A full tablespoon of adrenaline was released into my system when it finally hit me. This was my favorite race, and this morning it was taking place. My Mom, Step-dad, and I got in the car and headed to southern California's very own military base. When I got there, I frantically searched for my cross-country friends, Mady and Jordan who claimed that they were running the race too. As i made my way to the start line (which was really crowded and about 100m long-jammed to the start-already) I saw my friend Jordan waving his arms and calling my name. He was so far up to the start, so there was no point in trying to reach him or get close enough to have a conversation, but i was happy because i at least got to see him. There was, however no sign of my best friend, Mady.
I started out so far back behind the start line with all the other slowies/walkers because i promised my mom that i would run it with her. The difference between where you start is huge. If you start where i started, then you face many delays due to crowds and walkers, and the infamous bottle-nose effect where too many people try to get through a small opening at the same time. This was the basic consistency of my race, but i was happy because i was running, getting dirty, with family, and the very noble, sturdy, and handsome men that serve our country were abundant in sight.
The race was primarily centered around mud, hence it's name. Marines were at the top of every dirt hill, squirting us with fire hoses, we climbed through tunnels, swam through lakes, and ran some very steep hills. I smirked a proud little smirk to myself as i became appreciative of the many mount sac repeats up hills i had done with my cross-country team, as i ran past everyone walking up the hill. It felt good. I felt strong. I'm not used to that feeling, since I'm always surrounded by amazingly gifted runners like Carmille Garcia and Lauren Erickson in practice. But that's the feeling you get when you start out in the back. It's refreshing to see and feel how strong you really are without comparing yourself to the gifted and talented.
Then came my 2 favorite parts- the swim across the huge stagnant lake & the hugs. It was so refreshing to rinse off after climbing walls and crawling through mud tunnels. And my all time favorite part, hugging the marines on the side of the course. It is great to see their faces as you come running, dripping in mud, with arms wide open. Most just smile and embraced me back, but a few sour fellows went "oh!" and barely tapped me on the back. It is oh-so-very worth the huge embarrassment to hug every other marine, and say to them, "Thank you for your service" and hear them say back, "You are very welcome, ma'am." It just let me take a peek into some of the bravest, most noble souls in America, and made me want to become a marine as well. That is, until my mom abruptly crushed all my hopes and dreams and said, "NO!" But I imagine I'd say that to my 15-year-old daughter, too.
All in all - The World Famous Mud Run is one to be remembered and is my favorite race for many reasons. I look forward to running it every year i can possibly make it, and i enjoy making a contribution to our very own marine corps. If you're up for a down and dirty good-'ol time, feeling patriotic, and have some free time - sign up for the mud run next year.
It's well worth it.
Thanks, mom for getting me into it, love you<33>
