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Words: Chris Jooste | Photos: Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA
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P 2013 challenge
Last weekend I took part in my first New Balance IMPI Challenge, which was held at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm just outside Hartebeespoort Dam, and man, it was so worth the drive! But what is an IMPI Challenge I hear you ask? 2 • DO IT NOW DIGITAL | March 2013_#8
Well, it's all about testing yourself; be it physically or mentally, and having FUN on a 12 km trail run that features 19 obstacles! There is even a best dressed competition and you won’t believe the lengths some people go to. Honestly, I don’t know how they finished the way they were dressed, but it was all in the spirit of the event and having fun with a buddy. The reason I entered was not because it was planned or the actions of a lost bet. It was simply a challenge to see if it was possible for someone who had not done any training and was not in the best shape, but who had the will power and right mindset, could compete and finish this event. Having never done an obstacle race before, it seemed impossible, but I still decided to take on this challenge with a friend.
Spur junction
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The challenge begins
The race started early on Sunday morning for us as we were in the first batch to set off on the course that had been well run in, due to the IMPI Elite event that took place on the Saturday, making it just a bit more 'interesting' for us. The race organisers didn’t waste any time, as we literally had to dive straight into the first obstacle that was positioned in the first hundred metres. Anyone under any illusions that they might stay clean and dry for while and allow their muscles to warm up, had that notion nipped in the bud right from the word go. After obstacle two, we were treated to a one kilometre run through the most beautiful bamboo forest; you had to see it to believe it. With amazing scenery all around us and everyone joking, laughing and chatting away, the obstacles became more spread out and the running increased, which was not a bad thing, as it gave everyone time to try and dry out after spending some time in the water. However, this looked to be the norm for the day because as soon as you dried off, the next obstacle had you right back in the water, or rather mud with a dash of water. In fact, you couldn’t call it mud as it had a very clay-like texture, making it impossible to run through and was more of a slip and slide action. Having a partner or participating in a group is highly recommended as some obstacles are designed in such a way that you could do it on your own if you were acrobatic enough or in fairly decent shape, but where would the fun in that be? Having a helping hand was a big plus when the competitors got to a wall that was about two-and-a-half-metres high and had to be cleared by whatever means necessary. The event is all about teamwork.
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Spur junction
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What to expect
The course had just the right amount of trail running verses obstacles, so if you like a challenge, as well as a good cardio workout, then participating in the IMPI or a similar event will quench your thirst. Talking about thirst, there were two water points en route that came in very handy. A bit of a heads up for those who are afraid of heights, not too comfortable with very tight and dark spaces (crawling through tunnels in water on your belly) or can’t swim: you'll be jumping off 8 m high platforms into the river and then swimming across, climbing a cargo net that is about 15 m high and down the other side (one of the favourite's of the day), as well as crawling through numerous tunnels army style (leopard-crawling style). But, overcoming these fears with your friends, partners and fellow competitors will make you feel like the champion that you are, like the saying, "If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” The last obstacle of the day was a 20 m run over a suspension bridge that floated on top of the water, but there was a catch. You had to run and keep moving at a steady pace or else your body weight would cause the bridge to submerge and you'd end up taking yet another swim.
The Lily Pad
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The Snake Pit
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Buy one
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When you complete the race, instead of receiving a medal that ends up lost or in a box somewhere in the back of the cupboard, you get your picture taken with the IMPI shield. A copy is printed out for each member of the team, with the date, event and venue at the bottom, so you can frame it and put it up at home. What a cool and innovative idea. The photo even comes wrapped in plastic to protect it from your muddy hands - well done IMPI, well done.
I have to commend everyone involved, from the organisers, sponsors route organiser and marshals, on a well-organised event. The route was perfectly marked, which meant you just couldn't get lost. Even the morning registration looked like it was running like a well-oiled machine. The IMPI 2014 is sure to have all 3,000 plus competitors back next year, and more I’m sure. And they can include me as well - proving that you don't need to be the fittest athlete around to take part and enjoy this challenging event. •
èRelated articles: • Warrior Race #2 - It's all in the teamwork (Digital article, March '13) • Warrior Race #1 - A mud fest (Digital article, Feb '13)
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