“When was the last time you tried something new?”

Those were the first and last words I heard before the horns went off and we started our jog into the unknown. And I think it’s the best way to really put into words what it’s like to do a Tough Mudder.

You don’t need to be a bodybuilder or marathon runner.  You don’t even need to be in good shape. Yust need a pack of some good friends and mental grit.

This wasn’t my first muddy challenge, I did the Warrior Dash back in 2016, but the words “Tough Mudder” always shied me away. Or maybe it was the electrocution (which doesn’t happen on the half or 5K btw!)?  But when Nicole Feliciano said she was getting a team together, I knew I couldn’t turn it down.

As we get older, we turn down a lot more things. We get comfortable in our ways, put our families first and always take a safer route.

At 37, I realize that life is anything but comfortable – and just when you get that way, it throws you a curveball. And nothing is better for preparing you for life than being uncomfortable IN the comfortable – pushing yourself just a little more than you think you can. Trying something new.

I knew I was ready for this challenge. Frankly, then what was I pushing myself for in all those boot camp classes anyways? Challenges and goals are my driving force in life and this was my next step.

What to expect:

To my surprise, the Tough Mudder wasn’t really that bad. Okay – full disclosure, yes I DO go to Barry’s Bootcamp a few times a week and run a lot, but this course is really more about mental strength than anything.

There are people all along the course and no one will let you fail. They will help you every single step of the way. I don’t know what’s more empowering than that. In fact, some of the obstacles you physically cannot do without the help of someone else. It teaches you to trust – yourself and strangers to get you to a common goal – the finish.

Hardest Part:

Everest. It was the only obstacle I looked at and thought, I might have to pass this one. Not because I didn’t think I could do it, but because I would have to put faith in others to get me up there – I couldn’t do this one on my own, I would have to rely on strangers to pull me to victory. Was that really going to happen?

I looked up at the guys at the top, took a running start and leaped with all I had – arms out hoping someone would grab me. And…he did. The guy grabbed one arm, and I  wasn’t letting go. I got my second arm locked into his and swung my leg up. Someone else grabbed it, and next thing I knew, I was on top.

The biggest adrenaline rush of 2018. Not because I did it, but because I had faith in others to get me up there, and they did.

Favorite Part:

The mud of course! I grew up on a farm – I love mud! The mud crawl and water pits where you have to climb out were the most fun to me. My shoes probably think a different story.

Overall:

You can do it. Yes you, reading this on your couch drinking coffee right now. And you’re going to come out of it with an entirely new perspective of yourself. And who doesn’t want or need that?

Honestly, we loved it so much we already are looking to do it again – and this time the full.  I will definitely be heading to New Jersey in October (sign up here!) to try my skills again, and we even talked about heading to NOLA in April for a girls trip.

Want to join us in Jersey? Sign up for the Oct 6 and 7 Tough Mudder here.

Few tips:

• Get a team together because this challenge is all about camaraderie and teamwork. It’s not a race to get to the finish first, it’s all about helping each other achieve the goal and not leaving a man behind.  You don’t want to do this alone, the bigger the group the more fun! We saw an entire football team out there celebrating their 30th anniversary – and their coach who was 70 was right there with them!
• Yes you can. Don’t be afraid. Listen, I watched as guys who had already done Everest come all the way back down to create a HUMAN LADDER to get this one girl up and over the top. She wasn’t in the best shape, but she was determined, and they were just as determined to get her there. It was one of the most inspiring things I have ever witnessed.
• Single girls, listen up. I almost don’t want to say this but the Tough Mudder is an UNTAPPED RESOURCE. There are muddy men all over the place, and many of them are just waiting to help you over those Berlin Walls. What’s better than meeting someone in real life doing something you both like to do and then having a beer to celebrate after? I’ll be doing the Tough Mudder in NJ again in October just so I can swoon over some sweaty dirty guys (and maybe go home with a  phone number!).
• Bring with you: a change of clothes, towel to wipe off and leave your shoes (they donate them!). You don’t need sunglasses, headphones or anything else you might lose on the course. They have water stations (and snacks) throughout to hydrate.
• Bring someone to take photos of you. If you’re going to go through all this effort, get someone to document it! You can have someone get a spectator ticket that allows them to walk the course and get right up in your mug as you’re pulling through that mud crawl.

This post is sponsored by Tough Mudder on behalf of Momtrends. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting Football Food and Motherhood.