I am not sure exactly why I subject myself to these crazy races. I mean, after all, I’m paying to get down on the ground and crawl through giant pits of mud while getting scrapes and bruises. As bizarre as this sounds, the experience is also a huge rush of excitement. The crowd of people and the intense obstacles really make for a great day.

The start of the day is always nerve-racking thinking about the distance of the course and all the challenging obstacles. You never know what they are going to throw your way and if you will be able to overcome the challenge presented. Your stomach is in knots and your heart is beating so fast, but once you get through the first obstacle all your fear has dissipated and in its place comes the thirst for more. After completing each obstacle and passing each mile marker, you feel a small sense of achievement and crossing that finish line is empowering.

These races are difficult and taxing on the body, but through motivation, encouragement, and maybe a little help from a fellow Spartan you get through it. These races have shown me much more than my own strengths and abilities. They have shown me a broader picture: That life has unforeseen obstacles, whether physical or emotional. Sometimes it isn’t easy, but we can overcome them all.

These races have shown me that it is okay and sometimes even necessary to accept help from those around you. I have witnessed so much camaraderie, people you have never met before are grabbing your hand to help you get through the challenges.

Just like in these races so too in life we must try our hardest, push ourselves beyond our limits, believe in ourselves and trust in others. It may be silly to think that I learned this from a mud race, but it is our experiences that we reflect on and learn from. So who is joining me and becoming a Spartan?! AROO!

By Lia Botwinik