The Snail Grand Prix

Right past the coiled hose, a line of red landscaping bricks stuck out of the dirt like miniature hurdle walls! I vaulted onto the rough baked clay, and what do I see cruising in slow motion? A chunky brown garden snail creeping along the rim! 'A racer!' I yelled, dropping into a low stance right beside its shell. I scooped a dry pine needle off the dirt, angled it across a chipped mortar groove, and flicked my trusty silver marble so it rolled parallel along the brick track. Clack-roll! The marble rocketed past at top speed while the snail just flicked an antenna and kept its steady pace. I slapped my boots and cheered—unbeatable pace, two totally different leagues!