• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » Fitness » When You Almost Break and Then Dig Deeper: BattleFrog 8K Obstacle Race Recap

Last updated on September 7, 2015. Originally posted on September 7, 2015 By Maryea / 12 Comments

When You Almost Break and Then Dig Deeper: BattleFrog 8K Obstacle Race Recap

21 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race RecapI was chugging along with my workout routine, not training for anything but just wanting to keep fit, when my good friend asked if I wanted to compete in an upcoming obstacle course race. Never one to back down from a challenge, I agreed.  The race was about a month away, so I started upping the intensity of my workouts and running longer runs.

It would be my first obstacle course race so I had no idea what to expect.  I went in blind.  That’s probably a good thing.  I’m not sure that words can accurately describe what this race was like.  I’ve done all sorts of tough athletic endeavors, including college track workouts, college basketball conditioning, and a half marathon. Nothing stacks up to the challenge of this obstacle race.

Designed by former Marines, the BattleFrog is well known as the toughest obstacle race out there. Of course, I didn’t know this, but I definitely do now. I somehow managed to smile when I saw the camera man, but don’t let that face fool you.  I was super tired and in pain for much of this race.  Yet, I loved it.  The thrill of a challenge?  BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race RecapThe course is an 8K and the website says to expect 22+ obstacles.  The Cincinnati course had 40 obstacles! The obstacles vary from v-shaped monkey bars, to large walls you have to get over, to wading through muddy water before climbing through tunnels. Oh, and scaling giant hills like this.  There were actually several hills with ropes we had to get up, and this was probably the smallest.

BattleFrog 8K Obstacle Course Race RecapThere were a few times during the race that I almost reached my breaking point. The first was this wall.  It looks innocent enough.  But this is where my friend and I got separated.  It was towards the end of the race and I was tired.  Beyond tired.  Shaking tired.  And I climbed up the front of the wall and froze. I looked down and all I could think was, “If I fall, I will break my neck and die.” I literally pictured leaving my children motherless in the middle of this race.  My throat tightened and I felt myself starting to panic.  I couldn’t make it over the top. I climbed back down and performed the penalty (10 8-point military-style burpees) for not completing an obstacle. BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race RecapThe second time I almost reached my breaking point was when I accidentally took a wrong turn.  I was running and came to a fork. One of the race volunteers directed me to go over a log and up a hill.  I saw some participants going that way and others going down under the log.  Something didn’t feel right, so I turned and asked the volunteer why some people were going down.  She responded that you had to go up and over first.  We were in the woods and so many parts of the race looked similar, so I didn’t noticed I’d already gone up and around.  I got to the top of a very grueling, steep hill and saw an obstacle I’d already completed.  I was already separated from my friend and trying to catch her and now I’d just repeated part of the race.  I cried.  I turned around, racing down the steep hill, crying.  Other participants asked if I was all right (I love the comradery in these races) and I couldn’t do anything but keep going even though I wanted to stop.  BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race Recap

The most difficult obstacle came after this. This obstacle tested my will.  We had to carry a fifty (yes, 5-0!) pound sand bag on our backs a half mile up a steep trail and back down.  This was the part of the race I thought I was going to reach my breaking point.  During my climb up, I was stepping over a log and I lost control of the bag and it fell off my shoulders.  There was no way I was going to be able to get it back up there.  I tried a few times to lift it, but 50 pounds was more than I could get up and over my shoulders.  Thankfully, a generous man stopped to help me.

At that point, I realized I was going to have to dig deeper to finish this race.  And somehow, I did.  Funny how that works.  I had to give myself a serious mental pep talk because I was ready to be done.  But when I got to the bottom of that hill with the 50 pound bag, I knew there was no way I was stopping.  I was going to finish this race.

This slide came shortly after the sand bags and it was a welcome break from so much climbing up.

BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race RecapThe slide had two sides, and most people were avoiding one side because it had developed a huge bump.  A few of us didn’t want to wait in the line that formed on the safer side, so we chanced getting catapulted so we could keep moving in the race.  You can see the fear in my face as I’m trying to slow myself down before the bump. It didn’t work and I still have a huge bruise on my bottom from where I hit that bump. I wish they’d gotten an air born picture of me! BattleFrog 8k Obstacle Course Race Recap

I ended up finishing the race in 2:52:07, which was 6th in my age group and the 26th woman overall. The sense of accomplishment I felt from just finishing was incredible.  Even though during the second half of the race I thought in my head a million times, “WHY am I doing this?  WHY?!”  I want to do another one.  I feel like I’ve found a perfect fit for me in my fitness adventures.  I need competition and love challenging myself.  Road races lack the fun factor for me, but obstacle course racing is totally different.  I loved this BattleFrog race and can’t wait to do another!

