In the forums she read, the past participants referred to the races as marathon hell, while others compared them to running the gauntlet. She cringed at that, remembering a story her dad had once told her.

He’d said that back in the day when he was a young marine, they had an old form of punishment in the military called “running the gauntlet.” Whenever someone got into trouble, that person was forced to run between two lines of marines who were armed with weapons, and they’d beat him as he passed by them. Brutal, if you asked her.

But while that was a horrifying thought, it wasn’t like she expected anyone to hit her with anything if she passed them. Not that she would pass anyone. It was highly unlikely that she’d be able to outrun their worst competitor. And really, what would they hit her with—a water bottle? Maybe a sweaty headband slingshotted at her?

Either way, she was certain there was a good reason people online—who competed in these events regularly—called these races such terrifying names. Undoubtedly, this would be a tough, challenging course. Not to mention intimidating. But by the time she read the forums, it was already too late to back out.

Not only because she’d already agreed, but because the competition was a fundraiser with all the proceeds benefiting a charity for a nearby children’s hospital. She would’ve felt like an insensitive jerk if she pulled out after learning that bit of information.

No. Like it or not, she was stuck participating in the event. Even if her body didn’t have the kind of conditioning needed to complete such an arduous race: three treacherous miles over grueling obstacles, each sure to wear her out.

From everything she read online, a mud run required strength, stamina, and endurance. Adam and Michael had all three, since they were both in excellent physical shape. But she was nowhere close to being on their level.

No wonder Adam hadn’t wanted her to participate.

Preslee sighed and closed out the forums before logging on to her vlog to respond to any comments that had come in on her latest video. She read through the first few with a smile on her face. Adam had been right to encourage her to post more videos. She liked hearing from others who were struggling with their own workouts. It made her feel…less alone.

But then she saw some comments that had her blinking in shock.

Why did you let yourself get so fat?

You shouldn’t have gained the weight to begin with.