  ~Taylor Green
"The main thing I have learned about the stock market and investing is to buy low and sell high.  I have also learned it is better to wait when your stocks are low--do not sell them once they go down in price, wait until they go back up.  I have also learned that penny stocks are very risky." ~ Briana Retter
"My attitude and opinion has been influenced by the VSEP in a couple of ways.  FIrst, one can't just invest in a company just because one likes the company.  One must make sure that the stock is doing well and will continue to do well.  Additionally, if one invests in any stocks that are below $10, close attention must be paid so you can buy and sell them at just the right time." ~Andrew Litherland
"This project has changed my attitude as an investor in the way of taking it seriously.  I never thought I would take this so seriously, but even with fake money, I'm scared to spend it and risk losing it.  I understand now that with real money, you're taking a big risk and basically gambling with your money in hopes to earn a profit.  I definitely don't think that I will be more open to taking risks later in life with the stock market and choosing my own stocks.  I would like to have someone who knows that they are doing invest my money so that I don't make any poor investment choices."  ~Taylor McDonald
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Continuing the Panther Tradition...

10/9/2012

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Homecoming 2012

Continuing the Panther Tradition…

Homecoming week in LeRoy was filled with honored traditions, new chances for student involvement, and numerous ways for the students, teachers, parents, alumni, and community to show their Panther Pride!  

LeRoy High School Homecoming began on Sunday, September 23rd with a canned food drive sponsored by the Student Council.  Council members walked the town decorating and collecting hundreds of canned goods and other non perishables for the LeRoy Food Pantry. A Sunday evening potluck dinner was hosted by the senior football parents as a way to come together as a community to kick off & fuel up for the fun filled week ahead.  

Class banners were hung outside of the school on Monday morning depicting this year’s theme, “Around the World.”  Students showed their school spirit throughout the week by dressing up in tie dye, ugly sweaters, class colors, as twins, and of course, in maroon & gold on Friday.  This year’s homecoming court members were Brandon Bodine, Shane Bruning, Cory Eastham, Austin Eddy, Nic Stevens, Brooke Dooley, Ally Hanlin, Tayrn Harbison, Lauren Myers, and Lauren Russell.  Shane Bruning and Tayrn Harbison were crowned King and Queen on Wednesday evening at the Homecoming Powder Puff football game.  The powder puff games resulted in a tie between the Freshman and Sophomore girls. Freshman coach, Danielle Cooley and Sophomore coach, Greg Conn brought well prepared powder puff athletes to the field.  The Senior girls and their Coach BJ Zeleznik earned a big victory over the Junior girls and their coach Jake Kennedy.  

Friday’s weather was perfect for an energetic pep assembly, community parade, and football game.  The LeRoy Panthers earned their 6th victory of the season by defeating Knights from Blue Ridge with a final score of 60-0.  The students concluded their week with formal wear, dinner and dancing at the 2012 LeRoy High School  Homecoming Dance.

There’s something special to be said about homecoming in a small town.  It’s more than just a week of fun for the students. It’s an occasion to unite in Maroon and Gold, remember the past, to celebrate the present, and an opportunity to continue the Panther tradition!
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Kelsey making posters to spread the word about FOOD FIGHT.
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Audra gets ready to decorate the town!
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Student Council & Key Club collected canned goods for the LeRoy Food Pantry.
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FOOD FIGHT Evidence! :)
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The Sophomore Boys attempt a pyramid for their halftime performance!
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The Junior girls are ready for some FOOTBALL!
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The Senior powder puff players stop for a photo before their big game!
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2012 Homecoming King & Queen: Shane Bruning & Tayrn Harbison
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"The Boys of Fall" - Kenny Chesney

8/24/2012

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The first football game of the season is always a special one to me.  I grew up in a family whose schedule revolved around football:  Yorkville youth and high school during the week, Notre Dame on Saturdays and the Green Bay Packers on Sundays.  I walked into LHS today and found the hallways filled with maroon and gold in anticipation and support of tonight's game against Dee-Mack.  For the first time in my four years as a coach at LHS, I feel like I'm part of the Panther family.  There's something really special about football season in a small town.  It's more than just a game... it's a feeling, a family, and it's a tradition.

In honor of tonight's game, I played Kenny Chesney's music video, "Boys of Fall."  The video serves as a great reminder that tonight is about more than just football. 

You Tube: Kenny Chesney- "Boys of Fall"

"So many people live vicariously through you... I would give anything tonight to jump into one of those uniforms with you." 

