This past weekend I participated in an event I have been craving to do for years but had yet to have the opportunity. The Warrior Dash is a 3.27 mile obstacle course race. The real point isn't racing, at least not for me. It is to have some good dirty fun. I was invited at literally the last minute the day of the race. After checking with my imaginary assistant to see that my calender was free for the day I quickly agreed to make the 2 hour road trip to Copper Mountain. I have skied this mountain several times in the past but never had been there in warmer months. It was awesome. I think my camera fell in love at first site.
The race takes place at the base of the mountain, which hovers around 12,300 ft. Interestingly, and probably due to my excitement, I forgot about the ongoing feud my lungs has with that elevation. About a hundred yards into the race I was gently reminded as my lungs threatened to jump ship.
A little background: My friends Matt and Leanne made the ride up there with me, with Matt participating in the racing experience. Leanne, through jealous laser beam eyes, reluctantly agreed to act as expedition photographer safely far from the muddy activity. I am pretty sure she won't miss out on the experience next time, so I need to start shopping for a new sideline photographer. Speaking of photography, let me point out that I got to put my waterproof Olympus camera to the extreme test during the race. It worked like a champ! I left it in video mode and will post the montage later.
This isn't just a 5k type race. Besides the obstacle course and copious amounts of mud, participants are encouraged to dress up in bizarre outfits for the race. I chose my UDT's (underwater demolition team) shorts from SEAL training days. I never passed that particular challenge but that is a story for another time. The shorts however were 'appropriate' in length, if the year was 1977. I had to make a special undergarment purchase to make sure things stayed appropriate. I chose a black pair of underwear with the superhero logo 'The Punisher' emblazoned on the front. This is the waistband. It seemed apropos.
And then out of the blue, after we got to Copper Mountain, Matt reaches into his pack and pulls out an authentic World War 2 Army helmet. It matched my costume perfectly. It was so strange that he had that because his outfit was a through back to Richard Simmons in his heydey, albeit a very tall version without the curly locks. Matt wore Spandex Short shorts, tight authentic retro tshirt, green headband and wristband, and green mouth guard, with green striped athletic socks. We were quite the team and received more than the requisite comments.
Matt Picking up his race packet. Matt's winning quote "I have my mother's hips"
My pre-race stretch to test the integrity of the shorts
The first 100 yds
It seriously was all fun and games until the race started and then my old friend, Mr Pain, joined us. It was a race...uphill...in high altitude. Matt's 6'4 frame and oddly long legs seemed to glide up the mountain. My legs were busy trying to kick my own behind. The obstacles weren't something found at a McDonald's playland, they were hardcore, dangerous elements. Real danger was imminent. Mud caked our running shoes, that were transformed into something resembling a sticky, mushy 2 inch platform shoe. Always a fun thing when climbing 40 ft cargo nets and walking narrow balance beams surrounded by dozens of other similarly heeled contestants. The ropes and boards were slippery with mud gunk, to make sure even your hands were properly challenged. (The video will give more in race coverage...To be posted soon)
At the end it was all worth it. We snagged our medals at the finish line. Got a few gulps of water. Took a few photos.
You got a little something on your face...
I'll get it...
Then went to go find the outdoor showers, which were blissfully warm. The surrounding air...not so much. It took an honest 15 minutes to remove all the mud. At least we were in a group shower situation, just like a co-ed version of San Quentin.
The girl across from me did everything to avoid eye contact. Her husband/boyfriend wasn't so bashful.
Bright white draws the eye to it...just ask Matt
They had a pile of donated sneakers that the race organizers were going to clean up and give to some group that couldn't afford to throw away their shoes. I fit in that group, This broke guy will wash his own and save them for the next race.
There are many rewards to doing such a race. This is my favorite reward. I am practicing my false modesty.
A wonderful weekend for sure. I will edit and post video shortly.
