The last obstacle: ElectroShock Therapy
This past mother's day, I participated in Tough Mudder Toronto, a 16 km obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test your strength, stamina and determination. In my lifetime, I've run 2 full marathons and 3 half marathons. I have camped in the Australian outback and climbed a glacier in Argentina. I'm in (relatively) good shape but nothing could have prepared me for this. Yes, instead of being pampered by Pickle on a day dedicated to me, I decided to endure a process almost as difficult as labour....thankfully there was no snow or mud in the delivery room but I digress...
On May 12, I woke up at 5:30 am and drove with my teammates to Mount St. Louis Moonstone. Everyone, was feverishly checking our smart phones to see the temperature. After a week of warm 20 C degree weather in Toronto, we hit a cold spell....a really cold spell. It was 5 C degrees and snow was beginning to fall.
Three and a half hours and 20 obstacles later, I crossed the finish line all in one piece. Three things helped me get through the race: 1. Layers.I wore three layers on top as well as long running pants on my legs. I kept me hat dry through out the challenges. Whenever I was completing a water osbtacle, I had a team mate hold it. Although I was still frozen at the end of the day, I think it kept me from getting hypothermia. 2. Igorance & Determination. Yes, ignorance is bliss! My motto was "Just keep moving" so that my muscles wouldn't seize up. Since I had no idea what to expect, I was able to push through the elements and pain. 3. Team mates. Serioulsy, I couldn't have hoisted my butt over large "Berlin Walls" if my life depended on it, especially 9 km into the race. It also helped that the other participants were friendly.
My coworkers asked me if I would do it again. Last Monday, I was in such shock, I would have responded "Absolutely not". Now, after a week has past, I am not ruling it out. I would highly recommend Tough Mudder to anyone if you are someone who is up for a challenge, enjoys commaredire and doesn't mind getting muddy. Throwing yourself into an ice bath or climbing over large wooden structures is . Mental grit also goes a long way.
Done and Done






