Depending on tomorrow’s outcome I have decided to pre-plan my race schedule for the entirety of 2011.  As I discussed in my last post, I injured my right foot and I’m not sure how I will feel after a 12 mile mud run.  However, if I seem to come out of tomorrow’s run in working order I will begin signing up for next years races on Monday.  This will actually give me the opportunity to sign up for races in other parts of the country and maybe even across the Atlantic Ocean since I will have time to book hotels and schedule time off from work.  I should have an update on how everything went on either Monday or Tuesday

Next Sunday, November 21st at noon I will be participating in the Tough Mudder 12 mile run.  I can’t actually call it a race since the event does not track the time of the participants (though I will attempt to do it myself).  The organizers of the event bill it as the toughest one day event on the planet, designed by the British Special Forces.  The race will be taking place at the Old Bridge Townshiup Raceway Park in Englishtown New Jersey and features nineteen (19) obstacles, several of which are water based.  Considering it is November, the water obstacles will most likely be doubly unpleasant.  The biggest challenge I will be facing on Sunday however is not the 12 miles itself or the obsticals, but rather an injury I’ve been dealing with for the last month.  There is something wrong in the 5th metatarsal area of my right foot.  I’ve had increasing pain just walking, which has kept me from signing up for any additional races since the 10k Wolfes Pond Park Trial Run last month.  I was hoping to continue challenging myself but this injury has really sidetracked me.  I dont’ want to hear what a doctor has to say because I know whatever comes out of his mouth won’t be good news for me engaging in the activiites I’ve come to love so I decided to just wait until after the December 4th Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Holiday Party to go see a doctor.  Hopefully I don’t do too much more damage to my foot between now and then, especially after 12 miles, but those 12 miles are being completed, even if I have to crawl, hop, or roll through it.

This past Saturday morning I completed the Wolfe’s Pond Park 10K Trail Run in Staten Island, NY.  The event was hosted by the New York Adventure Racing Association.  The race consisted of trail and beach running.  I completed the race in 1 hour, 20 minutes.  Running on the beach and through the trails was beautiful, but the run was extremely difficult, especially the beach portion.  We ran through large stretches of beach twice.  During the second time, a little before half way through the race, my right knee once again decided to give me problems.  I had to walk the entire stretch of the second beach segment which slowed down my time significantly.  Once I got done with the second beach segment I was able to run for large portions of the race, slowing down only when my knee was giving me trouble.  Overall I enjoyed the experience though my time needs much improvement, regardless of the bad knee. 

I took my first Bikram Yoga class two Sundays ago.  I decided that since many of my hobbies involve serious physical exertion (e.g., Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Weight Training, Running) that I would supplement my physical regime with something a bit more focused on flexibility, balance, and focus.  I landed on Bikram Yoga.  I have taken Yoga classes in the past but thought that doing Yoga in a 105 degrees would be an interesting twist.  The first class was difficult but enjoyable.  I went again this past Saturday.  The temperature seemed to be significantly higher and I took several breaks because I was feeling light headed, but it was still fun and challenging.  I have posted a video below that gives a good overview of what Bikram Yoga is about.

Tomorrow, Sunday, October 3rd I will be participating in the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run.  The event takes place in Orchard Beach, NY.  This race has both 5K and 10K courses available but when I signed up I signed up for the 5K.  I didn’t know at the time that when I would be doing this run I would have already done two other mud runs before it, otherwise I would have signed up for the 10K.    Below is a brief description of the event taken directly from their website along with a video preview of the event.

“Attention all recruits! Have Fun – Get Dirty!! The Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run in New York features 5K and 10K off-road courses filled with: Military-style Obstacles; Commanding cargo climbs; Wild water crossings; Mud, mud, and More Mud!; Post-race BBQ and an awesome Tech Tee. Race alongside local Military personnel, Public Safety Officers and Police Academy trainees, all while supporting our troops through Operation Gratitude.”

Tomorrow, Sunday, September 18th I will be participating in the Warrior Dash.  The event takes place on Windham Mountain in Windham, NY.  It is a 5K race.    Below is a brief description of the event taken directly from their website along with a video preview of the event.

“Warrior Dash is the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes. This running series is held on some of the nation’s most demanding and unique terrain. Participants will conquer extreme obstacles and celebrate their feat with music, beer, warrior helmets and muddy shorts.”