Greetings my faithful fitness followers and welcome to another Monday Motivator but this one with a slight twist!  Instead of our usual quote of the week and pump up talk, you’re going to see some sweet videos and pics of Tough Mudder Norcal 2011! (a small disclaimer: please disregard any foul language from yours truly in any of the videos below)

This event was a grueling 12 mile challenge hosted at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe.  With over 20 obstacles and elevation hitting upwards of 9,000 feet, we were tested both mentally and physically.  I was joined by fellow Fast Action Training Members: Laura Peterson, Scott Flegel, Dawn Reed, Stephanie Rozenhart, Ann Marie Deas, Sara Stern, Ian Evans and Alana Fremgen.  Special shout outs also to fellow Team Bittersweet members (as we were known collectively): Aimie, Stephanie, Liz, Kim, Ariel, Jess, Wayne, Jen!

This event was daunting and I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t freaked out about participating.  Several other team members were equally skeptical about participating and especially finishing this crazy Tough Mudder.

But after 6 long hours, all 15 team members finished the race together and with one of the most awesome spirits of camaraderie I have ever witnessed.  I’m not saying we came out unscathed, but at the end of the day we took Tough Mudder head on and won.

What I really want you to take away from this post and the videos and pics that follow is not only how much fun you can have at these events (as noticed by some wacky costumes!) but how much you can grow as a person by challenging yourself mentally and physically.

Maybe for you it’s a 3K or 5K or the Warrior Dash or a half marathon or even just attending a san jose bootcamp.  Whatever it is, don’t worry so much about competing….just finish it.  The amount of self-confidence, self-esteem and all around awesomeness that you will feel after finishing cannot be expressed in words.   Add to that the fact that you set a goal/challenge and completed it and you’ll feel like nothing can stand in your way.

So enjoy the videos and pics and start setting your sights on your next challenge!

To my fellow Team Bittersweet participants: it was a pleasure sharing the field of battle with you and I look forward to 2012.

To the rest of my faithful readers….I’ll see you at Tough Mudder Norcal 2012.

Dedicated to your success,

John Heringer

P.S. Be sure to leave a comment below if you enjoyed the post, videos and pics!

These guys actually carried an inflatable dinosaur with them the entire 12 miles...wow

A quick view of the tons of people present and only 1 of the small hills.

These guys had the shells on the back, and the poses...incredible. Can't wait to dress up next year!

Be sure to leave a comment if you enjoyed the post as well as what YOUR next challenge is!