Surf the Murph 2014- Volunteering, Running and Inspiration

"You must strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all" -Robin Williams as John Keating in Dead Poets Society

   Standing at the finish line of the 2014 Surf the Murph 25k, 50k and 50-mile race, looking up towards the star covered, cool October night sky a slight breeze brushed my face as I looked down and watched the time clock ticked past 14 hours and 30 minutes. 14 hours and 30 minutes since more than 300 runners had anxiously awaited for the starting signal to go off. 14 hours and 30 minutes since I began my unforgettable first (and certainly not last) volunteering experience.

   After the sun had set and the moon was comfortably surrounded by stars, an inspirational 57-year-old woman had only a few miles left before the finish line in her 50-mile journey. Under 15-hours prior, this daring woman, not knowing what was ahead of her in the next 50 miles stood along side many other runners at the starting line not knowing what was ahead of them. Not knowing she would beat the time cut of of her last 17-mile loop by 1 minute and finish what not many people witness or experience in their life.

   With the hum of the nearby lights shining through the trees I stood patiently, staring down the endless trail I too had ran a few short hours prior. Off in the distance I notice a flicker of light between the bare tree-shadowed trail. Wondering if it was her; the final runner to cross the finish line at the 2014 Surf the Murph 50-mile race?

The Beginning of an Ultra Unforgettable Day

   The day for me started just as early as it did for many other volunteers and runners. One beep of my alarm clock and I was out the door by 4 am. A quick coffee stop, 10 minute drive to the parking lot and a short walk to the wooded trail entrance where I would spend my morning. Another volunteer and I walked down the road to the trail entrance and helped unload the already waiting truck with all the supplies we would need for the day. The five of us quickly set up our aid station in the woods as the first runners had already started and were expected to arrive soon. Being my first time ever volunteering I mostly just did whatever I was told and helped out as best I could. I quickly caught onto the flow of how the aid station worked taking in as much of the experience and information as I could.

   The 50-mile race started at 6 am, just as we were putting the final touches on our aid station. The other volunteers and I got situated and waited the front runners to make their way through. Just before 6:30 am, off in the distance, a head lamp flickered between the trees as the first runner made his way up the trail. The runners were only 3 miles into the race by the time they reached our aid station and for many there was no need for them to stop as most flew past us shouting out their number to check in and giving a quick "thanks for volunteering" shout out.

   A few minutes later the next small wave of leading runners went by as we alerted them they were only a few minutes back. The aid station staff and I were doing pretty good so far keeping everything stocked as no one had yet stopped to grab something to eat or drink yet. Just moments later the main pack had arrived as runners shouted out their numbers and made their way to grab a quick bite or something to drink.

   I noticed right away, in the morning darkness, some runners were struggling with where everything was on the tables as we tried to help light up the table with our head lamps as best we could and pointing the main essentials out. Some runners were mixing up HEED (like Gatorade) and water, spitting it out in surprising disgust and asking where the water was. I was quick to notice and began pointing out where the water was first as the next group of runners came in. Numerous runners thanked us for volunteering as the norm for us became thanking them back for running early in the morning and getting us all out of bed. It was probably the best parade I had ever witnessed that early in the morning.

A beautiful sunrise at the North Aid Station

   Just as the sun made its way through the trees and the craziness settled of what was left of the last 50-mile racers coming through the 50k runners whizzed past. I knew a lot of these runners would not stop, especially so early in the race and we would have more time to relax a bit. Now that the sun had made its way though the trees headlamps were not necessary.  We began making signs to help the 25k runners better distinguish between the assortment of beverages we had available.

   As the day went on I started to notice a few things that make sense now that I would have never thought could make a huge difference at an aid station. First, when setting out bread, cut in four squares, make sure they are cut all the way through so runners do not have to worry about taking the time to pull them apart. Also, only keep out a little bit of bread out at a time so it does not dry out. Separating the pop from the water and other drinks can be the difference in a runner being totally surprised after taking a big drink of sprite and thinking it would be water. As runners began coming in I tried to keep the bag of M&Ms or Skittles next to the cups they were in because nothing's more shocking than biting into some rock hard Skittles thinking they are M&M's.

   For most of the morning, after the starts, the runners came in one by one or in smaller groups. For one 50k runner on his second and final loop, looking extremely exhausted, he came into our aid station and some of the more experienced volunteers and ultra runners sprung into action to help. They go him a chair, some food and some endurolytes to help offset, what they theorized his problem was from high water intake. For the next half hour he sat in the chair trying to recuperate, hoping to continue.

   A female runner came in shortly after and had tweaked her knee on the tough 3 mile section before the aid station. Since it was almost time for our shift to end at the aid station another volunteer leaving offered to give the two runners a ride back to the start. Not an easy decision, but probably the best they accepted and were on their way. Before I left I grabbed a sandwich that was provided for the volunteers and packed up my bag to head to the start in hopes of running a lap either by myself or another runner.

   Just before noon I had changed into my running clothes and hung around the finish line to watch some of the 50k runners finish. Another volunteer who was with me at the aid station in the morning was sitting close to the finish waiting for a friend he was going to pace. I thought about heading out with them, but did not want to wait too long as I was also scheduled to help clean up at 5 pm. I walked over to the aid station by the start and filled up my water bottles and headed out on the trail.