 

 

 

21 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Fitness

Previous Post: « Comforting No-Meat Balls
Next Post: When Searching for a School for your Child, Don’t Forget About the Food »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stacey Simpson says

    March 12, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    I just found your website & glad that I did. Came here for the healthy family recipes but this BattleFrog article shows even more that we are so much on the same page. My husband signed our family up for one of these & it is about a month away. I am going in very much like you described in your article. Please, please give me some advice as to what I can be doing in this short time in order to best prepare for this…I will sooo appreciate anything & everything that you could share & advise.
    Thanks also for all of the great recipes I am finding. Can’t wait to start trying them!
    Many blessings, Stacey

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      March 14, 2016 at 6:19 am

      Hi Stacey! I’m excited for you. 🙂 Although the Battlefrog was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I can’t wait to do it again! Every course is different, but I would say that strength training is super important so make sure you are doing that. Also, if there’s any way you can practice things like rope climbing, pull ups, or monkey bars, it would be helpful. Maybe go to a park and work out there? 🙂 I am planning on doing another Battlefrog this summer, so I know that those are things I really need to focus on. Also, I would do some hill workouts. Sprint repeats up a hill. Our course had so many hills you had to go up, I wished I had trained for them more. I hope this helps. Good luck!!

      Reply
  2. Janelle @WhollyHealthy says

    September 10, 2015 at 4:24 am

    This sounds intense! Congrats

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 10, 2015 at 6:22 am

      Thanks so much, Janelle.

      Reply
  3. Kathy says

    September 8, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    Oh my GOSH!! You are awesome!! Great job for finishing and finishing 6th in your age group. I totally understand yourself asking why? 🙂 But in the end, it is such a great feeling of accomplishment! I have only done road races, 5K’s and half marathons. I am not sure you could talk me into this. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. You are one tough cookie!!! You should be proud!!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 8, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Thanks so much, Kathy. You should try one! It really was fun. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ancsi Glavina says

    September 8, 2015 at 3:30 am

    Whoa, Maryea, that is hardcore! You are such an inspirational woman. Congratulations!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 8, 2015 at 6:29 am

      Thank you so much Ancsi!

      Reply
  5. Laurie Meoak says

    September 7, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    You’ve captured the event perfectly! It’s amazing what our bodies are capable of. You were the perfect race partner and I’m anxious for the next one!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 7, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Me, too!! And our next adventure in between. 🙂

      Reply
  6. jill conyers says

    September 7, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Wow Maryea, that’s a serious obstacle race. Love the look of determination on your face.

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      September 7, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks, Jill! I was definitely determined. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

What are you looking for?

Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

By Category

Easy + Healthy Dinners

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

air fryer chicken cutlets with a fork

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (gluten free!)

a chicken breast on a plate with salad cut into slices

Baked Bone In Chicken Breasts (Crispy Skin!)

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Healthy Instant Pot Recipes -grid of 16 photos showing the recipes

150 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

4 Stuffed Peppers with ground turkey recipe in a pan

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese on a spoon

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (SO easy!)

Archives

Gluten-Free

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

More Posts from this Category

Dairy-Free

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

More Posts from this Category

Vegetarian

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

chocolate almond butter dripping off of a spoon

Chocolate Almond Butter Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars 3 stacked on top of one another

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars (Healthy!)

See More →

Vegan

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

no bake almond butter cookies with a bite

No Bake Almond Butter Cookies

chocolate almond butter dripping off of a spoon

Chocolate Almond Butter Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

See More →

Anti-Inflammatory

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

chocolate almond butter dripping off of a spoon

Chocolate Almond Butter Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie

Cacao Smoothie Recipe

More Posts from this Category

Kid-Friendly

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

air fryer chicken cutlets with a fork

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (gluten free!)

no bake almond butter cookies with a bite

No Bake Almond Butter Cookies

chocolate almond butter dripping off of a spoon

Chocolate Almond Butter Recipe

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars 3 stacked on top of one another

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars (Healthy!)

