Mud Slinging

2 weekends ago I did something I said I'd never do. I ran in the Mud Run. It was 6 miles and 22 (23?) obstacles. When the subject was first brought up, I refused. I had previously come to the conclusion that I don't like running. For a time, I fancied myself a runner. I no longer do. I've run in many 5K's, but I never really gotten beyond that. The thought of running 6 miles (10k'ish) AND having to do obstacles was really not something I wished to participate in.

After constant encouragement (and goading), I finally relented. I'm so glad I did. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done. I am so proud of myself for finishing. My goal was simply to finish, and surprisingly, my group wasn't last. There were two other teams behind us. We won!

In the first pic, I'm on the left. I'm going to brag here. (It's my blog and I'll do what I want to) I seriously didn't recognize myself in this picture. I look thin! I haven't said that about a picture of myself years. I've lost 34.2 pounds since 10/09. I have 13.4 left before I reach my goal. It's taken a long time, but it's all been worth it. The skinny guy in the middle is my fabulous Blueberry.

This is me at the very last obstacle. I was completely spent and would have likely fallen to my knees even if I didn't have to.

And finally, me and my fabulous team after we crossed the finish line. I couldn't have done it without them.


And many thanks to our fans that came to cheer us on. Kudos to Joe for putting this video together. I love the music and we look like rock stars! Also, yes, that's me at about 58 seconds. I'm the idiot that didn't let go of the rope and ended up slamming my neck on the bank. Yes, it hurt. Badly. Lesson learned.
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