When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Each year I look forward to the annual Tough Mudder in Seattle (Black Diamond). The Tough Mudder is a super fun 10+ mile obstacle course and mud run. 

This year was no different, my team and I were looking forward to getting dirty. What was different was that my Dad and I had a singular goal. We wanted to do whatever it would take to get every man to the top of Everest. For those new to the Tough Mudder, Everest is the iconic 15’ wall. It is essentially a 1/4 pipe skateboard ramp that you get to run up.

The Seattle version has a left and a right side. On the left, the Legionnaires (people that have completed Multiple Mudders) have an opportunity to tackle a part of the wall that is about 4 feet taller. (Been there done that) The right side is the original 15’ wall. The wall is similar to the American Ninja Warrior Warp Wall, but the Tough Mudder event is fundamentally different than American Ninja Warrior. Where Ninja is an individual race, the Mudder can best be appreciated by reading the pledge.

As a Tough Mudder I Pledge That…

I understand that the Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.

I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.

I do not whine - kids whine.

I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.

I overcome all fears.

Ok, Tough Mudder is also different in that it is outside and as the name indicates it is very muddy. It also has an obstacle call Electorshock Therapy where you get shocked by live wires, another obstacle called Arctic Enema where you are fully submerged in an ice bath and don’t forget the King of the Swing where you swing out over water and reach to ring a bell before the inevitable fall into the water some 15 feet below. These are just a few of the 20+ obstacles you get to endure (enjoy).

Ok back to our team on the Everest Wall. How do you make sure everyone on your team gets over the wall? You build a pyramid. 3 of us laid on at the base of the wall, 2 more guys stood on our shoulders and we had one of our team members climb the pyramid. We also had one our guys and some others at the top of the wall to help pull up the guy on the top of the pyramid. As he approached the summit, I climbed up a rope and used my feet to help him order the last bit. Ok, I don’t think I helped, but it was fun to watch my buddy as he overcame this obstacle. Some guys used our pyramid, others ran up to the arms of guys hanging from the top. But, all of us made it!

Tough Mudder asks a powerful question. “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” For many on our team, the Mudder itself was a first time and for the rest of us, it was the first time we made sure everyone overcame the wall.

I encourage you to tackle some obstacles and ask, “When is the last time that you did something for the first time? Mud on.

~:-)

Reprinted with permission from the Valley Bugler Newspaper November 2016.