Rugged Maniac

Today was the Rugged Maniac Obstacle Race, and I made sure to go out and support my friend Tony and keep his girlfriend, Hannah, company while he was on the course. 

Rugged Maniac is the same sort of race as other well known events such as Tough Mudder, where you go through a series of obstacles either alone or with a team. Time doesn't mean a whole lot, some do it for time, but most come out just for a good time in the mud!

It was great to see all kinds of people, from all walks of life come together for a display of teamwork, fitness, and just an all around good time.

Before starting the race at 12:30, Hannah gave Tony a little pep talk.

Time to get game faces on. Tony quickly made his way up to the front of the pack making friends along the way with a few of the other racers.

And they're off! Tony quickly made his way up the hill and out of sight. While he was out of sight, Hannah and myself decided to take a walk around base camp and pick up some free samples. After about 10-15 minutes we thought it would be best to get in position to cheer on Tony as he came back down the hill.

As 15 minutes turned into 20 we began to get nervous that we would miss Tony at the obstacles. Tony had a race last weekend where Hannah and Tony's uncle JUST missed Tony at every obstacle. 

Hannah and I, however, were not going to have that happen this weekend.

We continued to work our way back from the finish line from obstacle to obstacle searching for Tony. In order to ensure that we would not miss him, Hannah and I split up making the promise to call if we saw Tony.

We finally reconnected with Tony at mile 3 just before he began hurtling over the trenches.

Which was followed by crawling under barbed wire in an icy, cold, mud puddle.  

The "warped wall" of the Rugged Maniac was a true testament of the power of teamwork in the event. Before Tony was ready to make his attempt, Hannah and I saw countless people jump and slide back down the wall. It was a uplifting sight to see the determination of the racers try sometimes two to three times just to get up the wall. It was just as uplifting to see some racers make it up only to turn back around and lend a helping hand to help others get up the wall.

Tony threw himself up the wall and grasped the top of the wall. From there the other racers were able to help pull him up the rest of the way.

The "Particle Accelerator" was the last obstacle and slid the racers down a ramp into a dirty, mucky pit of mud.

No, this is not chocolate milk.

After turning in his time chip, Tony told us that he officially was the 2nd finisher in his group. Congratulations Tony! 

Look at the cute couple. 

Tony is now officially a Rugged Maniac Finisher. Time to get that free beer that they promised at the starting line.

While Tony was cleaning off at the showers, Hannah and I decided to go grab some food. Hannah grabbed a brat while I grabbed some nachos with Jalapenos. 

Stay in your lane McGeen, Stay in your lane!

Tony got his free beer and Hannah grabbed a "Loaded" slushie.

One of the activities that spectators could do while their loved ones raced was take a ride on a mechanical bull. Some Tony and myself convinced Hannah to give it a try. 

Hannah did a great job! 

After the bull ride, we began our trek back to the car and ultimately back to Milwaukee. It was a great afternoon with friends. Who knows, maybe next race Hannah and I will be racing right next to Tony!