JXN // sweat
Off to the Races // by ShaWanda Jacome
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efore doing the Fit 4 Teaching program last summer, races of any kind were not my cup of tea. Most Saturdays, I was sound asleep until noon. These days, you might actually find me pounding the pavement somewhere around the Jackson metro area. In April, I completed Warrior Dash; in July I’ll be at Color Run Jackson; and in November, the Dirty Girl Mud Run. I must clear one thing up—I’m more of a walk/jog kind of girl than a runner, but I’m happy just to be making the effort. Now my husband, Mike, he’s gotten out of control. He wants to do every mud, obstacle, death-defying race out there—I have to reel him in a lot. If you’re looking to have some fun and/or challenge yourself in the upcoming months, here are some suggestions:
GORUCK Challenge, Oxford, Sept. 28
Dirty Girl Mud Run, Nov. 16
GORUCK is an eight to 10 hour, 15 to 20 mile guided tour led by a Special Operations Cadre (leader), designed to turn 30 individuals into a team. Each participant is required to carry a brick-filled backpack. Jason McCarthy, a Green Beret, founded GORUCK in 2008 with his childhood best friend, Jack Barley. The company started as an outdoor gear company, and the challenges were a way to test the durability of their product. Soon others started asking to participate, and the challenges grew to mimic military Special Operations training meant to build teamwork, leadership and camaraderie. GORUCK is a team event, not a race, and is mission-based. For more information and to register, visit goruck.com/events.
Dirty Girl is a women-only, untimed obstacle course mud run. It’s for all ages and athletic ability—the main focus is fun and female camaraderie. As you experience the 13 obstacles you will run, walk, climb and crawl through mud and water. The names of some of the obstacles are pretty funny: Funky Monkey, PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff), Dirty Dancing and Runaway Bride. To get the full experience, costumes are a must. The Magnolia G.I. Janes and I will be reporting for duty at Dirty Girl. And yes—there will be tutus! To register, visit godirtygirl.com.
The Color Run, July 13
If you are ready to test yourself mentally and physically, Spartan obstacle races might be for you. With Spartan, you can “pick your poison.” Each race varies in distance and difficulty. Distances include 8+, 12+, 26+ and up to the Spartan Death Race, a full two-day test of endurance and resilience. The Gulf Coast race is a Spartan Sprint, about 4 miles with 15 obstacles. Expect mud, fire jumping, barbed wire crawls, wall climbs, object carrying, tires, a Gladiator arena and other perilous feats. Kids can take part in a 1/2-mile or 1-mile obstacle race. To register, visit spartanrace.com/ gulf-coast-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2013.
The Color Run is for folks of all speeds, ages, shapes and sizes. Runners and walkers will be covered with “Willy Wonka goodness” by the end of the untimed 3-mile route, after getting doused with colored natural cornstarch. For maximum effect, participants wear white shirts and bottoms to the race. I’ve registered to run with my son, Mateo, and am currently working to create a team of mother/ son groups to run with us. It should be a blast. To register, visit thecolorrun.com/jackson. See more local races at jfp.ms/runJXN
Spartan Sprint, Gulf Coast, Oct. 19
Warrior Dash, May 3, 2014 I can’t believe I actually paid to crawl in mud. Warrior Dash was brutal, but amazingly fun. My knees got banged up some as I crawled through muddy gravel under barbed wire. I got stuck in a mud pit and seriously thought I would die there. At one point, we waded through a chilly river and had to climb over a barge to get to the other side of the bank. I was so excited when my sister and I reached the second-to-last obstacle, jumping over fiery coals—I felt like Wonder Woman! For good measure, before crossing the finish line, we had to do a full body wade through mud. This ensures everyone emerges from Warrior Dash looking like a muddy Sasquatch. Registration for Warrior Dash Jackson 2014 is open now online at warriordash.com. TRIP BURNS
The Color Me Rad race in March kicked off a trend of funky races in Mississippi.
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July - August 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine
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