"My father never saw me play.  Play for your father tonight!"

"Football lessons you learn as kids continue to apply to the rest of your life."

I left a slip of paper on everyone's desk today.  The top of the paper said, "I've learned..."  Here are their responses:

I'VE LEARNED...
"...to make the best of you're life while you are young.  Be yourself, love one another, don't let anyone get you down."  Age 16

"...to make sure you stick to your word and do what you say you will."  Age 17

"...that time goes by faster than you know it.  The older you get, the faster it goes, so appreciate the important parts of life." Age 17

"...to never give up on anything.  Push through and you'll succeed."  Age 16

"Don't allow anyone to outwork you."  Age 16

"... that it gets better.  You might be in a really down part of your life, but it will get better if you stay positive.  Don't quit on yourself."  Age 16

"...not to procrastinate!"  Age 17

"...to stay close to my teammates when it's hard...to trust in them and believe that we can do it!"  Age 16

"...that you may not think highly of yourself, but there is always some little kid looking up to you thinking, 'I want to be just like her.'" Age 16

"...to just have fun and believe in yourself so you can become who you really want to be, yourself!"  Age 16

"...that if you believe in what you KNOW and TRUST then nobody can knock you down."  Age 18

"...that you can't succeed if you don't fail.  Failure will rise you up higher than you could predict."  Age 16


In honor of my #1 college team...the Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY!!
GO PANTHERS!



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Cheerleading Camp Day #2

6/26/2012

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8:00 AM: Taylor McD gets the team fired up with a pep talk about enthusiasm, energy, effort, etc.  She even made everyone practice their fake smiles.  Taylor M. wants to win the special "banana" prize.  Only one "banana" is given out at the end of each day.  The only way to earn it is to keep your enthusiasm, spirit, energy & excitement high throughout the entire day.  In other words: GO BANANAS...All.....Day.....long!
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The girls had an opportunity to start building an entire routine today that they will be able to perform on Thursday and bring back to LeRoy to use during games.  The next few pictures are some action shots from their routine.  The routine starts with full team extended stunts, cradles, and a backwalkover dismount and moves into their new dance routine!
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A new rule change no longer allows double twisting baskets at the high school level of cheerleading.  Someone...somewhere...conducted research on the amount of injuries (primarily head, neck, and shoulders) that occur as a result of double twisting dismounts.  This research prompted officials to now call double twisting dismounts "illegal" at the high school level.  This is a new rule change for the 2012-2013 season that has fueled a great amount of controversy.  As they always say, "numbers don't lie," and the research shows that the stunt simply is not safe.  While double twisting dismounts are visually appealing, the most important thing is the safety of our student athletes across the country.    As a result of the new rule change, the officials are now allowing inverted stunts to be performed at the high school level.  In years past, top girls were not allowed to be in an inverted position while stunting.  SO- we were able to try some awesome new pyramids that are visual and crowd pleasing!

The next few pictures are evidence of our first attempt at a flipping pyramid.  Taylor G performed the inverted rotation while Megan and Tayrn assisted.  We can't wait to show you these at games!!
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Cheerleading Camp: Day #1

6/25/2012

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"Moments that Matter"

It's 11:39 PM.  The girls are in bed and they are all exhausted.  Our mission has officially been accomplished for day #1. 

We arrived in Sandwich around 10:30.  3 of our rooms were ready upon arrival so we had an opportunity to unload the bus and get settled before lunch and the start of our UCA Camp.  We grabbed a buffet lunch at the local Pizza Hut, camp started at 1:oo PM, and we were throwing stunts in the air by 1:30.  There are approximately 8 teams here with a wide range of skill and ability levels.  The facilities are great (this hotel was recently built), the camp staff is outstanding (as always), and the food has been great so far!  (pasta, salad, bread sticks, brownies, lemonade.... who would complain about that dinner spread?)
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The girls have already learned at least 8 new stunts and stunt transitions and they have learned an entirely new dance routine.  Tomorrow's schedule is jam packed with 8 AM - 8 PM of cheerleading! 
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 Lindsay and Katie Long get a quick set of instructions from our camp instructor and big brother, Richard.
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Tayrn, Libby, Chloe, & Shelbie throw a perfect Extension-bump down!
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Taylor, Taylor, Miranda & Victoria work on a new stunt transition:  Elevator, Cradle, to a back-walkover dismount.  A really COOL new visual :)
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We even exercised our brains with a quick numbers game.  Taylor G competes against another camper in a new game that required quick thinking and sharp math skills!
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Kailyn & Katie W. listen closely to a new set of stunt instructions.
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Destinee on her way down from a clean, controlled extension!  (That face is pure excitement, not fear!!)  Grace is backspotting with Katie & Kristin basing. 
We wrapped up our day with a team discussion that centered around our theme for the week: "Moments that Matter."
At the end of the day, I left the girls with this final thought: 
"Have you ever experienced a time in your life (a weekend, a day, or an hour) where you thought,
“WOW!  This is what REALLY matters.  THIS is what life is ABOUT”?

