Girl + Mud = Mudderella

I have received free admission to this event – the opinions are my own.

Did you finish the 2nd season of the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black? It’s been a bit of an addiction in house. I recently discovered that this the kind of show guys don’t understand, because it’s written by women, about women (duh), and for women. That is something this show has in common with all women non-competitive race my sister and I recently ran. Created by women and for women, Mudderella event rocked my world!

I have to admit that a little while back I wouldn’t understand how going through a 5 mile track full of mud and challenges is so fulfilling, but let me tell you – it was a spectacular experience for a phenomenal cause!

Many women went to the event as teams, some brought husbands (guys can run this course too), but made it a family affair and took the kids along. Mozzarella set up a Muddy Munchkin course – a muddy playground just for the kids waiting for their parents. While the kids still need adult supervision at this playground, it was so much fun.

Under their father’s supervision they went in there again, and again, and again. I loved this activity for the kids, but kind of wished this event included a kids’ version of the race with a reward at the end.

However, let’s get back to the muddy course we the adults committed to. This came as a surprise to both me and my sister, but as we found out that we are so out of shape, so our 5K included a little jog and a lot of walking. The course included 12 obstacles – each one is challenging in its own way, but let me share a few of my favorites ones.

50 shades of mud

Ever changing colors of dirt to walk through and mud humps to get over, a lot of team work and hand holding was necessary. Just like in life, you can’t see when the ground is going to fall underneath you until you’re already down, but we supported each other through the ever changing terrain and the climb it took to get back up and over the mounds we could see.

Dirty Downward Dog

Go to yoga often? Here you will really put your muscles to the challenge as you do your best not to plummet face first into yet another mud pit, while you make it across the parallel walls. Although this one is more of a solo challenge, it is completely a group project as the word “can’t” starts coming out of your mouth. But we did it!

Hat Trick

Think you’re scared of heights?  This obstacle definitely gets your blood pumping. Climb up a cargo net just to find a giant fall into a puddle of mud is truly invigorating, especially when you don’t know just how deep it is, while the finish line is right in your sight.

However, the best reward for us was seeing the kids by the finish line, screaming, crying, laughing (yes, that is possible) and everything that came to us as soon as we crossed the finish line – hugs, awesome head bands to remind you to “Own Your Strong,” ice cold beer and showers!

Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it? Well, it’s also for an amazing cause – the prevention of domestic violence and supporting those affected by it through FUTURES Without Violence. This national nonprofit organization helps gets victims and survivors out of the homes that feel like jail and into safety and so much more.