Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint.

While many of my inspiring friends were in Vermont taking on the Beast and the Ultra Beast this weekend, I was in North Carolina taking on the Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint with a very special group that I am extremely happy and honored to be a part of.

Waking up at 5 AM is a ritual most of us OCR (obstacle course race) junkies do on Saturdays. But this Saturday was different. This Saturday, I knew I was about to embark on a special kind of 5.4 mile journey. After parking, I signed a death waiver, like every race weekend. Ok, I have at least 150 burpees if I miss the spear throw and plenty of attempting to “run” uphill with my Florida legs. I do this before every Spartan Race out of Florida.

   It was almost time to run! Adrenaline went through my chest, down to my finger tips and through my legs as I jumped up and down preparing for my burpees. AROO AROO AROO GOOOOOO!!!!  The 8 AM wave starts! One thing I loved about the beginning of this Spartan Race is short distance we had to run before the first obstacle to separate the fast and the not so fast runners. This was a fantastic idea to try to eliminate back ups! Good job Spartan! The course was pretty flat considering it was in North Carolina. The biggest hill was at the sandbag carry but it still wasn’t the normal hell that we all expect from Spartan.

I was happy with my 14th Place Female finish and with STICKING THE SPEAR THROW (seriously, one of the best moments of my life) but this post is not about me or about the race itself. It is about the people I ran with for my second lap. 170+ people strong, we walked two by two behind the color guard and Masked Athlete Team (M.A.T) to the start line hearing people shout OEW! OEW! USA! USA! The people I walked to the start line with are all supporters and/or part of an organization called Operation Enduring Warrior. This team does not only consist of active military and veterans, but also adaptive athletes. Working as a team, the M.A.T helped the adaptive athletes over walls, through mud, under barbed wire and even up a rope as the rest of the team helped each other as well as other Spartan racers through the course. Carrying an American flag high throughout the course, cheers from volunteers (which were great at this race), racers and team
members gave me goosebumps. Part of the team ran ahead to let the M.A.T know what was coming and made sure the team had enough water in their hydration packs. Part of the team stayed at the end of the group making sure everyone stayed together,. As we waited for the rest of the team to catch up to each obstacle, people shouted to ensure everyone on the team had enough food and water and gave what they could out of their packs if needed.

As we were nearing the finish, I heard the DJ let spectators know we were coming to the finish line. I saw everyone waiting and heard everyone cheering us on. This was the first time I have run with OEW and I was wondering how they would get some of the adaptive athletes up the rope climb. The M.A.T climbed the rope and made a harness for the athletes! This was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. (yes, I am tearing up as I write this.). It was the end. As the athletes and M.A.T conquered the last obstacle, hugs and tears were shared watching this amazing team that I am lucky enough to be a part of conquering something that some people wouldn’t even think of doing, especially if they are missing a limb. Seeing and hearing so many people shout and jump when the American flag was displayed for everyone on top of the
rope climb obstacle was nothing short of amazing. This goes to show, people are good. People are helpful. People will help if you reach out.
People are inspiring. Don’t ever think you can’t do anything. If you can’t do it yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is always someone who will help you! All you have to do is take the first step!

Not only is OEW veteran operated, but it is also a non-profit whose mission is to “Honor, Empower and Motivate wounded service members through physical, mental and emotional  rehabilitative cycle modeled for overcoming adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork and perseverance.”

 I am honored to be a community ambassador for OEW.

Please click HERE to help me reach my goal of $500 for Operation Enduring Warrior.

Regiment Running: Interview with Neil Murphy

          As I was out and about, meeting new people and seeing familiar faces at Savage Race last weekend, I saw a black flag with a red R logo flying through the air at the starting line.   The flag was held by a member of Team Regiment as well as tires around the necks and on the shoulders of other team members.I have seen this flag at several obstacle course races and had to catch up with Neil Murphy.  Neil  is the co-founder of Team Regiment and has been hosting events called the T3 since forming Regiment Running with his partner.  I had the opportunity of interviewing Neil after Savage Race about Team Regiment and the T3 hosted through Regiment Running.

