Tough Mudder!

I signed up for the Tough Mudder at the end of July. My boyfriend was creating a team and basically told me there was no way I would be able to do it. Well if you know me at all, when someone says I can't do something all I hear is, "Do it or die a failure" and I don't fail. Everyone I told that we were doing it told us that we were crazy but were pretty encouraging. So many people said they would do it with me but backed out. I ended up being the only girl on my team with my boyfriend and two other friends.

I joined a gym, did a ton of crossfit workouts and was still feeling very unprepared for the challenge. When we got to the start line, there was a wall to get over before we could even start. Just trying to get over that, I thought there was no way I was going to be able to do this. Then the MC started talking. He talked about how we were there to support the Wounded Warrior project, how he has seen men with no legs complete the mudder, and how when we think we can't go on, it's mental strength that will get us through. That did it for me; that flipped a switch. After the last three years of my life, going 12 miles based on mental strength would not be an issue. It was certainly the most physically challenging thing I have ever been through but mentally, it was a breeze. You just do it and you push on to the next obstacle. This event was even mentally easier than losing my dad and both my grandmas because the Tough Mudder promises a finish line and a tangible sense of accomplishment in the form of the coveted orange headband.

Over 8 and 9 foot walls, over and under logs, through trenches and small crawl spaces, through rivers and lakes, electrocution, mud pits, and up a massive quarter pipe, we persevered. At about mile six when I was pretty tired, two bald eagles flew overhead. The Wounded Warrior Project was represented and for me, my Dad and Grandma were telling me to keep pushing forward. And I did, another six miles and 12 obstacles from that point. I finished with my amazing team.

I am bruised and battered but ready to sign up for Tough Mudder number two!

My sense of accomplishment obviously comes from completing the course but also being part of such an amazing event. Teamwork and positive attitudes were everywhere I ran on that course. I have never been in such an encouraging environment! It made me smile the ENTIRE race. At the mile 9 water station, the guy handing me water said, "Oh you're still smiling, you're going to be just fine!" I was still smiling because no matter how physically tough it was, it was FUN! My fellow mudders encouraged me and helped me along the way as I did for them. We joked and ran the challenge together. I feel so awesome for being able to be a part of that organization. I hope SO many more people join us in July for their Mudder #1 as we take on our Mudder #2.