Obstacle 5k questions

[Raenstoirm]

I am planning on signing up for an obstacle 5k in 3 weeks. What do I need to know? What should I wear? (long sleeves so the ropes do burn if I slip? Etc) There is a "blood and guts" pit that you have to pass through, so I am assuming I will get rather dirty.

This will be my first race ever so I am clueless in general, but I figure a race like this is more about fun then time, so it keeps the pressure off.

 

[KristinU]

I'd say dress for the weather in something you're willing to get dirty and stained and possibly torn. I guess long pants and long sleeves for protection wouldn't be a bad idea...but I guess it depends on the obstacles. Oh, and shoes that you're planning on trashing or donating. That guts pit sounds like maybe mud or colored water/mud??? Red jello and noodles???? LOL. I've done the Warrior Dash a couple of times, both times in shorts and sleeveless running shirts, but it was August both times, so it was hot. I did scrape my knee a touch this year, so I guess pants would have protected me a bit, but it wasn't bad enough that I'd worry in the future.

Have fun! And again, I think focus on comfort and just don't pick your brand new favorite $50 tech clothes or anything

 

[Raenstoirm]

That guts pit sounds like maybe mud or colored water/mud??? Red jello and noodles???? LOL.

That's the thing, I have no idea! They dont say and none of the pics on the website are of the obstacles. I guess they like the runners to wait in suspense!

 

[Princess on the Run]

I do these a lot and they are SO much fun!!! (I have Tough Mudder next week -- Woooo!!!!)

Is it a mud run? Depending on the weather, most people wear as little as possible. The more loose-fitting clothing you wear, the more it fills wit mud and water and weighs you down. Go bare bones basic, no frills and nothing you wouldn't mind never wearing again.

It's a ton of fun and just be open to try anything!!!

Which one are you doing?

 

[Princess on the Run]

Also, it's very common for people to wear costumes for these things. Wedding dresses, super heros, that kind of thing. People have a lot of fun with it so you will probably see just about anything.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Which one are you doing?

Its a blood and guts zombie run. I am not sure if it is a franchise type race or just a local one. Its about an hour away from me.

 

[KristinU]

Have a blast...and please report back!

 

[Princess on the Run]

Not sure if this helps at all, but here are a few pics from some of the mud/obstacle runs I have done. It's hard to get really good pics of the obstacles because you can't bring a camera with you on the course (because it will get ruined) but there's usually a professional photography group (like Brightroom) on site and for one of the runs, it was all girls so we had my DH run the course on the sidelines as best as he could to get some pics. You can see both what people were wearing as well as some of the obstacles.

THis one was a little "girly" for an all girls run, usually the walls are taller without the shorter options but they wanted it to be open to all to try

A before pic of our team for one of these so you can see what we wore:

And an after

Careful, they become addictive!!!!

 

[Raenstoirm]

THis one was a little "girly" for an all girls run, usually the walls are taller without the shorter options but they wanted it to be open to all to try

Hmm, I think I would be good to go on everything but the wall. I dont know if I can climb a wall! Traditionally, if you cant complete an obstacle, can you go around it?

 

[Princess on the Run]

Hmm, I think I would be good to go on everything but the wall. I dont know if I can climb a wall! Traditionally, if you cant complete an obstacle, can you go around it?

Most allow you to either go around or do a modified version. It's meant to be a fun challenge so just enjoy and do your best!

The walls are my least favorite too. I have long nails and a really hard time grabbing hold to pull myself over. Also though, most people who do these are more than happy to help others either with suggestions and encouragement or even a good shove up and over something! Just go in to have fun and don't worry about timing or perfection. Everyone relaxes when they're covered in mud (or bloody guts as the case may be).

 

[jimandami]

Most allow you to either go around or do a modified version. It's meant to be a fun challenge so just enjoy and do your best!

The walls are my least favorite too. I have long nails and a really hard time grabbing hold to pull myself over. Also though, most people who do these are more than happy to help others either with suggestions and encouragement or even a good shove up and over something! Just go in to have fun and don't worry about timing or perfection. Everyone relaxes when they're covered in mud (or bloody guts as the case may be).

Just FYI, those Tough Mudder walls are enormous!! I literally had to stand on the shoulders of one of my teammates (he was 6'2") and still had to jump off to grab the top and pull myself over! To the OP, you will have a blast and generally, people at these races are very, very helpful! As far as clothing, dress for the weather and I probably wouldn't wear anything cotton because when it gets wet, it can really weigh you down!

 

[Princess on the Run]

Just FYI, those Tough Mudder walls are enormous!! I literally had to stand on the shoulders of one of my teammates (he was 6'2") and still had to jump off to grab the top and pull myself over! To the OP, you will have a blast and generally, people at these races are very, very helpful! As far as clothing, dress for the weather and I probably wouldn't wear anything cotton because when it gets wet, it can really weigh you down!

