Rugged Maniac Brooklyn: Race Recap!

Last Saturday was the Rugged Maniac race in Brooklyn.  For the last few weeks, NYC has engulfed in this intense heat wave, and Saturday was no exception.  It definitely didn't help that the race was taking place at the Aviator Sports Complex in Flatbush (AKA an big open space with no shade).

Mud-free and ready to go!

Our heat was scheduled to start at 10:45am, but we were ready to go early so we jumped in with the 10:30am group.  Oops!  We heard it was about 17 obstacles over the 3.1 miles, which to me meant that the stretches of running in the insane heat couldn't be too long. Wrong.  The first 2 miles contained a few of those obstacles, but the majority of the craziness came in the last 0.75 mile.  

Check out the following photos for a preview of the muddy mayhem!

Muddy slip-and-slide!

This is why they call it rugged...

Get me out of here!

Mud crawl

Dad and I with our tires..

FINISH LINE!

The results. 

This race was a challenge for sure.  You can simply tell from our chip times, than the 3.1 miles took us almost an hour!!! Dad and I did the RunAmuck race last year, and this was definitely harder than that run.  There was a lot of ladder climbing, but other than that the obstacles were interesting and fun.  The Rugged Maniac website says to assess your ability to complete each obstacle as you approach it, and you may skip anything you determine that you can't do.  The only drawback to skipping an obstacle? You aren't eligible to WIN the race.  As this wasn't an issue in our case, I have to admit I did skip an obstacle.  I assessed that I was not able to get my short little legs to scale those 7-9 foot walls.  Good thing our time wasn't really eligible to win anyway! Ha!

Muddy and happy!

We certainly are maniacs!

All in all, an awesome day.  I'd definitely do this race again and would encourage others to sign up for this or any other obstacle race! It's an amazing way to challenge yourself and have a blast! 

Thankful Thursday: Mud and Sparkles!

Although I'm currently unemployed, I'm still thrown off my this mid-week holiday business. I can't believe it's Thursday, but since it apparently is, let's get thankful.

Today I'm feeling thankful...

...for an awesome Rugged Maniac race.  I'm still waiting on race photos...so recap is coming, but I had a blast and was so glad my friend and badass Dad did this with me! 

Muddy Maniacs.

...for sparklers.

...that it's pool season! Now I can sweat with hundreds of other Astorians at a gross public pool rather than by myself in the grass of the park.

Hello, Astoria pool.

...that my parents still let me do laundry when I visit. (You guys are the best!)

...for BodyGlide. I've probably used this one a million times, but especially when it's this hot out--BodyGlide is essential for my runs.

Now your turn! Tell me what you're thankful for today! :)

Firecracker 10K: Race Recap

Happy 4th of July!


I started the day with a nice ridiculously hot 6.2 miles on Roosevelt Island.  When I woke up, it was 75 degrees and raining...and I was thrilled.  I put on the only blue shirt I own and of course my Sparkly Soul thin red headband and I was ready to go!

Unfortunately the weather did not continue to cooperate.  During the amazingly fast and easy drive from my apartment to Roosevelt Island, the rain cleared up, sun came out and it was insanely hot and humid.  

Looking up at the Queensboro Bridge

The first annual Firecracker 10K was hosted by NYCRuns.  It took place on Roosevelt Island, which is definitely some new and different scenery for me.  I've run two other NYCRuns races and have been pleased with their cheaper pricing, well-organized races and smaller crowds.  For the most part, they lived up to my expectations again.  My only complaints about the race are that there were very few portapottys, not so great race markings, and that they ran out of cups on the second lap water station.  Especially on a day like today, those water stops are essential!

Little lighthouse!

Okay, so how'd I do? Eh. The race was 2 loops around the island, with some cool views of Manhattan and Queens.  There was not much shade but it was a flat and easy course.  I haven't been great about sticking to a running schedule lately, so I haven't done any distances longer than 4 or 5 miles in weeks.  Since I haven't been running, my body was certainly not ready for the heat and humidity.  As such, my goals for this race included 1) surviving and 2) crossing the finish line.  And guess what? I did just that.  

Finisher photo!

I was not fast and I did not care.  My final time was 1:04:34, so a 10:25 pace.  Definitely not a PR for me, but I have to remember that running in the heat slows your pace considerably.  And that's okay! I'm just glad I finished and got my ice pop!

Sweet success!

After my hot morning run, I headed upstate to my parents for a BBQ where I continued to sweat like crazy! I spent a great afternoon with my family and lots of yummy food!

Thanks to my SIL for this tasty treat!

Now it's time to relax and cool down in the AC.  How did you spend your 4th of July? Any fun and sweaty plans?