~ 3rd Tough Mudder - SUCCESS!!! ~

Have you heard of Tough Mudder? I'm sure you seen my Throw Back Thursday post, right?

I'm sure you've heard of some version of it.  Like Warrior Dash? Ok, now we are board.... Tough Mudder is MORE than the Warrior Dash.  Warrior Dash is like a way to warm up. I've never done one, so I'm not dissing them at all. 

If you've been to the website, it can be a little intimidating. Seriously, I mean when they explain what it is: Tough Mudder events are hardcore obstacle courses designed to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, over one million inspiring participants worldwide to date, and more than $6.5 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.

I was super scared on my first one.  There isn't words to explain the camaraderie and enthusiasm that you'll find at one of these. There is ALWAYS someone helping someone.  Every time we've gone with a team, but if you go by yourself, you'll have help, no worries!

The event can be pricey, so sign up early. The more people on your team, the more of the discount.  Simple.

It is not a race. Now you can make it your own little race and submit your time if you'd like. If you qualify, you compete in the World's Toughest Mudder at the end of the year.  Be sure to check out that video! Crazy stuff! 

Given the title of the post, this was my 3rd one. By far the best weather.  But not by far the best course.  My knee hated me come mile 2, I should have wore my brace.  I knew to stop early (not quit, don't be confused, I walked), therefore I was able to walk the next day. Unlike my 1/2 marathon back in April when I kept pushing and couldn't walk the next day!
I did every obstacle.
I wish I would have kept something with the course map on it, but I didn't.
I can't remember for the life of my EVERY obstacle we had.  These pictures only show a few (our photographers took over 2,000)
So, are you ready for my blog to throw up lots of pictures? I sure hope so!  Enjoy!

Our team of 7!  2 women! 

Stacey getting taped up by the PRO shoe taper!

We've practically done ALMOST every run we've ever done together!

Can't be afraid of mud!

SAFE!  Gotta love my husband!

Yes, you are reading correctly!

The time I got hit.  You can clearly see me jerk in the GoPro video.

Basically a contractor dumpster full of ice and water.  In the middle is wood you have to go under. Oh, don't try to go over, it has barbed wire! :)

Success!!!

The hubs and Jeff racing on the monkey bars!

This by far was the worst one for me. I'm not claustrophobic, but I don't like my ears in the water (face out). I mean, I can get used to it, just have to breathe through it.  This obstacle (unlike last year) only left you literally enough room to have your face outta water (ears in). It was the longest 30 seconds of my life!

Timeline of walk the plank!  I've done it before, but it's alot higher up when your standing up there.  I guess I just forgot.  And yes... last picture is my snot rocket.  Sometimes you just gotta do it! 

One set of the Berlin Walls, this just shows you how tall it really was.

This is the quarter pipe you had run up.  This picture makes it look SOOO small, but it's not!  Promise!  This year it was super easy because the sun was directly on it and the mud was dry. Usually its caked with wet mud and really hard to run up!

Bryan almost face planted, but didn't completely.

The hubs first mudder, not his last!

Ahhh... warm water... getting cleaned up for the 6 hour drive home.

Sound like fun?!? Of course!
Just a few things if your interested in doing one:

• Bring gloves, your hands will get tore up (I forgot mine).
• If possible, wear pants that at least go over your knees, again... knees will get tore up.
• If you have bring someone that is willing to be your paparazzi, do so!  If not, the professional ones taking photos will A. Not get any of you B. You'll pay a arm and leg for 1.
• If you can get a GoPro, do it!  We've rented one the past 2 years from ATS Rentals. GoPro 3 battery life SUCKED. GoPro 2 is the way to go, battery wise.
• Bring some jugs of water with you to rinse off a little better when you get to the vehicle.  They have a place to rinse off, but there are TONS of people waiting.
• Duct tape your shoes, not too tight though!
• TOWELS!
• Have fun!

If you're interested in one and have questions, PLEASE ask!
Next one: Nashville, June 2014!

Update: Here is the official video! We made it in it! We are at 1:35, a good 5 seconds!