How I did it: After last year's race I was determined to show up fit and ready for this year's do-again.  It helped quite a bit having an idea of what to expect, although they changed the course some.  There were some new obsticles to conquer, inclulding a fireman's pole slide that caused a couple of broken ankles for some racers.  It's not the kind of race that really tires you out so much as tries to beat you down.

I ran the course in about 50 minutes (compared to 2 1/2 hours on the Spartan course) and enjoyed it quite a bit.  Of course I enjoyed crossing the finish line and getting my one free beer and banana just as much.  The finish field was full of muddy contestants and their supporters and there was much dancing and drinking and hoo-ha's and merry-making.  A bunch of us jumped in the lake after the race and tried to wash as much mud off as possible.  Girls, shrouded by murky brown water, stripped off their tops and worked to wash the red mud out of their bosoms.  I dunked my head under repeatedly to wash my face and hair, and still ended up with a thin layer of mud all over me.  It wasn't until I got home with a genuine bar of soap that I could fully clean myself and get a look at the damage I'd done, which wasn't too bad.  Some torn fingernails, scraped and scratched arms and legs, bruising on my back and belly and legs.

Having not followed through on my training, I almost didn't go to the race.  Having gone I almost didn't run.  Once running, there was no backing out so the best advice for tackling a goal you think you are not ready for is just start running and take the obsticles one at a time.

Next year I plan to go back, and get an earlier heat so I can run the course twice.  In costume.  I hope it is raining.

Lessons & tips: Learn what you can about the course.  Being mentally prepared is a great advantage.  Don't be afraid to jump in.  I was surrounded by people, young and old, fit and fat, athletes and desk-jockies.  No one was judging anybody.  Everyone was helping each other.  You are only competing against yourself and your own limits.

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May 21, 2012, 08:12PM PDT | 1 comment | 27 cheers