MCRD Boot Camp Challenge

Here in San Diego, we are lucky to be surrounded by quite a few military bases. Camp Pendleton to the North, 32nd St. Navy Base to the South, MCAS, Point Loma (where Pat works), NAB Coronado, North Island...just to name a few. MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot...one of 2 in the country I think) is located here as well. From San Diego's airport, you can see the recruits marching and proving themselves on the obstacle course. One day a year, they open the obstacle course up to the public for the Boot Camp Challenge.

I have to say, when not out fighting for our country, the Marine Corps puts on some damn fine races. I have done both the Bulldog Bike Race and the Olympic Distance Tri up at Camp Pendleton and have always been super-satisfied with the venue and support (not to mention the cool t-shirts). When a couple of friends asked me to join their team for the Boot Camp Challenge, I figured...why not?

So, here's a little summary of my experience

• Drove to MCRD in the am (AWESOME that it's only 1 mile from Pat's house)
• Explored the expo (good expo, 2 beer companies)
• Met up w/ my team (Run DMC) Court and Farah, and met my other 2 team members Kelly and Karla. Put on our cute tank tops that Farah and Court made
• Got our pic taken by a tank w/ a hot 18 year-old Marine

• Stretched/enjoyed the sunny day
• Listened to a Marine Corps jazz band play at the start line to pump us up
• Started the 3 mile obstacle course (jumped over hay bales, climed over log posts and made 8 ft. jumps, dropped and gave 10...twice. squatted through tunnels, etc.)
• Finished race, felt pretty good (as an endurance athlete, 3 miles actually feels a little short now) Time = 30:50
• Started driving home, then got a call from Courtney saying that our team had won 3rd place. Out of 16 teams! WHOA! Didn't expect that! Go Us! Check out the trophy we won (coming soon)!

All in all, fun day, fun race. Will hopefully do it again.