It's Official: I'm a Warrior

It seems like I have been anxiously anticipating the Warrior Dash at Copper Mountain for so long and now it's over. I went, I ran (sort of) and I conquered (I place finishing in this bold category). In short it was an awesome weekend, but that was to be expected. I mean can you really travel to 12,000 feet above sea level to slop through mud and jump over fire and complete the experience without calling it such? Ok, maybe participating in the Warrior Dash isn't for everyone, but attending the celebration definitely is. For the people watchers there were people dressed in costumes from Avatar to Oompa Loompas and everything in between. For the foodies every restaurant at the resort was pumping out delicious food and there were even turkey legs for the true warriors and great beer to wash it all down. And if you got bored watching people throw themselves over fire or dive through mud pits you could watch the band and make new friends. If this doesn't sound like a good time then I really need to reassess my life! But seriously, one of the best parts was that I got to waddle my way through the obstacles with some great friends and my family was on the sidelines every step of the way cheering us on. (And, I can't minimize the long-distance love and support from my boyfriend. His pride for me is amazing and makes me feel so special. Cheesy? Yes. True? Absolutely.)

Not only was this a great day to share with friends and family it was also a chance to prove my inner voice wrong. You know the one (especially if you have ever ran for any length of time at all -- the one that laughs and tells you there's no way you can do this.) As I ran towards the finish line I kept thinking to myself, "if only the third grade version of myself could see me know, how proud she would be." Participating in this freed a little piece of me that I didn't even realize was captured.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me, cheered for me, ran with me, laughed with me or simply thought happy thoughts for me.

So, now the question is, what's next?

She's Like the Wind

In 10 days I hope this is a phrase that can be used to describe me and my friends as we run and trudge through the obstacle course ridden Rockies in our first ever attempt at the Warrior Dash. A year ago I was about 40 pounds heavier, fairly sedentary and could barely run a mile without keeling over. And now with a little less baggage to carry around I am preparing to do one of the most adventurous things of my life, so far. The 3.27 mile run at Copper Mountain includes obstacles like a mud pit, hay bale hill, tunnels, junk cars to climb over, cargo nets, and my personal favorite, a fire pit. Maybe I'm crazy, but this seemed like the perfect challenge to spice up my life and crossing the finish line will not only solidify my place at as an official bad ass, it will also be a great reason to celebrate. And, that's what life's all about,right? Finding reasons everyday to celebrate being alive.

In the last week, as it has truly begun to sink in exactly what I am planning to do, I have been to reflecting on all of the changes that have happened in my life that have allowed me to be brave (or crazy) enough to literally run off the beaten path. Besides the physical changes I think I have become stronger, more confident and more at peace with the world around me. It's amazing what can happen in only a year's time.

Now it's time to stop my day dreaming and kick my butt into gear. With less than two weeks left I have yet to run three miles straight without a break, though I am close. Overall I am prepared but I don't want to just run this thing, I want to conquer it. So, wish me luck and say a little prayer because I will need it!

A Warrior in Training

Last year I challenged myself to complete a 5K run before the end of the year. In early December, dressed in a Santa suit along with thousands of other crazy Las Vegans I obtained my goal. I am naturally an over achiever and would have preferred to have ran the entire 3.1 miles but on that day I was proud that I finished. Since then I have continued working out and have even ran in two other 5K runs. The side benefit to accomplishing my goal is that I have lost 37 pounds since last August. And let me just say, there is no motivation like being able to fit into your skinny jeans fresh out of the dryer without even having to lay on the floor or jump up and down and do the tight pants dance!

I guess you could say that running 5Ks is my gateway sport! So, with my new found confidence in my athletic abilities I have been looking for new challenges to help me continue to lose weight but also (and more importantly) because I truly have enjoyed pushing myself to a new level. A few weeks ago one of my friends, who has also recently been searching for ways to pursue a healthier more balanced life, sent me a link for the Warrior Dash. I was hooked instantly. This is just what I need. The Warrior Dash is a 3.27 mile obstacle course that will test the fittest of athletes endurance and sense of adventure.From running to jumping through tires and climbing up ropes and over old cars and even jumping over fire,  there's very little the event creators left out. Each participant also receives a Viking helmet and a beer after completing the race. What more could I ask for, right? The best part is that there is Warrior Dash in my home state of Colorado this August. Perfect timing.

Today I  registered for the event and have declared myself a warrior in training. My friends think I'm crazy, but what's the point in living this life if we can't push the limits once in a while?