5 Things You NEED for Your First Obstacle Course Race

[@amandas3566]

Thank you for the tips and the links to your favorite items.

[@derekdalton8166]

I just had my first race, and I am definitely taking your advice about the trail shoes! I was climbing down the back of a 20 foot wooden tower, and slipped to fall about 15 ft backwards. Luckily they had put down straw incase anyone fell, so it didn't even hurt. Still I'd rather not repeat that experience!

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Yup, trail shoes are a must!

[@35november]

A hydrated self seems to be the number 1

[@arianaramsey4282]

1. How long do trail shoes usually last you? Can you wear them after racing when they get soiled? 2. Do you have any thoughts on the New Balance trail shoe?

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Depends on the brand and model, but mine are usually good for 300-500 miles. I've never worn the new balance trail shoe so I can't fully say

[@rangeandravine]

Gear is obviously critical, but I think the most important item is confidence and determination. I think more people DNF because they feel they can't go on, especially the longer races.

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Depends on the distance of race for sure. Personally I can get by without everything with the exception of trail shoes. Need trail shoes

[@rangeandravine]

@@obstacleactivist9741 Agreed. I definitely couldn't run a Beast or Ultra Beast in some sneakers, or road running shoes. Trail running shoes are definitely essential like you said.

[@rangeandravine]

What model of Icebug shoe is that? I can't find the one that has the small spikes on the arch for rope climbing. The tread on their shoes is pretty gnarly! I wear Altra King MT and Hoka Speedgoats. I wonder how these compare in cushion? My Hokas are definitely preferred cause they are so much softer and better for my knees.

[@obstacleactivist9741]

The icebugs in this video are icebug zeals. They're a 2017 model and are very minimalist. I currently race in Altra king 2.0s

[@polandsoccerfan]

Do you need a hydration pack for an 8-10 mile Tough Mudder? What do you consider a short race?

[@obstacleactivist9741]

That's very dependent on the individual racer and their fitness level/experience. For me, a short race is anything under 10 miles and I do not use a pack. That being said, plenty of people use packs for this distance. For a tough mudder specifically, I would say it's not needed due to their water stations on course and a much more relaxed environment/terrain the course is set on. Again though, all personal preference

[@medievalcyberbladez5791]

Shoes absolutely.

[@TheBlackJewelz]

Will compression pants suffice in place of compression socks??... do the compression socks not slip (I know they “compress”, obviously but)...?

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Sure do! If I wear compression tights I skip the compression socks and just wear short low-rise mud gear socks

[@Oldgames1000]

After each race, do you have to buy new shoes? Or are they salvageable for another race? Thanks.

[@obstacleactivist9741]

My shoes last a good bit of the season. They last if you have proper trail shoes. Look into altra, inov8, salomon, salming, and Merrell

[@JessikaaPoppe]

Id have to match your number one as well. For my first two races (TM and Savage) I wore old school nike's that needed to replaced a LONG time ago and I suffered awful shin splints and knee pain ! Needless to say I change my shoes every few months now ! Good video :)

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Yeah shoes can definitely make or break you, that's for sure. I had the same issue a couple years back. And thanks!

[@theajkool1230]

The only reason you wouldn’t need trail shoes in your first race is if you’re running a stadium sprint. Running shoes are perfect for that race. Great video!

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Agreed, and thank you!

[@DenserNL]

Good shoes. No doubt about it.

[@obstacleactivist9741]

I just got new altra superiors and have review video coming next week on them. Thinking of doing an all shoes video as well since I have so many haha

[@MoMo-di8xg]

What is ur opinion about Oncloud shoes? Is it good for OCRs?

[@obstacleactivist9741]

I've personally never run in them so I can't truly say. That being said, my top recommended shoes/companies would be altra, inov8, icebug, and Salomon

[@iashrai]

Doesn't the mud get into the hydration pack, bag packs etc. Making the drinking in the pack dirty??

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Not at all. It depends on the pack/bottles but most are pressurized to only go out, not in. At worst you'll get a dirty mouth piece from time to time but that doesn't bother me

[@jjjjjjj389]

I know its way passed but I agree on the shoes. Luckily my first mud run was a local easier one but the amount of times I fell/slid in those old running shoes was awful. Wearing speedcross 4s atm, I can walk up and down the rolling mud hills in spartan

[@obstacleactivist9741]

Yeah if you could only have 1 thing in ocr, shoes are definitely it

[@farmerpewpew]

yo, why you so cute