Muddy Warrior

Last weekend was the annual Warrior Dash.  My sister, Sally, gets credit for introducing the event to us.  My Aunt Eileen helped us to take it to the next level by convincing us all to wear black flame leggings.  I had to miss last year due to an ear infection with one of the kids.  Despite September being insanely busy, I was not about to miss it again.

The Warrior Dash relocated to Carnation this year.  Not only was it a significantly shorter drive, the race itself was more picturesque.  I didn't necessarily love the amount of uphill, but I did like the fact that much of it was on hiking trails with occasional views of the Snoqualmie Valley.

The weather couldn't make up its mind and moved between overcast and breezy, to sun, to pelting rains, and back.  We laughed and had fun through it all.

This year's team consisted of myself, my aunt, Eileen, and my brother-in-law, Gino.  Our other team members were felled by work commitments, a nasty cold, and pregnancy.

Ready to rumble

The Warrior Roast.  The flames were pretty big this year.

Running like a boss. 

The rains combined with hilly terrain made for an extra muddy, slippery experience.  I watched many people slide down steep hills.  I embraced the salmonberry bushes lining the trails and managed to stay upright.

The final mudpit was serious business.  It was so thick, I felt like Artax in the Swamp of Sadness in the movie, The Neverending Story.

We all three made it out alive, but very muddy.

If you haven't tried the Warrior Dash.  I can't recommend it enough.  You feel like a winner and get a cool hat, all while supporting St. Jude's Hospital.  The only bad part of the whole thing is the cold shower at the end/