Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 08

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk 38 ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners After all, getting better never stops and... One Run is Never Enough. I’m not talking about the fun runners who can’t do the monkey bars or the 3 generations of family running together who have only heard of J-Lo and no clue on a J-hook. I think we can allow the inflatable fairies to miss the barbed wire crawl too. I’m talking about the racers, the competitors, the ones desperate for that top spot on the leader board and who will do whatever it takes to get there. Yes, those. There are 2 categories of cheats. 1 The innocent cheat. This is a bit of a grey area. It is ‘almost’ acceptable if, for example, you were unclear of the rules and no one corrected you, therefore you were unaware that you perhaps completed something incorrectly. However, as it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules of completing each obstacle, is it acceptable that you made an honest mistake? Another question mark is, if an official changes the rules and says you can/can’t complete it a particular way and you later discover it was incorrect, where do you stand then? As a competitor it means you’ve completed something honestly and with the best intentions but incorrectly. 2 The deliberate cheat. This carries blatant intent to behave deceptively and dishonestly in order to gain a better result. This could be using a body part when instructions specified not to, claiming to have completed something when you did not, cutting parts of the course... The list could be pretty extensive as there are often multiple opportunities. People often remark, “They’re only cheating themselves.” I disagree. They are not only cheating themselves, they are cheating every other competitor in that race. If 1 persons’ results are different, that has a huge domino effect on the statistics that follow. And who would have thought, with OCR being such a great community of individuals coming together from around the world that we even have this rare breed amongst us? Thankfully, they are just that, a rare breed, but it’s these few that turn smiles into frowns. But what drives someone to cheat? As fully grown up and responsible adults, (in most cases) we know it’s wrong but there are some who are willing to do whatever it takes to look good in front of others or get on a leader board at all costs. What extent would you go to or do you suck it up and just accept you are that bit slower and go away and work on your speed, or perhaps you didn’t manage that “rig.” Thankfully the few out there, are most definitely a minority which means for the most of you, you can dutifully continue having the best time and run your best race. There is zero shame in admitting you struggle with something. After all, if we all completed everything, what is there left to work on? Wouldn’t you rather be 2nd and proud, but know you gave it your all, than win by cheating? We suggest you take away any negatives from a race and go away and work on that. Self-development is what we continuously strive for is it not? You’re only cheating yourself – or so they say How many times have you witnessed cheating? RACE : SKULLDUGGERY competing honestly with the best intentions Would you do it? Would you do it if you knew you could get away with it? Would you be able to sleep at night?