Sore.
Sore and recovering.
That’s what I am today.
The day after.
The day after having a blast during our Iron Spouse Challenge.
Yesterday began with a huge reality check though.
I realized quickly how much work a working parent has to do even before they leave their home every morning.
Wow!
The Army offered free child care for those parents participating in the challenge. For all the complaining that can be done about the Army, I have to say that there are a ton of opportunities and benefits available to people that are a part of this Army family.
The drop off time for child care was 7:30 am.
There is a lot that goes into getting three children up, dressed, fed, and ready for their day.
A lot.
Ann took her kids to child care as well, so we met up and rode together to the field where the competition was to begin.
After signing in, being issued gear, and receiving instructions we were ready to begin.
As the first teams started the 100 meter obstacle course, we took the opportunity to take some pictures in front of our unit’s guide-on.
Our unit, the 40th Engineers, actually had two teams, the RAM Divas (that’s mine) and the Lady Bulldawgs (who did have one male come on board).
The first event was a 100 meter obstacle course that consisted of a low crawl, a tire run, a log carry, and a liter on a stretcher carry.
The hardest part of the whole day by far was the low crawl.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Believe me…it is a complete injustice to compare what a baby does when they’re learning to crawl to this.
And if it is a fair comparison…oh, babies, I hurt for you!
For the low crawl you have to basically lay flat on the ground and pull yourself forward using only your elbows and knees. This one event is the one that has left me sore even now.
This is the Divas low-crawling. Do you see the one struggling in the very back of the pack? Yeah, that would be me.
When I got up from the crawl of a lifetime, I could barely move my legs at all. But with lots of encouragement from my fellow Dives, I was able to press on.
We were able to complete the entire obstacle course in two minutes-even. And in my estimation, that’s not bad at all.
We had to take a long hike uphill to our next destination where we threw grenades and fired M-16s.
Here we all are in our gunnery class, learning how to “qualify” by hitting the computer generated targets. I managed to take out 5 out of my 20 targets.
HOOAH!
I look like such a girl throwing this grenade. That’s okay….I am one!
Our next task was to complete a two mile ruck march. It was downhill, so it really wasn’t that bad. I think we completed it in about 19 minutes.
We were ready. to. go.
Some teams actually ran the ruck march. We weren’t that motivated. After all, we were Divas!
The last event was a game of “capture the flag” paintball style. Every single Diva got hit by a paintball.
We lost the game to our friends, the Lady Bulldawgs! But looking on the positive side of things, no matter what a team from the 40th won! Woo-hoo!
I was hit smack dab in the middle of my mouth so hard that the paint splattered on the shoulder of the ACU jacket.
It looked like I made a really big mess with some mustard. Too bad I didn’t because I’m sure mustard would have tasted much better than a mouth full of paint!
What a blast, huh?
There was a cookout afterward where we were able to bond a little more before picking up our kids from child care.
My friend, Ann, and I came up with a great plan to get much needed showers worked in to our afternoon without having to worry about unattended children.
She came over with her two little ones and watched EA, MC, and Will while I took a shower and cleaned up and then I did the same for her.
We hung out and let the kids play together until bedtime, when not a one of us had trouble going to sleep.
As you know from my previous post, MC and I became sick during the afternoon.
I want to thank you so much for your prayers for us. We are both feeling much better today. I went to bed and slept very well for about four hours until she started waking up to go potty every 15-30 minutes. She is sleeping soundly now and, hopefully, will be completely recoverd tomorrow.
You can read more about the Iron Spouse Challenge in the Stars and Stripes (the military newspaper) article that came out today. My picture was even included.
Stacy Owings says
Wow! That sounds so awesome! The pictures are great. I swear, you don’t look any older than you did in high school…maybe its all the fun you are having! Glad you are feeling better. Tummy viruses are miserable.
Pat says
Thanks for telling us all about it! Now that I know more, I know that I couldn’t do this! I loved seeing your pictures here and in the newsletter. I’m proud of you for doing this!
Suzanne says
Love all the pictures and esp the one in the newspaper – you rock! Glad you had fun, sorry you and MC got sick 🙁 Will continue to pray that it goes quickly.
Uma says
I’m so glad you did this. I wish I had known before and done it myself. Hope you and the baby feel better today. Saw your picture and the article at the CMR. LOVE the face paint, and you were adorable!
LifeatTheCircus says
Looks like you had an awesome time! Was your hubby super proud of you?
Hope you all recovered this weekend and are ready for a new week!
Nancy says
Glad y’all had fun! Hope you’re still not sore. It’s great that y’all could have that experience.