17 Mile Run (aka my longest run so far to date)

   After a few minutes of standing around I decided to head out and maybe catch up with someone along the course to run with. Down the leaf covered trail and back up a hill a runner was ahead of me and looked to be running well. I caught up to him and noticed he was running the 50-mile course. I ran ahead for a bit then figured I would see if he wanted to run with me for a loop. "Are you running the 50?" I knowingly asked just to spark some conversation. "Yep. On my third loop," he replied.

   It was hard for me to believe this guy was in the  midst of his first ultra, 30 plus miles into it, on his last lap and still moving extremely well. We were going at a steady pace, walking up the hills and getting to know each other a bit. I made sure to let him know I was not there to push him in any way to run more than he wanted to and tried to keep the conversations light as there was a lot of miles and work still ahead of us.

   Passing the first mile I jokingly told him he was one less mile less than he had to go a mile ago. Every few miles from then on I asked him how he was feeling. His response was mostly that he was doing good, but was starting to have some stomach issues as we made our way to the first aid station. As we approached the first aid station (about 3 miles from the start) I quickly went to the bathroom and told him to take all the time he needed and to not wait for me if he wanted to continue. He grabbed a few things to eat and we were on our way rather quickly.

   The next section of trail was a lot more run able than the first 3 miles. Less hills and a little bit of a rhythm going, we cruised into the next aid station. Around 6 miles into what I had ran so far I was feeling good, as this is normally the point of my shorter runs I would be done. We continued on, walking the hills and running the flats. The next section was a lot of open fields, narrow trails and some soft grass trails that were easy to follow from all the runners packing down the trail throughout the day. As we came upon the next aid station I could hear music and people cheering us on as we came in. I stood off to the side as my running partner grabbed some food and the aid station crew tended to him. I grabbed a small bag of M&M's before we left, which I think were the BEST tasting M&M's I've ever had.

   Right before we left I had heard my running partner say to one of the aid station volunteers, "I know what's on the other side of the road and it's not going to be good". "Don't think about it!" The volunteer yelled as we shuffled off into the woods. I had absolutely no clue what that meant and asked him what that was all about and he told me it was the roughest part of the race. I would find out later exactly what he was talking about.

   As we headed of through the next section I knew my partner was feeling little better as the pace picked up a little bit on the flatter section of the course. Back to a previous aid station, with a quick bit to eat for him and a water refill for me we headed across the road and into the woods on the other side. After a while in the woods I noticed some encouraging signs posed along the trail. Nearing a slight incline, or so I thought, I noticed a sign that said "embrace the climb". Oh crap, I thought. This must be what he was talking about to the volunteer at the aid station.

   Just before we started to make our way to the steep hike, he motioned me to go ahead of him. A narrow trail of tree roots, and somewhat slick, heavily packed, bald-leaf dirt trail lead us to the start of the gnarliest part of the trail. With somewhat fresh legs I trucked on to the top as I pulled my way up with trees and branches along the way. After a short break at the top I could tell he was absolutely thrilled inside that was the last time he had to climb that hill.

   Another steep descent and though some more narrow trails we were heading to the final stretch and the final miles of his incredible 50-mile race. Popping out of the woods and onto a road we trucked on. After short distance we came to a closed fence with no sign of the trail. In an exhausted and confused breath my partner said, "what the heck" as we looked around for any sign of a trail. I had noticed about 25 yards back a few trail markers leading off to the right with a slightly tilted sign that said "16-miles". We headed back and noticed the trail markers right away and were back on track. I apologized as he was somewhat on auto-pilot being a few miles from the finish.

   With one mile to go I looked over and noticed a slight smile on his face. As we neared the finish line we could hear the spectators cheering on other runners as they crossed the finish line. A lady was standing on the side of the trail and told us we were about 100 yards from the finish. Something strange came over me as we came around the last corner and could see the people shouting at the finish. Even though I did not run the entire 50-mile race I still had a great sense of accomplishment. Helping out someone I had never met, being there for support and running along side him for what probably was some of the hardest miles he had ran in his life, I knew this is what running is all about.

    Just before the last turn to the finish line I broke off and cheered him on as he crossed the finish line and met with him after to see if he needed anything. "I just want to soak this all in before the rush wears off," he told me. "You have done more for me than I could ever ask for". We talked for a little bit after and parted ways as I told him I might see him next year on the course if he decided to do it again, but I know that was the last thing on his mind.

I could definitely tell I had just ran 17-miles on a trail

Inspiration

   Standing patiently in front of the truck waiting to be loaded, I waited for the last runner to cross the finish line. Light flickered through the trees like firefly's on a summer night. I sign in disappointment as it is just another passing car along the side of the final stretch of the trail. I walked to one of the tables scattered with a variety of drinks and foods for the runners and start to put some of them away. I glance over my shoulder one last time and notice an unfamiliar bright light shining on the dark trail. "Here she comes!" someone yelled as the remaining volunteers and I lined up and cheered the last runner in.