 

 

What is Regiment Running and what is your involvement?

“If MudRunFun is the nation, team regiment is a state in that nation.  We consider ourselves part of team MRF but our team has a very unique personality.  We pride ourselves in running multiple laps of OCRs, and carrying heavy things through those events as well.  We do this because we believe that our actions can inspire others to push themselves a little further, because who wants to be beaten by the guy carrying a tire?  Overall, I’d say that our team’s personality is about 60% OCR, and 40% rucking.”

“I am the co-founder of Team Regiment. I help organize and run our Tough Training Trials (T3) events, where our team’s elites are born.  Aside from that, my involvement in the team is the same as everybody else’s – I go to OCR/Ruck events and have a good time!”

 

How did you come up with your logo?

“We wanted to keep it simple.  The two colors of red and black represent mud and blood – the two things you’ll encounter during an OCR.  The R is also represents a simplified representation of a faster runner leading and inspiring the person behind them.  It’s a simple design that’s a tip o’ the hat to the phrase of “less is more”.”

 

What is the T3 and what does it stand for?

“The T3 is an abbreviation for the Tough Training Trials (T3, get it?  Hah!)  To help our teammates progress in their goals, we set up a fun ranking system to celebrate the milestones that people accomplish.  The highest ranking of elite can only be obtained by enduring the 12+ hour 17+ mile T3.  Think of the T3 as the ‘sampler dish’ of all endurance events.”

“The thing about the T3 is that it’s designed to push you to your limit as each lap progresses.  Lap 0 is an eye-opening PT session from hell, where Lap 1 saps away your strength, Lap 2 wipes out your endurance (this is where the long run occurs), Lap 3 forces you to work together because by that point you will fail otherwise.  Lap 4 is designed to attack the last line of defense you have – your mind.  For many, finishing the T3 is the final check in the box for people to confirm that they’re ready for the big events out there such as the Ultrabeast, GORUCK Challenge, Spartan Hurricane Heats and more.”

 

How did you come up with the idea of the T3?

“Training.  As silly as it sounds, Ben (the other co-founder) and I were scared of our first Tough Mudder, so we took our weekly training sessions and mashed it into one all-day long event to simulate the stress we thought our bodies would encounter at the Tough Mudder.  Months later, we finished our Tough Mudder like it was the easiest challenge ever!  As it turns out… our tough training trials were much, much harder than the big scary Tough Mudder.  This was a big deal, because that told us that we just might have what it takes to bring our skill to the next level.  As a weak fella who couldn’t run a half mile without having to stop to rest, it was an eye-opening experience that led me further down the rabbit hole of OCR.”

 

 

How should someone train for a T3?

“It’s all mental.  Get used to doing something for 10+ hours.  You cannot build a reputation on what you’re going to do, so focus on your current task and stay positive.  As soon as you let negativity creep into your psyche it will devour you without mercy. “

 

What kind of shoes should someone wear to T3?

“It depends.  Some people prefer the more rugged ruck-friendly shoes.  Use something that can go nonstop for 10+ hours and not mangle up your feet that bad.  Personally, I like the lightweight Adidas ClimaCools.”

What other items should someone bring to a T3?

“Aside from your bricks and ruck, you won’t have to bring much really.  All hydration and snacks are provided by the cadre and are given to you after every lap is complete.  Just wear something to get wet and dirty in.  Sometimes we’ll have T3 pre-game challenges just to gut-check everybody in the class.  One time they had to bring specific colored 6 sided dice as well as a 15.5” strip of duct tape that listed the names and ages of the class.”

 

What are the benefits of completing the T3?

“I can’t tell you that.  Each person experiences something different when they attempt the T3.  There is a big myth that to complete the T3 you have to be a champion at everything and that you podium every event.  Although some elites do podium events, the reality of the T3 is that a champion isn’t created atop a podium – it’s created from within.”

