Early this morning while on a training run under dreary, rain-producing clouds, my mind pondered why I was putting myself through this. I have made it clear that I do not consider myself a runner because I am not a fan of running for running’s sake. I also really don’t care anything about running in the rain with blurred vision as my contacts float around my eyes. HOWEVER, I thought of the millions of people who would be thrilled to have either 1) the physical ability to run, 2) the freedom to run without fear of physical harm to me or my family while I was running, or 3) the life-sustaining force of rain. There I was with all three and grumbling to myself about it. With the newfound perspective (actually, it’s not new. I’ve had this perspective before, but lost it) I spread my arms, looked toward the heavens, soaked in my blessings (pun intended), and thanked God for all three. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I had forgotten that I really do appreciate running in the rain. #Blessed
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On My Way To Sparta 
Nice Jeff! We all need to remember that running is a blessing (even if we don’t like it sometimes!) and from whom all blessings flow! Goods words today!
Nice blog and great post. Injured both my shoulders recently and that’s made me grateful for overall good health. I also hate running but took up OCR as a way to get in shape.
I’ve done a couple of Tough Mudders but was pretty alienated by their recent 43% price increase for early sign-ups (from $69 to $99). Have you ever done a TM and/or know how it compares to a Spartan Race? We don’t have any Spartan’s in our area but I’m looking to travel to do a Beast later this year.
Thanks, Mark. I have never done a Tough Mudder because it is a “challenge”, not a race. I like to race. However, I will relay information that I’ve heard and been told over and over again by friends who have done both. Remember that these are their words, not mine, and there will be a few who disagree. Spartan Races are more difficult than TM’s because they are a race. The fact that they are chip-timed and have burpee penalties for failed obstacles is the primary reason. Some Beasts are easier than others. Vermont is by far the most difficult…not even close.
Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve heard that Spartan Races are more difficult as well but not sure of specifics. I’ve done other, shorter races (Rugged Maniac, Warrior Dash) as well but they’re too short. You’re right that each race category can have varying degrees of difficulty. The Rugged Maniac in my area is at a small ski slope and they run us up & down it several times. The obstacles aren’t anything special but the terrain is tough.
Wanting to build up to the Ultra Beast in 2015. Your review of the last SUB was very insightful.
In comparison to Rugged Maniac and Warrior Dash, most of the obstacles in Spartan Races are much more difficult. There are a lot more obstacles in which upper body and grip strength come in to play. Good luck on your journey to the Ultra Beast….it is a race like no other!