Muddy medics prove tough

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Wortham, Texas --  Aside from the expected fatigue and inevitable sun burn, Airmen from the 7th Medical Group are feeling at the top of their game.

After completing a 12-mile Tough Mudder run March 31, with 24 military-style obstacles, not a single drop out and a greater feeling of camaraderie, Dyess' participants all shared a common thought, "I'm hooked."

"Thousands of individuals slop through the mud with a common goal--Get through and leave nobody behind," said Master Sgt. Lonney Johnson, 7th Medical Operations Squadron. "Not just the members of your team, but anyone and everyone on the course. When you get to an obstacle, there are people waiting to help you. When you've completed the obstacle, you stick around and help the people behind you get through it."

Tough Mudder events are 10-12 mile runs with obstacles designed by British special forces which test all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. Whether the airman were jumping into giant ice pools, running through a mile of knee-deep mud or even being electrocuted by 10,000 watt wires, after each event, they would come out with a smile.

Even with the estimated number of competitors in the thousands, the event wasn't about winning. Everyone takes a pledge prior to starting the event.
"I understand that tough mudder is not a race but a challenge. I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time".

However, the mission starts way before the mud begins to pile. The Medics trained twice-a-week for several months using the "Spartacus Workout" technique and interval training to build endurance and strength.

"I'm an exercise junkie and will jump at any chance I get to work out," explained Senior Airman Cassandra Diyer, 7th Medical Operations Squadron. "I love getting muddy and pushing myself to the limit."

A personal feeling of accomplishment, along with a shirt and head band runners are given aren't the main reason behind people's involvement. To date, approximately $2.8 million has been raised in sponsorship of "The Wounded Warrior Project," it's goal is to raise public awareness of the needs of wounded veterans and provide them with services and the ability to help themselves as well as one another.

"After running side-by-side with a double amputee during the 2009 Marine Corps marathon, I knew it was worth investing my time and effort to support Tough Mudder," said Lt. Col. Kevin Seeley, 7th Medical Support Squadron commander.

Completing the task is more difficult than most competitors anticipate which is what makes it so much more rewarding. The scars and bruises that last for days and weeks after proving your hard work are overshadowed only by the memories kept forever.

"This is one of the toughest challenges I've ever done." Johnson elaborated. "It's one of those things that most people look at and say 'you're crazy.' And when they do, you smile (covered in mud) and say 'YOU KNOW IT!'"