Four months ago, my friend suggested we try the Warrior Dash a 5k challenge – a mix of obstacle courses, running and a lot of mud. Sounds great right? OY sounded scary, especially to someone like me who had NEVER run a day in my life. It was no secret that I HATED running and had no desire to start.
But, in preparation for the first “race” event of my life, I decided I best start training. My first thoughts were “well I workout 5 times a week, I should be all good right?” WRONG! Even after 4 months of hardcore training and running 3 times a week, nothing could prepare me for the never ending hills of this race. In fact, I only really found out the day before that the Warrior Dash would have us running UP a ski hill.. I’m not going to lie, I was scared.
REALLY SCARED
We got there and nerves were kicking in, along with a little excitment. We of course had to snap the first of many fun pics of our Warrior Team!
Let me introduce you to my team: My friend Vicky a marathon runner, her hubby Adam an IronMan and my hubs Eren who is fit as a fiddle… and moi! Can you say weak link?!
We set off and spent the next 3 miles going up and down hills. Actually was more like up, up and more up the ski hill!
We also did all the required obstacle courses like jumping over walls, crawling under barbed wire, scaling cargo nets and let’s not forget swimming our way through a very deep pit of MUD under barbed wire!
Those who think they can avoid the mud on the Warrior Dash are wrong. I must admit the mud was actually quite refreshing after 54 minutes of scorching heat and hills. Did I mention the hills were never ending?!
The best is the fireman hosing the crowd down after. Boy, that mud gets everywhere and I mean everywhere!
All nice and clean we were ready for the after party – a mix of warrior bands, drinks, food and of course the required beer tent. Thousands of excited Warriors (many of which dressed up in hysterical costumes) all sharing in the fact that they too survived the Warrior Dash.
All in all, I have to say I had a blast. I was so worried that I couldn’t do this challenge, but after some much needed water down my back I was reenergized and found myself laughing and having a ton of fun! My team was encouraging, supportive and most of all proud of me for surviving my very first race. I have to give props to my hubs who insisted on staying by my side every moment. He could have raced far faster up those hills but he was so happy to be sharing this challenge together.
Would I do this again? Hell ya!
Every once in a while you need to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. This was mine and I walked away feeling pretty darn proud of myself.
Have you had a moment like this? What has been your most recent challenge and how did you overcome it?
14 Responses to I survived the Warrior Dash
LOVE IT! I was going to ask if you’re hooked! You are such a trooper and a true inspiration! I’m no runner. I go for daily speed walks with a friend, but don’t run. Although, after this post, you’ve inspired me to give running a chance. Ummm…maybe not to the extent of what you’ve done!
My most recent challenge? The exercising every morning at 5:30AM. I used to never get up that early to go for a speed walk or anything! It’s been a challenge, but I’ve been sticking to it!
Wow! Amazing. Congratulations on conquering such a feat — it truly is a wonderful feeling when you accomplish something. Great for body (and soul!)
So great that your husband was by your side to support you on your 1st race incl.good friends!
And I fully agree — sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone and try something completely new (and even frightening) for us at times. It helps us to grow!
Great job!!!
Congratulations!!! Looks like so much fun. I think me and Bubi Bon would make a great team – where do we sign up??
I am soooooooooooooo proud of you Kathryn. In my wildest dreams I would never have thought you’d do something like this (you are my little princess) but the love of a good man like Eren can work wonders and his encouragement and undying devotion is all that was needed to push you to try something completely out of your comfort zone. Congratulations to both of you! After 12 years my first impression of Eren has remained – a wonderful, loving, caring man who is absolutely the right partner for my princess!
Thanks everyone! The first thing I thought after we got out of the mud swamp was.. “If only my Mommy could see me now” she would NEVER believe it! Gotta give credit to Vicky as well, she encouraged well actually forced me into doing this with her and I couldn’t have asked for a better support team then Vic, Ad & Eren!
Must say, I was very impressed. Not only a first 5k for Kath but a crazy challenging one up and down(x4) on ski hills. It was intense – and fun. Good base training for an upcoming 10k race?!?! And Spartan next year!!
Amazing Job Kathryn! What a great memory and accomplishment! Admittedly, I don’t challenge myself nearly enough and have become pretty complacent in my life. The more I read about things like this and all my friends training for marathons, the more I feel like it’s time to get my butt in gear! I am doing a ziplining and cave adventure in a couple weeks though, which is waaaay out of my comfort zone!
Thanks Chris! This was so out of my comfort zone but I gotta tell you it felt great (once it was over
Ziplining and caving sounds so fun, can’t wait to read all about it. Good on you for trying! Maybe I will see you at the Warrior Dash in 2013?
Haha, maybe not
I need to get myself in way better shape before trying something like that, lol. I live it through you though!
Wow!! Congrats Kathryn! Totally impressed.
Crazy impressive but sadly I think we have to break up on #WorkoutWednesday as I can no longer keep up with #SuperWoman!
So proud of you Kath!!!
I never would have guessed that you could get so muddy! It’s such an amazing feeling to step out of that comfort zone and try something new- like when I did the Giant Swing in Muskoka!!!
Setting great examples for our kids…congrats!!!!
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Absolutely awesome. Well done and congrats on all that hard work!
Thanks so much! Love all the support and encouragement. If I can do it, I know you can too
Anyone want to try the Spartan next year?