There’s a Tough Mudder in this House

Sometimes I take a deep breath and have to pinch myself because I can hardly believe that I am married to the man who is my husband. Saturday was one of those times. He went to South Jersey with some friends to complete the Tough Mudder challenge. Now, Woody is very fit, and he had been working hard at watching what he eats (i.e. saying no to sugary treats) to get in even better shape, but I wondered about his nerves the days leading up to the event. I’m not used to being on the other side of race prep – usually I’m the one getting ready for a race! Friday night he said he was more anxious than nervous. I was excited for him to try this, and encouraged him to do so, because I knew he could. And I thought it would be great for him to really test his strength and ability; really see what he can do, and to get that competitive rush.

For a few reasons I didn’t make the trip to spectate, but I did make him promise to take a few pictures. Of course, there are no race pictures – this is the kind of race where you can take a phone along!

Apparently there were piles of muddy shoes everywhere after the race

Woody and his friends – after they cleaned up a little – sporting their hard earned Tought Mudder headbands

Oops! Looks like someone forgot to pack an extra pair of shoes

On the half hour bus ride back to the parking lot from the course

 Covered in cuts and branded with his Tough Mudder number, he made it home!

It was awesome to hear him talk about the event. The crazy things they had to tackle, the insane amounts of mud everywhere, how people worked together to get over walls, how he carried both of his teammates through the wounded warrior carry obstacle and how he mastered all 22 obstacles. I loved it when he said it was inspiring to see so many people, who were complete strangers in many cases, helping others overcome the obstacles. And I couldn't help but smile when he declared “I rocked it!”

*pinch* Am I really married to this man?

Yes, I am. And I’m happy to help him bandage his scrapes and cuts and ask how he’s doing. I don’t mind so much being on this side of things and be the one listening to the stories from the course instead of being the one telling them. If he does this again, I’ll definitely be there to cheer him on. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick him out from the thousands of others covered in mud!

• Have you done the Tough Mudder challenge? Is it on your bucket list?
  • I think it would be amazing, but I’m too much of a wuss to do this!
• What obstacle(s) would you rock?
  • Maybe crawling through a tunnel – nothing that requires too much upper body strength, that’s for sure!!

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Today’s workout -

• 45min elliptical
• 3x12 rear delt row
• 3x10 cable twists
• 3x10 squats
• 2x40 plank
• ab exercises
• stretching