I want to take a moment to reflect on this day and the race, what I got out of this experience and where I'd like to go with this gained knowledge...
It started as a "fun idea" over a discussion on new year's eve, with a friend, Rob from the running club. The idea then grew and I found myself forming a team comprised of about a dozen friends. Friends from a combination of my two favorite worlds... The Salt Shaker Running Club and Red Shed CrossFit. It is within these two groups that I have met some of the most amazing, generous, people and have formed some of the best friendships that I will cherish to my last breath on this earth. I digress.
As the date approached and the team grew larger I a lofty goal of creating the largest team. We all reached out to friends who could possibly be interested in this feat of physical fitness.
We had a few training sessions where I pushed them, some to their limits and others just to the point of breaking a sweat. All this time I was training myself, both physically and mentally for this challenge, not only for myself but to be their leader. To be the voice that could persuade someone to push forward in moments that are challenging or filled with self-doubt. During our second training session I broke the group into smaller teams for a team building exercise in addition to a strength workout and a trail run. Everyone finished with smiles and hi-fives. Everyone was hooked on the team aspect of this challenge no matter their level of capability. It was after-all quite a mixed group of runners, crossfitters, and about half a dozen who regularly practice both.
In addition to our organized group training we were no strangers on social media. There it became easy to make new friends with a commonality. Some went outside of their comfort zone and attended classes at each others gyms and planned training runs together. Rob even went as far as researching a "Spartan Training Class" which settled some of nerves. We had a meet and greet or as I prefer to call it a "beer and cheer" because still so many in this group did not know each other... yet.
We ordered team shirts to make our efforts in staying together on the course. Team shirts would enable us to spot each other in the sea of humans, making their way through muddy water, climbing over walls and other tests of agility and strength. In addition to making us feel legit and represent that we are each part of this team.
The few days leading up to the event were so exciting, many friends engaging on the chat thread about everything from where to park, where to meet, what to bring, post race festivities and more! I suggested that we play it by ear, go with the flow, see what happens. There are so many times in life that we plan every moment, I was looking forward to some spontaneous fun with friends.
The day of the race. It was not far from home so we were all able to sleep at our homes and meet in the morning. I woke up early, naturally excited for what we had been looking forward to for weeks, months even. I prepared a healthy breakfast and packed spare clothes, filled with anticipation and excitement. Yet another day of a social media frenzy all connecting, bib numbers, pre-race shenanigans.
We met at the base of South Mountain (a place we frequent for snowboarding) dressed in our team gear excited and nervous with about an hour to start the race. We hung around observing those who were in the earlier heats who had completed their race all filthy and wet with beer in hand and smiles of accomplishment on their faces. It was almost time. We were as ready as we would ever be. Corralled into the start area, DJ playing, hearts pumping and hi-fives chanting "Aroo" and we are off. Initially it was discussed that we try to stick together but it quickly became obvious that it would not be possible. Eventually we ended up into about three groups which worked well for all levels of fitness. We were a team and representing the friendship that grew out of this endeavor.
Overall the race was more challenging for some than others but that's what created such a bond. I don't want to get into the details of the race itself because for me it was not really about that aspect of it. I will share with you some takeaways from the process. Cliche as some may sound I don't really care, so here goes.... challenge yourself, raise your own bar, connect with others, don't be afraid, get out of your own way, stop finding excuses, make shit happen, stay dedicated, appreciate the beauty, make goals, ask questions, drink water, find a community that you believe in and if you can't find one... go build one!
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