We had an awesome time for the Warrior Dash in Mt. Morris Michigan on Sunday July 31, 2011!  I will say off the bat that the crew and volunteers that put these events together do a top notch job.  Everything went smooth and the atmosphere was amazing. Considering how many people participate. In Michigan alone for the 2 days was 24,941.  2nd largest so far for all of their events up to date.  That is amazing. Each wave that went out every 1/2 hour consisted of 600 crazy and eager runners, adrenaline junkies, housewives, husbands, and all walks of life.

Final time: 39 Minutes 51 seconds.
Standings: 181 out of 715 Age group (35-39), 1830 out of 9774 overall for Sunday event.

There were 12 obstacles in the Michigan event.  The distance for the MI event was a 5k, aka. 3.10 miles.   Looks like this may vary depending on what the course looks like @ each event.

Some of the obstacles include names such as, Road Rage, Dead Weight Drifter, Blackout, Warrior Roast and Muddy Mayhem.

Each obstacle presented a different challenge that we as individuals must endure to overcome.  It’s a great concept. Other than the fun factor, this is a great way for people to break through those obstacles in life, face their fears and get outside that comfort zone! Love it.

Arrived around 10am with the family. the moment you make your way into the area, you can feel the energy levels running high throughout.  The band jamming, the announcer firing up the runners at the start line, the spectators cheering on the warriors as they come through the final 3 obstacles of the course.  I’m just thinking yikes, what am I getting myself into as I see all these people passing me covered in total mud and dirt, but the best part was that everyone single one of them had this HUGE smile on their faces.  As if to say, I’ve just accomplished something amazing. And I would soon find out myself that enjoyment.

So we met up with a few friend and his entourage that had done the run prior to us.  Got a few tidbits of info from after after I got my race packet.  Also met up with my Buddy Sam.  We decided to undertake this journey a few months back.  Hung out, enjoyed the atmosphere some more, watched some folks finish and decided it was time to line up at the start.  Gave the family some hugs and kisses as we made our way over.  We worked our way to the front since I heard a lot about backup’s at the obstacles. We didn’t want to have that be an additional ‘obstacle’ to making a decent time.  We were there for the challenge and fun, but still wanted to push ourselves.

The announcer began the 10 second countdown and we were off to fire blowing out the top of the start gate. Sam stuck around with me for a couple minutes the beginning, but he quickly picked up his pace (I think it might have had to do w/ a certain pretty girl that passed us).  I stuck to my current pace and let him go.  Continued going and took each obstacle at a time while enduring the heat.  That was probably my biggest nemesis overall.  On top of not having any clue what my pace was during the open stretches.  I’m a morning or evening runner that doesn’t spent a whole lot of time running in the hot hours of the day. So it was a bit different for me.  But the one thing that I did find out about myself, is that I enjoyed the trail running.  I found that to really add some fun to running overall.  Each obstacle was fun to size up as I was approaching it. I had been watching YouTube video’s and the walk through of the course prior to that day to get a feel for things, but still doesn’t compare to when your there in the thick of things.  As you approach it your thinking, ok, how is someone else doing it and is it effective. Am I going to be able to conquer this and not flop.   So you take it one obstacle at at time and enjoy the experience. 

In the end all I know is that the obstacles were fun, challenging, the mud was cold and dirty and loved every minute of it.  I highly recommend everyone to get outside their comfort zones and do something like this.  I saw all kinds of people out there.  From the fit to the way out of shape. But did it stop them? no.  It may have taken some folks 2 hours to complete it, but they didn’t give up. that is what it is about. Well, the free beer in the end might of helped some as well. 

A group of us that is growing daily has already signed up for next years Michigan event.  We will be doing the Saturday July 28th, 2012  9:00AM time slot. I’m looking forward to getting even muddier than this year. And maybe, I’ll be daring enough to do a cannonball like my son requested this year. hehe.  It was an awesome atmosphere, great friends and family there cheering us on.  Can’t wait!  The wife is joining in the fun next year which I am totally excited to see.  I know she can do it.  She is inspired, motivated and looking forward to breaking out of her comfort zone! 

Are you ready to try something new?

Decide.Commit.Succeed!