Capture the Gauntlet

Yesterday, Dan participated in another obstacle run.  It was supposed to be about four miles, but it turned out to be more of a 5K.  He came in 59th out of over 600 men and ran it in 40 minutes and 39 seconds.  I was impressed.  It rained that morning, too, which just made it even cooler.  Dan ran in the first heat at 8am, when the weather was almost chilly.  It was beautifully drizzly.

Always comforting to have one of these around.  Although its presence denotes a bit of danger that might not actually exist.  Life on the edge.  :)

Here he is, clambering over the first obstacle.  He was one of the first in his heat to approach.  Which was good since it bottle-necked there once the masses reach it.

It's hard to see because it was across the lake and far away.  But this strange-looking obstacle was basically monkey bars.  However, as it was wet, Dan said he didn't manage to hang on for more than a few rungs.

Apparently, one of the obstacles I couldn't see was a series of 5 8-foot walls in a row.  With no hand holds, or supports of any kind.  One simply had to lounge and jump and reach and pull.  There was a very fast lady runner who got hung up at several of the walls.  Dan and another guy would catch up to her and help her over. 

This wall had 2x4 supports across the front that you could use to climb the front.  But apparently they did not extend fully to the top.  Dan stood on the highest one and had to jump and reach to grasp the top of the wall.  Sounds a little uncomfortable to me.

Right after this wall, they had to trudge through chest-high water.

Camden and I tried to cheer loud enough that Dan could hear us, from across the lake, but I don't think we succeeded.  

I missed Dan getting to this part.  (Camden was distracted looking at the ambulance.)  I guess this obstacle is more exciting to look at and just not that complicated to get through.

This was the very last obstacle.  

Here is Dan, running to the finish line.  The other guy saw the finish before Dan did and took off.  (Sorry for the picture quality; I wasn't expected Dan to erupt from the bushes so soon.)

Dan's last gasp at the finish.

Celebrating with Camden!  

This course had a lot of different climbing walls, some foliage to leap over, a barb-wire crawl, tires to step through, and much more.  I think they omitted the customary fire obstacle due to the state-wide burn ban.  :) Several runners said they liked the obstacles better than the Warrior Dash, plus this run had a lot fewer hills.
http://conquerthegauntlet.com  Just in case you want to see more details.

Last Week - the Aquarium

We had several fun doings last week.  Fun for Camden, at least.  Ethan is just delighted if someone pays attention to him, whatever our surroundings are.  He doesn't much care where we go, as long as he has a smiling face directed his way, and a nice crinkly toy to chew on.

But for Camden's edification and my own personal enjoyment, we went to the aquarium with my good friend Lisa and Camden's friend Zachary.

The boys were quite excited about the turtle display.  

That is a lot of turtles!!

Camden was mesmerized by these large fish.  I am sure I should have educated myself better by reading the placards, but I was more concerned that Camden might fall from the ledge he is sitting on.  I think these were game fish.  

Ethan, saying, why aren't you more focused on me?!

They had beaver there!  I've never seen a beaver before.  Camden didn't really care.

He was too busy climbing the stream fish display nearby.

Camden is saying, "I touched it with my hand!"  This is the touchable stingray tank.

 I was impressed by the number of water exhibits that encouraged the kids to touch the animals.  I'm thinking the sea cucumbers there were a little different than our Okinawa versions that would squirt their guts at you.

Anyway, it was a fun time.  And I think we'll have to go with my friend again sometime.  Because, not only is she great company and her son is Camden's good friend, but she has a pass that lets us in for free.  :)  Thanks, Lisa!

Last week - the Fire Station

On Tuesday, we visited Fire Station #5, with several of our friends from church.  A total of four moms and ten kids, counting two babies.

Camden didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped.  He kept saying, "I want go some where else."  

It's true that our tour guide fireman was a little erudite for the young folks.  He explained lots of fascinating tidbits about fireman tools and strategies.  I spent a little time admiring his vocabulary.

Mostly the girls were more excited about dancing around and making music from jumping on the grating.  Camden, very naturally, pondered on the bizarre doings of his female counterparts.

We saw lots of fun things - the jaws of life, the inside of an ambulance, and all the things they stuff into the compartments of their ladder truck.  (I forgot I had my camera, so there is no documentation of most of the really exciting items, er, apparatuses).  

Especially for the kids, one fireman donned his full fire-fighting ensemble, including his mask and air tanks and turned it on.  They wanted the children to be able to see what a fire-fighter would look like and sound like, so they wouldn't be afraid if one came looking for them in a real emergency.  

A dream of mine was fulfilled today!   They drove their ladder truck out of the station, set out the out-rigger supports and raised the ladder.  You can operate the whole thing from below.  The nice fireman even swiveled the ladder 360 degrees.  It was pretty impressive.  And!  I  have wondered - if you rescue someone using the ladder, how do you get them down?  Especially if they are injured.  Well, apparently, the ladder can be lowered to within arm's reach of a man standing up.  

At the end of the tour, the gave these adorable junior fireman hats to all the kids.  Camden was delighted!