How can YOU have MORE of those moments, those hours, those days going forward? What can you do to propel your life even more in the direction you want it to go?

How can you make your life about moments that matter?

Those MOMENTS don’t “just happen.”  They aren’t a result of luck but rather a result of choice, hard work, determination, challenges, & leadership."

I pulled the Juniors & Seniors aside and asked them to talk amongst themselves to come up with some positive words to share with the team along with some awards/recognition for the underclassmen.  The girls asked to nominate one underclassmen that deserved a "leadership" award for the day, one "hard worker" of the day, and to also tell a story about a "Moment that Mattered."
The upperclassmen recognized the following underclassmen for the following titles:
LEADERSHIP:  Megan M;  Shelbie gave a quick speech that highlighted Megan's strengths, her enthusiasm, hard work, and "lead by example" work ethic.  She has shown consistent hard work in the practice room, the weight/conditioning room, and throughout our short time at camp!
HARD WORKER: Katie Long;  Tayrn reminded everyone that when she was young, she used to be just as shy as Katie.  She knows what it is like to not always want to be in the spotlight.  Katie is deserving of this daily title for her actions at home and away at camp.  She is always working hard to better herself and her teammates.

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Taylor M. gave our speech about "Moments that Matter."  Sammi was given the "Moment that Mattered" award for the day for overcoming her apprehension towards extended stunts and cradle dismounts.  Sammi used today as an opportunity to conquer her fears, to try something new, and to allow herself to succeed for the good of her team.  Sammi's accomplishment would not have been possible without her teammates help, encouragement, guidance, and strength.  We have four full stunt groups this year and in order to be successful as a team, we need all four stunt groups to succeed.  Sammi stepped up today and completed the necessary task without letting her fears get in the way.  She put her team above herself and overcame one of her biggest fears.  For our team and especially for Sammi, that was a "Moment that Mattered." 
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A chat with our UCA big brother, Richard.  (A cheerleader from UK)
SHOUT OUTS: 
Kailyn M for improving greatly in the area of stunting today!!
Grace Brent and Libby Walls (the two team dancing machines)  for learning & perfecting the extreme dance routine in NO TIME!! 

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
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And finally.... A very happy birthday wish to Taylor McD who turns 16 today!! (Thanks to Miranda for the yummy bday cake!)

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"I  understand this is not a race but a CHALLENGE"

6/13/2012

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Last Friday I jumped on a west bound plane to Denver, Colorado for the adventure of a lifetime!  This past Christmas my brother-in-law talked me into running a race called the "Tough Mudder." (www.toughmudder.com)  In the months between December and June I ran, lifted weights, slacked off, tried running again, attempted to lift some more weights, slacked off again, and finally decided I better kick it into gear and get back to running. 

The Tough Mudder organization donates all of their proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project which was another awesome reason to sign up for the race.  My brother-in-law, Matt, is a Sergeant First Class in the US Army who runs full and half marathons, is training for an ironman, and basically kicks butt at all things athletic.   To him, the Tough Mudder was just another "fun race."  To me, it was a complete challenge of mental and physical toughness.  It was something athletic that required  the utmost amounts of dedication, determination, strength, and perseverance. 

The race was held at the Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Beaver Creek, Colorado.  The Tough Mudder consisted of 12 mountainous miles of trail with 26 military style obstacles.  While I was slightly anxious about running a straight 12 miles, I was more nervous about the elevation and how it would affect my asthma and my ability to complete the course.  Nerves and anxiety aside, I was thrilled and excited to put my mind and body through such a unique challenge!
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7:00 AM:  Race registration consisted of a sharpie marker with your race # printed on your forehead.  Good thing, because when the race was over you could no longer read the # on my arm or my leg and I also lost my paper bib while army crawling through an obstacle of mud. 

I was the ONLY girl on my team of 4.  The other three guys on my team are active military men and huge Greatful Dead fans.  We received tons of compliments on our team name, "Dead Ahead."  I smiled and said "thanks" to all of the compliments...even though I can't name a single Grateful Dead song!

