One of the Boys

With all this talk of fashion weeks and shopping, I’ve been oversaturated with these feminine endeavors that I had to take a breather.

Instead of another styling challenge, I participated in a hefty physical one…the Tough Mudder Norcal at Squaw Valley.

For those unfamiliar with Tough Mudder, it’s a 10-12 mile military-style obstacle course where the main goal is to finish the trek.

It’s not about looking good, showing off, or having the fastest time. The course really pushes you to go out of your comfort zone, look outside your selfishness, and help those around you.

Being petite, most people think that I’m pretty fragile. Someone mentioned that they didn’t think I could handle Tough Mudder and I took it as a personal challenge. I just had to do it.

Ever since I got LASEK a couple months ago, I’ve been lax about my workouts so I wasn’t exactly prepared when I went to Squaw Valley. I did a couple jogs on flat land and a trek up the stairs to Coit Tower when Kileen came to visit…and that’s the extent of my preparation.

So come Tough Mudder day, I was really anxious and opted to be a spectator  to carry food/water and take photos of my friends as they completed the obstacles. However, the spectator trail doesn’t run parallel to the entire course, so I did the whole thing with them.

I’m not gonna lie, the full 12 miles (maybe more) was rough and the 2500 ft. change in elevation killed. The uphill inclines seemed never ending and the downhill switchback hikes were just as challenging with loose rocks and uneven terrain…not to mention the obstacles themselves. I heard that 40% of Saturday’s participants didn’t complete the course and later learned that this was the steepest course so far.

For most of the course, I focused on taking deep breaths and putting one foot in front of the other. I felt like such a sucker for carrying a backpack with food, water, and my camera. I saw Marines along the path and the quote on their backs kept me going.

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.” 

Through the heat, the cold, and the pain, we all trudged through. It was humbling and inspiring to see other people working together and powering through the obstacles. I know I’m nowhere near as fit as many of the participants and I’m amazed by their level of athleticism. It makes me want to be better and build up my strength and endurance.

In the end, my group all finished and we received our hard-earned orange headbands.

Oh yea, we are Tough Mudders. =)

Tagged as: challenge, norcal, squaw valley, tough mudder