This Girl is on Fire

Last year my aunt,  younger sister, and I participated in the Warrior Dash.  I was not sure what to expect.  We had a great time and vowed to do it again.  Fast forward many months and my aunt was all over making sure we signed up for the run again.  My aunt, Eileen, was not messing around.  She helped coordinate matching outfits for us this year.  While flames and bright orange aren't really my thing, it somehow felt appropriate.

Come race day, I was ready.

 I look like the biggest dork.

The flames were kind of awesome.  People definitely took notice.  At one point during the race, another participant saw us and said, "Oh!  Are you the guys with the flames?"  Apparently, word had gotten around about us.  

The race felt easier this year.  It was a little less hot, a little less dusty.  Sally's physical health was better so we were able to run the entire 1st mile (first mile lacks obstacles).  I love how encouraging everyone is during the race.  We saw a girl confront her fear of heights.  A volunteer even climbed up to help her.  We stayed and cheered her on while her whole body shook.  Once she made it we congratulated her and then continued on our way.

Once we got muddy, we got really muddy. Posing after many wet or dirty obstacles, but pre-mudpit action.

Crawling under barbed wire and through the mud.

Post mud swamp creatures.

After hosing off, we celebrated with our complimentary beer.  I am trying really hard to learn to like beer.  I tried the Shocktop honeycrisp wheat beer.  It was pretty awesome.  I may learn to like beer yet!

 Sally's boyfriend accompanied us and was there to take photos.

Our final act before leaving was to capture a picture of my aunt, Eileen, during a head stand in front of the warrior dash statue.  She is kind of my hero.

I took the longest shower when I got home.  My legs are covered in bruises and I was sore for a day. I was reminded that it really isn't enough to do cardio.  You have to do strength training. I need to stop paying lip service and just do it.  Next year my goal is to be less sore all over.  Cuts and bruises are cool.  Glory is forever.