Stomp the Swamp

This was technically Kaia's first official snowshoe race.  She did the Stomp the Swamp in 2012, but Kaia didn't do it in snowshoes that year.  She just work boots.  This year she was completely prepared with everything she would need.  What a trooper.  She loves doing races.

It doesn't hurt when you get to hold hands with your mom and a large white dog as you do the race.  Kaia was in heaven on this day.

 

My favorite race photographer caught some nice action at the beginning of the race.  I hadn't been running or snowshoeing much, but I decided to do the 12K anyway.

It is always good race tactics to look behind you to make sure no one else is going to come from behind and surprise you at the finish.

No one was, but I decided to make a strong push for the finish because that's what you do.  My final time was 1:06:53.  This was good enough for sixth out of twenty eight 12K runners.

 
 
 

 

My favorite race fan loves hanging out with dad at the finish line.  You gotta love the teddy bear she holds during the race.  It's so cute.

My Uncle Lyle who lives in Wausau came to watch the event.  He had never been to a snowshoe race before.  He also got to see Kaia.  We later went to his house for a wonderfully prepared lasagna meal, prepared by my wonderful Aunt Patty. 

 

Kaia's favorite part is the "necklaces" they give out for kids who do the race.  Dad also got one for getting second in his age group.