We had heard great things about the Warrior Dash and were super exited it was coming to Texas. Guess a lot of people felt that way because it was sold out in no time. We were so bummed we missed the mark and contacted Red Frog Events to see if there were any spots open. A couple of weeks later we received a response saying we get another chance to earn our warrior helmet because they are adding another day!!
With all the drama happening with Kaufman County before the race, we didn’t know quite what to expect. When arriving at the race site it had an Austin City Limits festival feel, only on a much smaller scale of course. There were tents everywhere and a live band playing constantly. Check in was a breeze and gear check was no problem. As usual, we kept our ID, cash, iPhones, and car key on us…that will prove to be a mistake in a little while. There were some pretty interesting costumes on this battle ground. Some of our favs: 8 guys dressed in 3-piece suites, guy in Superman underwear (and only that), Papa and Mama smurf, Banana man…it goes on.
We were getting excited as we lined up for the 3:00 start group. We kept near the back of the group because we knew we were going to take it easy. This is one of those races that you want to have fun with, but you should take it very seriously at the same time. There were so many places on this course that you needed to pay attention to, and we didn’t want to end up with some training-postponing injuries. Note to you future participants: If you want to run for time, get in the front of your starting group. Otherwise you will find yourself waiting at obstacles.
The Obstacles:
- Texas Tornado - 20 mph wind generated by an air boat that blew at you for about 5 seconds. Kept our head down and ran through it.
- Mud Pit #1 - A little ankle deep mud that took a few out but not us! …well it almost took out Isis.
- Walk the Plank - 1-ft wide board over a small ditch about 5-ft wide…we probably could have jumped the ditch.
- Run through the Black Forest- ‘nough said. Dodging tree limbs the whole way!
- Mud Slide - Fun slide down a muddy hill into a small stream…much smoother than expected.
- Slippery Riverbed Run- Challenging. At one point the water would be mid-shin and the next step you were up to your chest. Both of us almost ate it during this section.
- Mud Climb - This is where you got your first taste of some serious mud. Scrambling up a muddy slope on day 2 of a race proved to be a pretty humorous site.
- Mud Pit #2- Another small water/mud pit…no biggie.
- Cargo Climb - Fun for Lee, not so much Isis who is a tad bit afraid of heights.
- Log Roll - The most challenging part of the race and last place we saw our car key. You had to wade in water almost shoulder height and then hurl yourself over a series of about five logs. The logs were difficult to get over, but definitely the most fun.
- Splintering Spools - A series of wooden spools, ranging from small to large, positioned across the course. Had to jump over and they moved if you stayed on them too long. We took on the smaller ones…Lee almost wiped out after jumping on them.
- Hay Bale Wall - Stack of hay bales…about 4 high. Had to be careful not to trip on the straps that kept the bales together. After successfully scaling the wall, Isis wiped out and did a complete barrel roll…don’t worry, she’s okay.
- Wall of Fire - We did our best Anchorman impression while jumping over the fire. Since we were soaked from head-to-toe, we weren’t too worried about catching on fire. Hopefully it results in some funny pictures
- Muddy Mayhem & Barbwire - The last obstacle and the muddiest. Had to be muddy for the finisher photos right? We couldn’t believe the race was already over!
After the finish we were met by volunteers with water, Gatorade, and bananas. We looked at each other and both said, “Want to go again?” It was that fun and not as physically demanding as you may think. After consuming the goods, probably sprinkled with a little mud, we waited in line to get hosed off. That water was cold! Cold, damp, and armed with our warrior medals, we headed back to our car to dry off and change clothes. On our way out we donated our shoes to Green Sneakers. This charity cleans up the shoes and donates them to people in need all over the world. Now barefoot, cold, soaked, and armed with our warrior medals, we headed to our car. When we arrived, Lee could not find the key! That’s right, we lost the car key on the course! While Isis panicked, Lee laughed. Needless to say, we got our spare key delivered to us by Isis’ mom and made it home…about 4 hours later. Thank goodness for her and her willingness to make the drive to save us! All-in-all, it was a great event…and one we will never forget!
Are you a warrior? We want to hear about your race experience!
Our Warrior Dash Texas Pictures
Check out our YouTube videos below:
Getting ready for the start of Warrior Dash Texas!
1st mud obstacle:
Waiting in line for the next obstacle:
The Mud Slide!
Running down the slippery riverbed:
Lee scaling up the cargo net:
The log roll…and last sighting of our car key:
