As promised, I’m bringing you guys some great posts from some amazing friends and bloggers while I’m away on vacation.  This post is brought to you by my friend and co-worker, Jamie.  You guys may remember Jamie from her guest post back in February when she wrote about tips for newbies just starting out at the gym.  Thanks, Jamie, for writing another guest blog in my absence!

My First Warrior Dash

Thanks to Athena for having me back for a follow-up guest blog!  🙂

Last time you all heard from me I was having serious heart palpitations about my first gym membership back in February, which quickly turned into a love for the gym.  As part of my new-found love, I signed up for a 5k obstacle course mud race, since obviously I had lost my mind.  Bring on the Warrior Dash was my initial thought! … which was quickly followed by “what am I thinking?” and “I wonder if I can get a refund…”

For those of you unfamiliar with the Warrior Dash, they describe it as “a mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme run from hell.  This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with live music, beer and Warrior helmets.”  I mean… how on earth could I possibly go wrong with such a combination?

Each Warrior also has the option to race as a St. Jude Warrior and collect donations for them.  I managed to raise over $500 so thank you to everyone who made donations!

So I worked out 5-6 days a week, hoping to not pass out on top of an obstacle.  Before I knew it, the day of the race came.  To use a phrase that my husband loathes (so of course I use it all the time); I was JAZZED!!!  My husband, Chris, drove us and we parked in the grass at the Thompson Speedway in Connecticut.  We then had to walk to the course itself, which seemed to take for-freaking-ever.  Once we got there it was a sea of people… some very muddy, some clean.

The way the day works is that waves of up to 500 people run every half hour.  Since my heat wasn’t until 3pm plenty of people had conquered the course by the time we got there.  We made our way to the line where I picked up my bib, timer (which doubles as a free beer ticket), free warrior helmet, and shirt.  I got pinned up and ready to go!  If you can’t tell, I was ridiculously excited for the race in the picture below.  I could not stop grinning from ear to ear.

The race itself was AMAZEBALLS.  Yup, that’s right.  I’m sorry, but no real words do it justice.  I absolutely loved it.  To kick off the race a burst of fire came out at the start line.  Really… how flipping awesome is that all on its own???

And we were off!  We went right into the woods, through the mud, and ran 3.11 miles while going through obstacles along the way.  The best one was definitely climbing over the cars!  I had so much fun with this that I was jumping from car to car.  I mean, where else can you do this?!?!

The end of the race wrapped up with a wall climb, followed by jumping over fire, a net climb, crawling through a mud pit with barbed wire over your head, and then you were rewarded with a medal and a banana as you crossed the finish line.  I wolfed mine down in about 2 bites I think!

Here’s me jumping over fire!!

And here is the after:

People were even dressed up in costumes!  We saw Mario and the Princess, Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights, women (and men) in tutus, and the list goes on.  I think going to this is worth it as a spectator alone just to see all the people there.  It was seriously some of the best people watching ever.

Following the race, they offer beer, food, live concerts, and games are set up all over.  There was even keg bowling!  And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like.  If you are looking for a good cause, a fun challenge, and a great day out I highly recommend this.  Check out www.warriordash.com for availability.

Also, because I think I am permanently brain-damaged, I decided to run again in September.  Did I mention this is the weekend after I get back from a 10 day cruise?  Great planning, right?  So I’ll need all the support I can get!  As part of this I am running as a St. Jude Warrior again.  If you have any pennies to spare I would greatly appreciate any donations, no matter how big or small.  Every cent raised goes directly to St. Jude!  You’ll receive a letter in the mail following your donation for tax deductions.  To donate just go to my link and click donate now: www.mystjudeevent.org/jnwarrior

Bring on Warrior Dash New Hampshire!

Have any of you ever participated or been a spectator at a Warrior Dash?