Note: This is not my video.

Yesterday my husband and I participated in an event that was one part grueling work-out, one part insanity, and one part huge mess! The Warrior Dash is a crazy event popping up all over the country (33 locations this year) and around the world (Australia, Canada, and the UK in 2012). It’s 3.15 miles and 12 obstacles: like climbing rope ladders, hopping through tires, and leaping over rows of fire! But the best part was the finish when you waddle through a mud pit under barbed wire; it was virtually impossible not to get muddy. Hee hee!

Back in January (you know that time of year when you’re all gung-ho about resolutions), I signed up Bob and myself for this event in Manchester, TN. I wanted a memorable way to celebrate a big milestone I’ll reach this year: my 40th birthday. Even though I’m a few months early, this seemed perfect. After my first triathlon in April, I fell off the wagon training. I didn’t like running; so I didn’t do. Warrior Dash seemed so far away. I finally got back into it about two months ago with regular runs with my friend Mitzi. Bob would run on weekends and use the Bowflex during the week. He wasn’t who I worried about; he had once completed a Half Iron Man. Was I strong enough, fit enough to enjoy this challenge–not just endure it?!

The closer the event got, the more excited I became. Those wonderful butterflies were racing around my insides. We arrived early since we forgot we were crossing into Central Time Zone. The traffic once we got off the interstate was insane. Allow an extra 30 minutes for that. I had skipped over the “Gear Check” details; so that meant an unnecessary trip back to the car. There were lots of crazy costumes: Mario Brothers, women in prom dresses or capes, even full-body lycra suits. Lots of women dressed in flashy knee socks and matching t-shirts. I think the ideal costume is a tiny too too around the waist: adds fun color, won’t make you hot, and shouldn’t get caught up on anything. Bob and I went for traditional running gear we didn’t mind getting dirty. Old running shoes were a must.

We started towards the back of the pack because we chose the heat 30 minutes earlier than planned. The course was pretty flat but since it was either through a grassy field or on rocks, you had to watch your footing carefully. I was surprised to see some participants slowing down to a walk as early as a half mile into the race; we hadn’t even hit an obstacle yet! I jogged a comfortable pace and took each obstacle cautiously. Bob kindly stayed with me, though he could have finished much faster. Not even the five stitches he had to get at the ER the night before (another story) seemed to affect him. We were in this together!

As the race wore on, more and more slowed to a walk and the obstacles required more energy. However, I was determined to run (ok, jog) the entire way. Towards the end, my body was running out of sheer will–not because it wanted to. As we jumped over the walls of fire, they were HOT but we didn’t get burned. Finally it was time for the main reason we’d come: to waddle in the mud like kids. All those times your mom said, “Get out of that mud; you’ll be filthy!” didn’t matter now. You not only COULD get muddy, you HAD to get muddy. Rows of barbed wire were a powerful motivator to stay low and crawl on your belly. The ones trying not to get as muddy just looked wimpy. But one guy was so aggressive that he dove into the pit too far and actually cut his head on some wire. He emerged not being able to see with blood pouring down his head. Good thing he was at the Finish Line. He was the only one I saw get hurt, but there’s a reason you sign those really LONG waivers. 

As we crossed the finish line, I felt glorious. It was everything I’d hoped it would be. My only regret is that we didn’t get a picture of us completely covered in mud. Logistically, it just wasn’t going to work out getting our gear and handling a camera that dirty. I recommend bringing a friend who can document it for you. So you’ll have to take my word for it: we were as muddy as the people in these pictures and the shirt over Bob’s shoulder proves it. When we checked the final results, I was pleased. Our time was 44:55, and I placed 131 out of 718 women in my age division. Had the race taken place two months later, I would have been 75th. It’s nice to know but it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that I set a goal, I worked towards it, I made choices to make my body more fit, and we showed our children that you’re never too old to exercise and be a little silly. I’d definitely like to do this again. It was too much fun to say “been there, done that.” Heck, I’d love to do it when I’m 50, 60, even 70 if my body holds up. The oldest competitor was a woman, Rachel Davidson, age 80!!!! She completed the race in 1:15:40, just 30 minutes longer than our time. Amazing! As we headed to the car, I loved seeing the pile of shoes being donated to Green Sneakers, a non-profit that cleans them up and gets them to those in need around the world.  

Thanks go out to my parents who traveled to Knoxville to take care of the kids. Thanks to my hubby who shares my passion for the adventurous. Here’s to all the weekend warriors making the most out of every day!