How It All Got Started

I have been asked many times how I got the idea to train for all of these crazy races. When I look back at everything I don't know how crazy it actually was though or even that surprising.

In college I had wanted to start running but I always had an excuse for why I was too busy or had something "more interesting" to do. Secretly I was always envious of the joggers I'd see around campus and wanted to join in the fun.

After I started working I learned the true meaning of busy. With my 80-90 hour work weeks it didn't take long before I felt like work was consuming my entire life. I needed something for myself again. I needed something to make me proud of me...not of proud of my work, or proud of my belongings...just me. I realized running was what I was going to use to accomplish this.

Why running? Well aside from the obvious health benefits, there is the endorphines it gives you to help you smile through even the toughest of days, the toning to look gorgeous in all my business suits, the challenge, and most importantly, the feeling of accomplishment which no other activity has other given me.

Why an obstacle course? I quickly realized that just telling myself I'd start running wasn't enough to get me out there. There needed to be a deadline...a goal. I needed something that would force me to reach a certain point. That's when my friends got involved and started suggesting different races.

A 5k? Eh...30 minute race to boost my self esteem? Not quite there. A 10k? Eh...60 minute race to boost my self esteem? Longer, but no dice. How bout a marathon (26.3 miles)? Wooooaahhhh there Nelly!! I haven't started running yet. Let's make sure I can live through a mile. Ok...so I like the distance of a 10k but there has got to be something more challenging than just a run. How about a 10k obstacle course? OMG!!! That's it! It'll add the twist that I need. I will have to train across the board to get into shape for it and it's something not that many people actually have the ability/stamina to do. If I can do this, I know I've made a significant change for the better.

So it was decided, my first race would be the Muddy Buddy Atlanta on June 24, 2007. A 10k obstacle course with running and biking.