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Looking for something new (advice needed)
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Hi everyone,
This is my first post here so go easy!
I'm no runner but a marathon kayaker and ex-rower, I typically race kayak events lasting 1-2 hours in racing kayaks (not the conventional ones you see pottering around the rivers at a recreational pace).
Unfortunately for the past year I have been struggling with rib injuries (specifically costo-sternal syndrome). As a result I have decided to leave competitive events involving the 'upper body' alone for a while and hopefully allow it to heal fully before returning. Being a typical sportsman though I cannot simply sit at home because 1) I will get fat and 2) Its just not my nature.
I recently read a book about a specialist paratroop division called "pathfinders" and was instantly inspired, I've always been into military related things and have a military history in my family, several occasions I was very close to joining up! This made me think about doing a military style endurance challenges of which there are plenty about.
What I want to avoid doing is something (and forgive me if you do these events) mincey where people are doing it 'for fun' with the objective of getting as muddy as possible in order to take some photos and stick them on facebook for 'likes' (i.e. tough mudder). I come from a serious sporting background competing against real athletes who train regularly, I simply don't want to be involved in events where "99% please apply".
I've seen two that interest me one called "Exercise Endurance" (a kind of bergan carrying TAB combined with navigation and survival skills) and one called "Para 10" (more conventional TAB with bergens). Does anyone else have any suggestions on anything similar (short of joining the marines). Bear in mind with my upper body injury obstacle courses are not totally out of the question but something I should probably avoid (rope climbing, wall climbing etc).
Would appreciate any advice!
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Comments
I might do this one year (without a pack):
http://www.thefandancerace.com/
I'd be up for something like that, I couldn't work out if you have to self navigate or have any additional skills like climbing. I probably wouldn't invest time learning to climb for just one race?
It says non navigational and that it has "shocking inclines that ALMOST have you on your hands and knees" so no climbing either, although if the ground underfoot is particularly icy or snowy, I'm guessing you'd have a bit of scrambling to do.
Is Costo-Sternal syndrome similar to costochondritis do you know? I had a touch of that a few years back. It didn't last too long and luckily, hasn't returned.
Fell races; everything else is a bit mincey.
Obstacles; how about a bloody huge mountains, wading through rivers and leaping over gates. It's probably only going to cost you £4 to enter, you won't get a medal, you won't get a t-shirt, you will get your legs ripped off by some 60 year olds that can walk faster than you'll ever run, you might get a free pint, toughmudder hipsters definitely won't understand.
This guy knows what I'm on about! All for being trodden on by some serious athletes even if they are 60!
@CotswaldRunner Yes it's the same thing exactly, there are a lot of varying severities, I did it to myself in the gym about a year ago and haven't recovered fully, mainly because I kept going back to train early and hence why I'm here instead of on the water.
Out of interest did you manage to keep running during your spell?
Would agree that fell running sounds very much like what you are looking for. Also have a look at the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) events. Their Challenge Events are for both walkers and runners. Very friendly, low key and good value for money, but some are also extremely tough!
I'd be wary of looking at the military style events. No knowledge of your condition, but wouldn't have thought that yomping with a Bergen would be the best plan if you are trying to recover from a torso injury...