I was told to train. I was warned since the start- when I signed up in September to both mentally and physically prepare for Tough Mudder. I did my personal best to alleviate the fear of being out of shape, but very little could have prepared me for what was in store for my body.

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I left my house around 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning to get to my friend’s rental cabin in Long Pond, Pennsylvania on time. The drive was beautiful across I-84; the dark and empty roads gave me a lot of time to think. I ended up along the Delaware River at the tail end of my trip, pulling over to snap a picture of the sunrise- of course. Quiet and peaceful, chilly but relaxing- satisfying in every way an early morning alone is meant to be.

I met up with my team and we carpooled to the Pocono Raceway, the track where NASCAR takes place from time to time. Hundreds of cars already parked, we were put into buses and shipped over to the Tough Mudder grounds about 20 minutes away.

After registration, we all stretched, danced and slapped nervous high-fives to one another. The time came to go to the start, and before we could get there, we had to climb a pre-event 10 foot wall. No problem, the adrenaline was most certainly there.

A huge group of TM-goers kneeled and we had a moment of silence. The announcer prayed for our men and women overseas (the event raises funds for the Wounded Warrior Project) and he did his best to pump up participants with endless ”oo-rahs” before the horn was blown and the masses headed into the woods for a run like no other.

I underestimated the run between each obstacle. After crawling under barbed wire, we were faced with the absolute worst of all obstacles- the Arctic Enema. Huge dumpsters filled with frigid iced water awaited us, and we had to swim under the wooden partition. As soon as I dove under, my heart stopped beating. I could not catch my breath. Running was necessary after the bath, and so we did… lots of running.

And with that came:

Death March- a walk or run on a red graded ski run

Electric Eel- a shallow swim under live wires

Everest- a run up a half-pipe

Boa Constrictor- crawling down and up dark tubes with muddy water

Berlin Walls- there were plenty of sets of these, walls ranging from 10-15 feet. Our teammate fell onto his backside and broke his tailbone… and still finished! Oo-rah!

Monkey bars, rings, picking up 30-50 pound logs to carry for what seemed like eternity, balance-beams, jumping over 15 feet into cold muddy water, crawling through pitch dark trenches in mud, and running over fallen tree limbs. Oh, but there is more: Mud Mile was my favorite because I was laughing the whole time; delirious at the hilarity of people wiping out and being exhausted myself, climbing up (Spiderwebs) and under nets (Devil’s Beard), and running through thick black smoke in fiery heat.

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The end was near and I could taste the victory beer in my mouth as myself and newly named team (Slowjams) Colleen and Bernie ran through the Electroshock Therapy. I threw my body into the mud in happiness, picked myself back up and hugged my teammates, then got my trophy- the signature victory Tough Mudder headband.

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I wanted to blog an update on the event considering I did a fair share of discussing it in the past. My photos are below, courtesy of teammate Colleen, and to check out the weekend’s professional staff photographs click here.

So are you ready for a Tough Mudder? If I can do it, anyone can!

Photo courtesy of realtown.com

The Poconos is a popular retreat destination for families and singles, friends and couples all across the nation who are ski and snow lovers. Come summer, there is still plenty to do. The budding of trees and arrival of spring weather is inviting to those who want to hike, fish, camp, or simply kick back in a quaint bed and breakfast on a lake.

That is not why I am going. Well, sure the nature aspect will be great, but I am going to be so high on nerves that the only nature I will most likely get to see is the pretty green grass should I pass out or give up my breakfast.

I am participating in Tough Mudder. Dubbing itself, “Probably the toughest event on the planet,” this 11 mile obstacle course and run is three full days away. I have got my running gear, (Under Armour, gloves, old sneakers and a pink bandanna) and I am ready to rock.

Not quite. See, I am a food lover, a beer lover, a… try everything once lover. So when Tough Mudder was suggested to me by my good friend Zoë over at SexyTofu.com, I had to say yes. At the same time, I knew giving up the foods and beers I indulge in quite often would be no easy task.

If you want a good reason to laugh at me and my appropriately named team, “Team Boozehounds,” click right here to see a virtual map of our day’s obstacle course. Ha ha ha, electroshocks.

Here is how I have been working out. Try not to feel sorry for me, I know it will be hard.

Lots of running! I have shed 10 pounds in the past two months by running at least two miles a day. There are days when I hit five miles, but that takes a lot out of me. I figure with 600 people starting at the same moment, there will be down time. Am I kidding myself? We shall see.