 

Is there anyone that has done the T3 more than once?

“Absolutely!  Of our elites, about 50% of them returned to another T3 for ‘continuous learning’.  It also helps to note that if you do more than one T3, you can qualify to be the cadre for future T3s.  Our St. Augustine T3 was evident of that rule after they had to carry Ortega’s (another team Regiment member) balls!”

 

How has regiment running helped you?

“It got me off the couch and changed my perspective in life!  I was never an athletic person before, and I had a dismal outlook on humanity.  After realizing I’m a total downer to the people who know me and after seeing the scale read 205, I saw an ad for the Warrior Dash back in 2010.  It was time to step out of my comfort zone!  I rallied my friends to get together and train for this event, but the ten who wanted to train dwindled down to just two when it was showtime.  We called this un-dedicated and disjointed group of people “The Regiment”.  Seeing that we’ve got 250+ people in the group now, it’s helped inspire me to continue my training and inspire others to go through the same transformation that I’ve experienced.  Team Regiment has helped me out of a depressive funk that was dragging others down and changed the way I view others.”

 

When is the next regiment event and how does someone join the events?

“The next T3 will be sometime in the mid-summer, but we have plenty of other events!  Here is our breakdown of training events –“

T1 (Training) – every M/W/F at 5pm

T2 (Tough Training) – usually a week before or after a T3

T3 (Tough Training Trials) – Once every 3-4 months

 

 

There ya have it! Check out Regiment Running to see videos, reviews, photos and when you can register for the next T3! Completing a T3 will not only be a great accomplishment but you will also meet other awesome people that just want to train and have a good time! Maybe you can even be the one holding the flag at the starting line at your next race!

 

 

 

Spartan Race Workout 1-11-2014

               Jan 11^th, 2014. The perfect day for 300 burpees and what felt like forever planks. It was 7:00 am when I walked to the registration table to volunteer. People in workout gear were lining up getting ready for the intense Spartan Race two-hour workout. Some came to the table in sports bras and Spartan headbands from previous races; others in t-shirts and workout pants anticipating a new type of workout. Everyone was equally excited to have the opportunity to complete an intense workout with the #1 MMA Welterwight Contender, Johny Hendricks and the Special Forces team in Tampa, Florida.

                The day started with plenty of jumping jacks for a warm up. The track around the football field was not just for the running that the workout participants were about to do; it was also for tire flips and climbing over a wall in between the running.  As I watched everyone do burpees, crab walks and bear crawls down the entire football field, I decided to try a tire flip that was set up. I was in jeans and ripped my pants! (It was worth it and I am a Spartan, so it’s all good!). Others were doing the tire flip during water breaks. One of the guys did over 150 tire flips! People were taking pictures with the fighters from the UFC Gym from Clearwater, Florida. Although this workout was a tiring one, everyone was having great time. There were people from all over the Tampa Bay area in one place. Some people even brought their kids!

Fifteen minutes before the end of the workout, I was asked to sing the National Anthem when the workout was completed. Honored to sing for our country through Spartan Race, I watched the workout from the top of the bleachers and finally met Joe DeSena, the founder of Spartan Race in person. It was an interesting feeling. It was an almost star-struck feeling. As I watched the tired new Spartans do their last ten burpees that were a reward for finishing the workout, I took a swig of water and received the microphone. As I sang the anthem, I can see the people that Spartan Race has united below, listening. In those moments of my life, I realized what Spartan Race has done. They have united so many people that might have never been united before. The applause came and Joe spoke about how we all need to work together to bring more people to these awesome events!

