Tough Mudder Eve

It certainly feels like Christmas eve with all the excitement in the air. An article in the NY times, the Tough Mudder folks keeping participants uber-informed with frequent e-mail updates, my team mates preparing and contemplating what to expect, what to wear, what to take along, where to meet, and my co-workers and friends sending and calling with well-wishes. This is, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated events I've done in a long time. Not in terms of the event itself (I get excited for ALL of them!), but in terms of PR that's circulating around it. There's a different vibe attached to an event that's getting a good bit of press, especially when that event is completely sold out, including spectators. Hawaii Xterra 5 years ago was the last time this magnitude of press came with an event. My final pre-event run and obstacles happened yesterday at lunch, at work, on river front in Harrisburg. Yes, it's flat, but I made it "hilly" by running up and down the steps and embankment paths at every chance I had. It was a 4-miler, and I stopped and did a couple of the fitness stations like the push-up bar, chin-ups, and the stretch thingy they have along the route. Because the Tough Mudder isn't timed and timing finishers isn't part of the philosophy, it occurred to me yesterday I didn't have to worry to much about speed work anymore -- just run and have fun. I like that. Thanks Tough Mudder!