My Fitness Goal For 2013... Tough Mudder!

"Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, 700,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, and more than $5 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. "

My husband and I were talking about how we wanted to challenge ourselves physically this year, and have something that would motivate us to get into shape. One day as we were talking, he said "I want to do Tough Mudder!"  I looked him square in the eye and said "That's awesome, you should definitely do that!"  He looked me back in the eye and said "When I said I, I meant 'we'."  This continued back and forth, with him getting more and more excited and me calmly telling him he would have lots of fun, and I would definitely be there to cheer him on.

Over the next few weeks, my husband does everything he can to convince me, from just automatically assuming I will do it to including all of my friends in the invitation to getting our Crossfit coach to talk me into it.  The next thing I know, I am registering myself for Tough Mudder thinking "Oh my god what am I doing??" 

Despite the feeling of insanity I had after registering, there really were lots of positive reasons for making the final decision to do it.  First, it is completely a team event; the teams start together and finish together, helping each other along the way.  We challenge ourselves and each other but we don't compete within our teams.  Second, it is the first time I have ever done anything that physically challenging and that scares the crap out of me... don't ask me why that's a positive but it is!  And finally... everyone that has done it has said they have had fun doing it, which is the ultimate goal in any sporting event.

Curious to see what it's all about?  Check out this video, courtesy of the Tough Mudder Website.



Was I in shape when I made this commitment?  NO!  At least a year away from the gym due to chronic pain in my neck and shoulder, with sporadic exercise before that, so pretty much as week as a kitten. Am I training for this?  YES I am training for this, and training hard... while I realize it isn't a competition, I want to at least be able to finish the race!  We are currently doing Crossfit and running several days a week to get in shape, and I am sure our coach will ramp it up even more by the end of this month.

I am anxious, excited, terrified, exhilarated... so many emotions!  Definitely looking forward to keeping you all updated on my progress over the next few months!


Merry