I have been doing lots of crunches with a medicine ball. I went to Walmart and scooped up this $10 weight ball-thingy (that is what I like to call it) and YouTube’d pretty girls with small waists doing the ball-thingy the right way. Motivating!

Oh, but Mondays come and I get thirsty. Weird that the first work day of the week is my bar night. There is usually some sports game on (Go Yankees!) and I can sit on my butt and enjoy 20 cent wings and $3 dollar drafts and not have to worry about waking up for classes the next day until 10 a.m. Problem: wings and beer.

Case solved. I bought a jump rope. Oh no no, it is not just some ordinary rope for jumping happily in the school yard. Focus your attention on the jump rope’s evil twin, the speed rope!  

The difference? I have no idea. I bought it because the guy on the package was sweating with a sensual grin on his face, abs in check and  calves like Iron Man. Good job, marketing execs!

What am I in for? Ice baths, monkey bars, 15 foot rope climbs and death marches up the ski slopes. Hopefully all the speed rope training I have been partaking in helps in some way. If anything, at least I can regain some confidence by showing up at some school’s reccess and beating the crap out of those weirdos who use… jump ropes.

Think of me on Saturday. Think of Team Boozehounds and think about my incessant fear of enclosed spaces, and at that time I will most likely be at the Boa Constrictor obstacle, in which I will have to crawl in small tubes- people in front and in back of me- while trying my best to keep my head above icy cold water so I can, you guessed it, breathe!

Until then, I am going to make myself a sandwich. Not on rye, not on wheat, but on white. I am going to include a pickle and an iced tea and I am going to cry. At the end of the day, and granted that day includes a living Sarah, I will be able to say I did something so great for myself. I can knock another accomplishment off the list of never-ending sought after accomplishments.

Break Time, Cheers!

By bad, I mean with food- for now. 

I need reassurance, it sounds a little cheesy but it normally works. Rewind three to four weeks ago at around 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday when I would finish class and immediately mass text my friends to see who is down for happy hour. Starving, tired, and classwork overload usually leads me to want to come down gracefully with a beer and some bar food.

Although the gym and relatively healthy eating habits have stuck around within those same four weeks, I feel things are quickly progressing for me, especially after I was KO’d with inspiration this past Friday.

I spent six hours in the hair salon going blonde… again. I had a lot of downtime to read some of the fashion and health magazines littering the hair drying station. I picked up Shape, and began to read about how I could more effectively tone my butt. I did not get it. The skinny, glowing model in the demonstrations was confusing me. She was contorted in weird positions, freakishly smiling without a drip of sweat. Could I look like that? Definitely not. I would probably twist an ankle while gracefully sporting a frizzy up-do, swearing and fantasizing about red meat and wine. Should I rip this page out of the magazine and post it to the wall? How can I read this if my face is in some yoga mat? Howdo I know how to do this if Kate Moss wannabe is not there to guide me? Oh, fuck it. I flipped the page, anxiously waiting for my hair to be done under the hellish heat machine, and figured I would stick to cardio, cardio, cardio.

Nature's Path cereal & my exotic morning look!

I was starving after my hair extravaganza, only taking in water the entire day because I failed to pack any sort of “on the go” snack between class and my appointment. I still had to shower and get ready for my night, drive back to where I was earlier in the day, thirty miles away, and wait for friends to get ready before I could eat. I thought to myself, anorexic must be tough. I simply cannot not eat, and this had been the longest in my life I went without shoving some sort of lovely sugar-filled delight in my face as a temporary fix until lunch or dinner. My resolution to lose weight and work out has only recently been half successful. I always figured I could eat what I want if I work out. I know this is untrue, but always have done it anyway- until now.

The night went on, I ate a delicious mushroom burger and eventually spent the rest of the evening drinking heavy lagers. Next morning, boom, hangover central. Although I have to admit it was not as bad as the thousands of others I have had, I still needed to eat.

It was funny, as soon as I managed to crawl off the couch and into the kitchen, I remembered Shape magazine; I recounted the skinny and toned beauties, the interview with model/actress/designer/perfect human specimen that no one can relate to, Molly Simms, that I actually read from start to end, and I could not help but crave some sweet fruits. The stories about organic foods, the need for high fiber, the proteins and essential nutrients your body craves, but I always deny its cries for health.

You want me to do what?

