Thursday, December 11, 2008

Birthday sack races.

I was going through some old pictures when I came across one from my 8th or 9th birthday. I think we had a different definition of fun back then:

Yes, those are actual burlap sacks.

Do people still do this? Do they do things like step into sacks and then race across the driveway?

It was a different time, for sure. But, man, we were into it. I mean, look at those girls in the back, jumping up and down and cheering away. They're not even in sacks! This was fun stuff. Sure, it was an inefficient way to race, but that was the point. You were hampered by the sack. And yet you still tried to win.

Today, I am hampered by my toe. I'm not entirely sure it is a bunion because my toe does not angle in toward the others at all; it lies straight. I don't have a bump on the outside of the joint nor is the pain there; the pain is on the top and my up and down mobility is limited. Bunion or not, it gave me more pain on yesterday's run so I'm completely off today.

Hampered though I may be, I'm going to keep on trying to win (in a manner of speaking. I'm not entered in any races right now and even if I was I know it's unlikely I would come in first. So winning, it seems, means running. Just being able to run. Heavy, no? No? OK, you're probably right.). I'll rest the toe, wear my Birkenstocks and perform the toe exercises that I found online.

I may even bring back the sack races. In the spring, perhaps. Not now. I think this icy weather would make the game a little too dangerous.

12 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

lol at the sack races! Haven't thought about those for years! But you're right... icy weather wouldn't be ideal. Hope that rest and exercises help!

joyRuN said...

Too cute! And definitely is so fun :)

Sack racing in the icy weather would be super duper fun.

Diana said...

Oh, I remember all sorts of simple and silly games that were so much fun! Like the crab walk race (where you're on your hands and feet with your belly facing up), sack races, or just plain running for fun! My favorite was just going to the roller rink and skating in a circle for hours. lol. Times sure have changed.
I hope your toe feels better soon :(

Marlene said...

Oh man, those were the days!

Hope the toe is okay.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that brings back camp memories for me. I've got a smile on my face now. Did you do three-legged races, too?

RunToTheFinish said...

you know I don't know that i ever actually participated in a sack race...is taht strange?

Gotta Run..... said...

Injury..not a win...would be my result if I tried that event.

Maybe I could just run with a sack in my hand instead :)

tfh said...

We always had the sack races at family reunions! And station wagons. Is that a station wagon I see in the background?

Good luck with the toe. I hope it's no bunion. I did have some issues with one big toe (difficult to flex upwards) due to too tight shoes/laces-- sounds like yours may be more serious than that, but hopefully not by much!

X-Country2 said...

We did a ton of 3-legged races back in the day. We tried sack races with pillow cases and my mom kind of flipped out. :o)

BeachRunner said...

That picture is AWESOME. You really knew how to throw a kick ass partay, homegirl. I love the nostalgia and happy memories shiz. Sigh. I'm old.
And that green(ish) station wagon ROCKS!!
Thanks for sharing.

The G Family said...

omgoodness, this pic makes me smile! hilarious! =)

Blooming Orchid said...

Yup! I guess you and I are from the same time - I did and still do enjoy a good potato sack race!

In fact, I ordered potato sacks from oriental trading company for my daughters' birthday party last August. The kids loved them! They're still around and still big fun!

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