It’s been many years since I last did an obstacle race and I had no intention of doing another. However, a persuasive work chum invited me to join ‘Team Beasties’ and I was too weak to resist!
The Start: Knockburn Loch
The team met at Knockburn Loch where it was a bit breezy, the wind chill making the temperature feel lower. We’d been given a 09:45 start time for Wave 1, so this saw us heading off first.
Dawn, coordinating, rounded us all up and distributed out t-shirts, the team having opted to run for SAMH (https://www.samh.org.uk). Although still chilly, the sun was out so I opted just the SAMH t-shirt having previously thought I’d double up. This turned out to be a good choice as we definitely warmed up after starting and I think additional layers would have only weighed me down when in the water later.
We’re Off!
After one last toilet stop, we entered the start pen, engaged in the warm up, some more enthusiastically than others, Jamie in particular bounced around enthusiastically like a caged Zebedee, the hooter sounded and we were off! The majority of the Beasties, myself included, were happy to start at the back of the pen and ease ourselves in gently.
The Obstacles
From the outset, I knew the obstacles would be challenging! I’m a runner, I occasionally dabble in strength training but it always takes a backseat. This race again reinforced the need to get stronger!
There were many obstacles, way too many to remember, however, I laughed my way through most of them, my enthusiasm and will to try making up for my complete lack of skill!
First up were the haybales (aka swiss rolls). The first time I encountered one of these at close range was many years ago at the Ythan Challenge and I’ve avoided them ever since. Today, there were three to get over, none of this louping from one to the next, a big gap between them to ensure we all clambered over and down, in my case not very gracefully at all and with a little team assistance, before doing it all again. Thank you Beasties for your support!
There was of course usually a bail out option (or chicken run); I’m pleased to report that I only totally bypassed one obstacle from what I remember, at least trying the others.
The letterbox, if my memory is right for the names, was hard work, the rubber matting being heavy to push, a little like one of those letterboxes with the heavy brush or spring that traps your fingers, but a whole body experience!
The mangle was fun! Squeezing through and rolling on the tyres, I popped out like I was in a wheelbarrow race. Many of the team were experienced Beasties and it was good to have inside intelligence on how best to tackle some of these challenges.
The stag’s leap was intimidating, but with coaching I managed, chuffed to not get stuck on top of the A-frame (for too long), nor did I fall off! The bog, it was no more (yay!) so we enjoyed a bit of boardwalk instead.
The ankle biter saw us step over bungees attached to the trees, a little like the movies where you have to delicately cross the beams to steal the diamonds. This was an easy one to conquer.
Over the day, I realised I’m a bit rubbish at balancing on anything off the ground. I’d argue that I have no issues with balance itself (providing I’m grounded), although I frequently walk into things; balancing on a seesaw beam was never going to end well. I was grateful to have team support; it’s amazing how much more confident you can be when someone holds your hand – think 3 year old walking along a dyke!
We climbed over more A-frames, crawled through a smelly ditch, and carried / pulled some things before we got to my favourite bit. The water!
The Launch Pad
Having learned to swim as a child, alongside a love of dubs (I shared with the team that if I was an animal I’d like to be a pig), I was in my element when it came to the water. I’m not overly fond of exposure to height, but sliding down a big chute into the loch I’m happy to do with gusto. Just as well; you pick up a fair bit of speed on the big blue slide! I’m not sure what I’d expected, but it was a surprise to end up flying through the air and going under the water! I then swam / waded to get out, pleasantly surprised by the relative warmth of the water.
Up the Hill
The three little pigs (more ‘wee’ walls) to climb over were tough going, particularly on the hill. However, over them we went and we were then rewarded with a wee descent. By this point, Lisa and I were running / walking together, others ahead and behind. A veteran of the Beast Race, I was extremely grateful of her tips to manage the obstacles.
Hitting the Wall
Despite Lisa’s best encouragement and sterling effort at getting herself over the big wall, I missed it out. I got up, looked over the top and decided not to bother, up and down the same way to walk round the side, the prospect of a less than graceful descent (or fall) proving too much. Should I ever return, I’ll be practising on the climbing frame for a few weeks ahead. It was comforting to hear later that some other Beasties followed suit.
Ropes and Clay
The cargo net suspended from the trees was fun. Again, my technique may have been lacking as I made my way across, however I managed to stay upright and avoid landing in any precarious position; no rope burns incurred.
There were fun pulls up short and steep muddy slopes, clay to slip and slide in, very slippery ropes, and a lovely man with a hose to help clean off my hands. I saw familiar faces from parkrun (Simon & Simone) volunteering – thank you! All of the marshals and other folks supporting were great, their encouragement appreciated.
The barbed wire highlighted yet another weakness, this time that I’m rubbish at commando crawling. To get safely under the barbed wire obstacle with clothing intact meant crawling in a low position. Elbows bore the brunt of this endeavour and retrospectively I do wonder if sleeves might have been a good option.
More haybales (this time stacked like big steps) saw us climb up and over three in height. I’m struggling to recall where these were but I do recall that I managed them all by myself! This involved hefting myself up, getting a leg up and then rolling onto the bale before replicating the movement. Getting down was decidedly easier!
Back in the Water
Crossing the loch for a final time, we had to enter the water before running across a series of big floats linked together. Some managed them all, others like me got just shy of halfway before falling in, then using the rope to guide the rest of the way across and out. Again, despite being soaked, it felt relatively warm still.
Drainpipe Rat: A Wee Challenge to Finish
The last obstacle was through a drainpipe. Sounds easy, but it was just high enough to be challenging to get into; once in, the water and slight gradient allowed easy enough movement through and out the other end.
We Made It!
It wasn’t fast, but it certainly was fun! Having crossed the line and received our medals, we awaited the remainder of the team ahead of posing for a team photo. Thereafter I inhaled my Mackies chocolate bar pretty swiftly.
Back to the car for a change out of the wet clothes, the sun helping to keep the chill from getting too bad, we gathered for coffee and chat before parting ways.
Home and showered, I don’t know about the rest of the team but I’ve got a few welts and grazes (brought to my attention by their stinging in the shower). Nothing sprained or broken, I’ll live to see another day and should manage to run again tomorrow.
Team Beasties, thank you, it was a blast!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 