The answer is: YES. With Tough Mudder and Spartan Race gaining commercial popularity across America, many companies have founded their very own obstacle course race. With courses small and large, each one has a unique touch.
After completing several OCR races, Terrain Race photos kept popping up on my Instagram feed. I was drawn in like a magnet to the images of splashing mud and new obstacles. When a course came to SoCal at the Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, CA, I jumped at the opportunity to compete in the Women's Competitive Wave.
After clocking in a good 200 miles in my Mizuno sneakers, I was ready to start fresh for Terrain Race training. Enter, ASICS GEL-KAYANO® sneaker, whis is specific for long-distance running. I had been researching the right shoe where I could track a good number of miles and have the right grip for obstacles, whether wet or dry. I'm always concerned with my first run in a new shoe, but Asics' Gel-Kayano 25 (celebrating 25 years), was like running on a soft cloud for my first 5k. Although, I took a couple of weeks to break the sneakers in, I don't even think they needed a practice run before the race.
From the pavement to the uphill terrain, from rope climbing to cargo net crawling, these sneakers had my back (or my feet, I should say). They feature FlyteFoam® Lyte and FlyteFoam® Propel Technologies, working in tandem to deliver superior protection and enhanced stability no matter the distance.
The midsole formula features a reinforced, sustainable nanofiber compound which increases the foam's durability and provides more stability for runners. The shoe works with the runner's foot to provide superior shock absorption. Thanks to the two-layerered jacquared mesh, it's breathable, flexible and lightweight.
Come race day, the last thing I was thinking about was my feet, because I knew they were protected and ready. Post-race, I recommend slipping into Asics' GEL-Kayano 25 OBI. So comfy, I call them my sneaker slippers. https://www.asics.com
Terrain Race Pros & Cons:
- Tires, tires, tires. If you love tire obstacles, this will be your heaven. Tire flipping, tire sledge-hammer hitting, tire carry, and then-some.
- Not enough mud. In fact, there was no mud. I'm sure their other courses promise mud but not SoCal. The only opportunity to get dirty was IF you fell off of the monkey bars. Luckily, my OCR training kept me dry.
- Course design is challenging but great. That uphill run in the heat will get you so be sure to train on terrain.
- There is plenty of variety with obstacles that work all parts of your body, from upper arms with climbing to carrying and wall jumps.
Each Terrain Race is built around a 5k structure with 20+ obstacles. There are Competitive, Open and Unlimited Lap options.
On the OCR rating system, Terrain Race was one of my favorites, definitely right up there with Spartan. Race Results and photos are definitely on the delay, but in due time I think this will be a go-to race.
