Terrain Race Obstacle Course Race
I knew the 5K distance would not present much of a challenge. Still wanting to experience some adventure at the event; I made it a point not to do any research on the Terrain Race beforehand.
Everyone (myself included), has seen pictures or clips of various obstacle courses. I am sure you get the idea. However, now I realize they are all unique and can present different challenges. Some of which you might not expect.
Registration
The terrain race was advertised online as “free”. Which is what caught my attention in the first place, I should have known nothing is free. They charged $15 for an insurance fee (if they provide insurance, why did I have to sign my life away on a waiver?). After signing up, I was then notified that I would also have to pay $15 for parking, no big deal.
Race Day
The race took place North of Houston at 3 Palms Action Sports Park. A motocross track, looping through piney forrest and around ski lakes. I specifically stopped on the way at an ATM to get $20 for parking.
Upon arrival, the price of parking had increased to $20. Then I was told there was a $5 fee for picking up my packet on race day instead of the day before. Resulting in me having to leave the park to find another ATM. My patience was running thin.
Looks like I might miss the obstacle course race
When I had returned, I was directed to a different parking area, much further than my original spot. Not a big deal other than the fact my race was about to begin and I still had to register (by showing them the QR code on my phone). Then run back to my truck to put my phone away (perks of being solo, no one to watch my belongings).
None the less, I made it to the start just in time to hear the obnoxious race coordinator scream out the rules and thank us for showing up to his ‘free event”. This is also when I discovered the race was not being timed, somewhat of a let down. But by this time I just wanted to start running to get away from the loud speakers.
Finally he yelled START!
I took off and was able to get to the front without tripping up. The first obstacle was a simple wooden wall, I debated hurdling it but decided against it. Not wanting to eat shit right after taking the lead.
Next were a series of motocross jumps that had been flooded with muddy water. The slopes were very slick considering how many people had slide down them before us. Running, covered in mud was a little different but Iim used to wet shoes so I continued into the woods as fast as I could.
Then came tire flips, sledge hammer swings, bigger walls and a lot more muddy trails in-between. Some of the obstacles had waiting lines but for the most part it flowed pretty well considering by this time I had caught up to the slower folks who started before my group.
A mile in…
The course began to wind around towards the big lake near the start/finish. The obstacles got a little more challenging. There were rope climbs, swings, monkey bars, and bigger hills that were caked in slippery mud.
I got a good laugh out of the people I saw sliding face first into the mud pits.
One particular, boring obstacle was to walk around the edge of the big lake in knee deep water for roughly 400 yards. I think the main purpose of this one was to clean people off a little as we made the approach to the finish.
Save the best for last!
The second to the last obstacle was in my opinion the most frustrating and/or difficult. There was a big, heavy duty cargo net laid out on the ground and you simply had to crawl under it. Doesn’t sound difficult, and it probably wouldn’t have been if there were a few others underneath to help lift the net off the ground. But it was just me, on my hands and knees trying to pick the net up with my shoulders while sliding forward.
The finish…and my last laugh
The last obstacle was a basic cargo net wall that had to be climbed over before making the final sprint to the finish. As soon as I crossed the line I stopped my watch and realized the course had only been 2.25 miles, well short of the 5K they advertised. Shaking my head at the irony, I got my last laugh moments later when a lady handed me a medal and WHITE t-shirt.
The perfect color to give someone covered in mud.
Overall…
The majority of the obstacles were more “official” than I would have expected. A few were half-assed but I would imagine that goes for every obstacle course race. From what I saw, most of the participates were doing the race with a group of friends, co-workers or on a team. I did not see many people doing it by themself (none of the obstacles required team-work though).
Smiling and still covered in mud!
In the future I will do another OCR, but will likely chose one that is 15+ miles. However, if you are looking for a quick event that still provides a challenge, I would recommend finding a race near you. No matter how far it is, I promise they are much less monotonous than a basic 5K run.
My only regret!
Towards the end of the race. As I was waiting in line (and catching my breath) for my turn on the obstacle; which consisted of pulling a cement block attached to a slippery chain, down to a flag and back. Something caught my attention. A tall, middle aged man covered in mud standing around a younger, but equally muddy dude probably about my age. Which in any other circumstances would seem odd. Here, they fit right in. Except the taller man was holding a 2 ft rope, about to proceed to the next obstacle.
Seconds later the younger guy grabbed the rope and they took off! Then it clicked, he was blind. It was by far the most inspiring thing I had seen in a while. These races are specifically designed to make people slip, fall and trip over manmade and natural obstacles. And here’s this guy, (who will be referred to as “The Badass”) out there getting after it! Crushing obstacles and passing people up while doing it!
As fast as he moving I doubt many people even noticed he was running the course blind, and I doubt he cared. But my only regret was not being able to find The Badass at the finish to congratulate him, shake his hand and tell him to keep up the courageous work!
Let me know…
Share your experiences when you take on an obstacle course challenge! Or if you have already completed one, let me know your thoughts so we can determine what race company provides the toughest challenge and the most value!
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