Proper Race Gear Is Key

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OBSTACLE RACE GEAR

One of the most important considerations when preparing for an upcoming race is selecting the right gear. There are endless options one can choose from, but before you go buy those cool looking shoes there are some things to consider.

Shoes:
Shoes are the single most important piece of gear. If chosen poorly they can end your race early and even injure the runner. Start by looking at cross training or outdoor running shoes.

The key things to consider are: 

• How well will they perform when wet?
• Will they offer good traction when filled with mud?
• Are they tough enough to withstand obstacle courses?
• Will they stay on when you plunge into the deep sticky mud pits?
• Do they fit REALLY well?

A good obstacle course shoe will be lightweight, somewhat breathable, very secure when tied, and generally they need to be tough. For this purpose outdoor running shoes can be good. However, make a note of how thick the soles are. You never know what you will encounter on a course including sharp objects hidden in the mud. Having tough soles will ensure that your feet are protected.

Cross training shoes often offer thicker soles, but may be tough to fit properly. Be sure to try out any shoes you buy for racing before you show up to race day. I have seen this go bad. Loose fitting shoes allow in more water, make for worse blisters, and can fall off and become lost in the deep mud.

Shoes that are too tight will not allow your feet to breathe, and can cause arch and ankle pain on the course. You will encounter plenty of pain on these tough courses. Make sure your shoes are not one of the sources.

Tip for those on a budget: Shop for popular models from a few years ago. You can often find new shoes for as low as $35 if you shop from styles that were popular a few years back. Once you run the course they will become mud colored. No need to look for high fashion here. 

Shorts / Shirts (optional):

Clothing isn't extremely critical, but there are some things to consider which will give you a course advantage. In a recent race which featured a lot of crawl obstacles I accidentally discovered something great. Long shorts. I personally prefer longer shorts, so naturally I bought shorts that came down a few inches past my knees. Turns out this was a brilliant choice. All my fellow team members had shorter shorts which came above the knee. At the end of the race they were all pretty banged up on the knees. With my longer shorts, I had unintentionally protected my knees on these crawls. Unless you want to wear pads I suggest longer shorts.

The key things to consider are: 

• How well will they perform when wet?
• Are they tough enough to withstand obstacle courses?
• Do they fit REALLY well?

Are you seeing the repetitive theme here? Planning for wet clothing is essential. Clothing should remain as dry as possible so choosing fabric that is made from quick drying material is key. Water is heavy and if your clothing does not dry quickly you will find yourself packing an extra 5-10 pounds around the course.

Also choosing form fitting clothing is best. During certain obstacles clothing can become snagged by barb wire or sharp objects on the edges of obstacles. I've seen a lot of runners struggling through wire crawl events having to stop every ten feet to untangle themselves from the wire. This translates to delays which can be avoided.

Again, select styles that were popular a few years ago and you will find yourself saving serious cash.

Hats / GoPros / Watches / Accessories:

Any item worn on the course that it not fully secured will be lost. This is no joke. Your new GoPro camera can quickly become a victim of the deep mud pits. Race officials will not stop the event to help you find your camera. Plan for this. Be certain that your head or chest mount is fully secure and tight. These mounts may become loose when wet to be sure to adjust them along the course if you wish to keep them.

The same thing goes for all accessories worn during the race. Sunglasses and hats are the most commonly lost items on the course, followed closely by cameras, then watches, then wallets. Wallets are not recommended on the course. If they are lost you will most likely not find them. Leave your wallet in your car or bag carrying only what you need for the race.

Sunglasses can offer advantages, if they are secure. Sunglass holders can work, if they fit well. Best option if you truly wish to wear them is to pick cheap polarized lens sunglasses that will not be missed if lost on the course.

Here is a good way to properly prepare when thinking about what you will wear while racing: Make it fit, make it secure, and be aware that you may need to adjust these items along the course. A little bit of planning here will go a long way to ensure that you do not lose your belonging and that you are properly prepared for battle on the course.