Obstacle Mud Runner - Issue 7

RACE : REVIEW with them the other side, the remaining bodies floating this side hang on to the edge in the hope they will be dragged over and so on and so forth. It really is about team work here. Once out, at least you’re clean for Everest right? A ¼ pipe with rope to assist if needed. Safely flagged off to prevent running and face planting. This is to be taken steadily to avoid injury. If, like me you were running solo, it’s best to use the rope and grab hold of the top. Perhaps, like me also, someone will soon spot you trying to heel hook the slippery peak, take pity, grab your ankle and hoist you, feet first over the top! Hero carry the most technical of all. (wink wink) This is the piggy back carry. Swapping carrier for piggy backer half way. Or, like myself with no one in sight, I imitated the piggy back and galloped like a horse. One for me as a first timer, birth canal . Never have I been in such a tight space trying to squeeze my body through such a situation. I literally wished I’d had someone to help squeeze me out. I turned to my back so my knees were either side and wiggled my way as best I could to the end. I can’t say it was a pleasant experience but it was certainly a new, innovative one. The Liberator not sure why it is called this, it didn’t feel very liberating. A decline makeshift ladder with wedges cut out as the footholds and a pegboard for the hands to stabilise and crawl your way up. Upon reaching the peak, there’s an easy descent down the other side. Then my favourite Funky Monkey . Uphill monkey bars to the halfway point then on to 3 different sized wheels to manoeuvre your way over the water pit below. I managed to remain dry and get across first time with much excitement! Lumberjacked to the lay man, it’s a sternum checker. A tricky height, so use a friend if you can. Or, like I did, scramble your way in elephant fashion. The Reacharound for first timers it’s an incline climb up using the rails, reach over the top and haul yourself over to climb down the other side. For seasoned TM’s it’s more of a leap of faith, grab the top rail and then repeat the up and over process minus the luxury of poles to climb up. Augustus Gloop into the water pit and climb up inside an almost vertical tube with water pouring over your head the whole time. (it’ll be fun they said, it was!) Pyramid scheme The idea is that you use your team mates to form a pyramid and climb up each other until you reach the top. Finally, for first timers it’s the Electroshock therapy – a not particularly pleasant but not painful short sharp TUNES WERE PUMPING, ADRENALINE WAS RUSHING, EVERYONE WAS SMILING, MYSELF INCLUDED. shock treatment or 2 or 6 or 10, depending upon your running speed and style. I slowly and carefully sidestepped the first two rows then decided to just run for it! I think I got zapped about 6 or 7 times but the finish line is right there and the atmosphere is brilliant! Or... “ Kong. The elevated hang tough rings for all you seasoned, loyal Tough Mudders’, not for the faint of heart if you have height issues. There is however, a nice soft landing, should you fall to your doom. So, there you have it. Your TM obstacles. Most requiring a truly brilliant display of team work. It’s clear to see why TM has runners arrive by the car load. It’s not really an event to do alone, unless of course you’re in it to win it. There’s prize money for top 3 in the competitive wave, in which case it’s each to their own on the obstacles. I would describe it as a brilliant day to spend with friends… But wait, it doesn’t stop even once you cross the finish line. The event village had all sorts of challenges going on, so much more to do and no need to rush off. Food and drink vendors galore, plenty for all the family so no need to leave them at home either. Plus, with so many great obstacles easily accessible by foot in and around the event village, why not go and cheer on your fellow runners. The terrain itself was challenging underfoot and really quite beautiful, particularly in the wooded areas which is my most favourite part of running, so this suited me down to the ground. (no pun intended) The sponsors were plentiful in the way of Trek bars, Lucozade Sport and Cider – supplied by Kingstone Press and very generous they were too at the finish. FINALLY – the all important TM headband. The only medal TM’s really need. A truly memorable day out for me and an absolute no brainer to do again, however, I think you have to enter this event with the right mind set for what it is. This is not a serious, qualifying, elitist, best of the best runner event. (ok, a small percentage are after that prize pot.) This event says FUN, TEAMWORK, FRIENDS, MUD, LAUGHTER, SPEND TIME ON COURSE, IT’S NOT TIMED SO DON’T RUSH, MUD FIGHTS, MUD ANGELS, IT JUST SCREAMS ENJOY IT to me. There are different rules for first timers and those coming back for more. If you want to do something that isn’t on your designated route because it’s your “first time”, you’ll just have to come back again won’t you? Take advantage of the early bird rates for 2018 to get the best possible prices and don’t forget to rope in a carload while you’re at it. See you on course in 2018. ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners 01732 452404 39