My kids had their school Sports Day last week. Sports Day can be a trying time for mammies, especially if no medals are won. And girls of slight build have to work very hard to win medals over girls built like proper athletes.
But this year, as in the two previous years, it was the novelty races that were my saving grace. I think that’s because everyone else writes off the novelty race as a bit of fun, forgetting that there is still a medal at stake. They grab an egg & spoon at the last minute and decide to join in, or just before the three-legged race they grab a friend and tie their legs together.
But I know these races are our one chance to win over the power runners. Practice is the secret. The runner who has got used to balancing the egg & spoon, or running with a friend, is in a much better position than the person who has joined in with just seconds to go to the start of the race.
For two years in a row, DD1 has won a medal the three-legged race with one of her best pals. They spend every spare minute of the Sports Day with their legs tied together so that by the time the race is called they are moving as one person.
During June when DD2 said she was bored, I gave her a spoon and potato and told her to run around the garden practicing for Sports Day. She jumped at the chance on several occasions. Just as well, because I didn’t have a Plan B if she had said “No!”. And guess what? She came 2nd in the race on the big day. She was thrilled with herself. And I was delighted for her because it’s nice to be a winner every once in a blue moon. I was just happy they did well and didn’t come last. Those tears I can do without.
Now one question, is Ireland the only country that uses potatoes instead of eggs for the Egg & Spoon race?
potatoes don’t smash – you guys are smart
Yeah, we like our eggs too much.
We use hard boiled eggs here Ellie.
Our sports day is next week so lots of strategy practising going on here!
Hard boiled eggs? Fancy!!!
Good luck next week – hope you have some winners.
Ha ha had not thought of using potatoes for practice, but well done to your daughter.
My son has won his egg and spoon race 2 years running now, he’s my little egg and spoon champ lol
I like the novelty races the best, they put the fun back in sports days xx
We don’t just use potatoes for practice, we use them for the actual race too. Always did the same when I was a kid.
Well done to your little champ too!
That’s totally cheating
Were there too many eggs to clear up lol?
Maybe too many potatoes hanging around instead!
Never heard of it. Sounds like gin though.
I love this. My girls have never won athletic competitions either. I wish I had thought of this!! (Potatoes are so much smarter than eggs!!)
Haven’t heard of a spoon and potato race. But it sounds fun! Tell your daughter Congrats!
Will do!
Ha! Just looked a little bit closer at that pic of the potatoes and spoons and realised I’ve got shamrock growing in my lawn. Never knew that before!!! Begorra – top o’ the mornin’ to me an all. ;D
I love the potato idea! I am trying to remember what we used at our neighborhood picnic. What fun and how wonderful to have a pal like that!
BIG like!!
Potatoes would be better since there would be no mess when dropped. Great idea. Fun post.
Thanks for a wonderful view of this fun.
Potatoes are so much smarter than the fragile egg! When I was a kid we had Field Day. I always had high hopes, but still came home with only the participation ribbon.
I am far more sporty in my mind! Congrats to your daughter!
That’s cute! We use boiled eggs so it doesn’t matter so much if they drop. They get a little cracked but can still be used.
I have never heard of using potatos for an egg or spoon race but it makes a lot of sense lol. We use boiled eggs just to avoid the purposely dropped egg if you know what I mean ha ha xx