The Urban Assault-Decatur, Alabama September 26, 2015

The two mile run out.

The Urban Assault is in it's second year and is an event not to miss. This is definitely an event for Northern Alabama folks to train for and participate it. It reminds me of the obstacle courses that I negotiated in Army Basic Training, with a few Spartan Sprint and Warrior Dash type obstacles. 

Before I tell you about the race, I'd like to tell you about the event organization and thank all those involved. The entrance fee is definitely right at less than $50.00; and no parking fee, baggage fee, or anything else. This fee covers a shirt, some swag, awesome food including sausage and biscuits, and a great trophy for those who win overall and in the age groups. Trophies were made from car parts and  by a local auto shop. How Urban is that?

The Urban Assault is the physical fitness child of The Toughest Mile, an organization with military roots and whose mission is to motivate others to live lives of fitness. The event took place at Bender's Elite, a world class gym that I would join if I lived closer. They opened their facilities to the racers for whatever, including the necessary comfort stops. 

These trophies are cool

The volunteers were from all walks of life including attending Paramedics, Fire Fighters, and Police Officers. All were extremely welcoming, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable of their tasks. They had to be as the route was spread out over two and a half miles.

I began the morning with a 5 am wake up call to prepare for the 8 am start time. I fixed bagels with peanut butter and some raisins. Soon I began stretching and a quick 1/4 mile jog to get my blood flowing. I also made time to read the bible and pray for everyone's safety. By 620 am I was out the door for the 40 minute drive.

The tire obstacle

I arrived with an hour to spare and began a quick stretch, signed for my packet, and prepared to race. I was able to view the obstacles as most were in one general area. By 745 am I was lined up and receiving the safety briefing and course lay out. The course was almost 5 miles with a little over two miles out, turn around and return. About halfway through the obstacles begin. Then two miles later, we pick up the remaining 12 obstacles. This sounded like an interesting event as the runners will be able to sprint ahead before feeling the effects of negotiating obstacles. 

I stripped off my shirt to keep cool. I usually run in shorts and no socks knowing that I'll get soaked, muddy and less is more in that situation. At 8 am the cannon fired. Yes, the cannon and it was awesome!

20 x 60 foot milvan

We took off an soon I found myself with the pack leaders, running hard. We kept running and running and gaining more lead. Veterans of obstacle races may understand that leading is better and makes for fewer bottlenecks at obstacles. You also train to conduct obstacles events at every 1/4 to 1/2 miles. The 2 mile distance was a little more challenging mentally. 

Being an "Urban" challenge, the route consisted mostly of roadway. Even when off road, we ran through a concrete waterway, under bridges, through urban tunnels and even down man holes, running through cement conduits. It was awesome.

Came in 2d overall

Next, we climbed up a 20x 60 foot container down the other side, faced a tire obstacle, and yet another container. We continued the road race another 2 miles around the city baseball fields and made our way back to the finish. 

The last 400 yards held military style climbing obstacles, traverse walls, dirt hills, three foot leap over logs and more. Finally, the last 100 yard sprint to the finish.

So happy for the great experience and encourage others to join me next year.

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