Two-Ten

Better to train for these obstacle course races:

Run For Your Lives! - A zombie infested 5k run!  You get 4 ribbons, and if you still have at least one when you cross the finish then you still count as human.  Lose all your ribbons to the slow (and fast!) zombies and you’ll finish as one of them.

Warrior Dash - Viking themed 5k! Kilts, helmets, and beer! (actually, most of these races make a point to provide finishers beer).  Cargo nets, fire hurdles, mud pits! What’s not to love.

Spartan Races - There are 4 levels of races here.  The Sprint is a 5k, the Super is a 10k, the Beast boasts 16+k, and the Death Race promises 90% of participants won’t finish.  Kids have a 1/2 mile race.  This race tests you in many, many ways.  The chance to throw a spear, lift heavy weights, and face Gladiators caught my attention.  But there was no mention of the 1/2 mile of sand running, 5+ miles of mud (sometimes knee deep), or the water obstacles.  Well, the water obstacle through the storm drain was refreshing. 

Muddy Buddy - This is a dyad race, so get a partner!  Another 5k with 8-10 obstacles.  However, it’s the only one to offer running as well as biking!  (For kids there’s the Mini Muddy Buddy)

Tough Mudder - a 10-12 miles obstacle course designed by British Special Forces.  This course is more about team work and working together to finish together than racing.  Although, for those who want to race there is the yearly Toughest Mudder, which is a 24 race to see who can do the most laps around the course.  They also posted training recommendations.

I’ve done the Super Spartan.  It was awesome, I’ve never been so sore in my life, and I still have the scar on my calf from crawling under the barbed wire. :D  There were a couple things I couldn’t do (fell right off the monkey bars, couldn’t hold onto the cliff-walk…) but in most places you do 30 burpees and move on.  I may not have been the fastest (by far), but I got real satisfaction on beating people through the early obstacles.

Plus, people dress up in crazy costumes and have a grand time of it at all of these events.  And don’t be discouraged by distance and obstacles! Try the 5k! I saw people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities complete Warrior Dash!  Just don’t be stupid on the course, and be aware of the potential for injury (regardless of physical ability, but know your own) on over-the-top courses like these.

IF THERE ARE ANY OTHERS PLEASE LET ME KNOW!