Keela here!
Things have been moving pretty quickly as usual for the cheerleaders. Summers always seem to fly and before we know it the season has begun! Year round’ we are able to spend time in and throughout the community on promotions or charities; yet around this time of the year, well, everything just seems to pick up the pace.
As we all feel the heat of the season upon us I usually feel a mixture of overwhelming excitement to get out on that field for another season of Broncos football and anxiousness to get our first game underway. Our rehearsals are packed full of everything we can manage to fit in, including but not limited to, continuation of learning new material, cleaning existing choreography and maintaining technique. All of this anticipation left me feeling the need for a little something different to relax and re-focus my attention before our first game this upcoming weekend…and I wasn’t the only one.
Sarah Culter, a fellow teammate and myself decided to put our attention to a different adventure this past weekend by joining the ultimate race in Denver; “The Muddy Buddy “of course! For those of you Denverites who have not heard of the event, it is a sold-out race in Boulder with approximately 900 teams. Everyone brings their “A” game to the table, competing with names like “The Mediocres” or my personal favorites, “Kanondo Kakkala Anyika”–my team name of course( Tonga for “turtle that lives on land”) and “Sparkle Motion,” Sarah Culter’s team name.
(A small bit of history on our team name, my boyfriend serves in the Peace Corps in Zambia and is in fact visiting home in Denver for a few weeks and we had to pay tribute to the language he has newly acquired — Tonga.)
The race consisted of 6.2 miles of total track where one partner begins running and the other biking. Once you meet and complete the obstacle courses located at each mile marker you switch roles. The pattern continues like so in a leap frog fashion until the ultimate ending — the infamous “mud pit.”
Individuals must go through this portion together underneath flags crawling army style through the entire pit. The race finishes off by running straight into the Boulder Reservoir. Definitely the most unique race I have ever been a part of and certainly brought out my competetive side. Mission accomplished I am now ready for the season– I just needed a little mud in the picture to help me see more clearly.
I think I just found my new preseason tradition! Any fun preseason or regular season traditions out there???
Warm Regards,
Keela
Tags: Muddy Buddy, Sarah Culter
I am a huge fan…
hi
Hey Keela,
It was great to meet you (even if just for a few seconds) at the Calendar party last week. I sent a few pictures we took – including one that you’re in – to Laura. We had a really great time and appreciate all of you taking the time to spend an evening with the fans. And, of course, it’s good to know that the money is going for such a great cause.
Now I’m wondering if you have any pictures of this Muddy Buddy race you could post? After meeting both you and Sarah in those nice dresses, I’m trying to picture you working your way through the mud pit !! Anyway, congratulations for taking on a race like that. I know you’re all really athletic and I’ve heard about some of the workouts you go through (running stadium stairs, etc) so I’m guessing you had a pretty good finish?
Can’t say we really have any pre-season traditions to compare with that. We usually do a cook out or (if we’re feeling lazy) go out to eat with our neighbors (we’re in our 31st year as season ticket holders) before the game. But of course you’re doing things to stay in shape and we’re doing things that get us out of shape !!
Don
Keela,
I sounds like you have found a tradition that not only challenges your competitive spirit, but your stamina and character. It reminds me a bit of basic training! Good for you!
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. As a female who has served 12 years active duty in a volatile time for our world, worked hard to raise 4 fantastic human beings amid the chaos and struggle of today and has seen the difficulties that any person of any minority and/or difference has endured to succeed, I have to say you are an inspiration. I am blessed to have you as a wonderful role model for my daughter to emulate….and elated that you see her every month when you mentor the Junior DB cheerleaders.
We are very lucky to have you on our side….both as a cheerleader…and as a beautiful, intelligent and well-spoken woman.
Thank you.
Yvonne Kessel
Hi Don–
As promised you can use the links below to copy and past to view pictures of the “infamous” race day!
http://fotozap.com/?1042628_e2910
http://fotozap.com/?1042632_49470
We had such a nice time at our calendar release party, and this year was by far my favorite year– I thought the venue was perfect, and that is not only because it was on our own turf, but also because we really had an opportunity to spend a little more time with all of the fans and attendees. It was nice to meet you as well, and I am happy to hear that you had a nice time! Enjoy the pictures!
Yvonne-
I had such a wonderful time speaking with you after JDBC this past weekend. Thank you for taking the time to share your candid and thoughtful words with me. I am both honored and flattered to hear you express your experience and gratitude your daughter’s gain from the junior program. She has contributed such a light to our squad, and I so look forward to watching squad 19 perform on game day this Thursday. Those young ladies are the reason I am a part of this program–and it has been such an experience to watch them grow into beautiful, confident performers. Thank you for your feedback Yvonne.
God Bless!
Keela
Sports Illustrated
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting