Color in Motion 5k, Arizona - December 2013

Another race brought to you by Groupon! Sometimes the deal is just to good to pass up. This was my first "color" run, and who knew how messy things can get with corn starch!





Color in Motion 5k, Arizona - December 2013

 

 

And another run in the books, and I would definitly sign up for color run again!

St Patrick's Day Run, Tempe AZ - March 2013

The St. Patricks day celebrations are pretty tame compared to the East Coast shanangins we all love, but today we wore our green, and chased a leprachaun through Kiwanis Park in Tempe for a 5k.



 

St Patrick's Day Run, Tempe AZ - March 2013

It wasnt exactly a parade, and there werent any bands. But there was a decent turn out and beers waiting for us at the end!

 

 

We even made one more stop at Dos Gringo for Coronas, although they should have been Guninss. But it is a Mexican bar, so not sure what I expected to drink.

Got That Orange Headband! Tough Mudder, Arizona - Feb 2013

Its race morning, got my gear, and my ride for the day, and I am looking scared as hell. If the parking lot is this muddy, what is the course going to look like. 12.75 miles of unknown mayhem.

I am as prepared as I as I think I can be. I have a Warrior Dash and a Spartan Sprint under my belt. I am ready. I keep telling myself, I have read a ton of blogs on what to expect, watched 100 youtube videos. If other people can do this I can to. Lets paint on my number, and here I go. 

At the gate, all fired up "hoo-rah!" Its another cold morning, but the sky is clearing and all I can think, is get through 1 obstacle, run as far as I can and I will make it to the next. Let's just say as soon as I hit the ice bath, I new I was in for a long morning. Jumped in, didnt think twice, but wanted to die trying to crawl my way out of it. 

From one obstacle to the next, soaking wet and still breathing, I felt the nerves work their way back up, then I was jumping into the unknown cold water, again.

Seriously looked like a scene from the Walking Dead out there, and I was feeling like a zombie too about to trudge through another muddy mile. 

Everest, the obstacle I was most nervous about! Only one failed attempt, second run up, I just went for it, didnt stop running until some awesome Mudders grabbed me and pulled me up to top! I can almost see the finish line now! Just one more obstacle, Electric Shock Therapy, It got the best of me, and I completely face panted in the mud!

But it all turned out just fine, I finished, didn't break a bone, felt great and got to enjoy that beer I worked so hard for!

Spartan The F*** Up! Spartan Sprint, AZ - February 2013

Spartan Sprint, AZ - February 2013

One of my biggest accomplishments of the year was finishing the Spartan Sprint. 4.7 Miles, up a mountain twice, a mud crawl the distance of a football field, fire, ropes, cinderblocks, walls, and more burpees then I have ever done before.

Every obstacle was challenging, the most physical race I have ever ran. Temperatures were in the 30's and you could actually see snow on the mountain tops. I can proudly say "I am Spartan"

Getting Muddy! Rugged Maniac, AZ - November 2012

I was convinced again, it is mud run time! The Warrior Dash seemed so long ago, it was time to have some fun! Rugged Maniac here we come. Miles of running through a dirty lake, worn out pavement, a dirt course, and never ending mud pits. Sign me up!

Rugged Maniac, AZ - November 2012

The miles seemed longer then they should have, the walls a little higher. I scored my first injury climbing over a wall and fracturing my hand. But still made it to the end.

It was a fun race, even scored a couple free beers! 

Can't pass up a Groupon. Neon Splash Dash, AZ - October 2012

For the first time in months it is under 100 degrees out. Time to get back on this running thing. What better way to get motivated then so register for a race with a Groupon deal. Guess it is time for the Neon Splash Dash.

Neon Splash Dash, AZ - October 2012

We made a quick stop for a wardrobe change and a quicker beer. The sun was about to set and the games begin. This was my first time really ever running in the dark. It was nice that it wasn't a bazillion degrees out, music was pumpin and we lined up. Then waited, and waited, and realized I should have used the port-o-potty before starting.  We finally got the go ahead, and started the race a half hour late.

3.2 miles later, covered in glow paint, we made it to the finish line, found the closest black light and had a beer! 

I Ran Again. Foam Fest, AZ - April 2012

5k Foam Fest, AZ - April 2012

Race outfit all laid out the night before! I am ready, I did the Warrior Dash, I can do this! 5k Foam Fest - Mud, Foam, and All Out Fun! How bad tough can this one be? 

We showed up early, race bibs on. Heats going off every 15 minutes, and this time I have team mates to run with! I remember thinking this is going to be a blast! Looking half ridiculous, I already feel like a mud run veteran. 

We line up, and take off, running through the Arizona Desert, sun is shinning, people shuffling along. I am ready to dive in, ready to cool off in this Foam. Well, didn't play out like I thought, we reached the first water station and they were out of drinking water, but thats not all, the obstacles didn't have enough water either. What was suppose to be slip and slides, turned into vinyl sandpaper across your skin. Worst race ever!!!! They actually ended up canceling it by the time my wave crossed the finish line because of the lack of water! 

We did make it though 1 mud pit, that had a half hour back up, and it wasn't even real barb-wire. Such a disappointment! 

The light at the end of the tunnel, earned some race bling and there was a bar near by to enjoy a couple of beers!

My First Race! Warrior Dash, AZ - 2012

Warrior Dash, AZ - 2012. #WRFAB

I have to start some where, so why not start with my first race. To give you a little intro, I have always been on and off the gym wagon, I even registered for a 5k once before, but found an excuse not to run it. I recently turned 30, I was overweight, working at a job I could not take anymore, a new year was around the corner, and I came to the realization that I am stuck in a rut.

Perfect time to set goals, get motivated, get in shape. So what did I do, I registered for a Warrior Dash. January 1 came around, and I decided to take this resolution serious. I bought workout cloths, joined a gym and tried running around my neighborhood. (I say "tried running", because it was more like trying not to die as I waddled a mile.) 

I stuck with it, I think out of fear for this Mud Run! The race was in April, I managed to drop 20 lbs, and felt confident I could run at least half the course. Race day was here before I knew it, it was a hot April morning, as we pulled up to the course, I was intimidated by everyone who seemed to know what they were doing, what they were in for, and those who were finished and made it seem like a walk in the park.

I went for it, mud, sweat, nerves and obstacles. 3.2 miles later, bruised and tired, I got to enjoy this beer! Completely worth the work, and my journey as a runner starts right here. This moment!