Heading off the road and onto the obstacle course: Why I’m trying out OCR

I’ve got a Tough Mudder on my calendar for September. I’ve signed up, I’ve been added to the Merrell team (the hosts of the event) and I’ve even met a couple of my teammates. I’m no longer hoarding mileage just for the sake of it either: my venturing into obstacle course racing is on my mind as I plug away on my routes. I now have a better reason to bump up my training and fitness efforts.

I’m not one to abandon my fitness if there’s no race lined up, that’s just not me, but now that I do have this September target, the stakes are higher. I don’t want to mess it up. So I’m devoting time and applying my competitive side to getting good at hurdling obstacles, climbing slippery walls, navigating tangled nets and making my way through copious amounts of mud sludge with my new team.

But why?

I was asked exactly this not too long ago at a summer barbecue. That inquiry stemmed from my answer to the classic small-talk gateway question: “What do you do?” My answer: I’m a web editor at a running magazine. I write about running, health, food, fitness and gear. I cover races, media events, track, Rio, elites athletes, beginner runners, dogs who run, new training ideas, workout fads and pretty much anything that relates to running. Then, I edit those who write about anything on this list and send it all out on our social media. Some days I’m a sports reporter, others I’m a web editor at a lifestyle magazine. Most recently, I’m the magazine’s designated mud person.

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That last point triggered conversation. Why do people sign up, train for and complete obstacle course races and the Tough Mudder in particular? While some people choose to spend their time and energy travelling, trying out new restaurants, going to the bar or simply just lounging, others rally their best friends to band together in mud race competition. It was further pointed out to me that there are people in other cultures who would have zero understanding of what could possibly be the attraction. To emphasize that point, my new friend pulled up an image of a muddy sweat band-clad pack of runners making their way over an equally muddy wall. “That is what you’re doing.”

That’s what I’m doing. As for why, I have a few reasons. As do others or these types of events wouldn’t be so popular in the first place. Nor would the participation numbers be increasing as rapidly as they are. The most cynical of our readers (and yes, I’ve read your comments) would state the obvious: I’m doing the Tough Mudder because it’s an assignment and therefore part of my job. OK that’s true. But why did I jump at the offer?

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Why I decided to do a Tough Mudder

I want to change things up. I’ve been running since 2000. After 16 years, running is part of my lifestyle and I do still like it or I wouldn’t do it. At the same time though, like with anything that you do year after year, there’s always room to spice things up. Likely there’s at least a few Tough Mudders who get that. There’s got to be at least a handle of runners in that crowd who are there simply to try something different than your typical road running. I want to spice things up. Is the Toronto Tough Mudder too spicy? We shall see.

I like running on a team. It just adds something extra when you finish. When you run as a team, you celebrate as a team, you motivate each other and you have a shared experience to bond over. Running on a team was one of the highlights of my childhood and teen years and I noticed its absence once focusing on other pursuits. Group runs, relays and obstacle events are all ways to get that experience– and it’s one every runner should get.

It looks hard. Let’s say it like it is: I, like many other runners, neglect my upper body. Often, I neglect my toning work in general. This might just be one obstacle course that I’m running through on one day but if the lead-up to that gets me more aware of muscles I’ve been neglecting, then that’s improvement. If I can do well on these obstacles, that translates to having a better shot at the climbing wall or not tiring as quickly during yoga strength sessions.

It’s kind of ridiculous too. People say Tough Mudders are ridiculous– and they sort of are. That’s not enough to deter me though because at the same time, they look really fun. We’re talking about a fitness challenge that’s essentially on a giant playground. And if I’m running with the Merrell team, then I know I’m with like-minded people. To be honest, I’m fully looking forward to it.

Crush your next Tough Mudder with a pair of Merrell’s All Out Crush running shoes suitable for trails, training and OCR racing.