Earlier this month, I did probably the most badass thing I have ever done. I participated in a Tough Mudder. If you haven’t heard of Tough Mudder (or Warrior Dash, Spartan Race, etc.) this sample conversation between me and a sane person should clear things up.
Me: I’m going to run a Tough Mudder!
Sane Person: A tough what?
Me: A Tough Mudder….it’s where you run 12 miles and climb over 9 foot walls, crawl through mud, jump into a dumpster full of ice water, run through dangling 10,000 volt live wires, hurl yourself off a 12 foot platform into the water, wriggle through underground tunnels, climb a 20 foot tower of hay bales, and –
Sane Person: Wait, did you say live wires?? But…but..why are you doing this? Are you insane?!
Me: I think it will be fun, if I don’t die! And you get an orange headband and a beer at the end!
Ok, so I didn’t really think I was going to die, but I was a little nervous. The running part is no problem, I’ve done 12 miles + many times before. And mud? Bring it on. That’s what hoses are for! I knew my upper body strength would be challenged, and I had been working on that, with the goal of finally being able to do at least 3 pull-ups by the day of the event. I still wasn’t convinced I’d be able to make it across the monkey bar obstacle – about 20 feet long, with a peak in the middle, muddy hands, a greased bar here and there – but I’d give it my best shot.
What was freaking me out was the heights and the tunnels. I really don’t like heights or small spaces, so I was afraid I was going to either have a panic attack in the middle of an obstacle or chicken out altogether and skip the ones that scared me. However, I’m a little competitive and pretty determined, and so I think what was scaring me the most was that I knew I was going to force myself to do the things that I didn’t like.
Oh, and did I mention that our team consisted of me and four Green Berets (one being my husband)? If anyone is tough, it’s these guys. They’ve been through it all. I did NOT want to look like a pathetic whiner in front of these guys.
So here’s what happened. I did not die. I did not whine. I went through the tunnels without freaking out. I jumped off the platform and only screamed a little. I made it all the way across those freaking monkey bars. I kept pace with the guys, and I crossed the finish line with a massive smile on my face.
Most importantly, I faced the things I was afraid of head on, and found that they aren’t actually that scary. In fact, they were incredibly fun.
Was it insane? Sure, but I think you absolutely need to be a little insane in order to be able to push yourself and find out what you’re made of if you’re ever going to accomplish anything awesome. Sometimes you just have to hurl yourself off a cliff (literally or figuratively, your choice).
Bring on the next challenge!
-Tough Mudder Sarah