Stinky in Pink Part 2

Ready to Race for Life - Warriors in pink

Eileen and I were dropped off at the Town Moor to meet up with others bedecked in a whole spectrum of pink waiting for the warm up. Eileen was in wave 9, I was wave 11 - but intended to join in hers since no one seemed to be stressing about who was where and when.

Once in the warm up 'pen' we were treated to a chat from some Newcastle Radio presenters and a bit of a warm up from Katie 'the scouser' from The Apprentice before being herded to the start gate. We were the first wave of the afternoon so there was a clear run, no stragglers bimbling along from previous waves to negotiate, which was good planning as we noticed as we left that some of the obstacles were getting a little congested.

Criss cross ropey thing

It was a long way to the first obstacle and we both realised that we maybe ought to have done a bit more running practice.. but we struggled on and made it to the first mud bath - or more a dirty water trough...enough to soak your trainers and legs. Nothing like running in soggy trainers!

Slightly muddy tunnels and high ropey climb thing.

More running, small obstacles and a big ropey climbing thing. Commando drill perfected we scaled and descended like professionals in the most unladylike of ways. More running and a bit of power walking when necessary and we got to the good bits.. proper muddy obstacles, crawling in it and sliding into it. Not the stinking, claggy swamp and river mud of Stampede, that got everywhere, but clean, non smelling mud, that lightly coated the skin.

Final run to the finish line through gritted teeth and lots of cheering from the spectators we crossed the 'I made it' line to be greeted by a line of volunteers with water, medals and cake! 

By this time there were loads more women waiting for their warm ups as we walked through to the bag drop, gasps of horror at our muddiness and "well done's " finished off the day as we headed off for a hot shower then bath.

Slightly caked but still smiling

As an event it was a fantastic way to raise funds for charity, and accessible to those who wanted to do something but not fit enough to do more challenging events. Personally I didn't get the buzz of achievement that I did doing Stampede last year. I should have done more running in preparation for this one, but found the obstacles pretty tame.  

There's nothing like a lot of thick stinky swamp water, boulders and submerged tunnels full of the above to get the adrenaline going and the muscles pumped. Time to look for another challenge.

A vision of loveliness.....

My only regret is that I didn't do this kind of stuff years ago as a 30 year old - but at least I'm doing it now and fitter and healthier than I was back then.

Thanks to Dean and all the Assert Fitness Warriors

http://www.assert-fitness.co.uk