tough guy...

Everyone needs an outlet. For me, just being completely alone for a few hours is completely recharging, or a yoga workout, or a book. For Chase, it has to be something physically draining. A month into our stay here in the UK I was getting a little worried that Chase didn't have an outlet for himself. He had been working such long hours and then coming home to Finn and I late at night. I spent loads of time trying new recipes, planning trips, walks, EVERYTHING, just to give Chase something to look forward to other than another day working in the UK, away from his car and friends (emphasis on CAR). Well, I was failing miserably. Thankfully one of Chase's friends at work (who also is one of my friends from high school) came over here and got Chase into running. So since October Chase has been running 3-4 nights a week. Anyway, they then found this; http://www.toughguy.co.uk/ and started training for it by added some Crossfit training in as well. 

You can watch videos like this http://www.toughguy.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=4 and this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9dep7RKVVA&feature=player_detailpage to get a better understanding of what an intense event this is, not to mention in the freezing cold.

Over 5,000 people do this event biannually. Above are Robby, Chase, and Matt who trained together 

(please note the EI work shirts they had made, HA!)

In the end Chase said that this was THE most intense thing he has ever done in his life,

 just as much mentally draining as it was physically. Pictures just can't do justice.

You might be thinking, what's the big deal climbing an obstacle course in the mud, well I'd encourage you to watch the videos and note the parts where they had to crawl in the mud in a dark tunnel while being shocked by live wires, with 5,000 people around them. 

I'm impressed.

The "Tough Guys" themselves. Chase also met up with Chase's cousin Claire, who finished the race deeming herself an

 "Amazon Woman" and of course our lovely Auntie Jane.

These are both my tough guys.

We are so very proud of Chase for a huge accomplishment. Finn is donning the cool medal Chase received on completion of the race, which not many do (he wears it all of the time now). 

We celebrated that night at our favorite Tapas restaurant in Chester with pitchers of Sangria.

You should also know that I wore the medal while it took me 4 days to soak, and rinse, and wash the garbage bag full of mud and Chase's clothes. So really, it was a family accomplishment. They all are though, aren't they : )