Keepin' it Clean

Is everyone doing those obstacle races lately? I can't seem to use any kind of social media without seeing a thousand posts about the Spartan run, or a mud run, etc. You got dirty running a race, what's the big deal? It's the newest fad, and it's kind of making me never want to participate in one.

I know this is a really ridiculous thing to complain about, but humor me. Most of these people are not runners. They just see this race where you climb things and fall into things, and they think, everyone else is doing it, why don't I? Well, maybe they think one of a million things, but essentially it breaks down into that thought. After they do it, we are all subjected to muddy pictures of them with their arms triumphantly raised in the air. Brag much? Wow, you ran one race. I'm so proud of you.

What's the big draw to these "races" anyway? Why have they become such a trend? Do people want to roll around in the mud, and think that they need an excuse to do so? Don't bother with the race honey, just get a hose and some dirt then jump in. Mud wrestling is a real term. If you're a woman, you'll probably draw a crowd. What is getting "down and dirty" looking to prove about yourself? Maybe it's about how tough you are. Maybe it's woman trying to show they aren't afraid to play with the boys. Maybe that sounds a little sexist. Why are people flocking to these races?  Are these runs just about showing off?

I resorted to the internet to try to find out other people's opinions on mud runs. I saw the word "fun" a lot, and "challenging" a bit too. There isn't a concrete reason for the spike in popularity. Which leads me back to the general braggy-ness of people. I'm seriously thinking that everyone just likes to be able to say they've done a mud run. They've survived! And they have a picture of themselves covered from head to toe in mud to prove it. I'm not a big fan of the current "big thing". I tend to go in the complete opposite direction. I guess I'm a traditionalist. I'm quiet about my successes. Don't get me wrong, I love races and the environment that comes with racing. I like meeting other runners. I like talking about miles and courses and water bottles. I like novelty races. I want to run an electric run. I'm a hypocrite.

I am anti-mud run. There, I said it. It's too gimmicky and I don't like it! That's my opinion. You don't have to like it. I'll get dirty on my runs and not feel like anyone needs to know.

The "Presents" of Horses

Sometimes I get tired of dodging people on the track, so I go to our local rail trails. Let me take a minute to praise the makers and upkeepers of these trails. You guys are awesome! Thank you for giving me a beautiful place to run, walk, and bike!

Another nice thing about these trails is that I don't have to deal with a ton of other people. I do have to deal with what people leave behind. Seriously guys? Can't we clean up after ourselves? Particularly - our animals?

Actually I'm surprised to admit that it seems like most dog owners respect the law of consideration and pick up after their furry friends. So why is it that they are expected to do this, and horse owners can just leave giant piles in the middle of the trails? I mean the horses leave giant piles, not the owners. But the owners should pick them up...you know what I'm trying to say there, right? That makes sense.

People seem to respond to this by saying that horse poop is all natural, so it can simply degrade on the trail and not hurt the environment. Really? So the only reason dogs should be picked up after is that their leavings aren't biodegradable? If it was, would we have to live with it being left all over the place? I bet plenty of dog owners feed their pets natural products. Does that mean these particular dogs don't have to be cleaned up after? I'm not sure this makes sense to me. If people eat all natural, vegan foods, can they poop on the trail too? Okay, maybe that took it too far.

Horses just always seem to leave these heaps right in the middle of the trail. Can you pull over and let the horse do his or her thing? Probably not, I guess. Maybe the horse doesn't tell them when it's time to go.

I guess there isn't a way to argue this one. A horse's poop dries out and breaks down to be just another part of the trail. It's only hay and grass, right? That doesn't mean I'm excited for the times I have to step in it, run around it, or jump over it. Thanks for making the trail slightly less pleasant, horse owners. Glad you're above the rest of us.