Rugged Maniac

Remember when you were a kid and instead of taking stairs you would rather climb and a ledge or jump off of it? Saw a fallen tree and had to try to balance on it? Remember the last time you tried the monkey bars? You think you can still do them? Might as well find out.

Earlier this summer, I participated in the Rugged Maniac obstacle run. This was my third time doing this one, and sixth time doing an event like this. The wifey and I do it every year and try to recruit more and more people to come with us. This year we dragged her sister out and some of my wife's co-workers.

For those who's never done one, I recommend trying one. I know what you're thinking, "I'm not fit/strong enough,"  "I have to get in shape first," or "it's too hard." Or something towards that nature. Before my first time, I  thought those tings too.

There are many kinds of events out there that vary in length, obstacles, and difficulty levels. Sure there are ones where the obstacles are more challenging. One where if you don't complete one they make you do push ups or jumping jacks as a punishment. But most of time, if you can't do it, you can bypass it and on the next one. I suggest you at least try the obstacle out first. I guarantee you that you'll surprise yourself with some of the things you'll be doing.

The two reasons I decided to start doing these obstacle runs were

1) it gave me an extra motivation to get in shape. When exercising regularly, sometimes you can get bored, so I gave myself a short term goal. Knowing that I had to build my endurance to get through the course and strength to get through the obstacles, helped me push harder in my workouts. Gave a sense of purpose when I was in the gym.

2) I just wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see what I was still capable of. Sounds weird because I'm only 37, but when you get older, you seem to take the easy route, the less challenging route when it comes to doing anything physical.

If you need some motivation, check out the video on the Rugged Maniac website. That'll sure to get you pumped, or scared. Hopefully pumped tho. haha. Like I said, there are many different ones around you.

Ya, you're going to be challenged, you're going to be tired, sore, wet, and muddy. But in the end, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment, you'll be proud of yourself and happy that you did it.

Promise. :)