Failure and the Half Marathon Obstacle Race

I failed at my goal yesterday. I give it as much as I could, but couldn’t reach the finish line. It was raining and cold. I had been walking in mud for the last 11 miles straight. My shoes were just mud puddles strapped to my feet weighing down my legs, my clothes were sopped and mud-caked. I made many of the obstacles I didn’t think I would. I had to burpee out at some of the ones I thought I would fly through. But I was on the verge of bonking without food and ill prepared for the cold. I think I could have gone a little further, but my teammate was completely bonked, could hardly stand, and was on the verge of hypothermia. I could have gone on a little further, and maybe could have made the finish line with that coveted medal. But, without my team mate, it would have cost my soul.

Overall, I do feel a little pride for everything I did. It was hard, harder than I thought. I may be sad today and time may blur how bad the conditions were, how uncomfortable, tired, and hungry I was. But, my reasons for dropping out were founded and I will need to remember that when I kick myself later. I’m taking the day off today, and maybe tomorrow too, but I am ready to get back at it and discover my next big goal.

I’m beyond grateful that my husband was my rock (as always!), and put up with hanging out in the cold and rain without the race adrenaline to keep him going. I’m grateful for my family for standing by me and my DNF. I’m grateful for my training team and gym fam, who were with me in my thoughts all day. I’m grateful that I have the ability, and physical strength to keep going. I’m also grateful for this failure. We can learn a lot from the things we don’t accomplish and I learned lots today. It’s not as world ending as I thought. There are so many mistakes made today that won’t be made again. I will move on and live to fight again.

(Post race: I was so punchy, I was just excited for warmth and food).