The Warrior in You
When I decided to take a break from figure and bikini competitions this year, I knew I wanted to try other fitness challenges to keep the competitive fires burning in me. I’m not sure if I could have picked a more daring event than the Maryland Metro Dash—a day-long run race with an obstacle course of rusted cars, muddy slopes and burning fires that would try even the most fit athlete.
I decided to take the plunge with fellow figure competitor, Carla Machado and her boyfriend a fitness enthusiast, Keith Edelen who are both are avid cyclists and have taken part take in similar events before. I’m glad they were with me—they made my experience even better! Afterall, this is a competition that comes with a warning:
Warrior Dash Obstacles
Completion of all Warrior Dash obstacles may be hazardous. It is the responsibility of the participant to leave the course if they are unable to complete an obstacle. Course officials are stationed at every obstacle for participant safety. It is the responsibility of the participant to notify course officials if the participant feels their safety is in danger or they are injured. Any participant who receives assistance from any spectator or non-competitor on any obstacle shall be ineligible to receive an award.
I was a bit anxious, but excited…Carla told me about her past experiences so I kind of had an idea what to expect.
Although I was doing it for “fun,” that competitive spirit in me also wanted to excel;
I was looking forward to a new challenge and hoping that I could hang tough with some of the more experienced and competitive participants.
For sure, I could have picked an easier race, but I wanted to challenge myself! Then the day of the race dawned and I asked myself: What did I sign up for! I couldn’t help but wonder which obstacle would be the most difficult …crawling through mud, running through chilly water, hurdling over flames, rappelling down steep drops? I couldn’t help but wonder: Is there still time to back out?
I didn’t! In fact, I was one of thousands runners to show up for Maryland’s 2nd Warrior Dash on Saturday, May 21 at Budd’s Creek, in Mechanicsville, MD. At registration, we picked up our packets, including our race bib, chip timer, t-shirt and Warrior helmet (which reminded me of the hats the Grand Poobahs wore in Fred Flintstone’s Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes).
The event was long -running from 7:30 am till almost 6 pm! “The Dash tested every bit of our strength and athleticism. We ran over rusted cars, rappelled down steep ravines, maneuvered up and over huge net walls and giant straw bales and scrambled beneath barbed wire.” By the end, every muscle was sore and I was grateful for all of the strength I’ve built up over the years in the gym and on the track. I needed it all!
The Dash brought out some thrill-seeking athletes and partygoers alike. (During the race, there was water station at half-way point and water and bananas were available at the end of the race. With a nod to the partygoers, after the race, each Warrior (of legal drinking age) receives one free beer. After a couple warrior wounds; scrapes and cuts and a rinse off from big water tank trucks…I saw a pile of shoes…It was cool to see that the Warrior Dash had an area set up for race participants to donate their mud-covered racing shoes to GreenSneakers, a group that recycles them for people in need around the world (hopefully they were powered washed)!
The definition of a warrior:
A person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics (dictionary.com).
I have to say I definitely demonstrated my inner warrior! It was a great bonding experience for everyone who participated! It gave people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels an opportunity to go out and try a new challenge and have fun. With Warrior Dash setting up events in cities across the country, I would highly recommend giving a Warrior Dash a try (check out warriordash.com to find an event near you)!
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