Tough Mudder NJ (October 12-13, 2013)

Tough Mudder NJ Weekend (October 12-13th 2013)

Not often enough do we take the time to sit back and truly reflect on the moments that move us with inspiration and subconsciously encourage us to keep pushing forward. When you allow your mind to open up to soak in all of the earths beautiful energy, you suddenly become overwhelmed - We tend to forget how much good surrounds us in a world filled with so much negativity and we find ourselves at times following its flow because its what seems "normal", but only leaving us feeling empty and hollow inside. 

So sitting back today reflecting on this past weekend in NJ at Tough Mudder with The Powerful Yogurt Team and Team Ilene I am extremely overwhelmed with such a blessed feeling. Not being timed during each run I was able to pay attention to details that usually get blurred out when your mind is rattled with adrenaline. I got to experience the details in my surroundings, my teammates, my teammates emotions, their joy, their struggles, challenges, the distance, etc. As much as I LOVE going to bed with anxiety, freaking out wondering if I trained hard enough and whether or not I will be able to reach my goals for that race, it was comforting to be able to relax and instead be there for others instead of only myself.  

It was such a great experience running for Powerful Yogurt this past Saturday (A new yogurt brand based out of Miami, FL.) Being able to meet and talk to these like minded, athletic, driven people really opened my eyes to the fact that everything we do and everywhere we go holds countless opportunities. Every step we take is another lesson learned and another chance taken. Hearing others success stories within the group and their build to get to where they are now was extremely inspiring and another reason to not let these gifted individuals with giving words of advise pass you by. 

Sunday's adventures held a whole new experience with the members of Team Ilene! Having this be the second OCR event with Ilene I knew that I was in for a great day, surrounded by hysterical, inspirational, unstoppable, friendly and giving individuals. I was able to meet new people on the team as well as connect with several other familiar faces. This is one of the beauties of OCR - You start off as complete strangers and by the end of the day you feel as though you have known them forever.  Welcoming and inviting we all play a part in building a healthy change for others, making "Cant's" become "CAN"! 

This Tough Mudder was not Ilene's first. She's battled OCRs all over leaving her mark of inspiration and hope all over. She powered through obstacle after obstacle that came her way, getting muddy and wet in cold temperatures without a single complaint for 10+ miles. There are only two words for that: BAD ASS! Its wonderful leaders like Ilene who are willing to take chances by staring fear straight in the eyes to prove to oneself and others that its our struggles that make us stronger. When I am running competitively Ilene is one of the many inspirations that pass through my mind when I am fading or wanting to give up. - Her strength gives me strength- its important to remember the stronger and more positive you are the more of an inspiration you're creating for someone else. 

However, it was not only Ilene who inspired me that day. Watching the team work together, putting others first, helping out complete strangers with several smiles and continuous jokes was, in my opinion, the true magic of this team. Although it was not raining the conditions we had on Sunday were still not ideal. We pushed forward with cold weather, wet clothes, holding heavy weights…  Step by step this revealed the incredible amount of spirit, power, determination, drive, and love that was present for the 8.5 hours it took to dominate the challenge. Together we went in and together we came out. I could not feel any more honored to have been a part of something so real, so energizing and motivational that will stay with me forever. Thank you to all who were involved, THIS is the change we need to see in the world! :)

Until Next Time…

Laura Messner*

Citizens Bank Park Stadium Spartan Race in Philly (9-28-13)

Citizens Bank Park - Spartan Stadium Race - Philly

Even just a year ago I would have never imagined I would be where I am at right now. Whether it be related to OCR, the completion of my goals in life and/or my new surroundings built around so many wonderful people whom I now call family. Its incredible the power that we all posses with a positive mind and a determined punch. 

Looking from the outside in throughout the year I was able to truly understand and appreciate the true beauty of a Spartan Race. Watching people struggle as I did, cry as I did, overcome their fears as I did and pushing past their pains as I did. This hit me with the clear sense of reality that this course I run is not a mean game or a competition, but a path of self discovery - Creating moments that we will never forget.  These moments we apply to our everyday lives to remind us that we are capable of so much more then we think whether that be through physical strength or mental strength. 

As I meet more friends in the Spartan Race community I become more and more filled with inspiration and love for what we all do as athletes. Some battle the course with missing limbs, disabilities, extra weight, illnesses…and if they can cross that finish line giving it everything they have then we should have no problem pushing past those moments we want to give up or quit. Let the people around you be a reason to keep moving forward. We are all athletes on different levels, but all going through the same thing.

This past weekend at Spartan's Citizens Bank Park Race in Philly I caught myself in many moments where my thoughts drowned me with negativity. Its not an easy thing to control. For most of the race I held my ground around 3rd or 4th place. I kept thinking to myself "This is not my day.", "I don't crossfit", "I didn't train right for this kind of race.", "I am not a runner.", "I didn't put a fresh piece of gum in my mouth and now my mouth is too dry " ;) (lol) Even during the dreadful row I was grunting, almost crying thinking "Im not strong enough"-- All these words kept sneaking their way into my mind as I am running and gasping for breath, but then I would see a familiar face- I would hear an encouraging cheer from a spectator or volunteer - Catch a smile from a stranger. All these things gave me the push I needed to give myself a little extra kick in the butt.  I was able to prove to myself and others that what used to seem impossible IS and has all the potential in the world to be possible. 

It was the one foot in front of the other attitude that got me though it knowing that in this race anything can happen. The burpee penalty for not completing an obstacle could be the make you or break you of a Sprint race. Luckily I was able to run a clean race which gave me the energy and time I needed at the very end to power though and reach the finish line for my first Stadium Spartan Race win. 

The experience is incredible, unreal and a perfect blend of struggle and success on so many different levels- and if you know you were giving it your all it doesn't matter where you place. What matters is you know you pushed yourself, you know you did the best you could for that day and for the day that's all that matters. 

Love Always, 

Laura Messner

Someday you will be able to achieve the things you once thought were impossible...all because of that little voice that told you to never give up- That pain is only temporary.