As the first official Mardi Gras parades get set to roll tonight, Tulane students are gearing up for six days of parades, King Cake and fun of epic proportions. “Gearing up” makes it sound like there is a certain level of preparation and training that goes into Mardi Gras, which arguably, there is. Costumes must be assembled, feet must be prepped for hours of standing and walking and bodies must be prepared to run on minimal sleep; yet for some reason, we all look forward to this weekend starting the first day of Spring semester.
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The old saying goes something like this: “Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint.” In keeping with this theme, I’d like to introduce another event happening this weekend that incorporates the same training and stamina as New Orleans’ favorite time of year: Warrior Dash Louisiana.Â
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Warrior Dashes happen all over the country, but Saturday’s event is sure to stand out from all the rest. Not only is it being held in the uniquely swampy terrain of Norco, Louisiana (about 20 minutes outside of New Orleans), but it’s also happening during one of New Orleans’ craziest weekends. Any event that presents this kind of challenge takes a true warrior to complete.
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Here’s the basic idea: sprint 3.18 miles, wade through swampy water, forge through the wilderness, navigate over cargo nets, crawl through the mud and jump over fire. The Warrior Dash is an obstacle course to the max, and only the toughest competitors (or the craziest, take your pick) make it through. Free Viking hats, turkey legs and beer wait at the finish line for those who make it through the whole course.
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Who would put themselves through such an ordeal? Well, I’m luck enough to know three lovely ladies who will be putting themselves to the test on Saturday. Check out my next post to find out how they’ve prepared and what possessed them to sign up in the first place!