Yesterday I took part in Tough Mudder- Michigan. This race is 10-12 miles of running through mud and working through and over obstacles. The best part is? You cannot do this race alone. Everything is about camaraderie. I ran with 2 other fantastic strong women, and 4 other determined, equally fantastic men. All of which had my back in one way or another.

I also learned something this weekend. Maybe not something completely new, but something I now see in a different light.

When we stood at the beginning of that race and looked up to that American Flag with the National Anthem playing in the background. I took that all in. My personal thoughts on Religion and Politics aside, I thought about what that flag not only means to Americans, but for those seeking what that flag represents.

Freedom. 

I ran through 12+ miles of mud, completed some obstacles, others I couldn't. But I did my best to turn around and make sure everyone within' arms reach of me was assisted in whatever way I could assist them.

Pyramid Scheme is a slanted wall, where you have to literally stand on each others shoulders and allow others to climb up you to reach the top. Every step you take, you want to apologize because you know that person you are climbing is probably hurting as much as you are, if not more. You can't guarantee where you're going to step. Here's the best part of this race...once you have climbed your teammates and have reached the top. You have two options, keep moving to stay warm and get the race over with faster, or turn around and put your hand out for anyone that needs it. Our team was awesome. Without question each person stayed where they were and helped people up the wall. I stayed at the top with my arms outstretched for anyone to grab on to. As soon as I started sliding down the wall with the weight of the man I was trying to lift, my ankles were grabbed and I didn't have to look back to know that was my team holding me.

Photo from Tough Mudder

At those moments, you do not ask questions. You don't care what someone's religion is, their sexual orientation, what side they vote for, what they did yesterday or what they may do tomorrow. We came together, not just my team, but also the individuals on the wall next to us, to accomplish something bigger than us. The goal was to finish, and with this race, there is no man left behind.

When my legs were cramping and my lungs were giving out, other females were passing me with ease. Yet another moment that tests you, not physically, but mentally. Do you give up and be angry that the other girls are doing better than you? Or do you keep pushing and cheer them on and encourage their fight in a male dominated race? 

You cheer them the fuck on! You tell them to keep pushing! Because although you may be behind, you are THERE in the race with them! You are doing your best, and you are challenging yourself. THAT is what matters. 

Looking back, we often take advantage of what we're "allowed" to do.  I am not blind to the fact that there are plenty of other places on Earth that would not only NOT allow a female in a competition like this, and any attempt to take part, would likely end in punishment.

So I stand proud of this Freedom that I have to stand side to side with men and run long distances, scale high walls, tear up my legs in the dirt and rocks...because the reality is. When we are all covered in mud, we all look the same. We're all in the same fight together.

I think if everyone had to take part in this race. EVERYONE. 

This world may be viewed in a very different way.

Team Heisenberg, Tough Mudder- Michigan, 2014

Thank you to my teammates for encouraging me, pushing me, challenging me, and helping me. Special thanks to Curtis who stuck with me the whole time, and to Micah and Colin for letting me climb them. I'm so sorry. hahahaha :) Love you all!!! Bib #33832

Proceeds from this race go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Thank you to all of the men and women that risked or lost their lives serving.

May one day, there be peace.