Hitting the Warrior Dash? Be Prepared
Have you done the Warrior Dash? What can you tell people planning to tackle the course this weekend?
The Warrior Dash looks like fun, right?
Well, it is. But it’s plenty of work, too.
I participated in last year’s Warrior Dash, a 5K at Afton Alps that includes several obstacles along the way.
It’s not going up walls and jumping over fire that gets you.
It’s those hills. Normally reserved for skiers, the hills are where the pack thins from those who trained hard leading up to the event and those more interested in the beer afterward.
This year’s event is set for this weekend, June 30 and July 1.
It might be a little late, but find the biggest hill in Woobury and run up it. More than once. Take it or leave it, but I wish I'd done more hills before last year's race.
Organizers anticipate the events will draw 18,500 participants and 10,000 spectators, according to a Star Tribune story.
"The Warrior Dash was created to give people an experience they will never forget," Kendra Alley, of Red Frog Events, told the newspaper. "It's a day where participants get to challenge themselves, be active and get muddy tackling the course, then celebrate their accomplishments drinking beer with friends and enjoying live music."
While people can't register for this weekend's event any more, a Sept. 8 Warrior Dash will be held at Woodlach Stables in Hugo.
Another tip: Bring extra shoes. Last year people were able to donate their mud-filled kicks, and I’m not sure I would have wanted to keep mine anyway.
Have you done the Warrior Dash? What can you tell people planning to tackle the course this weekend?
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Kris Janisch
2:28 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Forgot to mention, but last year they sprayed people down with a big hose afterward. And you need it, trust me.
Joette Barr
1:28 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Bring A LOT of wet wipes if you want to attempt to get some of the mud off of you! Last year at Afton they only had huge snow machines spraying hundreds of people off at one time so you didn't get very clean at all. Hopefully this year they will have fire departments there with hoses! Other helpful items: flip flops, clean clothes for afterwards, plastic bags (for your muddy clothes), and a beach towel or two (one to clean off with and one to cover the seats in your car)!
Kris Janisch
1:31 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Agreed 100 percent on all fronts Joette. It seemed like as soon as I got semi-clean last year they stopped pointing the hose in my direction—but a lot of people didn't find it, it was way down the line. And a plastic bag, towels and flip-flops: all musts.
Melissa Rodriguez
3:02 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Extra set of towels is definitely a must! I wish I had remembered to bring wet wipes when I did an obstacle race. If you want to keep track of your race time, I recommend a proven water-resistant watch. Comfortable clothes and footwear that won't weigh you down in the mud are also helpful: inexpensive running/exercise tights and either old shoes with cleats or minimal running shoes with some cleats that are easy to hose down after.
Laura Austgen
1:30 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012
I am planning to do the Rugged Maniac in Taylors Falls in September. It is also a 5K running/obstacle course and it will be the first time I do such an event. Thank you for sharing your tips as I found them helpful in preparing myself for the Rugged Maniac. If anyone else has additional tips to share, I would appreciate it.