   One of the race directors sprinted down the trail to help cheer her on and muster up the last bit of energy she had to run up the slight incline and around the corner to the finish. The moment she came up the trail into the beaming lights shining on finish line, I knew we were all witnessing something incredible not just in the sport of ultra running, but what the human body is capable of doing. Events like this prove that no matter how old you may be you are never too old or young to find your own voice or passion and anything is possible.

Final Thoughts

   My experience volunteering at this years Surf the Murph 25k, 50k and 50-mile race has inspired me to think and appreciate some of the little things running has to offer. By looking at the bigger picture and not so much at finding reasons to limit our limits I have found anything is possible. Yes, 26, 50 or 100-miles of 30 plus hours of mind numbing, continuous running seems like a daunting and pointless task to some.

   Many look for an explanation as to why run these ultra distances. Sometimes words are not always the answer, as many have been accustomed to looking for. Sometimes just being in the moment is all that is needed. I knew at the end when a mother coming around the last corner to see her kids waiting for her as they all ran across the finish line why. I knew by witnessing the woman announce she had battled cancer after crossing the finish line and pushed her limits past anything she thought possible why. I knew why, that day, every runner that toed the starting line decided to push their body to receive much more than just a piece of wood as their medal and sore muscles as they hobble the remaining yards from the finish line to their cars why 26.2-miles is not enough. The answer and journey may be different for everyone, but the end result and sense of accomplishment is the same.

Even the volunteers got special plaques

Hammer Race- 2014

“There are two goddesses in your heart,” he told them. “The Goddess of Wisdom and the Goddess of Wealth. Everyone thinks they need to get wealth first, and wisdom will come. So they concern themselves with chasing money. But they have it backwards. You have to give your heart to the Goddess of Wisdom, give her all your love and attention, and the Goddess of Wealth will become jealous, and follow you.” Ask nothing from your running, in other words, and you’ll get more than you ever imagined." ― Christopher McDougall, Born to Run

   This would be my second time taking on the Hammer Race after taking a wrong turn last year with another runner and missing a section of the course, resulting in being disqualified to what would have been a surprising second place finish. My focus for this years race, as with all my races, was to have fun, challenge myself, enjoy the fun atmosphere this challenging and unique course offers and last, but not least, stay on the right trail.

Standing at the start/ finish before the race

   Sunny, temperatures in the 50's and a noon start was the recipe for an absolutely perfect day to hit the 10k course with my 8 lb. hammer and what would soon be new friends. After a short speech that entailed the safety and other information about the course, myself and the rest of the runners in the competitive wave toed the start line.

 
   3...2...1 and we were off around the half circle in the parking lot, up a small hill, a sharp left and we were quickly introduced to the rough trails through the woods. As we made our way through a short section of trails along the hillside the tire flip was our first obstacle. "15 flips!" The volunteer yelled as runners teamed up and worked together, flipping the tires. I was not so fortunate to partner up with another runner for the first 10 or so flips as the 2 time hammer race winner and other runners quickly scampered back into the woods. I retrieved my hammer and made my with with a number of others on a narrow, single track trail over tires and through more tough-wooded-terrain.
Popping out of the woods and into the frigid cold waters of the Zumbro river I could see the lead group working their way though the water on the other side of the loop. I knew at that point a lot of race was still ahead and being not far behind the leaders ensured I was still in pursuit. Climbing out of the water and up a wood ladder into the woods I felt the lingering, tingling of the icy water on my legs. 

 
   Coming up on the first log hit, a lot of the spectators had already made their way down to watch the competitors smash their log down a wooden wedge. From last years experience with this obstacle and being early in the race I planned on pacing myself and trying not to take many breaks as I swung as hard as I could. With arms turned into rubber, I continued onto climb up a steep, sandy hill and up a ladder to the top. Around the corner we had to crawl on our stomachs though tight, turning, narrow lanes. With no one in front of me I decided to push my hammer though the tunnels as sweat poured down my face.

   Coming out of the belly crawling sauna and across the road to more crawling and crouching under boards overhead, I made my way through more woods to the black door. Earlier in the race than last years course, the black door had all the front runners bunched up and scrambling to find their way out though the hidden black door. I worked my way toward the top, where no one was, searching for the exit. "Over here!" I heard someone yell behind me as everyone took off to the exit. 

Coming up to the next obstacle, the second place runner dropped a wooden box and headed on his way. I looked at the volunteers for direction as to what to do and where to go. They directed me to go up the hill and around the cone at the top. I grabbed the looped rope handle and began dragging the box up the hill. As I neared the top the suffer face was in full effect and of course my girlfriend was waiting at the top to take pictures. I made my way around the cone, still dragging the box down the hill and noticed some of the other competitors coming up the hill had put the open sections over their head and on their shoulders. Too late to change my approach now as I was easily making my way down the hill. I knew dragging the box up hill was a lot harder than just simply carrying it on my shoulders; lesson learned.

