Still adjusting to city life here in Salt Lake City, did you know you can get to a Home Depot in less than five minutes, compared to twenty when I was living in Vermont. Yes there is more noise, more people, more variety of food choices, and well it’s a city. Still a little timid to hit the trails here and still trying to get my bearings, I hopped over to Liberty Park for a quick jog this afternoon.
It wasn’t until I got out of the car I realized the Spartan Race shirt I was wearing. Working from home these days in a city where I know few people my clothing and t-shirt choices are not at the top of my priority list. I stepped out of the car popped my headphones on and started to jog the wood chip path surrounding the park. I was less than five minutes into a run when this guy sprints past me with a hoodie on. I gave it no thought as it’s a city park and people run in parks.
Next thing I know the guy appears again, this time sweatshirt in hand revealing the back of a Tough Mudder t-shirt. I smiled to myself a little and just kept running at my same speed. I look up again now the guy is running backwards so if I missed his shirt the first time I would see the logo this time. Seriously dude, I get it you did the Tough Mudder last weekend in Utah. He runs off yet again.
I continue to run at my pace looking ahead in the distance the “Tough Mudder” guy has slowed his pace to a walk. I continue my pace and inch closer to him, he keeps looking over his shoulder, when I reach about twenty feet from him he takes off again. This cat and mouse game continues for about two miles, he sprints off then walks moments later, I just keep jogging. It was really comical.
The whole time it was like he was tempting me into a race or had to make sure he stayed in front of the woman in the Spartan Race shirt. Either way this was the craziest way I have ever seen anyone run. What was he out there for to get a workout in or impress people by showing off his new race shirt? As I looped around for my next lap on the path, he slowed up and stopped at the water fountain, never drank, allowed me to jog by again, then sprinted to his car. I felt like I had been pulled into a Spartan v. Tough Mudder battle and yet a word was never uttered.
I finished my run and left thinking, that was the strangest workout I have ever seen anyone do. Well “Tough Mudder” shirt guy, hope you accomplished your goals today whatever they might have been. I know you made running in circles a little more enjoyable and really let me know it’s time to get over my fear of scoping out new trails in order to be able to run in peace again.
To paraphrase Joe talking to Carrie: “You ran a Tough Mudder? That’s adorable.”
(http://blog.spartanrace.com/the-founding-few-profile-series-joe-desena/)
Can we not all just get along? Granted this was probably just an ardent TM fan trying to show off (and probably not having a clue WHO he was trying to challenge), but it is indicative of the mentality that has been identified and brought out by Scott Keneally’s article in “Outside” magazine. Anyone should be, and is, happy and willing to participate in any O-course event, no matter what the founders/owners do. But when fans start choosing sides and battling each other, that may spell serious troubles ahead in the future.
Nate,
I agree. It was the craziest thing I have ever encountered trying to go for a run. I am guessing he was just stoked about finishing his race and wanting to show off he knew Obstacle Course Racing. But it was seriously funny, I wish it had gotten on tape. This sprint away then walk as I keep slowly jogging down the path. It almost seems to me that Spartan and TM fans are the Yankee and Red Sox fans everyone loves baseball but will live and die by their team.
I seen a tough mudder sweater guy at Spartan Race Carolinas. My thought was I hoped he enjoys his run.
There might be a decent forum discussion here
This was my first year of obstacle racing and running in general. Started with the Warrior Dash, fun. Next TM @ snow… Did The Killington Beast. Having completed the big 3… I know my preference is the Spartan series. I registered first day available for 2013 and plan on adding more of their events. I think you do develop a bias for a certain event although one does NOT have to be in your face about it. I had NO fun doing the TM, I loved the Spartan event and a tear came to my eyes finishing 6:12 and 210 burpees later. I felt an indescribable rush of emotions. It seems TM markets to a stick out your chest bravado, where Spartan caters to a more serious athlete… And the serious athlete doesn’t need to be in your face. I do feel a line has been drawn in the ‘mud’ but I think it creates a healthy rivalry.