Hi all,

Some of you might know my friend Laurell Darren (local marathon runner and all-around super lady). She called me up all excited about this Muddy Buddy thing in Chicago on August 3rd. It's this bike/run race through trails, obstacle courses and, yes, a giant mud pit. It sounds like a blast, but I'll be enjoying the final day of Lollapalooza on the 3rd. Anyway, check it out at www.muddybuddy.com. There is an all-female division, but I think she wants to do the coed race. If you're interested, email her at stronghands2@hotmail.com (she's a massage therapist).

-Nick Loomis

p.s. - I can only assume that there will be a massive party with lots of beer afterward... just a hunch.