Tough Mudder has come and gone. I will say this: It was fantastically cathartic, exhilaratingly challenging, and incredibly empowering. I loved it.
It seems that most things in life do not live up to the hype. That can be a relief sometimes, but it is usually a disappointment. Tough Mudder Wisconsin was not disappointing. The running was largely uphill. The obstacles were difficult. There were some that I could not have completely by myself. The Berlin Walls and Everest (by far the most physically intimidating) required teamwork (and my team rocked it, by the way).
Beyond the physical teamwork necessary for some, mental team work was critical. My team discussed how to attack an obstacle. This was really very helpful. My biggest psychological challenges were the small spaces. The Underwater Tunnels were my first opportunity to quell the hysteria rising inside of me. Because my team knew my fears, they talked me through it. As someone who is slow to trust, I have to say that this is a moment I will always remember. By the time I got to the Boa Constrictor, I welcomed facing that claustrophobia and kicking it to the curb.
It was a great day for the spectators too. My family was on hand to watch us run past a few times and tackle some obstacles. Even though it was an electric and adrenaline-soaked atmosphere, it was completely family friendly. This was greatly appreciated by many.
The challenges kept coming. The Arctic Enema made me understand why freezing water can kill so quickly (seriously, stay off the thin ice in winter, everyone). The Mud Mile was surprisingly exhausting. Jumping into deep, cold water from 20-30 feet above was scarier than I had imagined. The Electric Eel was "shockingly" unnerving (Get it? Oh, but you will.) We never knew what was around the next bend in the muddy path, littered with one-shoed participants (that deep mud just sucks off the tennies if they aren't on tight, folks).
Our team (called Your Mother), ran the whole 12 miles (which I thought was only 11 miles until Mile 12 popped up.....what a surprise!). We attacked each obstacle as a team and did better than any of us expected (or at least better than I expected, anyway). With our youngest team member in her early 30's and me bringing up the elderly end at 44, I am damn proud of us.
Electoshock Therapy was the perfect spine-tingling finale.....and the two dark Dos Equis waiting at the finish line as a nice lady placed my orange headband on my head and asked if I was ok didn't hurt either. I feel like I can conquer more than I imagined. I feel more alive than ever. Tough Mudder taught me that I am stronger and mentally tougher than I thought (and that I had an excellent team). It also made me look forward to getting stronger and tougher for next year. I am in. (It doesn't hurt that my kids think I am a total rock star too....and I am riding this wave as hard as I can, because the adoration will not last.....)
We will see you next year, Tough Mudder Wisconsin.
It seems that most things in life do not live up to the hype. That can be a relief sometimes, but it is usually a disappointment. Tough Mudder Wisconsin was not disappointing. The running was largely uphill. The obstacles were difficult. There were some that I could not have completely by myself. The Berlin Walls and Everest (by far the most physically intimidating) required teamwork (and my team rocked it, by the way).
Beyond the physical teamwork necessary for some, mental team work was critical. My team discussed how to attack an obstacle. This was really very helpful. My biggest psychological challenges were the small spaces. The Underwater Tunnels were my first opportunity to quell the hysteria rising inside of me. Because my team knew my fears, they talked me through it. As someone who is slow to trust, I have to say that this is a moment I will always remember. By the time I got to the Boa Constrictor, I welcomed facing that claustrophobia and kicking it to the curb.
It was a great day for the spectators too. My family was on hand to watch us run past a few times and tackle some obstacles. Even though it was an electric and adrenaline-soaked atmosphere, it was completely family friendly. This was greatly appreciated by many.
The challenges kept coming. The Arctic Enema made me understand why freezing water can kill so quickly (seriously, stay off the thin ice in winter, everyone). The Mud Mile was surprisingly exhausting. Jumping into deep, cold water from 20-30 feet above was scarier than I had imagined. The Electric Eel was "shockingly" unnerving (Get it? Oh, but you will.) We never knew what was around the next bend in the muddy path, littered with one-shoed participants (that deep mud just sucks off the tennies if they aren't on tight, folks).
Our team (called Your Mother), ran the whole 12 miles (which I thought was only 11 miles until Mile 12 popped up.....what a surprise!). We attacked each obstacle as a team and did better than any of us expected (or at least better than I expected, anyway). With our youngest team member in her early 30's and me bringing up the elderly end at 44, I am damn proud of us.
Electoshock Therapy was the perfect spine-tingling finale.....and the two dark Dos Equis waiting at the finish line as a nice lady placed my orange headband on my head and asked if I was ok didn't hurt either. I feel like I can conquer more than I imagined. I feel more alive than ever. Tough Mudder taught me that I am stronger and mentally tougher than I thought (and that I had an excellent team). It also made me look forward to getting stronger and tougher for next year. I am in. (It doesn't hurt that my kids think I am a total rock star too....and I am riding this wave as hard as I can, because the adoration will not last.....)
We will see you next year, Tough Mudder Wisconsin.