I have completed several Spartan races and also broke my toe during my Trifecta race at the Carolina Beast, Spartan Race’s 13+ mile obstacle course event. Have I known the culture and what Spartan Race was really all about, I would have gotten to more races. Speaking with and listening to Joe, I realized that it isn’t about the money and the profit that Spartan Race brings in. It is about ripping people off of their couches and giving people the experience of a life time. It’s about family, friendship and fitness. It’s about being part of a community that cares about one another and does it for the love of self and others. Becoming a Spartan is not about how big your arms are or about having a six pack. Becoming a Spartan is about doing something that you never thought you could. Something that in your mind, was impossible, becoming possible which in turn makes you into a better person. A person that made “impossible” possible. A fighter. A Spartan! AROO!

Feature of the Week: Mike Nelson!

This Week’s Feature of the Week is dedicated to Mike Nelson. He is the founder for The Strawberry Distance Challenge, the Creator and Race Director of MudTitan and MudSlayers and the COO of The Youth Alliance. (Websites are all below)    

A Man with a Vision

Working for Winn Dixie for 21 years, Mike Nelson decided to do something that meant more to him with his life. He became a youth pastor. For 17 years, he has dedicated his life to the youth by becoming a youth pastor and then by becoming the COO of the Youth Alliance, a “non-profit organization that impacts the lives of youth, families and communities across the country,” (Youth Alliance) was one of Mike’s most impactful moments in his life. The Youth Alliance (TYA) brings customized programs across the globe with the purpose of uniting families, schools, agencies to empower and encourage youth. 

For seven years, Mike has been organizing street races. The Strawberry Distance Challenge in Plant City is a 1 mile/5k/8k road race that has been growing every year since. Working with lifelong runner Brue Baerwalde, this race has become a very popular race in Plant City. Looking for bigger challenges in events, he began looking into the Mud Run world. Intrigued by the idea of Obstacle Races, he studied and formed ideas for well over a year.The names of the races, how to construct the obstacles and how to make his races unique to plenty of time and planning.

 

He’s a Natural

Life experiences made the transition from road races to the OCR world go smooth. Building houses made the building of the obstacles easier.The good thing about the obstacles for MudSlayers and the MudTitan, is that participants have a guarantee that they are constructed well! Considering that Mike has been a high school football coach for years helped him understand some of the aspects of the obstacles and mass amount of people running through them

As an old boss used to say, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” and forming Mud Runs and OCRs are no different! Mike and his friend Ken Winter do almost all of the buildin and Mike’s wife of 31 years ensures that registration goes smoothly. She also works out all o the details!

 

A Bit about the Races:

                             The goal for The MudTitan and MudSlayers is to stay within the 3-4 mile length with 30 well-diversified obstacles. The main focus is to perfect the brand and their signature obstacles before anything else. Success for MudSlayers and              The MudTitan is to ensure that everyone has a great time with a well-designed course, well-built obstacles and their awesome volunteers! These races are not only fun, but they support an amazing anti-bully program called The Youth Alliance. These races will continue to stand strong in hopes that not only racers and spectators having a good experience but also to keep The Youth Alliance going! Hoping to continue to expand, Mike and his team have six races on the books for 2014!

https://www.facebook.com/AreYouMudcrazy

Go here for discounts to the MUDTITAN and MUDSLAYERS!

For more information on the races and the charity please click these links!

http://www.strawberrydistancechallenge.com/

 http://theyouthalliance.com/

http://www.themudtitan.com/

http://www.mudslayers.com/

Can I Get a Break in a Non Literal Sense?

This upcoming week will be week number four that I have had my broken toe. I stubbed it somewhere around mile four at the Carolina Spartan Beast. I knew I did something to it so I sat down mid course.  I was asked if I was alright several times by passer bys and a few Cornfed Spartans and I told them I was fine, just stubbed my toe. I have never broken anything in my life  so I didn’t know it was broken. It may have been “only a toe” to some people, but geeze it really hurt. I continued to finish the race so that I can get my Trifecta medal. It was freezing so the next 10 miles my feet were numb and I couldn’t feel anything below my waste anyway.