More Posts from this Category

Smoothies

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top
pouring a green smoothie into a glass
2 glasses of green juice with pineapple, romaine, and cucumber

More Posts from this Category

Breakfast

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

almond flour banana muffins with chocolate chips in the middle--a close up shot being held in a hand

Almond Flour Banana Muffins

A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie

Cacao Smoothie Recipe

Mini Banana Muffins on a plate

Mini Banana Muffins Recipe

Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish

Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

Healthy Instant Pot Recipes -grid of 16 photos showing the recipes

150 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin

Cranberry Smoothie Recipe

Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches with a bite out of it

Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches (Freezer Friendly)

See More →

Lunch

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

Salmon Salad Recipe

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

a spoonful of Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

See More →

Dinner

6 chicken breasts with grill marks on a cutting board

The BEST Chicken Marinade (Healthy!)

overhead shot of air fryer tilapia recipe on a plate with greens, lemon, and sweet potato

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

air fryer chicken cutlets with a fork

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets (gluten free!)

a chicken breast on a plate with salad cut into slices

Baked Bone In Chicken Breasts (Crispy Skin!)

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Healthy Instant Pot Recipes -grid of 16 photos showing the recipes

150 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

4 Stuffed Peppers with ground turkey recipe in a pan

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese on a spoon

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (SO easy!)

See More →

Desserts

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

no bake almond butter cookies with a bite

No Bake Almond Butter Cookies

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars 3 stacked on top of one another

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars (Healthy!)

Cranberry Apple Pear Crisp recipe in a bowl

Cranberry, Apple, and Pear Crisp

Healthier Ginger Cookies Recipe! If you are looking for healthy Christmas cookie recipes, this is a great one. It uses whole grain flour and no refined sugar. Everyone loved these and no one had a clue that they were made with healthier ingredients. Win!

Healthy Ginger Cookies

close up shot of crustless cranberry pie on a green plate

EASY Crustless Cranberry Pie Recipe

overhead shot of healthy apple crisp recipe with vanilla ice cream

Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe

See More →

Snacks

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

chocolate almond butter dripping off of a spoon

Chocolate Almond Butter Recipe

A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie

Cacao Smoothie Recipe

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars 3 stacked on top of one another

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars (Healthy!)

Mini Banana Muffins on a plate

Mini Banana Muffins Recipe

Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish

Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

See More →

Salads

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

Vibrant Thai Salad

Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

This Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup with Zucchini and Corn soup is beyond incredible. You will not be disappointed with this recipe! A healthy soup recipe filled with summer's best produce.

The Best Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Jalapeno Coleslaw Recipe

Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe

See More →

Soups

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

spicy black bean soup with avocado slices on top and salt and pepper in the background and a blue napkin

Spicy Black Bean Soup

bowl of Chicken Rice Soup recipe with a spoon

Anti-Inflammatory Chicken and Rice Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

Healthy Instant Pot Recipes -grid of 16 photos showing the recipes

150 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

soup with cilantro and jalepeno peppers on top in a white bowl wit a green and white striped napkin

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

This Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup with Zucchini and Corn soup is beyond incredible. You will not be disappointed with this recipe! A healthy soup recipe filled with summer's best produce.

The Best Healthy Zucchini Recipes

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

See More →

Side Dishes

close up picture of baked asparagus that's been roasted with parmesan cheese and topped with lemon zest

What to Serve with Tilapia

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Gluten free flatbread in a stack on a plate

Gluten-Free Flatbread Recipe (Dairy free, too!)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes on a tray

Best Ever Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Loaded Sweet Potato Fries recipe on a platter

Loaded Sweet Potato Fries

Maple Brussels Sprouts up close

Maple Brussels Sprouts Recipe

See More →

Appetizers

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy Fresh Fruit No Bake Dessert PIzza Recipe. This is a clean-eating recipe with all real foods! A special treat that is perfect for the 4th of July desserts or any time of the summer!

Best Memorial Day Recipes (Easy Menu Ideas)

More Posts from this Category

Beverages

Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

Patriotic Sangria Recipe

Simply the best margarita in the world

Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Healthy Mocha Frappucino Recipe

Healthy Mocha Frappuccino Recipe

Golden Milk Turmeric Tea Recipe

Golden Milk Turmeric Tea Recipe

Vitamin C Juice Recipe

Vitamin C Juice Recipe

See More →

Footer

Privacy

Copyright © 2022 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in