Erin Beresini

As someone who has dabbled in endurance events (3 marathons/1 half Ironman) and a HUGE fan of the television show, Survivor, I have to admit to being a little curious about these obstacle races that seem to be all over the place. This book takes a pretty good look at two of the more popular options, Spartan and Tough Mudder. It highlights some of the people who brought obstacle racing to its current level of popularity and delves into why it might have taken off the way it did. In addition, the author tackles a very tough race herself called the Ultra Beast so we get an insider perspective on what it is like to race such an event.

If I ever thought I might like to do one of these races, I have to say that this book wasn't inspiring me to take that next step and actually register. The Tough Mudder events sound particularly un-fun to me with their electric obstacles that shock you. What I didn't realize is that Tough Mudder isn't even a race . . .it is a cooperative event . . .which frankly sounds even less interesting. Kill yourself and you don't even get a ranking or a time? Uh, no thanks. The Spartan race is more of a very exhausting race, but the obstacles sounded more like something you might do in the military which seemed slightly more appealing. Personally, none of it sounded like the types of events they do in Survivor. If they created a Survivor style set of obstacles, I'd be all over that . . .maybe I should write to CBS and suggest it.

At any rate, I digress.

All in all, the books reads like an engaging Outside magazine article - - which is a good thing. It's not fine literature. It's not some incredible insightful analysis. So it gets 3 stars. But if you are interested in the topic or ever thought about participating in one of these events, I definitely think the book is one to pick up.… (más)

I picked up a copy of this book because I am interested in obstacle courses/mud runs. While I have not done one yet, I am planning to check one out in the near future. So I wanted to see what this world was all about and why so many people are crazed to do it. I am familiar with Tough Mudder but I had not heard of Spartan Ultra Beast. Wow that is insane. That course is one that I would really have to work towards and train for. Because I would not want to skip a station no matter what. The alterative is 30 burpees. Anyone who works out knows what a burpees is and everyone hates them. Although they are a good total body power move.

Back to the book. I thought that Erin did a wonderful job of really giving me the reader a nice insightful look into this world of obstacle courses and Crossfit training. Which I also am familiar with. A excellent training. What I found interesting was the different ways that the two founders of Tough Mudder and Spartan racing approached this world and their personalities. While the Tough Mudder I would do as it does seem easier for the moment as it is untimed, I don't like the founder's attitude. Again, I like that the author really gave me not just a look into obstacle courses but the history behind them and some amazing athletes.… (más)