2018 Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run

Zac and I signed up for mud run event that was sponsored by CrossFit.  The event has been around the last five years, but this was our first time competing.  I woke up with a sore neck from a failed boogie board trick a few weeks prior (Ha!).  I took a couple of pain killers and we were off.

The event is held in the foothills of the Kahili Mountain range—near Omao, Kauai.  We arrived to rainy, wet conditions.  The run features both a 5k and 10k comprised of trail running and an obstacle course at the end.  This event has gained popularity over the years—this year boasted nearly 1,200 participants.

Zac and I both chose the 5k run.  Run is a relative word.  Because of the wet conditions it proved more of a slide, shimmy,  and balancing routine.  I felt pretty good out of the gate.  I wore trail running shoes and quickly found it gave me an edge over those that wore their old running shoes.  The obstacle course at the end included a sand bag carry, fence jumps, dirt pile climbs, army crawl under nets, boulders/trees, and large mud pool traps.  SWEET!!  It was extremely physically challenging, but so fun! I just went all out and maxed myself out.  I took first place in my event.  

After a few minutes of recovery someone mentioned that Zac may be going through the obstacle course.  I didn’t believe it at first—it was way to soon.  Even after seeing that muddy kid I didn’t even recognize him and dismissed it again.  As I was watched closer I finally recognized him.  I couldn’t believe it.  Zac came in 10th overall for the 5k and 3rd in his age group (0-14 yrs).  It was so impressive to see his determination. His face in the pictures say it all.

One of my favorite moments was Zac's fiery competitiveness at the end during the obstacle course.  This event brings some high profile fitness people from across the nation.  The guy behind Zac in the picture below is Grant McCarthy, an American Ninja Warrior (televised fitness obstacle course competitor).  Grant was finishing up the 10k and he and Zac happened to get to the end obstacle course about the same time.  Keep in mind Zac (10 years old) had a slight lead on the American Ninja Warrior at the start of the obstacle course.  Zac was fierce.  He wouldn't be passed and ended keeping ahead of Grant across the finish line.  Afterwards Grant came up to Zac and put his arm around him congratulating him and said something like, "Good job...I couldn't catch you!"

I just love the determination in Zac's face.  He fought hard and did well.  There is something so gratifying as a parent watching your children do hard things.

Later that evening their was an awards ceremony at Koloa Landing where both Zac and I received new fancy backpacks and two hats a piece.  Owen can’t stop looking at the pictures and saying, “Yucky Daddy, yucky Zac!!”