The 100 mile race that took over our house

and let's write together!

The stuffed animal race is on!

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A loud shout-out and huge congratulations to

Sarah Lavender Smith

and

Jeff Calvert

for finishing the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run! I can’t wait to read all about your experience.

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After I had finished the Boston Marathon in 2021, my kids started playing stuffed animal races. They would gather their collection on one side of the house and move them toward the imaginary finish line. “It's the Boston Marathon!” they would announce as I wove around and stepped over plush competitors scattered across the hallway to my bedroom. My eyes looked for clear spots on the floor to place my feet.

Brindsley and Delaney moved the animals along while providing commentary: “Jeff Jeff is taking the lead, Floppy is now in second place. Here comes Shadow, not far behind, and oh, it looks like Simba might be hurt.” They even included water breaks for their furry athletes.

The marathon had been their longest race until we watched the live stream of the Western States 100. The next day, my children grabbed nearly all their stuffed animals and lined them up for the 100 mile race. The living room became the aid station, complete with black coasters on the carpet and marbles as pretend fuel. They stationed five stuffed animals to serve as crew and volunteers behind the black coasters.

What amazed me was how they kept all the names straight. They played this game for over an hour before I announced, “It's time for lunch. Please pick up your animals and go wash your hands.”

Brindsley looked up from the floor. “Mom, the race isn't over. They're running 100 miles. This will take all day.”

I had laughed to myself and probably rolled my eyes. Of course, the race wouldn't be finished yet. I stepped over a plush runner, Cakie, to open the pantry and tried not to step on Birdie.

They agreed to take a lunch break, but the animals remained covering the kitchen floor, hallway, and lined up single file in front of the bathroom door. When I headed outdoors for the mail, I carefully moved Floppy aside—who was currently in the lead, by the way—so I could open the door. The stuffed animals remained on the floor all day, and it wasn't until after dinner that the kids finished the race and announced the winners, and finally picked them up.

Their imagination had delighted me. I loved how they had created this elaborate game simply from watching races in person or online.

Later that evening, I looked at the now-clean floor and smiled. I would likely be stepping over Jeff Jeff, and Floppy again tomorrow, and while it made me happy, I knew this wouldn't last forever.

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What's something you watched or experienced that completely captured your imagination as a child? OR What creative games did your kids invent that completely took over your house?

Come write about this today! We meet on Zoom at 11 am (EST). We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with this writing prompt to warm up. No experience is necessary.

Be part of our creative community! Use the link below (on Mondays) to join our Zoom room. Feel free to share with a friend.

So fun to write with you! Thank you

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Summer Updates:

Move. Write Connect. meets July 16 & July 23. For details and to sign up, click here.

Monday Zoom write-togethers will continue throughout July: I won't be able to lead the group on 8/4 and 8/11. I'll try to find someone to host these sessions. If not, I’ll see you back on August 18.

Summer break: I will be unplugging to spend time with family starting July 29. I’ll be back in your inbox on August 18.

Project Updates: My next book, Miles of Meaning: From Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, is currently in the editing phase! I'm excited to share updates and reveal the cover in the coming month.