We Survived Warrior Dash 2013

We did it! Our team of five warriors crossed the finish line together Saturday in victory.


We were joined by Jason & Krista Taekema and Roelof Peereboom.

How was it? It was GREAT! What a feeling of accomplishment while being covered in mud and tired from running up and down and all around for 5 km interspersed with interesting and challenging obstacles.

First of all, an important note. The Dash was held north of Barrie, ON at Horseshoe Valley. For those of you who don't know the area, this is a ski resort. So yes, we were running UP hills that were only meant to be traveled DOWN. In fact, this is how we started off -- running up a long rather steep hill where most people had slowed down to a walk by the midpoint ... yes, even me. There was even one hill to climb up that had ropes that you could use to keep your footing. But there were also long stretches of trails through the woods that were absolutely gorgeous that made the running enjoyable.


The final descent. Notice the cargo net behind!

I slipped and was literally dragged across the finish line!

Now, the obstacles and the mud. Fun! There were walls to hop/drag yourself over, walls that had to be scaled up and rappelled down, cargo nets to be used to climb up up up and then down down down, pits of water criss-crossed by barbed wire so you had to crawl underneath, and of course a few water pits followed by lots of mud to navigate through. It has been a long time since I have purposely run through ankle/calf deep water and mud - I forgot how much fun it is!! Near the end there was the final descent (thankfully) in full view of the cheering onlookers, there were two lines of fire to jump over and a water, well mud pit, to pull yourself through and then the finish line.

We were very glad to be done but we were all smiles as we posed for muddy pictures and then headed towards rows of hoses to spray off. The weather was perfect as we lounged on the grassy area to dry off, rehash the race and relax for a few minutes before heading home.

We are already planning for next year ...wanna join us?!

Thank you to all of you who sponsored us to complete the race. We feel blessed by your confidence in us and your excitement for our adoption journey.

The things we do for our kids!!

April