I can't believe I am more nervous for those walls than the electric obstacles!!!! Any tips or hints would be much appreciated!! We're doing the Louisville one this Saturday.

 

[BRER]

Make sure to train for full body strength. These races require aerobic conditioning and muscular strength. But if it's first one, just take it easy and have fun!

 

[jimandami]

I can't believe I am more nervous for those walls than the electric obstacles!!!! Any tips or hints would be much appreciated!! We're doing the Louisville one this Saturday.

I wouldn't worry too much about the walls because there are tons of people willing to help. That was one of the coolest things about the TM. There is absolutely know way you would be able to get over them by yourself, so just be prepared to need assistance. As far as tips, I would dress as warmly as possible, because once you get wet, I think it will be pretty chilly (we did ours in June and it was over 90 and I never even got hot!), and there will probably be some standing around waiting in lines. If you start any time after 9:00 or so, there will definitely some back-ups. I would say we probably spent a good hour either in line or walking behind people on a narrow trail. I will tell you that electroshock was a little more intense than I anticipated. It didn't hurt per se, but it did knock me off my feet! That said, we enjoyed the TM and I would do it again, so it couldn't have been that bad

 

[Ariel484]

...clean clothes for the ride home?! Good luck!

 

[Princess on the Run]

I wouldn't worry too much about the walls because there are tons of people willing to help. That was one of the coolest things about the TM. There is absolutely know way you would be able to get over them by yourself, so just be prepared to need assistance. As far as tips, I would dress as warmly as possible, because once you get wet, I think it will be pretty chilly (we did ours in June and it was over 90 and I never even got hot!), and there will probably be some standing around waiting in lines. If you start any time after 9:00 or so, there will definitely some back-ups. I would say we probably spent a good hour either in line or walking behind people on a narrow trail. I will tell you that electroshock was a little more intense than I anticipated. It didn't hurt per se, but it did knock me off my feet! That said, we enjoyed the TM and I would do it again, so it couldn't have been that bad

Great info! I was trying to figure out what to wear and that was exactly my concern. I'm thinking some ColdGear may be needed. I usually go minimal but had heard about the lines and back-ups so it's good to get a firsthand opinion. We start at 9:20 so I'm sure it will be hoppin' by then. Thanks so much!

 

[jimandami]

Great info! I was trying to figure out what to wear and that was exactly my concern. I'm thinking some ColdGear may be needed. I usually go minimal but had heard about the lines and back-ups so it's good to get a firsthand opinion. We start at 9:20 so I'm sure it will be hoppin' by then. Thanks so much!

You are welcome! I personally would wear ColdGear if I were doing it. That ice water is COLD!! We have the Super Spartan in Chicago in 2 weeks and I am already dreading the cold! Good luck this weekend!

 

[Princess on the Run]

You are welcome! I personally would wear ColdGear if I were doing it. That ice water is COLD!! We have the Super Spartan in Chicago in 2 weeks and I am already dreading the cold! Good luck this weekend!

Nice!!!! We're planning to do the trifecta next year. Looks like a lot of fun!!

Do you find them to be fairly similar? I haven't done any Spartan Runs yet.

 

[jimandami]

Nice!!!! We're planning to do the trifecta next year. Looks like a lot of fun!!

Do you find them to be fairly similar? I haven't done any Spartan Runs yet.

They are similar as far as difficulty, etc...The biggest difference is that a Spartan is a race, whereas the TM is an event. Also, the 30 burpee penalty for failed obstacles at a Spartan adds a little bit of difficulty. Honestly, I prefer Spartans because I like to run for time, but I am ridiculously competitive...lol! We are also hoping to get our Trifecta next year. This Super will count for next year, then we have the Indiana Sprint in April, so we just need to choose a Beast!

 

[Princess on the Run]

They are similar as far as difficulty, etc...The biggest difference is that a Spartan is a race, whereas the TM is an event. Also, the 30 burpee penalty for failed obstacles at a Spartan adds a little bit of difficulty. Honestly, I prefer Spartans because I like to run for time, but I am ridiculously competitive...lol! We are also hoping to get our Trifecta next year. This Super will count for next year, then we have the Indiana Sprint in April, so we just need to choose a Beast!

May see you at those! We're planning the Indiana Sprint and doing the Midwest Super (next year) and then picking a location for the Beast. I didn't realize you could count them from a prior year. Nice. It kind of seemed like the Spartan races are more competitive. I like that too but I wonder how it works for the team? Do you get points as individuals or as a team? And does that make people less apt to work together?