Warrior Dash Visits Greater Tulsa
Out & About in Greater Tulsa By EMILY RAMSEY
Managing Editor
WARRIOR DASH: Warrior Dash, a 5k obstacle course, came to Inola in May. The obstacle course trend began sweeping the nation in the mid-2000s.
I often hear people describe running as “cathartic;” for me, I cannot understand how feeling like my lungs are about to explode as my body slams against pavement translates to an enjoyable experience. Then again, we all have our preferences.
I think I may have found mine in obstacle course races, although I come with limited experience. My first and only foray, thus far, has been the Warrior Dash, a 5k obstacle course, which came to Inola in May.
I have grown increasingly intrigued by the obstacle course phenomenon since it began gaining mainstream popularity in the mid-2000s. And there is no shortage of course choices, depending on your desired challenge level: Conquer the Gauntlet, Spartan Race and Tough Mudder, to name a few.
The fitness junkie in me felt excited to explore the Warrior Dash, with hopes of furthering my endurance. Yet, another part of me worried as to what exactly I was getting into. Would the course prove my fitness level to be in sad need of improvement, or might I find the experience to be a raucous version of an adult playground?
Fortunately, I found neither.
What most struck me about the event was the immediate camaraderie felt with the other participants due to the shared goal to push our bodies and grow in strength. No matter our fitness levels, at the end of the day, we were all working to conquer the same obstacles.
That feeling pulsed through me throughout the entire race, as I willed myself to sprint that last mile, jump into the water and crawl through the muddy tunnel.
And afterwards, I gained a certain swagger from the knowledge that I did it. I made it through. And the spectators celebrated for me and all of the participants, cheering as we crossed the finish line, peppering us with photos. (For those who missed the race, never fear, Warrior Dash returns in May 2018.)
The high of accomplishment and physical fitness that one feels afterwards is tough to replicate, leaving participants, myself included, immediately asking, ‘when can I do it again?’
Updated 05-31-2017
READER COMMENTS
About Post Author
