Tough Competitions For Runners & More‎

Competitions

By Kamryn Mattson

If you love to run, you probably have taken part in your share of marathons or half-marathons. But if the task of running 26.2 miles now seems a bit pedestrian for you, it might be time to consider taking on a more strenuous endeavor. Here are some options to consider if you want to take your life up a notch.

Because this event was created by the British Special Forces, you would expect it to be something fairly substantial. The Tough Mudder, which raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project, includes a grueling run, as well as more than 20 obstacles. These aren't just jumping over a hurdle, these are obstacles designed originally to train military personnel and feature names such as the Berlin Wall, Devil's Beard and Fire Walker. There are many events scheduled throughout the year and they take place all over the world. In order to participate, though, you must be part of a team. So grab some of your toughest friends together, pick an event, and started training.

If you'd prefer to stick with events that only include running, there are many adventure runs that take place during the year across the county. In addition to rougher terrain than city streets, you also enjoy the best scenery. You might be running through a forest, along the seashore or perhaps up in the mountains. For a truly exciting running event, consider going to one of the world's most amazing places.

If you love to run and have always wanted to visit China, combine your China trip with the Great Wall Marathon. If climbing Mount Everest has always sounded exciting but you just don't think you can do it, consider running in the Great Tibetan Marathon instead. This race is a great way to test your running skills at altitude. Another exciting altitude adventure run is the Peruvian Andes Running Adventure, which is comprised of 14 days of running that includes a trek to Machu Picchu.

All of these events require training, and sometimes this work leads to muscle soreness. If you do have specific areas of soreness, you can try using a physiological hybrid shape to reduce the pain and increase your ability to move and run. These shapes, such as the ones created by the company RapidForce, are designed to reduce pain by covering and protecting a sore muscle.

The shapes cover the sore area and then reach out to gain strength from muscle groups that are nearby. This allows you to move comfortably and continue exercising but still protects your muscle and sends healing oxygen directly to the sore area. Many athletes have reported that they healed faster using the physiological hybrid shape and also were able to continue strenuous exercise while wearing a shape. There are shapes for the knees, elbows, shoulders and both the lower back and the upper back.