This is my review of the
BattleFrog Atlanta, November 2015. Over all great race and tough as nails the
entire duration. Challenge upon challenge that requires participants to reach
deep and pull out the inner warrior.
I got off to a bad start. Let's say the event began badly,
but nothing to do with BattleFrog, just my inability to properly prepare for
the mission. It was a pretty funny story actually, but frustrating
none-the-less. I live in Huntsville, Alabama and decide to drive to within 20
miles of the event. I spent the night around Anniston, Al and awoke at 5 am to
compete in the 7:30 heat. As usual I had some oatmeal and coffee and drove
toward Tallapoosa, GA just a few miles away.
On the road, I observed that it was just 6 am and I was on
track to arrive an hour early. I glanced at the clock in time to see the clock
change from 6 to 7am; was not aware I would be changing time zones. Ugh. I
ended up arriving at the parking lot 20 minutes before my heat and waiting for
the bus to pick me up to take us to the venue. When I finally arrived, it was
20 minutes after my heat. I asked if I could jump in and get on it and they
said yes. Since the race was 2 x the 8k loop, I felt I would catch up.
I began running strong and was heartily encouraged by the
motivating and highly informed staff and volunteers I met along the way. The
course was well marked so I had no problem staying on the straight and narrow
ALL BY MYSELF.
The first three obstacles were in the same area and involved
the wreck bag. A very energetic volunteer encouraged me and applauded my first
lap speed as I ran with the wreck bag.
My balance beam training kicked in as I
carried my bag along the muddy balance log. I then had to carry the wreck bag
over a 4 foot wall. I did have trouble with the weight of the soaking wet wreck
bag and getting it on and off my shoulders.
The up and over my head onto my
shoulders movement was a difficult transition. I made a note to myself to add
weight training to my obstacle race training.
I dumped the bag and ran further to the 12 foot ladder wall.
I was encouraged by someone who said, “wow, you ran right up to the wall and
climbed it. Most people just stop and look at it.”
I thought, “hey, I might catch up after all.”
Without going through a lot of detail, I negotiated walls
with varying degrees of pitch and height, low crawl and tangle obstacles. On
one of the walls someone shouted, “you might catch up, I just collected a few
souls,” and she showed me her collection of elite bands.
Encouraged, I continued and ended up catching up to an
intermittent few from the elite heat. Later, I caught up with a large pack at a
very difficult obstacle. It's called the platinum rig. I saw it and questioned
my decision to run elite.
When I had decided to sign up for the Battlefrog Masters
Elite heat, I thought I knew what I was doing. I would say my fitness level is
above excellent and above average, but in Battlefrog’s case, there is a huge
gap between above average and elite. That gap exists in the form of the
American Ninja Warrior style Platinum Rig. As a matter of fact, I met someone
there who competes on ANW and he had no problem with it. However, me and a
bunch more folks did.
At Battlefrog elite, you either make it or turn in your
racing band; no alternate exercise.
Well, I did not make it and turned my band in. I attempted it 4 times, almost,
but not quite able to complete it. I tried 2 more times before calling it at
day and then continued the "fun run" after that. I knew if I could
not make this one, I would not be able to negotiate the next three iterations
of the rig.
Other dudes did not turn in bands, but attempted to complete
the obstacle, even hours later. I made my way around for the second lap and
they were still there. I admired their determination and hope they succeed. I'm not sure which is the best strategy:
to turn in your badge and finish with the alternate exercises or continue to attempt the obstacle until time runs out. I guess that will be your call.
However, keep this in mind, each consecutive attempt taxes your strength as well
as the multiple iterations of the other tough events. The course is designed to
wear you down.
That's why I went ahead and turned in my band, cause if I
couldn't get it after the first 6 attempts, there was no way I was going to get
it in subsequent laps. Anyway, after I turned in my band, I was authorized to
do "alternate" exercises (10 bodybuilders).
The multiple laps with the
integration of additional heats only made the obstacles that much harder. The
obstacles grew more slippery, the water crossing flooded deeper and moved
faster, the trail grew deeper with mud and more difficult to run on. Easy weights became heaver as fatigue
wore me down. So, again, plan a strategy to finish the course in a timely
manner.
I headed toward the finish line, grateful for the
experience. Along the way, I saw Ryan Atkins running the opposite directions
cheering us on. What a good sport. That was exactly what I needed to power
through the last mile.
Prior to the race, I debated whether or not to bring my own
hydration bag. I opted out. Based on the provided map, it looked like there
were enough water stations along the route. For me, that was the correct
assumption. I ran the course adequately hydrated.
 |
| The finish line...finally |
Overall excellent experience. I do want to return and
eventually compete in the competitive heat. However I do need to learn the rig.
I believe I will hire a trainer at a local gym (they have a rig) to help me
achieve my goal of finishing as an elite. Until then, look for me in the
Battlefrog Extreme heat. I’m going to do more laps.
