I am a Tough Mudder!

When this journey started, I had not even heard of the event Tough Mudder. Then again, I was never looking for these types of activities either. As many of you know I started my journey training for a similar but smaller event, Warrior Dash.  As training progressed and ounces shed I started searching the internet for other similar events. That’s when I came across the legendary King of the mud run events – Tough Mudder.  There was a time when Warrior Dash – the 5K mud run seemed impossible so you can imagine what I thought of Tough Mudder. At the starting line of Warrior Dash, I was beyond nervous, my palms were sweaty, I was quiet and contemplating walking back to the car but I had family and friends there to support me along the way.  At that time I never intended or thought twice about participating in a Tough Mudder, I was worried about surviving Warrior Dash! Time passed, ounces continued to fall off and my mental game started to catch up. Over the last year I have taken part in many events that once seemed impossible. I have surrounded myself with an active community that supports and embraces the life choices that I have made and it pays off with accomplishments and new experiences day in and day out.

This past Saturday in the Mountains of Lake Tahoe I became a Mudder, crossing the finish line of what many would argue is the most challenging of terrains where a Tough Mudder event is held.  In the weeks leading up to the event I can honestly say that I was never nervous, in fact I felt adequately prepared for the first time ever.  I know what I have accomplished in the gym! I have many more gains to make but I was not scared of what the event had to offer, with that said I didn’t think it was going to be easy as anything worth obtaining shouldn’t be!

Tough Mudder Lake Tahoe isn’t exactly close to my house and I was doing this with a group of people so it was me and three lovely women that hit the road the Friday before the event to meet up with half of our team in the jam packed cabin! The drive up was great getting to

The morning came quick and upon waking up I quickly showered and started to eat… its key to get the energy in as early as I can… when you have a stomach this small its even more difficult than one could imagine! I plowed through the usual bananas and peanut butter with a protein shake.  We gathered as a group and off to the North Star resort we went.  Upon getting there, I quickly noticed that this event was not like any other that I had taken part in. It was simply massive with the amount of people that partake. There are people of all athletic builds, the slim runners, the bulky body builders, the “fit” crowd, the in between’s  and not to be disrespectful even some overweight people.  The event attracts anyone and everyone as it’s a challenge and to be honest, anyone with the will power, desire and a lot of heart can be a Mudder.  I have done several Mud Races and Tough Mudder, I can honestly say is special. They are organized, efficient and the ambiance is just all around better. It’s a place you want to be and never leave! 

The race started and off we went literally climbing a Mountain. We went from around 5000ft to the summit at close to 8700ft in the first 5 miles and then headed back down. The terrain was very rocky and in some parts I didn’t even feel comfortable running out of fear of falling or twisting an ankle. I would even call it more of a hike!  The views along the way were beautiful and the camaraderie along the course was amazing. This is a challenge not a race, and teamwork is essential to completing the course.  We as a team scaled the walls, were shocked with electricity, submerged in ice cold water, walked the plank, army crawled under barbwire among many other things all the way to the finish line.  It was there that I met the one challenge that I has some doubts about. Mt Everest ( half of a half pipe)  – It sits right next to the finish line with thousands of spectators there to cheer on your attempts and “oooouuuhhhh” any falls they get the pleasure of witnessing.  We reached Everest and I was very apprehensive, I think I stood there for at least 60 seconds watching people attempt to get to the top only to falls on their faces and slide right back down. Those that fell all had one thing in common, they got up and tried again…. I told myself if they can at least attempt it so can you! I took a few steps to the front of the line, picked a focal point at the top and could hear the voices of my FNS coaches telling me “pump your arms” and “keep your knees up”  as I ran with all the speed I had  vigorously pumping my arms and legs going as fast as I could I reached the top of Everest on my first try!  We as a group came down from Everest to cross the finish line linked arm in arm getting our last and final dose of electric shock for the day!

The race was an amazing experience and I wish so bad that Meghan was able to experience it with me. The good news is she has committed to doing it with me next year!  I walked off the Mountain proud of what I had accomplished but feeling more empowered to achieve my goals than before.  I saw so many who were in amazing physical shape. I am fairly certain I saw a guy who’s 6pack had a 6pack!  The people made this event so special! People of all walks of life and different athletic abilities all took on this course and conquered it.  While I am proud of what I did, the one thing that Tough Mudder did for me was highlight my weaknesses, and for that I am grateful! The course was challenging, and there are areas that I would have loved to do better at… with that said those weaknesses that Tough Mudder exposed created goals that will require the same attributes to complete a Tough Mudder to achieve. I want to take on that course next year with a whole new body, I will develop and make adjustments to my workout routine, I WILL BE STRONG! I am fired up and committed to taking this journey of health and wellness to the next level and am so excited to see what the future holds. 

I am 53 Days away from my first 70.3 Half Iron Man distance Triathlon. This makes me nervous, more nervous than ever before! I have been training hard and look forward to achieving this goal, but fear exist here and a lot of it!

I realize that I have not been posting to my blog as often, I do however keep an active Facebook page. Please feel free to follow along there!