UrbanAthalon

I think I am in over my head right now. This past weekend I was forced decided to particpate in the UrbanAthalon on October 16, 2010 in Chicago. For those that do not know me, I am the complete other end of the spectrum from a runner or obstacle do-er. Why did I agree to this? The UrbanAthalon is a 9 mile course; however each 1.5 miles you run, you must complete an obstacle course before you continue to run. Here are the obstacle courses:

OBSTACLE COURSE 1: NAVY PIER

You must go through tires (military style) and then walk across concrete barriers. Repeat.

OBSTACLE COURSE 2: DuSABLE HARBOR

You must go UNDER blue police barricades and OVER yellow traffic barricades.

OBSTACLE COURSE 3: SOLDIER FIELD

You must climb over 5 rows of cars and get up and over the marine hurdles and crawl under the cargo net.

OBSTACLE COURSE 4: McCORMICK PLACE

You must go across a HUGE monkey bar.

OBSTACLE COURSE 5: SOLDIER FIELD STAIR CLIMB

You must climb the stairs at Soldier Field.

OBSTACLE COURSE 6: UPPER HUTCHINSON FIELD

You must club across cabs and then climb up and over a bus. Repeat. Then climb up a HUGE wall.

I don't know about you, but just looking at the pictures gives me an anxiety attack. Thankfully, they do offer a relay option. I will be on a team of 3 running 3 miles and doing 2 obstacle courses. Still, that is a huge deal to me.

I am doing it for Matt. I want to show him that I can be healthy and active. That is all he wants for me. I might die trying, though. We are going to begin training this week and continue over the summer and through the fall. I am going to try to sign up for a 5k this summer.

If anyone has any advice on training or running, I would greatly appreciate it.

Much Love.