I ran in my first mudrun this weekend (that's me in the picture above), and ever since my good friend asked me to join her team of Crossfit enthusiasts three weeks ago, I worried.
Worried I would be the weakest link.
Worried I would let them down.
Worried I would get hurt.
Honestly, these concerns aren't like me, at least when it comes to athletic things. I have played sports my whole life, and I love to do new things. But for some reason, this mudrun had me worried. Maybe partly because I know my health insurance isn't the greatest (hello, life of a freelancer). But mostly, I just didn't want to look stupid.
When the race began and we trudged into the first obstacle--a mudpit that was about 2.5 feet deep--a smile spread across my face. It was SO much more fun than just regular "running" races (I competed in my first (and only) half marathon last year at Disney's Princess Run), and a new silly grin creeped onto my face every time we encountered a new obstacle.
I was hooked.
If I would have given into my fears and backed out, I would have never known that I absolutely love mudruns, and I intend to do many, many more in my future. In fact, I'm doing my second one June 16 (http://www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/jcb). If you're in Savannah, you should join!
I also learned that I need to believe in myself and my preparation (in all things, not just exercise!). I run 3-5 times per week, but I thought that I was lacking in the strength department and would have trouble with some of the upper body obstacles. I should have had faith that I was strong enough (physically and mentally!), and the huge sense of accomplishment I felt as we crossed the finish line was blissful.
We have to do the things that scare us sometimes, be it taking a leap of faith in order to pursue your dream career, start a new relationship, attend a networking event, or trying anything new, like a mudrun :)
What "new" thing will you tackle this month?
