Conquered Mud Hero 2017

My muscles had a crazy workout yesterday that they rarely ever see. In the traditional sense I don’t really exercise. Some days I think I would like to but most days I don’t really think about exercise other than trying to get my steps in on Fitbit, a leisurely bike ride, and maybe a yoga practice. When I am active I like to be outside and doing something fun and different.

I have taken a liking to signing up for physical challenges. Last month I cycled 21 km in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association, yesterday I completed the 6 km Mud Hero race, and next month I am going to an all day yoga festival. I like to push myself beyond what I think I am capable of and I am the type of person that needs a structured event or class. Doing things on my own for physical activity is really hard.

I’m built for endurance, not speed and I like to think I have good upper body strength. Trying to climb over a wall yesterday at Mud Hero may have suggested otherwise though. I have a huge bruise on my bicep to show for it. I like challenges that push me hard physically and mentally to a certain degree. I don’t give up too easily unless my common sense is telling me to move on.

There were two sets of walls along the course that we had to climb over. All the walls were taller than me at 5’0″. I literally ran straight into the shortest wall, SMACK, then jumped and tried to pull myself over. I clearly don’t climb over walls very often and I reminded myself of Mario running onto a brick before using the controller to jump. I ran into the walls at least ten times, trying to heave myself over.

I finally asked the girls behind me to help me over. “When I jump, push me over!” It worked! The team work during the race was incredible. It is definitely a positive and empowering environment. All along the course as people passed or met me at an obstacle, there was motivation and help.

Some of the obstacles made me quite nervous. I wouldn’t say that I have a fear of heights but they certainly aren’t my favorite. I enjoyed the obstacles that had me crawling down and dirty in mud, water, and sand rather than climbing giant, slippery structures. I skipped a couple climbing structures but the ones I did made me feel proud.

My daughter participated in the children’s obstacle course and I took the opportunity to jump into the mud pit with her and “swim” around. We are both signed up for Mud Hero 2018.

I am thinking it might be a good idea to train for next year, especially with climbing over walls. I will make it my goal that no one will have to push my ass over and I will heave myself over all by myself. Maybe I will attempt the Kong too.

*All course images from http://www.mudhero.com