 

Hiding the suffer face as I make my way up the hill and back down

   I made my way to the next section and noticed a volunteer in a golf cart say the leaders were at the top of the hill and I might be able to catch them since they had been up there for a while. I made my way up the hill and followed the white flags around the corner though more woods along the hill and eventually back onto a road. As I followed the road I came upon some volunteers in a group as they cheered me on saying I was in 1st. Somewhere along the twisting and turning, in and out of the woods section the first and second place competitors got off track and I later heard had missed a section they had to make up.

   Nearing the second log hit before crossing the familiar ice cold waters of the Zumbro River I tried to not think about being in first place. I knew a lot of race was still left and anything could happen. The volunteers cheered as I came out of the woods and directed me to hit the log down and back the handmade wood tracks on the ground, dipping slightly into the river at one end. I began hitting my log and was almost down one way before the next racer started on their log. The sound of banging sledge hammers echoed though the valley as more racers made their way out of the woods. After about two hits I noticed my log was not moving forward. I quickly noticed it was wedged on a footing board on the bottom of the wood tracks and began pulling my log on top to begin hammering again. After a few swings my log became jammed again between the wood tracks as four or five runners began crossing the river.

   I finally hit the log to the end, entered the not so soothing waters of the Zumbro River, climbed up the ladder and across a short wooded section, back into the water and up the biggest hill on the course, Magnus. I began working my way past some of the competitors that had passed me. Everyone was grabbing every branch and twig as we made our way to the top. The group started to spread out a little as another racer and I lead the rest of the race. The climb had been pretty taxing on everyone and my new running partner was desperate for something to drink. Luckily I still had plenty of water left to give him as we made our way along the course, up and down more rocky hills though the woods. 

 
   After receiving our red wrist bands that ensured we had been on the right trail we made our way through a short tunnel, up a hill and over wood walls to the final water station. A quick drink and we were on our way. I lead at this point which to me was the roughest terrain on the course. Winding though the woods over rocks, up and down more hills, I started to hear music echoing though the hills and knew I was close to the finish. Popping out of the woods and coming upon, what I think is the hardest obstacle of the course, spectators and my girlfriend were cheering as I shot out of the woods. Dropping my hammer, yes I was still carrying it after 6 + miles, I relentlessly pulled the wood sled with bricks on it up the hill, around the cone and back down.

  

Getting ready to head up the hill on the last obstacle

   Just a short run to the finish and up and over two 11 foot walls stood between the finish. I ran with everything I had left, rounded the final corner, glanced back and knew it was almost over. I handed my hammer to the volunteer, climbed the rope to the top of the first wall and raised my arm, showing my red wrist band, proving I had completed the entire course and was about to be the first long course competitor to cross the finish line. Up the second wall, filled with unexplainable emotions, I grabbed my hammer, shook the volunteers hand and thanked him and hoisted my hammer high in the air as I crossed the finish line.

 

Coming up and over the first wall before the finish

 

Up and over the second wall 20 seconds ahead of second place and across the finish line

   Finishing first was not something I expected at all going into the race, but sure is something I will always remember. This experience has taught me that anything is possible, especially during the Hammer Race. The Hammer Race, by far, is one of my favorite yearly races to do. It's not everyday you can carry an 8 lb. hammer though the woods while tackling challenging obstacles surrounded by great people. It's no joke that this is the area's toughest obstacle course race, trust me, I'm still feeling a bit of stiffness and sore muscles the day after. If you are interest in this type of racing or looking for something new to try I definitely recommend checking this race out. For more information click here.
Lastly, I have never been a big runner. I started getting into it more this past summer and experienced not in the perspective of running as a chore, but as taking what running has to offer. The experience, surroundings and being in the moment with every stride I take on the trails. I have given my heart to wisdom, never asked more of myself than my best and in return have gotten more than I could have ever imagined.

 

The BFH (Big Friggin Hammer) and 1st place winnings

Minneapolis Duathlon

Trust your training.

   I have heard this a lot. "Trust your training". Being a disciplined athlete when it comes to training throughout the summer and winter I have never really thought too much of what this really means, until now.

   With just over a week left until the start of the 2014 Minneapolis Duathlon, a race I have been excited to do for over a year and since the start of my duathlon racing endeavors, I caught a pretty nasty cold. For the entire weekend before the race I had no ambition to train. I had been training all summer and decided the best thing to do was get some rest and take it easy until race day. Sunday night I came down with a nasty cough and what, to me looked like some swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. I called the hospital for an appointment on Monday morning to get the swelling in my neck looked at. Within a half hour after calling I found myself sitting in the waiting room. The nurse called me in and did the standard weight, height, blood pressure, etc.. All of my vitals looked good except I had a slight fever of 100.5 degrees.

   I had felt a little head cold coming on when I woke up that morning, but nothing that seemed too bad or unbearable, but then again I'm a guy and tough it would get better as the days went on. After the nurse left I waited for the doctor to come in. A few short minutes she walked in and asked me some questions and was a little concerned about the lump in my neck. She poked around the lump in my neck and decided to double check with another doctor as to which antibiotic to prescribe me. A few minutes she came back in with the other doctor and he took a quick look at my neck and wanted to get a CT scan to see what exactly was in my neck, as it was too large to be my lymph nodes.

