1 Janet Carter, a student at seorge Washington Middle School, was passionate about running. She ran to school, home from school, and at track practice Her specialty was long-distance running. Janet's favorite part of running was the competition: she felt stronger, faster, and more confident on race days. He coaches were amazed by her dedication as well as her achievements at such a young age. She had broken many school records and was destined to attain much more success. 2 One of Janet's coaches, Mr. Denis, noticed that Janet seemed to be showing signs of boredom. The excitement of competing seemed to be waning for Janet. He felt she needed a new challenge, a quest that would not only test her running ability but also her physical strength. He thought that Mud and Sweat" race was just what she needed. 3 The "Mud and Sweat" race required competitors to run 13 miles, but it was the obstacles along the way that set this race apart. There was a wall that competitors need to climb over, a mud pit that required using a set monkey bars to get across, a series of ropes to crawl under and several steep hills to conquer. This race would not only test Janet's running abilities: it would test her total body strength and physical endurance as well. 4 Mr. Denis talked to Janet one day after practice. "Are you getting bored with the regular races you are participating in asked Mr. Denis. You don t seem to bring the same energy to practice that you used to You actually missed a practice last week which is the first time that has happened in two years, and you just don't seem as upbeat as usual," he continued. 5 "For me, practices aren't as demanding as they used to be but I still love race day: explained Janet. 6 I think you should sign up for the "Mud and Sweatrace that takes place in town about three months from now. IT would give you a new training opportunity and provide you with an athletic challenge" said Mr. Denis​