The Tale of Mud

Good day ladies and gents! With the official video posting of Tough Mudder PA, going up this morning I think it's proper to tell you all just really what happened at Tough Mudder two weeks ago. 
Check it out: 

Tough Mudder PA 2011 Official Video

www.youtube.com
First off, there is no way to sum it up, one truly has to experience it for yourself. It's an exceptional event, for exceptional people, it's not for everyone. But if you dare and cross that finish line, I can promise you that you'll become obsessed!

Sign in, which reminds you that when you signed up, you have also previously signed a DEATH WAIVER. Once that paper work is cool, lets write with permeant marker on your forehead, arms and a third place of your wish. Don't be naughty, post it on your neck or leg. We decided ourselves to deck out with neon colors and painting poke-a-dots on our arms and back. That way just incase you find a random bright blob laying in the middle of the mud, you you could easily help a sister out.


As we headed to the starting line, we were interviewed by the Tough Mudder Media crew, and of course I had him take our picture with my camera. (thanks camera dude!)


Before the gun, you state the pledge and give respect to all the wounded warriors and great men and women who are serving our country. 

One of the first obstacles we crossed was a mudslide, fun right?! Not for me!... As Haley and Bri calming entered the pool of mud, I on the other hand had a freezing panic attack! Once I came up from the pool of mud, I fell into a deeper spot and went head under again. It was so cold and I was not one bit prepared. As we ran and ran and climbed and crawled and pulled our way up and over a few slopes, we came to Walking the Plank. No big deal, just climb up and jump off into a lake of freezing water. Again, this was not my strong point.
Rachael + Freezing water that you must
swim out of = Freaking out. 
  
The other two major water obstacles were two of my favorite obstacles within the entire corse! Twinkle Toes- waking across a 2 inch wobbly structure, and the Ball Shrinker - a swinging rope bridge in water. Haley got stuck with ten tall guys behind her on the bridge, causing her to swing and kick back and forth seeking the ropes to make it across. 
Next we kissed the mud while crawling under barb wire, climbed over a few "Berlin" Walls where Haley got thrown over by two huge men, and Briene kicked me in the face. We monkeyed through Greasy Monkey Bars and went for a cool long run in the woods. note: trails of rocks and fallen trees. 
The last part of the trail was the Swamp Stop. Perfect pools of mud at all different lengths and depths,while attacking logs over and under. Sprinting through fire thinking that were at the end, but wrong. There were just three hills, carrying a log, squirming through a spider web and the Electroshock Therapy left to approach. 


Lessons Learned:


I, Rachael am not the most graceful swimmer in freezing water/mud!  

Bri, runs and falls all over the place, head first with style and speed.


Haley, is scared to tears of Electroshocks and will call out and scare a grown man so she can get what she wants- a lighter log to carry up the hills. 

Briene and I trucking through the Swampy Trails.

A great photo of Haley marching through the mud pools!

One Orange Headband, Space Blanket, Cliff Bar, Banana, T-Shirt and a Beer later, we officially completed 12 miles and 25 obstacles in just under 4 hours! 

There were at least five spots dedicated to place shoes once you completed the event, and they are being donated to the Children in Africa!..how awesome is this event!  Here's to you ToughMudder. Save our snapshot and add it to the yearbook, you'll see us again!


P.S. I saved the most important and most funny part of the weekend for last. After a delicious dinner and some martinis with the amazing team, we held a beer auction in our hotel room. . . $10, $15, $6.50, SOLD!!