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8:00 AM:  Race Start time.  "NO QUIT IN HERE!"  You had to climb this wall to even get to the starting line!!  Before the race we honored our military with the National Anthem and the Tough Mudder pledge:
As a Tough Mudder I pledge that:
I understand that tough mudder is not a race but a challenge.
I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
I do not whine; Kids whine.
I help my fellow mudders complete the course.
I overcome all fears.

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Every 15-20 minutes a new group of "Tough Mudders" started the race.  We were lucky to have an 8 AM Start time!  Thousands of people ran this race throughout the weekend!!

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My first few steps into the race and I am FULL of nervous energy!!

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The running/jogging didn't last long!  During the first 3 miles of the race, we climbed 3,000 feet up the mountain.  During the climb, I turned to my brother in law and said, "I'm going to eat an entire cow when we're done!"  It was exhausting!  Oh, and throughout the climb, the snow making machines blasted us with snow and drenched us with water!!

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Difficult to read, but here is a layout of our course map & a description of the 26 different obstacles.

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My sister attended as a spectator.  She took these pictures for us.  This is just one of the crazy obstacles we conquered! 

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We finally made it to the top of the mountain!  Note:  I am STILL smiling!  At this point, we had tackled 6 grueling miles and about 8 obstacles.  We climbed through tunnels of dirt, ran unpaved paths through the woods,  and swung from gymnastics rings over a freezing lake. I fell from the rings, made a very un-graceful splash into the freezing lake, and swam across the lake to get out.  ALL of the boys stayed nice and dry!  We also carried logs a 1/4 mile with a teammate, and completely submerged our bodies in a full ICE BATH.  We had to swim underneath a wooden wall to get out of the ice bath. 

Spectators of the race were allowed to take a chair lift up to the top of the mountain to take photos and cheer on the runners.  I was thrilled to see my sister half-way through the race.  Just after spotting my sister, military fighter jets flew overhead and the crowd went wild!  It was just the motivation that I needed at the half-way mark! 

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Matt conquering the "Log Bog Jog."

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Lots of high fives and encouragement kept me going!!
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12 foot military walls!  TEAMWORK at it's finest...and me teaching the boys a thing or two about cheerleading! :)  (Who said I couldn't be a top girl?)

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Charging toward our next obstacle!!

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Drenched in mud water....but CHECK OUT THAT VIEW!!

Oh... and I'm getting a little tired!!  haha

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Up next was the "Kiss of Mud." 

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And now we know why it's called the Tough Mudder!

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Yes, that is snow and YES, those wires are electrically charged!  OUCHIE!!

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Matt pulls himself up the quarter pipe like a boss!  No help needed.  The rest of us needed assistance from our teammates and fellow Tough Mudders!!

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Started and finished the race as a TEAM.  At this point I'm exhausted, beyond muddy, a little cranky, and very thankful to see the FINISH LINE!  Words can not describe my feelings at this point in the challenge!!

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4 hours and 30 minutes later.... WE DID IT!  We earned some super ugly orange Tough Mudder sweat bands!  Headbands are only given out to people who complete the challenge successfully.  I wore that ugly headband ALL DAY because I earned it!!

During those 4 hours, we met tons of inspiring "mudders."  We laughed, screamed, jogged, & climbed as a team.  That's the cool thing about this challenge... it is impossible to complete on your own.  You have to use each other to climb the walls and conquer the obstacles.  I met people who were not part of a team at all, but ran as an individual using the other "Mudders" for assistance.  I witnessed an entire team of women running in memory of a victim of breast cancer. I also met tons of active and retired militaty members. To top it all off, I saw two athletes with prosthetic legs.  TALK ABOUT INSPIRING!!!  WOW!!!

During this race one of my teammates shared this quote, "You're better than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can." 

To me, that was more than just a quote.  It was motivation to keep going, determination to run faster, strength to climb higher, and encouragement to keep up with my military teammates.   During the course, a middle aged woman passed me while jogging and the back of her shirt read, "Don't Suck."  That was motivation too!!

I was mentally and physically exhausted for the remainder of the weekend.  I ate my "cow" after the race and had a big fat bacon cheeseburger.  I even took a 3 hour nap the next day!

Mud, blood, sweat and NO FEAR....  This was one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever put myself through.  I am fully recovered and looking forward to next year's race! 

ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?   www.toughmudder.com 
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