   By this time I was a little worried. I had never been to the hospital a lot, especially for potentially serious issues. Before the CT scan I was given an antibiotic shot in my hip which I think helped me feel a lot better towards the afternoon. I checked in and almost immediately was directed to the room for the scan. After I was done they told me they would call once they had looked at the images and let me know what to do from there. I returned to work and within a few hours I received a call from the doctor telling me I had a mass of some kind in my neck on my corroded artery and they were going to set me up to meet with a specialist on the issue and possibly surgery. I called them back immediately and they were in the process of getting a hold of the specialist.

   A few nerve wrenching hours later the specialist called me with some good news. He said as long as I did not have any pain, which I didn't, he wanted to meet on in a few days and prescribed me some antibiotics. I held off from training until I met with him on Wednesday and planned on basing my decision to race on Sunday on the meeting in a few days. Wednesday came and I still had somewhat of a cough, but I could tell it was slowly making progress to getting better. After meeting with the specialist he concluded I had a Branchial Cleft Cyst in my neck which is a lump that develops in the neck or just below the collarbone. It is a type of birth defect and would probably need to be removed surgically in the future once the swelling recedes. I was relieved to finally know what was going on and even though it was pushing on my corroded artery it would still be okay to race Sunday as long as I felt good.

Race Day
The real test

   I finally felt like a whole new person since the previous weekend, but was still a little concerned since I hadn't done any biking or running for a week an would really find out if trusting in my training would work. My girlfriend had been sick the night before at her parents and was planning on running the 5k on Sunday, but did not feel up to it in the morning and stayed home. Her parents and I packed up our bikes and headed off. As we were driving we could see some lightning off in the distance and thought, since it was quite warm already, it was just heat lighting. We arrived a few blocks from the starting area, parked the car and got our bikes ready. Just as we were pulling out of the parking ramp it started down pouring rain.

   After a few minutes it had stopped raining and we were on our way to the start. My girlfriends dad and I walked to the bike transition area. I was excited to still see a lot of good spots to pick from to put our bikes. After meeting back up with his wife we walked around the transition and start area and made our way towards the 5k and duathlon finish area which was just around the corner. We took a short 10 or 15 minute jog and headed back towards the start corral to stretch out a bit.

   We worked our way to the start and talked about where we were all going to meet after the race. The first wave started right on time and minute by minute each section was released onto the course. Before I knew it we were the next group to go. Standing in the front of the corral with a clear running path ahead of me I shot off the start feeling good and quickly found a good pace. Since this was my second duathlon I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, but hoping the heat later in the day would not get too unbearable. Springing though the first 5k course with a time of 22:41 I felt good going into the bike section.

The Bike
I can't feel my leg!

   A shortened 14.5 mile bike course due to some road construction on the normal 16 mile course was a bit rough. Only three miles into the bike ride riders were challenged with a huge hill to climb. After reaching the top I figured I had at least went about 5 miles by now. Nope, only 3. As I rode on I tried not to look at the miles as how much I had left or how much I had completed and to just take everything as it came in the moment. Towards the half way point the residential roads were a lot rougher than the rest of the course. Dodging pot holes and bumpy concrete I made it to the turn around to head back to the transition area.

   The other side of the road was no better, but seemed to fly by as much of it was down hill. With about a mile or two left to go on the bike I came to the last big down hill section, which proved to be a major problem and crash site for a few other racers. At the base of the hill a rider was being helped by race officials and paramedics as riders were adverted around him though a narrow riding lane. A lot of the section from then on was a no passing zone and other riders in front of me were alerting oncoming bikers of the accident at the bottom of the hill.

   Sweat was pouring off me toward the end of the bike and as I crept closer to the transition area to start the third and final leg of the race I could definitely feel the change in temperature rising. Coming up the last hill and around the corner to the last stretch on the bike the sun had finally made it's way out. From previous experience after getting off the bike and running again is a whole new ball game. Sluggish legs, exhaustion and other factors start to catch up and could result in a disastrous finish.

The Last Leg
Just keep running

   Coasting toward the dismount area after about a 47 minute ride I was hoping my legs were not in too bad of shape to finish strong. I got off my bike and to my surprise I felt pretty good, except for my left foot which was completely asleep. As I made my way to racking my bike I shook my leg to get some blood to flow into it and get rid of the tingling feeling. I no more than mounted my bike and took a quick drink of water before the circulation was back in my leg. The first half mile after the bike is where I like to gauge myself for the last run. After 17 or more miles and about an hour or more of pushing your body can take it's toll.

   Making my way out of the transition area once my legs were somewhat back to normal I did not feel like I was running through quick sand and decided to take the first couple miles easy. After about a mile I was slowly catching up and passing some of the other racers who had passed me on the bike, which helped give me a little boost and pick up the pace a little more since I was feeling surprisingly good at this point. I eventually came to the turn around which I knew there was only about a mile and a half left to go. I quickly drank some water and wiped the sweat off my face with towels the volunteers were handing out.

