Hi there! I’ve been a little MIA since last week for numerous reasons. I’ve been busy at work, overly exhausted, not feeling well, etc. Sometimes sleep, food, and a lot of rest comes before blogging.
I skipped my long run on Saturday due to the fact I had been feeling off since Thursday morning and moved it to Monday evening run (check out the workout log). Best decision I have made. My body needed the rest and I’m trying this new thing where I listen to what my body is telling me. Plans can always be changed. I have to keep telling myself that even though my inner control freak is screaming at me right now.
Sunday I participated in the Spartan Race which is one of those mud/obstacle runs that are becoming ever so popular. I did the Spartan Sprint New England in Amesbury, MA with three other friends. The event fills up so quickly even though it is ridiculously expensive, a little too expensive in my opinion. We were scheduled for the 3pm wave on Sunday with just about 100 other racers. They have waves every hour for two days straight. I’ll let you do the math (hint: it’s a whole lot of people).
The group!
I’ve done one mud race before that was a 10k and this one was way harder than the Hoppin’ Mad Mud Run I did back in May despite the fact it was half the distance. Maybe it was because I haven’t been feeling well, or maybe it was the heat. Either way, it was awful, but fun at the same time. Some obstacles were obscenely difficult even for someone who is in very good shape. My least favorite was crab walking and sliding on top of rocks and mud through underneath 800 miles of barbed wire in a downpour.
…and the after picture. We love mud.
It took my group about an hour and a half to complete. Lots of VERY steep hills meant lots of walking in between obstacles. At the finish we got an awesome t-shirt and pretty unique finisher medal.
Although it was fun and super challenging, I’m not entirely sure I would do it again unless I could get a great deal on registration fees. Races are steep to begin with but the mud/obstacle runs are in a whole league of their own. It was a nice change of scenery though and who doesn’t love jumping through mud pits?
This week involves a lot of running and my next race is on Saturday which is also my birthday! I decided the best way to start off my 24th year of life would be to do a quick little local 5k race. I also love Saturday races. I’m certainly not expecting a PR since the day before I will have run 8 miles (yes two long runs within 4 days of each other). I’m hoping the birthday gods will give me a little extra something during the race so I don’t completely embarrass myself. We will see!
Have you done a mud/obstacle run? If so, what one did you do? If not, would you ever do one?
