I wrote the other week about the Run Amuck race I was doing at Quantico. Part race, part obstacle course – all mud…and possibly manure. I don’t want to know. And I waited to write because, well, pictures make the post.
The first mile was easy enough, though it kind of felt like a trap. We ran by the mess hall and some residence halls (I think) without an obstacle in sight.
Pre-race smiles...and no mud
And then we entered the woods.
The paths were bad on their own, just from all the rain we’d been having. Straight mud. Which made it so much more entertaining while leaping over hay bales and hopping through tires. There’s nothing like unsure footing to spice things up. That was especially fun on the many hills, as well.
About a mile and a half in or so, we hit the first mud pit, but “mud pit” is kind of a misnomer. It was more a giant pool of filthy water (think pig sty) that was usually about three feet deep, but more if you caught an uneven surface area.
After more hills (one of which included a brief rappel down), crawling through mud, trying to stay below the faux barbed wire (caution tape), and one last pool, we hit the final challenge: crawl uphill, through the mud and rocks, underneath a tarp, and try not to let whoever’s in front of you kick mud into your mouth.
Win, win, win, FAIL. I was spitting consistently for the final quarter mile, trying to purge the mud from my system. And trying not to think about anything else that was in it.
But, regardless, as you can see, I was thrilled to be done.
And I will definitely be doing it next year, should anyone want to join. Honestly, it’d be worth it even just as a spectator.
It looks like a blast! I would love to do a race like that.
Care to join us next year?
That looks like fun!
*So* much fun!
I absolutely could not have finished that obstacle course. Like woah.
No, you definitely could have. Plus, honestly, what’s the alternative? Sitting in the woods?
I am a semi-professional spectator. Just let me know when and where to show up the next time.
Ooh, semi-professional. I will definitely let you know.
I’m with f.B. I’ll also bring my camera.
Yes, please!
Couldn’t we just have the mud fight without the race?
I fully support that. Next monsoon – which will probably be any day now.
If I was going to do race I think I’d stick with muddy buddies- mud in a tarp is too “don’t ask don’t tell” for me.
Party pooper.
Sounds like Wednesday PT back in the day. Nothing but good old fashion mud there, so don’t worry. Not like at Fort Hood where they have cattle using the training areas as range land.
Looks like you had fun and, really, isn’t that all that counts?
It really is – and I had a blast. But I don’t envy anyone who has to (had to) do it every week…
Wow! Good for you! That course looks and sounds mighty tough!
I think the fact that the whole course was so slippery just added a whole new dimension of challenge to it.
Ah, I was wondering when we’d get an update. That looks like a blast!