Recently I, along with my friend Robyn, participated in the 4th annual Rugged Maniac. A 5k and 28 obstacle fun run. Just so we're clear, I run, but I don't like to run. Running is my LEAST favorite form of exercise... I pretty much despise it. The running portion was a wooded uphill terrain... but when u insert 28 obstacles into 3.1 miles, the running isn't grueling at all.
The obstacles varied in technique and difficulty. There was a lot of climbing, crawling and leaping. Climbing up and over cargo nets, inverted walls, and mounds of mud. Crawling through dark tunnels, under barb wire, and pits of mud. Leaping over deep trenches, from log to log, and rows of fire. And then they threw in some fun ones just to keep it friendly. There was the leap of faith where you jump into a pool of muddy water with spectators cheering you on and rating your technique.... the belly-floppers got the most praise. There was this colossal waterside where you pretty much went for it, hoping it would all end okay as you reach speeds greater than 35mph and end up in another muddy pool of water.
There were 2 that I couldn't finish. An inverted wall where my lack of wingspan got the best of me (these types of races are even extra challenging for us short people). And then the monkey bars... those dreaded monkey bars. I got 2 rings in and opted to let go and drop into, you guessed it, another pool of muddy water. (I know that upper body strength isn't my forte, but it also didn't help that this particular obstacle was placed 2nd to last).
By the end my elbows and knees were pretty banged up, and my shoulders and quads were spent. But I sprinted across that finish line with a giant smile on my face proud of what I had accomplished.
I have already signed up for next years race with plans to have my p.i.c. Courtney join in the muddy mayhem. If anyone else cares to join us you are more than welcome. Can't wait :))
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