I don’t even know why I’m making a post about my experience with Tough Mudder Austin 2012 as it is indescribable. The adrenaline at the starting line, the motivation of the MC working the crowd, the chill in the air, etc.. preceded the epicness that was about to ensue. I would be lying if I said I wasnt scared.. I was! At 8:35am the horn went off and the race began. Bobby and I were off to a steady pace and about 30 yards into the run I nearly twisted my ankle and thought to myself ‘crap, is this how the race is going to be for the next 11.9 miles?’ Thankfully I kept up as best as I could and finished the race as fast as I physically could. Of course I did have some trouble with the obstacles I suspected I would, such as the Boa Constrictor and others that really surprised me. The simple cargo net was actually pretty frightening! I wasnt ready for its height and instability.
Also height of the 2nd set of Berlin Walls, which was on mile 10 seemed higher than the previous set. Its not that I was not capable of overcoming them I simply had zero strength to push me through and had to tell Bobby to just go ahead and meet me at the finish line.
The Everest obstacle I conquered on my own, after a few tries of course. The first 2 tries 2 big dudes at the top tried to help me up but they were just in the way. I saw Bobby standing at side telling me “You can do it man, you run up and your chest is well above the lip.” So I pushed myself one last time and sprinted up the ramp and successfully made it to the top without any assistance! Hell yeah!
And of course, the grand finale was something that most everyone wasnt looking forward to but I personally didnt really mind. The first set of wires previously in the race were intense but it wasnt as bad as I expected. I was expecting to be slammed down to the ground with each jolt but nope, I sprinted through the whole thing and even dropped my arms instead of covering my face.
This was an exhilirating experience and I have no qualms to do it again. In fact I’m beginning to train for next years Tough Mudder which is in October 2013. I’m stoked and if anyone wants to do it with me, let me know I’ll start a team!
Note: The vids are not of me obviously hah.
