Heart Hope by Olga

The cross country meet was taking place throughout the trails of Beaver Creek. The high school students from all over the area had camped out in Creekside Park, while waiting for the different heats to begin. The parents and students were positioned along the route to insure that the correct route was taken and to cheer the runners on. Good job! Keep it up! You can do it! This is your last uphill! Runner on the trail! Keep it strong! You're doing great! These were the messages being shouted at the athletes as they passed. Some were complete strangers simply trying to encourage the students while others were yelled by classmates who were also participating in the meet. And parents hoping for the best for their child also stood on the sidelines clapping and cheering. In the entire crowd not one word of discouragement, not one message of anger, nor any communication of negativity was heard on the course. Everyone wanted the kids to be successful and t...

Supposedly 25,000 people visited Beaver Creek, CO this weekend. It wasn’t for a food and wine festival, or for skiing, but for a torture event. Many of the people were there to participate in the Tough Mudder, which is a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test endurance, stamina, strength and camaraderie.  Cold water, mud, electric shocks, snow, ice and walls are just a few of the challenging elements that participants contend with during the competition.   The contest is so fierce that applicants are asked to take the following pledge: 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. In addition to the contestants, there are the observers-those people interested in watching other people go through pain and agony. I’m not sure which is worse the ones going through the anguish or...