I’m tired, I’m sore, I’m spent…and I’m tough!
Yesterday, my brother and I completed the Tough Mountain Challenge in Sunday River, Maine. Weakness was not an option.
The Tough Mountain Challenge is a crazy, obstacle-filled 5K race through Sunday River Mountain. Similar races take place throughout the country. As they gained in popularity, so did my desire to get in on the fun.
Because getting pummeled with water and mud is fun, right?! Of course it is!
I was sitting on the computer on Friday night (all the cool kids are doing it!) and I stumbled across the website for Tough Mountain. Within minutes, I was registered and telling everyone I knew. My youngest brother was home (I told you it was cool!) and he immediately said, “Sign me up!” He’s never done a race before. He didn’t know what he was getting into. Ha!
Neither did I.
We woke up bright and early to make the four hour trek to Maine’s Sunday River.
The ride flew by! I was filled with race day excitement. I couldn’t wait for the fun to begin!
We arrived early. The race began at 10 AM and we were in the fourth heat – an 11 AM start. It was already 90 degrees and the sun was strong, but this race isn’t called Tough Mountain for nothing. We were ready!
Or were we?!
While we waited, we watched the other racers start and finish the race.
We saw water, mud, torn clothes, scratches, bruises, and even a few drops of blood. But more importantly, we saw smiles. Every finisher looked like they had the time of their life on that mountain.
Let’s move mountains!
And we’re off!
The gun sounded and the scene turned into a blur of water, mud, and crazy. Lots of crazy!
My brother and I made a pact to stick together. He blazed the trail, conquering each obstacle and giving me pointers along the way. I may have done a full-force face plant off a ten foot wall. I’ve never been so grateful for a pile of mulch. Minor mishap. We forged on.
Jon was a champ!
Most of the 3.1 mile course wound through the woodsy mountainside. The course, mostly uphill, required us to navigate up muddy ravines, tromp through rocky streams, and climb walls using rocks, roots, and ropes. We also had to cross the river, crawl through large pipes, and hop between tires and nets.
I knew this race would be a challenge, but I never knew just how challenging it could be. Running was really a minor detail. It was all about strength, agility, and determination. We had to move slow to avoid falling or breaking a leg. Each element was different and required intense concentration. Racers stuck together, encouraging each other along the way.
56 minutes later…
Done and done!
We eat mountains for breakfast. Intense.
We were covered in mud, sweat, and maybe even a few souvenir scratches.
There are also plenty of stories and memories from the day. Tough Mountain 2012, we’re comin’ for ya!
And we’re bringing friends. Be ready!
Have you ever completed an adventure race? And the bigger question…are you in?! I wrote this post at Sean’s house (thanks for your internet!) and you can bet he’s on my 2012 team. Good times, my friends.