That was it. I knew that something had to change immediately. It was like I had been hit by a thousand Shape magazine butt-workout models. I threw on some sneakers and was out the door, to Whole Foods, of course.

I love Whole Foods. Since joining the gym, I have been making weekly visits (every Sunday) to stock up on little things to get me through the week; those same things I failed to pack during my hair appointment, such as fruits bars or granola. Yesterday I went again with my sister, Rachel, and we took our time browsing the aisles. Here is what I purchased; ate, drank, munched, chugged, loved. I am officially giving myself to health (besides beer- that is a work in progress). The more I read about genetically modified foods, the more disgusted I become. My body has recently become a temple; a temple that still loves occasional debauchery and late nights out, but I realize now that there are some gross things in our every day eats- like dissolved human hair in breads.
While making a change in my food is necessary, I have definitely noticed that drinking the right products reduces my hunger when my stomach starts to growl. These three tasty drinks were bought by myself, and regularly, at Whole Foods. I swear by these!

1. Sambazon

I have actually been into them for a while because I had “liked” Whole Foods on Facebook, and they were promoting Sambazon due to a Brazil trip they were giving away. Hey, I wanted the getaway! Anyway, I drink these tasty little numbers often. This brand specializes in açaí products. This particular drink is full of antioxidants, which a girl like me definitely needs. Also, it really does taste good, promise.

2. White Tea

I am a tea drinker, not as much as I should, but for the past year or so I realize the impact that tea has on me. Really, it does and white tea especially. If I feel a cold coming on, one mug of this and I feel revitalized. Like Sambazon, it gives me energy naturally. Also, white tea is most notable for killing cancer-causing cells, more than any other tea.

3. Vita Coco

Rihanna puts her name on these drinks. Unfortunately for her profit and benefit, I went with the regular flavor, where her name stamped on the front did not persuade me to go forth with the purchase. I will let the website description tell it like it is, “Vita Coco’s an all-natural, super-hydrating, fat-free, cholesterol-free, nutrient-packed, potassium-stacked, mega-electrolyte coconut water!” There you have it.

How do you stay healthy? I want to know!

Look, I have a lot of love for cocktails, beer, and all food. I am an Italian girl whose Sunday afternoons revolve around pasta and meat dishes; breads, cheeses and wine as the main course prequel. I have learned to cook the traditional and not so traditional Italian food staples by lingering in the kitchen, watching over my parent’s shoulders and tasting everything without question. For as long as I walk this Earth, Manicotti stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta will be a part of me.

Not only was the food especially grand this weekend, but the weather was as well. The sun was shining and there was a high of 65 degrees on Saturday. I was driving home from a mall excursion pumping the Stones and looking at a sun-setting orange-purple-pink-baby blue sky. This time last year I could not find a place to put the snow I shoveled. I was constantly trapped in my house because of icy roads, and the gas bill was the highest it had been in years- I know because my father reminded us on the regular. And despite my tanning membership, I could not break the Edward Cullen paleness which the dull grey skies had cursed me with. Spring fever shot through my body and sent me into a slight panic. Maybe it was food shock, but it was most likely because I had just realized how much of a Miss Piggy I had been all weekend.

Mind chatter went something like this:

Worried Sarah: Okay, so you consumed enough calories to feed an army of children this weekend. Oh, jeez! And you want a body like some Playmate of the Year? How can we do this? Time is ticking!

Go-Getter Sarah: You are going to cut back on soda, beer and carbohydrates. No fast food, no excuses. You have to work out three to four times a week.

Pessimistic Sarah: I just do not think I can do that. That sounds way too hard for you.

Bitchy Sarah: You have to do it! Or else you will be gross and uncomfortable for all the things you want to see and do this year.

Realistic Sarah: If other girls your age can do it, so can you. You are a driven person. Plus, you are not even that bad to start.

Phew! The mind chatter ended and I got down to business.

I crunched numbers for personal training and gym fees. I also made a loose schedule with times that would work best to exercise. I figure that having a personal trainer once a week would be enough to show me how to go about particular workouts when I head to the gym by my lonesome. It gets pricey if you want their time for two or more days per week, anyhow. I will dedicate my Sunday’s to the Fitness Edge, as the weekends will be the only days I have entirely free to focus on training.