   From the beginning of the last leg my goal was to not stop running. I knew if I could keep that thought in the back of my head I would be able to finish strong. As I came up on the 3 mile mark I knew the finish was just around the corner. I could hear everyone cheering the runners on as they neared the finish. A slight smile and indescribable feeling of accomplishment came over me as I neared the finish. I knew then what trusting in your training meant, but more importantly I knew what trusting in yourself could do.

The ER 
Good news and a few hours later

   After finishing and walking around drinking as much water as I could and scarfing down some cookies and chips. I had been looking for my girlfriends dad who should have finished shortly after me, but that was not the case. I heard my name being called over the speakers to go to the medical tent. I made my way over and received the news he had crashed and was brought to the ER at a nearby hospital. My girlfriends mom was at the tent we we went to get my bike and made the short drive to the hospital. He was in good spirits when we arrived and with a few scratches to the face, a scraped up right leg, a deep, all the way to the bone hole in the other leg's shin and what we later found a HUGE bump on his hip/ butt. My girlfriends mother and I waited patiently for about 5 hours as the doctor fixed him up and make sure everything would be okay.

   A few hours after waiting in the hospital the police officer who had his bike called and told us we could pick it up. Surprisingly, hardly any damage was done from the crash. The handlebars were bent to the side a little, but nothing serious was broken or bent on the bike as far as I could see. We went back to the hospital and a while later he was cleared to leave. A few stitches and scratches are better than broken bones any day in my book. 

 
After thoughts and other fun stuff
 
  With this race being my second duathlon I have learned a lot from training, racing and the overall experience. My training for this race was not necessarily just for a duathlon like I previously did for my first. Throughout the summer I had focused a little more on running and mixed in biking on my days off or when I felt like I wanted to just ride. I found a lot of times when training on a schedule I would become a little stressed or focused on each workout that was scheduled. If I had a busy week or missed a day in previous training I would feel somewhat uneasy and stressed. This year, and from keeping a fairly consistent training schedule I have had better and what seems like stress-free training, which has kept the fun in what I like to do. I do not recommend newcomers to try this style of training as it was good to have a schedule and guide as to what it takes to build up my endurance and body for races like this. I have found doing what I feel like doing on a specific training day has worked for me and a lot more enjoyable.

   Now, a few weeks after the race my health problems that I was dealing with before the race, I have since had the cyst removed from my neck. Surgery went well and healing fine. With a week of recovery, no running and minimal exercise I feel this is a good time to reintroduce myself into enjoying running and exercising again after a busy and fun summer. It has been nice to just take it easy and enjoy the fall weather at a slower pace. Being trapped inside on a treadmill or shelling out money on a gym membership is not really my thing and I have some new and fun ways to keep myself outside and busy during the upcoming winter months, which I am excited for.

Tough Mudder 2014

As A Tough Mudder I Pledge That:
I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
I do not whine, kids whine.
I help my fellow mudders complete the course.
I overcome all fears.

   A cool, slight breezy morning. My start time was scheduled for 8:20am. I had no idea what to expect for the upcoming day, but I knew, no matter what happened I was going to make the most out of it. Around 6:30am my girlfriend and I arrived and waited for the check-in gates to open. We wondered around the outside fence, looking at some of the giant slides, walls and other obstacles I would be facing later in the day. With 15 minutes until the first wave was scheduled to start and the already large amount of mudders waiting to check-in outside the gates, I had a feeling there may be a slight delay to the exact start times.

  After getting my bib number and body markings I still had a while until I was scheduled to start. To kill some time my girlfriend and I checked out the souvenir tent and wondered around. We worked our way to the start or as the signs said, "The warm-up area". It was getting close to 8 and the 20 minute waiting area was filling up fast. I got in line after giving an unmuddy hug to my girlfriend and lined up. After a few minutes we were headed to the warm-up area and waited for the wave before us to start.

  The anticipation in the group was building as the first group took off and the only thing separating us from the start line was a giant wall to climb over. This is Tough Mudder remember. As the first handful of participants jousted themselves over the wall some were making their way to the side they felt more comfortable climbing over. On the left side was a somewhat less difficult wall to climb over-- Shorter with steps. On the right was a little more challenging. No wood steps, and the only way to get over was to jump and pull yourself up and over. I chose the right side and swiftly jumped over the wall.

   We stood in the start coral as mudder after mudder made their way over the wall. After a run though of some course directions and some motivational words from no other than Sean "Hoo-rah" Corvelle we were off.

Kiss of Mud
Eat dirt as you crawl commando-style under barbed wire set just high enough for you to squirm under. This obstacle is true to its name – you have to belly-crawl through mud in order to avoid getting snagged by the barbed wire above

Packed tight down the narrow path to the first obstacle everyone started spreading out and picking a spot to crawl under the barbed wire. The sandy and mud covered ground dug into my elbows as I caught my shirt on the low barbed wire. I luckily managed to escape without ripping my shirt and ran the short distance to the next obstacle.

Pole Dancer
This obstacle makes the Olympic parallel bars look about as difficult as a tea party with your grandma. Keep your arms straight and don’t put your legs on the bars. Mudders don’t cheat.

