Merrell Down and Dirty Run 2013

It's been a while since I've written & that's okay. I haven't wanted to, really.  The idea of writing has crossed my mind, but I just haven't been interested in doing so. Today was such an eventful one that I decided it's time to get back into my groove. 

Today was the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run @ Orchard Beach. I signed up months ago, but as an individual. My friends from work created a team over the summer & I was able to join them! I must say, I went into this run with a good deal of anxiety, but in the end I had such an amazing time that I forgot all about it! 

The day began with breakfast at my coworker and friend, Rose's home. She had a lovely spread of bagels, donuts, coffee, etc. and everyone met there so we could get to the beach at the same time. I, of course, got to Rose's in time to take photos and leave. 

Our friend, Jen, got one of her friends to escort us to the beach in her Escalade. How cool were we??? Haha

Once we arrived, we met up with the other girls who we'd be running with (or really just starting with) and hung out till we began. There were 8 of us running, three or four spectating and just a great spirit all around us!

Once we finished our photo ops, we trotted along to the start line and patiently waited for the 9:45 wave to be called. 

One the horn was blown we were off! For a short while we stayed together, then the group broke off into smaller groups. Tina and I stayed together for a the duration of the race, but saw our teammates as we ran through different parts of the course. 

The second obstacle was the most challenging for me. We had to climb this high cage-like contraption that had too many holes for my liking or confidence. The best part was when I was basically frozen at the top and Tina was flying down.  I couldn't help but yell out for her because I was truly terrified of falling, getting stuck, etc., etc., etc. She patiently talked me through till I was able to get down. I don't think I could've gotten through that one alone. 

Afterward, the course seemed to be smooth sailing. We had to crawl through some muddy water before going over another net-like, climbing obstacle, then we had to crawl through our first mud pit. At my last race, I REFUSED to get in the mud. This time, I completely embraced it and loved every moment! 

We ran through the wooded area of Pelham Bay Park, behind the beach area, back to the beach and through the water. It was actually warmer than I anticipated it would be. We didn't mind 'cleaning off' a bit. 

After that, we ran up the beach and conquered our last two obstacles. One was very challenging as we had to use our upper body strength to pull ourselves up and over a slanted board using only the rope that was provided. I don't know how I did that, but I'm proud that I did!

Lastly, we had the BIG mud pit. The song playing as we dove in was 'Wake Me Up When It's All Over' and I said, 'Tina, wake me up when this is done!' We went for it, crawled our way to the end laughing and joking, and came out with our heads an hands muddy, but held high. 

We waited for the rest of our crew to do the same ...

We ended the festivities with a little bath in the beach water and headed back to Rose's for some BBQ and showers. That was definitely what we were looking forward to! I'm not sure which one more, though. ;) 

This day was supposed to have gone differently ... However, the more I think about it, things always happen exactly as they are meant to. I don't think I could have had as much fun had the day gone any differently.