Anybody can do one of these, literally anybody. Worried about an obstacle? Don't there is bound to be somebody there that is willing to help, many other racers are nice and will also need help, plus most volunteers are nice, and if you ask are willing to help you over that wall, or pull down that hurc hoist, just ASK!
Worried about price? Don't be, there are almost always discount codes! (except tough mudder). But best practice is to buy them on pre sale, those are always the best price, dis you miss that as well? Then my friend, you should volunteer, race day is good, you get to experience what the race is like before you run, parking is sometimes free, most races have a volunteer wave so you can run with somebody you have been working with. I prefer build days, so race day i can run multiple laps (the second one is often more fun) and if the volunteer spots are full, or no build shifts pop up on the cite, you can always email the company, the worst they do is say no
Cotton is not your friend, if you only want to do one in your life, don't worry about it, it will not kill you. But almost every company out there has water, and mud, and cotton holds onto that moisture and it adds unneeded weight, and discomfort. Plus cotton socks, and prolonged wet feet lead to blisters (you can still get blisters with wool/synthetic/wicking socks, but cotton is the worst), not always, especially if it is a short course, but if it is avoidable I would. (I switched over to wool socks last year, but they are pricey, you can get polyester sport socks that wick moisture that will do just fine)
A second point about clothes, nothing too loose fitting, or you will get caught under barb wire. And long socks, or some sort of calf coverage is great for dealing with rope climbs, rope burn can get infected, and it is just easier to deal with when it is covered. You can go the compression route, it is not a requirement, that is preference, but if you like it go for it.
Go with a friend, it can help make the day even more fun, or better yet doing a team (I am on the new england spahtens, and it makes races so much more fun with this group)
Unless you are doing a spartan, tough mudder, warrior dash, or some of the other national races, research the company first. This sport is still really new, and they companies are going under and not giving refunds, so do your homework! An easy way to figure out if the smaller companies have a good reputation is to check #racelocal that is the whole reason it was created! And again that is where being a spahten comes in handy!!
Odds are if you are doing a short race, anything under 5 miles you will not need to carry water or food, every race has water, and you really do not need food for that short of a time, regardless of how long it takes you, even the mid range races you should be fine with (under 10 miles, think spartan super range)
SHOES! No big secret here, I just bounce around different trail runners, I am not that knowledgeable there, but any shoe will do the trick, trail runners give you more support, and you will not need those fancy $100 plus shoes, unless you want them. Most of my shoes have been 50 to 75 range, and they do the trick (that doesn't mean I do not want the fancy ones, but my money usually goes tot he races I can not volunteer for, and to gas and motel rooms)
Train right for these things, body weight stuff is great, it is free, and most of these races you are moving your body up, over, under and through things, so get used to it. Also run hills, all of then actually it helps, even if you only walk up then in races, I usually do that, and then make up my time running down hill pretty fast. But every race has several hills, you mine as well get ready for them
Looking for easier races, that are also fun? And less dirty? Stadium races are super fun, usually over priced, but you get a great nostalgic value running through fenway park (or any other stadium). They are shorter, and most do not have mud.
Be aware that you will be faster than some, and slower than others, so when you are on a trail that is narrow and you approach somebody slower than you just say on your left, and be polite and either say on your left (or right if you pass on the right) or step aside when others pass you
Bottom line, this is a new sport, and it is all about fun, challenging yourself, finding new limits, and being social with new people. You may be surprised at how easily it can be to make friends on the race course! It is easy to fall in love (I know I was hooked after my first one) and it is a great way to stay in shape, by making it fun. A vast majority of the people that you will encounter at these races will be highly positive, and just an all around great group of people, so embrace it, have fun, get muddy, and feel that sence of accomplishment when you cross the finish line, and make it fun!
So until next time
Keep training
Stephen
Bottom line, this is a new sport, and it is all about fun, challenging yourself, finding new limits, and being social with new people. You may be surprised at how easily it can be to make friends on the race course! It is easy to fall in love (I know I was hooked after my first one) and it is a great way to stay in shape, by making it fun. A vast majority of the people that you will encounter at these races will be highly positive, and just an all around great group of people, so embrace it, have fun, get muddy, and feel that sence of accomplishment when you cross the finish line, and make it fun!
So until next time
Keep training
Stephen
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