As I came up to this obstacle a lot of people were struggling, especially toward the top where the metal bars bent going down. I quickly brushed the remaining sand off my hands the best I could and with locked elbows I worked my way up the bars. I found it easier to swing my body with my hands and straight arms moving up and back down the bars to the end.

Mud Mile
Slosh through a series of waist-deep mud pits and try not to lose your shoes in the process. Balance and coordination are key if you want to make it through this mud-run obstacle without face-planting

Hill, puddle, hill, puddle, hill, puddle. If all the sand that was stuck to my hands and body was not washed away by now I'm sure it was replaced by mud from this obstacle. Spectators were able to see this obstacle first hand as everyone clawed their way up the slippery mud mountains and slid down into a somewhat of a deep mud puddle. Luckily I did not lose a shoe, but they were quickly filled with mud and water that became my toes' new best friend the rest of the day.

Arctic Enema
This obstacle arguably takes the most mental grit of them all. Some athletes use ice baths for recovery, but your muscles aren’t going to be relaxed after a swim in this freezing skip. Climb right into the floating iceberg abyss—don’t overthink it. When you’re submerged, find the mental and physical strength to swim through the ice, under a wooden plank and pull yourself out on the other end. You’ll come out feeling like shrink-wrapped leftovers straight out of the freezer. Emphasis on the shrink.

FREEZING COLD is the first thought that ran though my head as I jumped into the ice fed frigid water. This obstacle is definitely well known in the Tough Mudder community and was one I was a little worried about to see how my body would react to the extreme and fast change in temperature. It sure did not help as the volunteer dumped bag after bag of ice into the water and said the one I was at is the coldest. Holding my breath I jumped towards the board in the middle that forced me to go all the way under the water and try to catch my breath on the other side. I quickly popped up and struggled to catch my breath as I scampered to get out of the freezing cold water and on my way to the next obsticle.
 

Glory Blades
Try getting up 2.5 meter walls that are slanted towards you. It's quite a close shave, if you know what we mean (don't worry; you’ll figure it out). Obstacle Stat: 50% of Mudders require teamwork to get over Glory Blades.

I was a little unsure as to how I was going to get over the slanted walls. After hoisting some people over I decided if I could get one leg over and pull the rest of my body over I'd be able to do it, which worked out perfectly. A few other participants saw my strategy and began doing the same. I did have a slight bruise on the inside of my right bicep after climbing over one of the walls, but it wasn't anything too serious to worry about.

Quagmire
6-8 foot hills of mud with chest deep water and mud between each hill. Claw your way to the top of the first hill and  once you reach the top you'll see the fun has just begun.


Coming up on this huge hill of mud and water I could see it was going to be a little difficult getting up the slippery backside. After sliding into a deeper than expected mud bath between the mud mountains it took a few moments to get a grip on the muddy hill everyone had to climb up to get out. I managed to find some foot holes and slowly pull myself up and out.

Warrior Carry
Exactly what it sounds like. Carry your partner (or be carried) then switch half way to the end.

Luckily I was able to pair up with someone that was not twice my size for this obstacle. The what seemed light 150 pounder I had to carry was not too difficult. I was even able to slightly jog to the end after being carried for the first half of the distance.

Berlin Walls
Teamwork is key for this obstacle. Climb a set of 3 meter wooden walls that our Course Designers have strategically placed for when you’re at your weakest points during the event. Some Mudders℠ will be strong enough to make it over Berlin Walls alone, but most will need a boost from a fellow Mudder, whether it’s a teammate or someone else. There’s never been a better time to make friends with a stranger. Obstacle Stat: 80% of participants require teamwork to get over Berlin Walls.

This was the only obstacle I had trouble with. Luckily I had some help from a fellow mudder who helped me reach the top as I pulled myself up and over.

Devil's Beard
Crawl under a rope net. Except that the terrain is rough and that net loves to grab at things. Like your hair. And your bib. Which is held on by safetypins. Which open. And stab you in the back.

After almost losing my bib while crawling under the rope up hill I managed to make it through this without any rope burns and with my bib still intact!

Cage Crawl
This water-based obstacle will test your mental and physical strength as you swim under 20 meters of cage with only inches of breathing room above your head. Floating on your back may seem like a calm break, but the sense of being trapped will quickly begin to play with your mind.

The first half of pulling myself through the murky water under the cage was pretty easy, until I got closer to the end. The water slowly began to rise as my face crept closer and closer to the cage. I tried to look back, but that only caused me to get a face full of water so I just kept pushing on and finally reached the end.

Walk The Plank
Test your fear of heights with this 12 foot high jump into a deep muddy water pit. Don’t think too much before you leap – you’ll hold up others behind you, and the volunteers at the top of the platform don’t like to babysit Mudders. And don’t forget about the 40-foot swim on the other end.

Naturally I'm not scared of heights so this was not too tough for me. Climbing to the top I could hear volunteers coaxing other participants to jump with a short pep talk. When it was my turn to jump I waited for the previous jumpers to clear the water as I heard someone count down, "3...2...GO!". As I was in mid air the volunteer yelled, "Wait for the count!". Well, too late to go back now. I spun around in mid-air, looking back and yelling, "what?!" right before I hit the water. A short swim to the rope at the end and I was off to the next obstacle.

