I am running a race.

Those are 5 words that I have never said before.

And yet here I am signed up, not for just my first race, but an obstacle race in late April! The Boston MuckFest is a race to support multiple sclerosis research and treatment with 100% of the money raised going to National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A very good friend of mine was diagnosed this summer with MS, and since then I have been trying to educate myself, so I have a better understanding of how to be there for her.

MS is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system and effects 2.3 million people worldwide. It is 2-3 times more common in women than men and while MS presents itself in almost every race, it is most common in Caucasians, and more prevalent farther away from the equator. There are no two people who have the same symptoms, and it progresses differently in each individual case.

There is currently no cure for MS, but researchers continue to improve the drugs which help people with MS live with as few episodes as possible.

So when my friend told me she was forming a team for the MuckFest to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society I knew I had to give it a shot. I’m always up for trying something new, and why not get a little muddy in the process!

Running has never really been my favorite form of exercise, so I have never felt terribly inclined to run a race. But with a good cause in mind, and some long winter months ahead, I’m hopeful that I will be able to complete the run! The obstacles will be another story…

The MuckFest is a 5K course with about 30 obstacles on the track. A lot of the obstacles involve getting dirty, like crawling under, over and through mud. I’ve never been a fan of getting dirty, even gardening and getting dirt under my nails freaks me out! So some of my training may have to involve accepting that I will be dirty for a few hours!

I am working to raise an additional donation to make to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Check out my Balancing Blonde donation page to help me reach my goal! 100% of donations go directly toward research and services for those living with MS. At the very least click the link just to see the picture that shows just how excited I am to be raising money for such a great cause!

And check back here! I will keep everyone posted on my training progress, and ultimately just how muddy I get running the race.

Peace, love and a muddy for time all  : )