World's Toughest Mudder 2012

Look at this crew! Here we are, mid-November, in Englishtown, New Jersey after paying an extravagant entry fee for the race, not to mention costs of airline tickets, lodging, rental cars and the like.  And for what? To compete in a 24 hour race that includes obstacles involving electrical shocks, swimming across icy lakes, getting shocked while in water, mud bogs, underground tunnels and the overnight temperatures will drop into the mid-20's.  What's wrong with us?  Are we crazy? I'm not sure, but we're at the World's Toughest Mudder 2012.

(Here's another lengthy entry where I suggest brewing some coffee, otherwise you may nod off while wading through the story. Last weekend was WTM 2014, hosted in Las Vegas, that was quite a race where the overall winner completed 95 miles. I was a fortunate participant 2 years ago meeting some great people along the way.)

Good Friends

Flipping the light switch on, the lone bulb comes to life as I quietly gaze at the collection. Neatly paired together, they rest on the rack while others are haphazardly strewn across on the floor. The pairs remain motionless while I study the cluster below.  I am determined. I am focused.  My eyes move from one, to another, to another.

Finally, I find one and gently pick it up while continuing to search for its mate. "Aha! There you are!" I state while scooping up another and cradle the duo in my arms.  Giddy with my find, I leave the room and venture outside into the early morning darkness,

Be Careful What You Say

"Are you not entertained?" Crazy Scott bellered to the grandstands while standing on a short concrete wall. "Are you not entertained?" he repeated with hands raised high and facing the bleachers.

I recognized the scene from my favorite movie, Gladiator, and Crazy Scott showed up with the intent of winning the World's Toughest Mudder 2013. The start of 24 hour race was an hour away and Crazy Scott was already reciting his victory speech.