Has any done the 5K obstacle runs such as Spartan or Warrior?

[pinkxray]

I think I have created a monster.

I just starting running with the C25K in the fall. I am signed up for the TOT 10 mile in Sept. and hoping to do the Princess Half in Feb.

I came across a thread for the Zombie run and mentioned to DH who is a big Walking Dead fan. He completed the run/obstacle course last weekend.

Now he is asking me to sign up for the Spartan race or one called Fugitive Race for your life.

From the looks of them, they look more suited to guys and people more gung ho about them. I like my running and wouldn't mind doing something like this with DH, but just don't know if people do it for fun. It seems more competive than fun?

DH is an former Marine so the courses won't bother him. I just feel like I might be out of my league doing something like this.

 

[jimandami]

I have done several of them and absolutely love them! Some of them are competitive and raced for time (Competitive heat of Spartan, Warrior Dash), but you will find people there of ALL shapes, sizes, and ability levels. I have never seen such a sense of comraderie as I have at these obstacle course races. There is always someone willing to help you or encourage you over an obstacle! As far as which one to do, the Spartan Race (which is my favorite) and the Tough Mudder are probably the 2 hardest as far as obstacles go, with the Warrior Dash, Rugged Maniac, Mudathlon, etc...being more about having fun. Although I enjoy road racing, I have to say that obstacle course races are more fun for me! Let me know if you have any questions!!

 

[jimandami]

I just wanted to add that last year's Warrior Dash was only the 2nd race I had ever done (the other was just a 5K) and I had zero problem completing it!

 

[poppinspal]

I know it's not one of the races you asked about but I just did my first Tough Mudder this past weekend. I noticed there were people of all abilities out there. I was passing people who told me they started like 40 minutes before me and I was getting passed by people. I'd like to think I'm decent shape, I workout six days a week but I'm also not a gym junkie. I did it with my boyfriend and he helped me when I needed it. (At 5' 2" I may have needed a little more help then taller people.) I found it was challenging but fun. I loved the atmosphere, lots of people encouraging each other. Definitely a good experience and so much fun.

My boyfriend is in great shape and was apprehensive about the whole experience, he really enjoyed it and had fun. I think these races can be serious or fun depending on who you are.

 

[fall08CP]

I was planning on doing the warrior dash last fall but a week before race day, my buddy had a horrible accident at his race up north. He slipped in the final mud put and was trampled. He is now paralyzed from the neck down, and will never be able to live independently. He's 21.

Obviously this is not the norm, but the nature of the race and amount of people going through at once does pose serious risk. I will not compete in a race of this type.

 

[maganda]

I've done Warrior Dash and the 4+ mile Spartan Race and both were lots of fun. Spartan is definitely one of the tougher mud runs. It's true that you'll find people of every ability and fitness level competing and the camaraderie is one of the best things about these races. I'm a petite lady, just under 5', and people were more than willing to give me a boost when I needed it. I also remember wading through some really thick mud and I held hands with a stranger as we helped each other get to the other side. You just instinctively reach out to give someone a hand and that happens a lot at these races.

Definitely don't feel like you have to attempt every obstacle if you have any concerns about safety. Lots of people opted out of stuff and the Spartan officials made them do 30 burpees before advancing to the next obstacle. I failed miserably at the monkey bars and did my share.

 

[sissy_ib]

Just make sure you know exactly what the obstacles are. A friend of mine did a Gladiator Run a few weeks ago and it looked like no fun at all. Crawling under barbed wire in the mud and running by people shooting paintballs at me sounds like my worst nightmare but she had fun. She posted a bunch of photos on FB from the race and some of all her bruises!

 

[cewait]

I have run a couple and count them as a once and done type event. (Slow learner since it took a couple times). As in most races, don't worry about others, just run your race. Both ends of the spectrum will be there. Though I will say it is even more important than a regular race to line up according to fitness level. I found that the pointy end of the race was much more hung ho that I wanted.