Running Through The Mud

Today was the day!  Craig and I along with two of our good friends left at 6:45 this morning and ran the United States Marine Corps Ultimate Challenge Mud Run.   For those who have run the Rugged Maniac - this made that look like a piece of cake.

For those who don't know, the USMC Run was designed by Marines to imitate their training runs.  It is 5.2 miles long and has 36 obstacles.  This sucker was BRUTAL.  We ran through mud, climbed 30' plywood walls, swung like Tarzan from ropes (for the record - I think Craig WAS Tarzan in another life) and climbed rope "walls".  We also swam through way too much mud.  This mud was so thick that you literally could not stand up in it.  You had no choice but to float in it and hope to conjure up some sort of forward motion.  

We also trucked through a trench that was at least 1/2 mile long and was filled with roots, tree limbs, and giant holes.  Thank goodness our guys pointed out all the dangerous spots for us!  There were over-unders in mud holes, tunnels in mud holes, and quicksand type mud that you had to climb out of.  This thing was HARD.  For me, it was harder than childbirth.  And I did that with no pain meds.  

Is it any wonder this is how gross we were at the end of it?!  Sadly, our nastiest moment was not caught on camera.  This is AFTER a nice little dip in some frigid  water.  We looked like something out of the Swamp Thing before that mini bath.  

This was mine and Craig's second run through the mud.  Both times we've had people tell us we're crazy.  I think we've already determined that we are.  But you know what?  There's something HUGE about conquering your fears and pushing yourself beyond what you ever thought you'd be able to handle.  There's no feeling in the world like knowing there's nothing left in you to run on, but still hearing your teammates (and even people you don't know!) cheering you on and helping you in your weakness.  

There's also something to be said for knowing you're healthy enough to take on such a challenge.  The Bible tells us that our "bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit" and because of this we are to "honor God with our bodies".  (1 Cor 6:19-20)  One way Craig and I have taken that verse to heart is through being a healthy, fit, and active family.  We eat clean, CrossFit hard, and take care of ourselves.  And we fully believe that in doing so we are taking care of one of the greatest gifts God has given to us - our bodies.  

So...who wants to join us in the spring for the Rugged Maniac?  Who wants to join us again next fall for the USMC run?!  You have plenty of time to train and we'll even let you train with us!  It's worth every moment of pain, exhaustion, and fear.  There is nothing like it!