Tag: Obstacles

Walls and Starting Lines: Tough Mudder- Mesa 2015

~ ladyquirky ~ 7 Comments

So, I suppose you wanna hear about my Tough Mudder adventure.

Let me start from the beginning. Did you know there is a wall you have to climb over before the starting line? I do not think it is very tall- 6 or 7 feet maybe. 8? I dunno. Not too high. Most people get over it- and make it look easy.

Now, let me explain- I don’t do heights. I do not climb ladders- I don’t walk to the edge of cliffs- I don’t go anywhere that might require climbing. I am not even fond of stairs. I’m a big girl- not one to let people lift me up or carry me. I just do not do it. EVER! Bridges? No, thank you very much. I am not doing it. Nope. I’ll just go home.

So, here we are. I have spent a small fortune to participate in this event, and I am about to quit before I even get to the starting line. I am in a mass of excited people, and I am filled with dread and regret. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and horrified. I am not doing it.

Tears are streaming down my face, and I am hoping valiantly that no one can see the terror behind my shades. The members of my team are surrounding me, and I cannot hear a word they are saying. All I know is that there is no way in hell I can do this. I feel like a fool for even thinking this is a good idea.

Then… somehow… they convince me to go up to the wall. A pair of hands clasped in front of me- all I have to do is take a step- push up- and take a leap of faith. After a couple of false starts. I am finally able to commit. I step up and grab the edge of the wall. Rick, (who is my burpee nemesis) is straddling the top. He grabs my hand, and I grip his arm. Somehow I get one leg over. I am laying across the top of this wall, shaking with fear. Rick is holding on and telling me how proud he is. And I come over the wall into the arms of my team. Angela is right behind me… up and over the wall. (she makes it look incredibly easy- which makes sense- she is a superhero to me.) Wow. How did we do that? Then, it is time for the National Anthem and the Mudder Pledge. Everything is going to be okay. I am shaking and crying.

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It’s just an obstacle in the end. Do we really want to let obstacles stand in our way?

Then, we jog through the starting line- give a high-five to the dude- and we are off… Now, the adventure is really about to begin. Next up is the Arctic Enema. What? There is a ladder? Ugh. What have I gotten myself into?

 

Tough Mudder Course map… Orange Headband, beer, and friends

~ ladyquirky ~ 3 Comments

OH HOLY HELL. There is obviously something malfunctioning in my brain.E2d3ci-15.03.14 Spectator Map PDF

As I ponder this task, I am left with a sense of awe and wonder. I wonder what on earth ever possessed me to think this is a good idea. Then, I take a deep breath and ask myself “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Oh, and don’t forget the “death waiver.” I am actually going to sign a death waiver.

Now, some people will do anything for a buck. I am not being paid to do this. I am paying for the pleasure of throwing myself into a giant pit of mud and jumping into a dumpster full of nasty ice water.  (Actually, they have upgraded this obstacle, and it looks way worse now.)

Why would I do this? I don’t actually know anymore. The only thing I am sure of is I have to try. I have to prove to myself that I am not scared to try something new. (thinking knitting might have been a little more my speed… )

I have a suitcase full of gear. I am planning a great week. I am scared and nervous.

I cannot watch anymore videos about these obstacles- or else I am not going.

I am going. Of course I am going. All the girls are going to have a hair braiding party the morning of the Mudder. Then, that night… we are going to have a big party. It is gonna be great. We are a little crazy. IMG_7800

So, here’s to my crazy Mesa Mudsliders team. We are gonna have a blast. We are staying together as a giant group, I am sure people are going to find us obnoxious. There are almost 50 of us. Crazy, I know. It is great though. We have spent the last 6 months or so scheming and planning, worrying and fretting, and sometimes preparing. I am okay with however I do at this. I am going to do the best I can. I am not going to give up, and at the end of the day… I am going to have a drink and toast a successful day. I have nothing to prove to anyone except myself. (Oh, and the people who think I can’t do this.) I have news for everyone- I can do anything I set my mind to- and today… My mind is set on crossing that finish line so I can wear that orange headband and drink a beer with my new friends.