The Way of the Warrior

On Saturday, I ran in the Warrior Dash Carolinas event just outside Charlotte. Follow the link for details, but the short version is that it's a 5K foot race with various obstacles in the way. Obstacles range from "walk over this 6" beam that changes in altitude" to "wade through this sewage-runoff pond climbing over logs in the water". 

Thanks to the hurricane churning off the coast, the 10:30 wave of runners (mine) was gifted with an awesome day: sun, a good breeze, and temps in the mid 80s I'd estimate. I had no delusions of finishing the race in anything resembling a competitive time; my goal was simply to cross the finish line under my own power, and I'm happy to report that I did. I have the medallion, pictures, and friends that also raced with me to prove it.

I came away with several things, both physical and not. My knees are torn all to hell from all of the crawling through mud, darkness, and rope. Just superficial scratches really, but the kind that don't quite scab over completely and just burn whenever anything touches them (including things like WIND). I've also got a nice lobstery tan on my arms and face from the post-race concert. Every muscle in my lower half is sore to the point that I can only lift myself about 2" off the ground using my calves.

Nonphysically, I feel victory. I did it. I also feel an addiction: next year, I'm running the thing to actually compete.

Pants, part 2

Again, no concrete values, but pants are falling off...more. Something's working.