'Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet': I'm a 'Tough Mudder'

Ouch, ouch, ouch. As I write this, nearly every muscle and bone in my body aches. Muscles I didn’t know existed are cramping up, and I can’t lift my arms above my head.  But it was worth it. 

Why

About one year ago, my husband, Robert, asked if I would be interested in competing or doing the “Tough Mudder.” He showed me the Tough Mudder website, Facebook Page and videos on YouTube. At the time, I figured sure, we should try it. If it really is the “toughest event on the planet,” then everything else should be a breeze. I also thought it would be a great “bucket list” item I could check off. I also thought a year would be plenty of time to “get in shape.”

The organization is also a huge supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. The non-profit provides, "programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life." According to "Tough Mudder" website, they’ve raised more than 2 million dollars for the non-profit.

About 12 months later, and a few runs under my belt, it was time for the big day. Robert signed me up with his fellow Air Force friends: Omar, Zach, Josh and Shannon. Our team name was the Urban Achievers, a play off the movie "The Big Lebowski." Until Saturday, the most I had ever run in one day was five miles. After suffering knee injuries five years ago, I was told not to run anymore. But after we decided to tackle “Tough Mudder,” Robert and I started running again. We started with a half mile and finally (in one year) got me up to five miles.

D-Day

The alarm clock went off at 5 a.m. Saturday morning. We hit the road at 6 and met with the rest of our team in Tampa at 7 a.m. From there, we carpooled to the “Tough Mudder” site in Dade City, FL.

With my death waiver in one hand and my husband holding onto the other, we signed in, got our numbers written on our heads and legs and had our numbers pinned on our shirts. Before I knew it, we lined up at the start for our 9:40 a.m. “wave.” We took the “Tough Mudder” pledge and when the countdown ended, we took off. Our team members paced themselves, and I was happy about that. After all, the entire course was 11.5 miles with 25 obstacles.

Bring It

We began jumping hurdles, jumping over ditches and then hitting one of the worst stops. We jumped in huge dumpsters filled with ice and water. As soon as I hit the water, I froze; it felt like my lungs closed. I popped my head up and made it to the other side. Robert was behind me, Omar in front. Between the two of them, I made it out. Drenched from head to toe, our team kept on at a good pace. We tromped through swamp water and mud. We climbed up hills, hay bales and cargo netting. By mile five, I could feel my legs getting tired.

At some point, we hit the first of two “Berlin Walls.” The first was probably about 8 feet, the second, maybe 12 feet. I’m not sure. This is where teamwork became apparent. At both wooden walls, I had either Josh or Robert in front of me and Zach behind me, pushing me up. I’m only 5’3 so there’s no way I could have even touched the top. After each obstacle our teamwork improved and these people, who I only knew for a few hours, pulled me through. I truly was the weakest link of the six of us, but everyone encouraged me and encouraged each other.

I was extremely proud of my completion of the 30-foot balance beam. All six of us made it across without falling off. I was expecting to lose my footing and fall. I had even picked out what direction to fall and not hit the board. But once a few of my teammates made it across, I scooted along. I walked slow and steady and made it.

By mile eight, I could feel my body cursing me for doing this. It was around this time that we approached the “Fire Walker.” We followed the path with bales of hay on both sides on fire. Eventually we made it to Everest, the 16-foot tall quarter pipe. The “idea” at hand was to have our strongest men run up, grab the top and pull themselves up and then help us. A couple guys went, then Shannon and then myself. However, I couldn’t reach the guys at the top and I landed and slid all the way down. I tried a second time, grabbed Josh’s hand, but slipped again and slid. This happened one more time.

So, I got back in line and tried to catch my breath for a fourth shot. A woman next to me said “it’s discouraging, huh”? I just looked at the pipe and said “yes.”  So, with everything I had left (after running about 11 miles already), I ran up the quarter pipe. Josh grabbed my right hand and Zach grabbed my left. Together, they pulled me up. That was the hardest obstacle for me. As I stepped down on the other side, everything shook. My legs, feet, hands . . . everything.

Once we regrouped, we ran ahead to the last stop. The last obstacle between us and the finish line was called “Electroshock Therapy,” and for good reason. We had to run through an area with wires hanging down, some were live and carried a 10,000-Volt shock. As a team, we all sprinted through, I was last. And perhaps that finally paid off, because I was the only person on the team that did not receive a shock. Robert was shocked four times. After reaching the finish line, I was crowned with the mighty orange "Tough Mudder" headband.

We made it! We finished! We completed the entire course in about three hours. Thank you to Robert and my teammates: Omar, Josh, Zach and Shannon. The event truly displayed our camraderie and ability to work as a team. This was the hardest thing I've ever done.

All About the Headband

Robert says that the following Monday after completing a "Tough Mudder" course, people wear their headbands to work! So, today, I'll sport my headband with pride.

More About Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder Official Website

Watch the Official Tough Mudder 2012 Video

Tough Mudder Photo Gallery from Saturday & Sunday in Florida