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Rugged Maniac 5k

mb

Lifer
http://www.ruggedmaniac.com/

Anyone ever done something like this before? A friend of mine is trying to talk me into it. It sounds like fun but it's also kind of intimidating.

I can run 5 miles on a treadmill no problem so the idea of just running 3 doesn't worry me, but I'm not used to running up and down hills on muddy paths. Also none of the obstacles on it's own seems like much of a problem, but all together with all the running I'm having my doubts.

I think I'll end up doing it because it's something she is interested in... but I'm just wondering if anyone has done something like this and if you've got any tips beyond just normal 5k training.
 
I signed up for a 5k later this spring after a winter of doing a fair amount of treadmill running. Last week I ran along the 5k course for the first time and it was NOTHING like running indoors. The trail itself had a lot of hills and it was immeasurably harder than indoor running. Also it's extremely easy to pace yourself on a treadmill, whereas for me if I run outside I have to stop myself from going flat out in the beginning and running myself ragged very quickly.
 
I've done some trail runs. General rule of thumb for a trail run vs a street run, add ~2minutes to your per mile times. Also, expect to feel soreness in different muscles vs a street race. They do make specialized shoes, trail running shoes, for off road events though.
 
I ran a similar event in NY last summer, and my buddy ran the Rugged Maniac 5k in MA last year as well. Running 3.1 miles on a flat road or a treadmill is certainly not a valid comparison for these events, as they're not so much about sustained speed, but instead are centered around burst speed and quickly clearing the obstacles.
 
I ran a similar event in NY last summer, and my buddy ran the Rugged Maniac 5k in MA last year as well. Running 3.1 miles on a flat road or a treadmill is certainly not a valid comparison for these events, as they're not so much about sustained speed, but instead are centered around burst speed and quickly clearing the obstacles.
Do you live in NY? Are you participating in any trail races in NY this year? I live in STNY and do races from near Buffalo to past Virgil.

Anyways, OP, I've never done one of these obstacle course trail races before but I do run highly technical trail races where I have to scramble, duck, jump, etc... You need to make sure your ass and core are as trained as your legs. Squats and lunges will go a long way to getting you ready.
 
I found a easy trail near my house Saturday and ran it for 30 minutes. I'm not sure what my pace was but I took it easy and don't think I was really going over 5mph at any point. And even then my calves are still a little sore!

I hope I didn't give the impression that it would be like running on a treadmill. I knew it would be harder but just not by how much.
I know if I were to try it today I'd need an hour to complete the actual 5k! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can run outside more often. I want to do it again tonight but we're supposed to have severe thunderstorms. Might be good practice tomorrow if it's muddy though!!
 
I think running outdoors is infinitely easier than on a treadmill but that's probably a mental thing. Granted a lot of running is mental but I just get so bored on a treadmill.
 
I think running outdoors is infinitely easier than on a treadmill but that's probably a mental thing. Granted a lot of running is mental but I just get so bored on a treadmill.

I've actually found that the hardest adjustment now that it's warm and I'm running outside again is pacing myself. It's easy to choose a sustainable pace on a treadmill, but outside I'm always tempted to go too fast at first which then hurts me later on.
 
Well I just registered. $66!

66 bucks to go run and play in the mud. And a T-shirt. Geez.. I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't trying to impress my (female) friend. At least I've got a good amount of time to prepare for it and I'm in decent shape right now.
 
I have an app on my phone (CardioTrainer) that can track where I run via GPS and even tell me my pace.. only problem is I've got a big Droid with an extended battery so it's a PITA to run with.
I think I'll get an armband for it. It's either that or get a $150+ GPS watch that IIRC only lets me view my data after I'm done while on a PC, not while running.
 
I would have been all over the Warrior one in Ohio, but it's sold out.

@mb, the GPS watches give you current performance metrics as well as end of workout stats. At least the Garmins do, and I can't imagine others don't.
 
I have an app on my phone (CardioTrainer) that can track where I run via GPS and even tell me my pace.. only problem is I've got a big Droid with an extended battery so it's a PITA to run with.
I think I'll get an armband for it. It's either that or get a $150+ GPS watch that IIRC only lets me view my data after I'm done while on a PC, not while running.

Might want to go with a waist SPI belt over an arm band?
 
Well, I did it! And it was AWESOME! I'm sore and sun burnt as **** but it was an amazing time!
 
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