The race was great - somewhere between three and four miles... tough challenges but not impossible. The recent rain made the trail runs very swampy, and the mud elements very muddy! It was a beautiful day.
The highlight however was the 25 foot jump off the platform into the lake. For me, I look forward to this element at every race. I tend to really enjoy the elements where gravity works in my favor! This however was a little different because Katina was, well, terrified. She hates heights, and she doesn't swim. She cowered at edge of the platform for almost fifteen minutes with me treading water below, frozen in what had to be the worlds longest squat. As the tears streamed down her face and her legs shook (somewhat from the fear and most likely more from the squatting) a crowd of strangers formed both in the water and around her on the platform shouting "come on Katina you can do it!"
Finally she did, and as the lifeguard (who I found on Instagram later @alanforehand, seems like a cool guy) pulled her up by her ankle and threw her on his board, from where she crawled on my back - she her tears of fear turned to tears of joy. Once on land she threw her arms around me and said "I am so happy I did it".
Ironically, this victory turned her into a Drill Sargent and she hollered at Dana and I the rest of the way to hurry up as she ran through the mud that had previously made her nervous and hurdled walls that before she doubted she could get past.
This is what these challenge races are about. Digging deep, pushing your limits, and getting really really dirty with friends in ways you never imagined. This wasn't my first mud run, I have previously done Tough Mudder and Savage Race, I plan to write about those another day. Each race is unique and leaves me wanting the experience again.
We have already started a new team for the next race under "Roc'N 40 in 40" - You are welcome to join us! They have an AMAZING deal for the next week (Until May 18) - $35 off with the code roc35 - it is only $38.50 with this code INCLUDING insurance and processing, and if you have run any of these races you know that is an amazing deal! Click here and join our team! #FLROC