Prairie Dog 
Slide down a plastic tube into shallow mud and water

Not much to this one. Just slide down a black tube and into a sandy and muddy hole.

Balls To The Wall
Obviously we’re talking about your intense grit here. Balls to the Wall is no elementary school gym class rope climb – but it has the potential to be just as embarrassing. This monster of an obstacle will have you scaling a wall three and a half meters in the air using only a muddy rope and what’s left of your strength. Once you reach the top, work up the courage to descend the rope on the other side.


"Captain!" a participant yelled at me as he sat atop the wall. After a few seconds of looking confused I remembered I had on my awesome new Captain America Under Armour compression shirt on. Giving him a thumbs up I quickly climbed up the rope and over to the other side.

Hold Your Wood
Get your mind out of the gutter. We’re talking about actual logs here. Make like a lumberjack and carry a heavy wood log through a section of the Tough Mudder course. The length of the carry will be determined by the difficulty of the course terrain and the weight of the logs.


From doing previous obstacle course races I was familiar with this obstacle. I tried not to grab a small piece of wood as I was feeling pretty good at this point and was looking for a challenge. I picked up a medium size log and continued to lightly jog around the log carrying course. I quickly reached the end and threw my log onto the pile for the other mudders on the other side starting.

Hangin' Tough
This obstacle holds the title for the lowest completion percentage. You’ll need a strong grip and precise coordination to conquer it. Swing Tarzan-style across a series of hanging rings spaced 1.2 to 1.8 meters apart and suspended over a pool of muddy water. For those of you who talk a big game, this obstacle will show you just how tough you really are. Obstacle Stat: Only 30% of Mudders℠successfully complete Hangin’ Tough.


Being short is good for one thing; this obstacle. I stepped way back on the starting platform, swung out and grabbed the second ring, swung back again with my legs raised above the water and repeated until I reached the end. When I reached the end I looked back I saw a lot of people struggle with this obstacle as they would drop their legs into the water on their first swing to grab the ring, slowing their momentum before they could reach the next ring.

Funky Monkey
Sure, monkey bars were easy when you were 5 years old, but you’ll need an iron grip for Funky Monkey. These bars have been greased with our finest mud, and if you slip, you’ll fall into a pit of muddy water below. The bars are on a steep incline upward for the first half of the obstacle and they descend downward for the second part. Think you have what it takes to master this animal of an obstacle? Then try it backwards. Obstacle Stat: Only 40% of Mudders successfully complete Funky Monkey.



Coming to this obstacle early in the day before the bars were too slippery to grab. The first five or so bars were a little slick and required me to hang on a little tighter as I swung to each one. The first half of the obstacle, going up, was a little difficult, but I found using my body and some momentum helped. At the half way point, coming down, I was swinging to every other bar and moving fast. Swinging to the end, another tough obstacle was complete.

Everest
Conquering Everest takes major grit and teamwork. Sprint up this quarter-pipe obstacle and enlist the help of other Mudders℠ to pull you over the beastly summit. Everest is coated in mud and grease, a combo that might send you right back from where you came. Suck it up and keep climbing. The view from the top is worth it.


The one obstacle I was a little worried about whether I would complete was Everest. Before the race started I could see the giant half pipe wall and knew it would be waiting for me at the end. Up until this point I had completed every obstacle and my confidence was pretty high. I stood for a few seconds at the gates, looked at Everest and told myself, "you got this," and took off as fast as I could. Once I reached the base of the curve I took a few more steps, planted my foot and launched myself toward the top. I was well above the top and pulled myself up and felt a huge rush of excitement and accomplishment come over myself. At that moment, standing on the top, looking down at what I thought was going to be one of hardest obstacles I would face, I had proven again to myself I can do anything I put my mind to.

Electroshock Therapy
Run through a field of live wires that sure as hell don’t tickle. Watch out for hay bales and deep sinkholes, or you will face-plant into some electrifying mud. Some Mudders℠ try to stealthily wind their way through the wires, while others barrel forward to get through as quickly as possible. Just keep your eye on the prize: this is the last obstacle you face before you cross the finish line.

With the finish line in sight I had one more obstacle to complete. One, if not the most infamous obstacle of Tough Mudder, separated me from my first of many Tough Mudder orange headbands. I made up my mind and decided to get though the dangling yellow wires as fast as I could. I barreled through and did not feel any shock until just past half way. The first shock stopped me in my tracks, jolting my body as I was a little shocked at what was happening. I took another step, ZAP, my whole body stiff as I was just about to the end I leaped over a hay bail and in mid air felt the strongest shock through my entire right side as I just barley managed to keep my balance landing on my right foot. I had finally finished.

 
   I must say as a first time Tough Mudder, it was a blast. The only change I would make is to join a team next year, even though I met some people along the way it would be fun in a group. Nonetheless, Tough Mudder taught me a lot about myself and my abilities to overcome obstacles I doubted myself on before I even tried them. It was a little hard to take in everything and process it with all the obstacles and being my first Tough Mudder experience. If it scares the crap out of you and excites you at the same time, you should probably do it!