November 1 dawned as a crisp, beautiful Sunday morning at Bonelli Park in Los Angeles.

There was the usual trepidation, confidence and excitement in the air as 2,600 participants at the Los Angeles stop on the MuddyBuddy Ride and Run Series were milling about the parking lot. Everyone was chatting, while discarding their warm-ups and readying their chariots (actually bikes) with brightly colored decorations. However, it soon became apparent that they were all munching on some pretty nasty pre-race munchies.

Putting aside their competitive side for the moment, The 7 Whole Grains On A Mission team, including Dave Lamb, the “guru” of dirt, grime and mud, and his “rookie” MuddyBuddy, Chelsea Mandeville, a future Navy nurse, roamed the parking lot on their bikes. They carried with them a bag of goodies with the intention of spreading Kashi Kindness with granola bars and coupons for their fellow competitors. The 7 Whole Grains team was successful in getting the majority of people to set aside their donuts, candy bars, sodas, and nasty-tasting energy drinks for more healthy snacks. “Thank you, we love Kashi,” was the frequent refrain. Others admitted to never having tried Kashi, but a smile quickly appeared on their faces as they said, “Thanks, I kinda’ like this.” Still others were adamant in their refusals, “No thanks, that’s TOO healthy, I’ll just keep this nasty ….”

All in all……MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!

On the run portions of the course Dave was strong and steady, while Chelsea pounded through the brutal hills on some of the most difficult parts. Both more than held their own. A combined 89 years of age, The Seven Whole Grains team was magnificent, and thrilled with their 12th place finish in a very competitive coed division.

What kinds of situations have you been in lately where you spread a little kindness to someone who might have been a competitor?