Mud/ Obstacle Course runs

[stitchfan18]

I've never done any of the warrior dash/muddy buddy type runs before, so I'd love to hear experiences from those that have done them. I was at a race today, but wasn't running. Besides being really chilly for some of the water/ mud obstacles, it seemed to be a fun time for all. The things that hold me back from doing a race like this are the price and risk of injury. I saw several people that had to leave the course because of injury. Some of the obstacles looked pretty dangerous, especially those soon after the mud pit. I've noticed these races are also more expensive considering the distance you actually cover. The race I was at today was charging $100 for walk up registration, which is definitely more than I'm willing to spend on most races under 5 miles.
I'd love to hear about your experiences with these races. I'm debating signing up for one in the spring, but am really on the fence about it. If I register early the price isn't horrible, but I'd be devastated if I injured myself. The race I was at today seemed to be a little more hardcore with their obstacles that other races, so maybe all those limping away would have fared better on an easier course. Honest feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[jmasgat]

So far, I've just done Muddy Buddy (was out of commission for local Warrior Dash and the Tough Mudder is not in the area til next year).

I would say Muddy Buddy is the mildest of them. You alternate riding and running on a mountain bike type trail. The obstacles are not that difficult (in my 52 yr old opinion)--the usual balance beam, low wall/rope climb. The mud pit was at the end--no other water or mud obstacles along the way. It was fun. I did it at the last minute with no specific training with the DD of a friend.

The same friend and daughter did Warrior Dash this year and also enjoyed it. All running and somewhat tougher obstacles.

Maura

 

[cewait]

Obviously, the more intense the obstacle course, the greater the chance of injury. However, I looked at the Warrior Dash as an opportunity to prove other strengths. Yes, it is a short race, but the obstacles actually make the race seem long - real long. The obstacles seemed to be very close, not giving much time for a break. By the time I got to the wall, the 5th obstacle I think, I was so wasted that I barely had enough strength to get up the wall. I entered with the goal of just getting through.

What I found helpful going into the training was to get off road and run trails for a couple months. I also focused on core training, almost exclusively out side of running, to help create a great shock absorbing core. I really feel that if you do not do a lot of unstable core training, you do raise your risk of injury.

I think that since you are on the fence, I would look at first running a couple trail run competitions. That will let you know in a hurry if you like the unpredictability of a non paved surface. Then work into a milder race such as the muddy buddy and finally a more intense race.

We had a small adventure race team that I cut my teeth on. It was not as intense as the Warrior Dash but did require a long period of time and conditioning to complete. The Warrior Dash is an adventure race without the need to think - only run, climb, wade, jump, climb, and crawl...

Oh, do not wear anything you want to keep!

 

[dreams91]

I love, love, love these!!!! I've done three so far- dirty dash, gladiator rock n run and the warrior dash. Warrior dash was the hardest! But when you are done, you feel such a sense of accomplishment. Warrior dash I paid 60 the rest were last minute on groupon. And yes you can get hurt but I try to forget about that or it would paralyze me with fear. I don't go for time, just to complete.

 

[JillPTFLA]

I did the Merrell Down and Dirty 10K in Miami in May. My husband and I were together and so we didn't run (he doesn't). It was ummmm....interesting. I am very afraid of heights and the obstacles did not have nets or anything below if you did fall so I was quite nervous throughout. Plus, the mud pit was full of rocks and stuff at the bottom. I was quite bruised up for a good week after.
Did I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I was done...yes. Would I do it again...not sure. I sound like an old fuddy duddy but I have young kids and the risk vs. reward for this one wasn't worth it. I could have easily seen myself falling and breaking my skull open. The group showering off afterwards was quite fun (until they ran out of water!).
I don't remember exactly how much it cost but it was around $50 per person...not too bad for the amenities (they had a BBQ after that was good...they even had veggie burgers!).

I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying...just know what the risks are!

 

[jimandami]

DH and I have done both the Warrior Dash and the Rebel Race and we loved them! There is just such a sense of accomplishment when you finish and the obstacles are a lot of fun! We also found that our competitors were a lot of fun and there was a great sense of comraderie. We are planning to do the Tough Mudder in March 2012...obviously at 10-12 miles, it is harder than the 5K races but we are very excited! I will say, though, that we are more just into working out and competing, than strictly running. We do a lot of workouts like Insanity, P90X, Asylum type stuff and only recently starting running to train for the Disney Marathon Relay. So for us, the obstacle courses are right up our alley!

 

[stitchfan18]

Thanks for the feedback! I think I might sign up. I think I'll feel better about being in the first wave in the morning so the obstacles aren't quite so muddied up yet.

 

[FireDancer]

I have no interest what so ever in doing one of the muddy runs but I did the Men's Health Urbanathlon for the first time this year in Chicago and it was great. It is 9.75 miles and I believe 7 obstacle courses (including 400+ stairs in Soldier Field). I like it and would do another road race/obstacle course but won't be doing any of the muddy ones like the Warrior Dash or Tough Mudder.

 

[mousemgr2]

I loved the Warrior Dash!! It was a great confidence boost! We are signed up for next year already.

 

[sdchickie]

I did the Warrior Dash last year and just signed up again tonight for next years race. I am not what would be called "in shape" but I do run. Some of the obsticles took a little strength and balance, but you can do them as slow as you need to. Just don't rush and you should be pretty safe. I am afraid of heights and at the cargo net climb I decided half way up the first side that I wanted to climb back down and skip that obsticle, but the other racers encouraged me and even stayed with me while I climbed up and over it. That was a major accomplishment for me and I can't wait to tackle that again! The other racers are a great fun bunch and the party afterward was a blast as well. I agree with the PP as far as doing the first heat, the track is not as beat up and I also heard people talking about pukeing on the trail which kinda grossed me out, I mean come on, people have to wade through that! I was glad we were in the first heat.

 

[AmyBeth68]

The idea of running covered in nearly frozen mud and getting electric shocks does not make me happy and so despite being asked to be in no less than 5 different Tough Mudder teams I won't ever do one. Boy are they popular, and I've been told by the mudders that they are harder than running a marathon. I'm not sure that's the case, but they do look brutal. I give anyone credit who does it, but I run so that I can zone out or work towards PRs. That's just not possible in the TM race because sometimes you have to wait to do the different obstacles, plus the course doesn't allow for a lot of straight up running. So for me it's not a good option but I totally get how people would feel accomplished and want to do them.