By the end of the race, I was shivering uncontrollably with my foot and leg swollen. I decided to go to the medic tent. The medic played with my toe for a bit and I couldn’t feel it and confirmed that it was broken. He, then, wrapped me up with a piece of card board from a juice box container (creativity is the key here), some medical  tape and sent me on my way back to where we were camping. Since then I have seen a doctor and I was told I couldn’t run because it was broken and my heart sunk. Knowing that I was missing Superhero Scramble, Hogwild Ugly sweater, The first two races of the Run in the Wild series and Mudtitan made me feel like the world was going to end.

This is not the first time that I have injured myself in the past two years of becoming active. It turns out that without training and then doing races every weekend causes injuries for me. I tore my meniscus at the first half marathon I have ever done. I cried when the doctor told me I couldn’t run. I finally started to enjoy running and then I get news that I will not be able to for 2 months.  After that healed up and I had to hate running again, I decided to do a squat challenge. This caused me a hip injury. It was hurt a bit and then I did an 8 miler in May this year and I have not been able to get my hip to heal since then. It hurts all day and all night. I did get an MRI but nope. They didn’t see a thing.

Those are the major injuries that I am dealing with at this moment. I can say a few things though. I am happy that I have my toes. I am happy that I can say that it hurts when I walk rather than in a wheel chair. I am lucky to have my limbs. I see plenty of people without these things doing mudruns and it is astonishing to see. The way everyone helps each other within our community could not be better. To say that someone can’t do these things because of age or weight is not an option. People can do what they choose to do. Don’t ever give up on things because of what you THINK you can’t do. Minds have a way of tricking us into thinking that we cannot do something but when you do that thing and succeed, it is the most amazing feeling imaginable!

How I got started

Growing up, I never was that kid playing sports or the kid bringing home soccer trophies all the time. I was just a normal kid, living life and hanging out with my friends. I was the chubby tall girl that had her own group of friends in Elementary school and Middle school. The kid that never wanted to wear a bathing suit in front of anyone. In High school, I didn’t play sports. I stuck to my three best friends and my boyfriend. I wore big baggy jeans with straps on them, t-shirts from Spencers and Hot Topic and mostly kept to myself.

It wasn’t until a friend of mine asked me to run a half-marathon two years ago that I even thought about running. She does marathons and runs for someone that has passed. I decided to give it a go! I started training to get ready for the St Pete Rock and Roll Half Marathon. Long Story short, she came down from New York to run it with me and although I tore my meniscus (My first injury in my life) in mile eight, tears came pouring down as I finished my first half marathon with a pace of 12:30. I was proud of what I have done and decided that putting a 13.1 sticker on my car was an Amazing accomplishment. I had a great time with that race, but I think I will stick to mudruns. 😉

Now, mudruns came about a little differently. I was working for a company that encourages team outings and team building events. One of my supervisors (Who now does announcing at several events) asked me if I would go to a Mud Run. When I heard of what exactly it was, I was a little scared but thought, “What the hell, let’s do it!” I went with one of my employees. My first mud run was Highlander and I walked the entire thing. I was fearless. Jumping, climbing, swimming and loving everything about this event. I enjoyed every second of it. When I came home that afternoon, I decided to look up these mudruns. I found a group of about 15 people called MUDRUNFUN. I was invited by a an funny woman named Rita. She, then, invited me to a race called Savage Race. I was lucky enough to start out with such great races to keep my interest. If you know me, you know that is hard to do. I am in a world that I love and it’s all thanks to the people I have met throughout the process.  I met Damion and Tracy (the mom and dad of MRF), Troy, Joselito and Deater at Savage race and instantly fell in love with them.

Ever since that second race, I have been hooked and if I wasn’t always injured, I would do every single one! I have completed over 50 of them and wouldn’t change it for the world. I am happy that I have found everything that I have found within this past year and hope that the good mud runs will stick around and keep me on my toes & in the mud!