I finished the Super Spartan Virginia race. Veterans of other similar contests said this was the most insanely grueling course they'd ever seen. There was very little running involved, because the only flat areas were near the obstacle challenges. Everything else was either long hikes up ~30 degree slopes or scaling mud-slicked rocks/woods, alternating with trying not die by impalement descending similar terrain or 45-degree slopes. Sometimes carrying logs around with you, etc. All of my limbs are currently covered in lacerations and contusions. (I'm not giving my precise finishing time for anonymity reasons, but I was in the middle of the pack.)

This was not quite the most psychologically difficult thing I've ever done, but it was by far the most physically challenging thing I've ever done. I got through this by having the self-that-experiences maintain the mantra that the self-that-remembers was going to think this was awesome the next day (a correct prediction).

But if you want to hear about true inspiration and motivation -- let me take a moment to salute the Wounded Warrior team, whose intact members completed this race in gas masks while taking turns carrying their triple-amputee comrade on their back.

(Sorry for bragging twice in one month, but this puts my previous accomplishment to shame.)