Today I am thankful for nine beautiful, strong, courageous women. Last year I ran Mudderella with my friend Katelyn. Most thought we were crazy. To not only drive to Maine for the day, but then run a 5-7 mile obstacle course through the mud. It was the most fun I have ever had while running.

Photo credit: Mudderella 2014

When I got back I could not stop talking (and talking) about how rewarding Mudderella was, how it not only uplifted my confidence it showed me how that I am much stronger than I thought I was, both mentally and physically. I told every woman I knew that next year they would have to join us. Nine of us returned to CT and took the challenge. It was cold, 40 degrees cold. It was wet, a little huricaine Joaquin was off the coast. It was windy and we had to drive over two hours to get there. One of us had to drive 6 hours in that rain, wind and cold to be a part of the team.

Since we are women, we made it a party.  Arriving the night before for a pre-celebration. Also for everyone one to meet one another.  In truth they all knew me, but only knew one other person on the team. Most had never met or heard of one another.  Yet they were willing to come and do this with me. Stay in a hotel room with someone they did not know and then run in the freezing cold. They were amazing.

(Photo credit: “C” our resident teen photographer)

Did I mention they also had to get up at 5:30am the next morning? This is only one reason why I am thankful for them. Here are my others:

Photo credit: Mudderella

Missy, the person most responsible for our team name.  Missy is from Texas and mentioned britches. I thought she called us bitches. She said no, britches as in pants that hold up your under-britches. Viola the team name was reborn to Bridget’s Britches. Because each one of these ladies keep Bridget up and going.

Photo credit: Mudderella

Sherry, the person most able to understand my husband. There are not many sister-in-laws who would be willing to say “I’m in” when asked if they felt like running in the mud.  Sherry never had fear or worried about ability. She knew that this day was about friendship and being more than we think we can be.

Photo credit: Mudderella

Bethany, the person most likely not to look dirty after navigating a mud pit. I’m not really sure how she did it, but Bethany ended the run without a hair out of place. I first met Bethany when she became one of Bridget’s ESPs (Extra Special Person). She has such a kind soul, when she smiles (which is often) it comes from the inside out. That she was still smiling with me after freezing so hard she could not hold her after-drink says a lot!

Photo credit: Mudderella

Lisa, the person who has known be the longest and still takes my phone calls. About 2 years ago she sent me a link for an obstacle race she was thinking of participating in with her friend.  I believe my e-mail back was: are you freaking crazy? Sadly, I succeeded in talking her out of that event. The next year when I signed up for my first obstacle race she resent me that e-mail. Um…what’s good for the goose? When I signed up this year, Lisa was the first one to join me. Even though she had to drive 6 hours to join our Britches. Best friends since 7th grade, she realizes she is never getting rid of me and (I think) she is okay with that.

Photo credit: Mudderella

Karen, the person most likely to craft with Abby. I met Karen years ago and then she married my brother-in-law. We bonded over navigating the mother-in-law. Karen was my hero doing this run. She was probably the most fearful yet not only did she power through she helped other teams get over obstacles that proved you cannot get through this world alone.

(Photo credit: “C” our resident teen photographer)

Regina, the person who is probably the most sincere woman I have ever met. No matter what life throws at Regina she sees that silver lining. I have never known her to have a bad day, yet I know her life has been far from perfect. That is what makes Regina so special, even when life is imperfect her approach to living it is seeing that light. She is also a fantastic pre-race dance partner. (I know she went into the mud. However there appears to be no photographic evidence.

Photo credit: Mudderella

Katelyn, the person who I ran my first mud race with and still comes back for more! I met Katelyn when she was just a teen girl dating one of my two favorite nephews. I have watched this young girl grown into an incredible woman. Last year she was a tad, ahem, dramatic when it came to the obstacles. This year she not only rocked the course, she killed it.  I cannot wait to see how she continues to grow into her own confidence.

Photo credit: Mudderella

Lauren, the person who started as Bridget’s speech therapist and became my closest friend. Lauren signed me up for my first ever obstacle race. So really this is all her fault you ladies are in the mud. When I said I wanted to do a half-marathon, she not only encouraged me but began training with me. When our race got cancelled (half-way through our training!) she quickly found another race for us. Whenever I feel like giving up, Lauren is there to remind me that the finish line is just a few steps away.

Last but not least (or pictured), I am thankful for “C”. My teenage friend who got out of bed VERY early on a cold and wet Saturday morning and followed us around the race course taking our photos. Thank you, my friends, who were strangers when they met and will forever be a part of Bridget’s Britches. My life is better for having each one of you in it. Thank you for allowing me in your lives.

And one last photo, to prove that I too went into the mud:

Photo credit: Mudderella

The Britches will see you next year Mudderella NE!

Disclaimer: Mudderella did not compensate me in anyway for this posting. They do not even know I wrote it. However if you are going to do one thing out of your comfort zone in 2016 I recommend locating a Mudderella near you and finding your strength. If you choose New England in 2016 we will be happy for you to join our team! We promise, “Dirt don’t hurt”.