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*
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