All the fear and trepidation about flying to a strange city specifically to run a Tough Mudder with complete strangers was eased the moment I met Kim (and her team) in person on Friday night. They were so warm, welcoming and friendly. We gave each other a great big hug and bonded while decorating shirts for the Mudder.
Saturday we woke up at the crack of dawn and headed to (what I would describe as) the middle of nowhere.
Cell service was sketchy so I wasn’t able to post many updates. I may be the only person who likes when that happens because I get to completely disconnect — something I don’t do nearly enough.
Here’s our crazy team as we head to the start line in our matching blue shirts.
There were eight of us: From left to right below, Donna, Liz, Sheila, Kim, Adam, me, Emily, and Cory.
Kim was really excited and EXACTLY how I pictured her from our email exchanges.
It’s so funny and many won’t believe me, but for as many people I meet from the site who tell me “I feel like I know you” the feeling is usually mutual. I don’t hold much back on the blog, so if we chat in email or on Facebook it’s me, like really me.
During the event we had our own personal photographer. Megan, Kim’s daughter, was snapping from the spectator points. She was amazing!
This was my sixth Tough Mudder and it was the muddiest one yet!
And let me tell you, there’s something extra special squishy and sticky about Missouri mud.
We sloshed through, slipping and sliding.
And that’s how teams bond during a Mudder.
Kim, Donna and I chatted a bunch on the course. It was so great getting to know these amazing people.
There were a lot of smiles.
But we were working our tails off.
And the sense of accomplishment was rampant in the best way possible as we tacked obstacle after obstacle.
Everyone did an amazing job and we conquered each obstacle as a team. After 11 miles and 16 obstacles we were exhausted and the thought of making it up the half pipe was daunting.
But we dived right in! That’s me taking the leap …
And getting up on my very first try!
We worked as a team and got everyone up that darn pipe. This is Kim’s first and only attempt as well!
Megan snapped so many pictures I just had to turn it into an animated gif for her.
We totally rocked it!
Here we are in the half pipe afterglow as the finish line was in sight.
This is my favorite picture of the day. I was so proud and happy for Kim I can’t think about it without tearing up.
She did it.
She shoved herself out of her comfort zone, overcame her fears and accomplished something she never thought possible.
I’m so proud of our team and I feel honored I got to be a part of their first Tough Mudder.
Note: That Guy in the back with the open mouth totally photobombed us and it CRACKS me up ever time I see it.
The whole experience has renewed my love of the Tough Mudder. After taking a few months off after the Double Header I was having my doubts but it was just as fun as I remembered. I can’t wait until Kentucky next month!
My other Tough Mudder events:
Tough Mudder PA 2021 – My First one! Tough Mudder Florida 2012Tough Mudder SoCal 2013(and 5) Tough Mudder Mid Atlantic – My Double Header!Huge shout out to froyo18 on Instagram for all the photos! Thanks, Megan!
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