11/19/2021
I've been back home for a couple of days now and feeling really good! I did a bit over 20 miles at World's Toughest Mudder last weekend in Laughlin, NV. The "bit over" was due to penalties from not being able to complete some of the obstacles. It was an amazing experience - extremely hard - hard terrain (running up and down sand dunes for 5 miles each lap) and harder obstacles with some difficult penalties for not completing them.
I did not reach my goal of 25 miles, but I'm proud of myself for stopping when I did. During my 4th lap, fatigue hit me hard and I no longer felt safe on the obstacles. At 61 (there were only 3 women over 55 out there!) I have to acknowledge that I am no longer in my 20's where I could just push myself so hard.
The best part - mentally I was hanging in there. Yes, I cried a little bit, but I never felt hopeless. In true mudder nation style, I had help on every obstacle that I needed it. Everyone that passed me (and that was a lot of people!) had encouraging words for me. I felt completely supported by my husband and my son. Tucker was pit crew for us - he kept us hydrated and eating all night long, and blew up my air mattress for me so I could take a power nap at midnight!
Bottom line - I was not in the shape that I wanted to be in for this race. I knew this going in and chose to try anyway. I am proud of myself for what I accomplished despite having surgery in August and not being able to train for most of the last two months before the race. I am proud to be the only woman over 60 to finish World's Toughest Mudder 2021.
Yes, I have already signed up for 2022 - Pensacola, FL here I come!