Playboy Playmate, Laura Croft a.k.a. my body inspiration

This year, it is incredibly important that I hit my goal weight and tone my body to my idea of perfection. Let me get to that now. My idea of the perfect body is in fact Playboy models. Now, now. A lot of Bunnies are all natural (Bridget Marquardt, Sara Jean Underwood, Kelly Monaco). I appreciate their balance between curves and skinniness. Realistically, these girls are not eating lasagna and drinking a bottle of Cabernet. Although, I am sure they wish they could treat themselves to said meals, they have something I aim to possess: discipline.

After the Girls Next Door was over for good, I teared up. I loved that show. They may seem fake, but I have seen those girls work out, a lot. They maintain sexy but without over … or under- doing it.  I would never discourage anyone from doing what they have to do to make themselves happy with their bodies and image- whatever that may be. Hey, I am not an aspiring Playmate, I am merely stating my opinion of an ideal body.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, the Tough Mudder competition is four months away. Team Ninja Bitches (fantastic name, right?) needs me to come through for them. Upon reading the stories of past Tough Mudder competitors, I have realized that the majority of the successes come from those who completely commit themselves to becoming stronger and building endurance. Some even prepare by doing “two-a-days,” or twice a day workouts. I could be assured results if I dedicate myself to the gym this way. Ten to twelve miles aint no joke. Twenty five military style obstacles aint no joke either. I refuse to be one.

Balance will be key.

After I completed an abandoned Tough Mudder obstacle, Mount Snow, VT in July

I only have one and half weeks before I start a daunting school routine again. I will have classes as early as 8 a.m., and some that go as late as 8 p.m. I have to get a required science course out of the way, so I chose physics. For anyone who has majored in journalism or the fine arts, I know you can feel my pain. This is not what I am good at! Science is not in my DNA. Granted I have always passed sciences with a steady stream of B’s, physics requires math, and math makes me S-I-C-K!

On top of physics, I will be taking four more classes including Honors English Seminar and Journalism Technology. I am most looking forward to my degree-related courses such as this one, which is intended to show me the ropes in WordPress, Photoshop and other funky computer programs. On my Life List, I have listed goal number 50 to get straight A’s in all five of my classes.

The party-girl lifestyle takes to the back burner tomorrow in preparation for the months ahead. Work out, study, go to class, work, work out, study, go to class, keep up a social life, repeat. You read correct. Going out will soon become the last on my list of priorities. Not only do I have to save my money for a spring and summer filled with beach fun, festivals, road trips and vacations,but there is just no room for a hangover for the next five months. Not to mention, limiting my drinking to once a week will surely result in some sort of weight loss.

My next plan of attack is to get real about my diet. I have to stop eating at restaurants so much, and limit red meat (my downfall) and starches to a bare minimum. I will have to begin grocery shopping for myself, and refuse tasty treats and calorie-loaded dinners. After talking to my doctor earlier this morning, I am armed with some dietary information that will replace heavy breakfasts and in-between lunch and dinner snacks. I still need to learn how to cook healthy, and look into replacements for frequent cooking ingredients. My friend Zoë, over at SexyTofu.com is a vegan and a healthy chica at that. I admire her dedication and passion for veganism, but I am so entirely different. As much as I know the results of nixing out meats and some dairy, I am not willing to change my life that drastically. Am I being a little bitch? Maybe so.

I am looking for suggestions and help. I cannot afford a nutritionist, and in a way I do not really want one. I should be mature and responsible enough to figure some of this out on my own. If you have any tips for me, do tell. If you are planning a weight loss extravaganza like I am, I want to know how you plan to go about it.

Trying my best to stay skinny amongst the flow of alcohol on an overseas vacation

Some people are born with the genetics to eat what they want and stay skinny. I, however, have not one piece of that gene. I enjoy food because it gives me a glimpse into people and what is important to them. Food shows me cultural techniques and personalities. It fascinates me endlessly by holding the ability to mold an age-old recipe into something new, modern and  personal all the time.

Tonight, I will replace wine with water, chips with fruit and keep my eyes focused on the bigger picture; a life of health, happiness, a better self-image and an overall sense of accomplishment. This year is the year to get fit and toned, look sexy and feel confident. Will you join me? 

Filed under: Health & Fitness Tagged: balancing life, diets, eating healthy, exercise, fitness edge, laura croft, lifestyle change, playboy, playmates, tough mudder ]]> http://sarahonthego.com/2012/01/09/2265/feed/ 20 sarahamastroni tumblr_latc7puipS1qalfldo1_500_large Laura Croft bikini-03 20110717_116 20110901_17 untitled 883