Crawling under cargo netting during the Trials & Tribulations challenge can be tricky, especially when wearing abaya and carrying a rucksack. Yet, with the right approach, you can navigate this obstacle effectively while protecting your clothing, staying safe, and maintaining momentum.
Preparing for the obstacle
- Clothing considerations: Choose a lightweight, quick-drying abaya, and secure your hijab snugly to prevent it from shifting or catching on the netting.
- Rucksack readiness: Pack your rucksack tightly and avoid dangling straps that might snag. A waterproof inner layer is essential.
- Test flexibility: Practice bending low and crawling to get used to manoeuvring in restrictive clothing.
Approaching the obstacle
Cargo netting requires a combination of flexibility and strategy. Follow these steps to navigate it smoothly:
Assess the netting
Before starting, observe the netting’s tension and material:
- Loose netting: This tends to sag and may rest on your back, requiring you to stay lower.
- Tight netting: Allows for slightly more movement but may scrape against you as you crawl.
- Material: Watch for coarse ropes or frayed edges that might snag your abaya or hijab.
Entering the crawl space
- Go low early: Bend into a crouch or drop to your hands and knees as you approach the netting. Avoid standing too close, as this could catch the net on your hijab or rucksack.
- Secure loose fabric: Tuck in any flowing parts of your abaya to prevent snagging or dragging.
Crawling techniques
Hands-and-knees crawling
When there’s enough clearance between the ground and netting:
- Back positioning: Keep your back as low as possible while maintaining a steady rhythm.
- Rucksack management: Secure the rucksack firmly on your back. If the netting is too tight, consider sliding the rucksack ahead of you or dragging it behind.
Belly crawling
If the netting is too low for hands-and-knees crawling:
- Elbow and toe movement: Use your elbows and toes to pull yourself forward. Keep movements small to maintain control.
- Distribute weight: Keep your body close to the ground to minimise contact with the net.
- Rucksack placement: Push the rucksack ahead of you, especially in muddy or wet conditions where dragging it may cause resistance.
Side crawling
For exceptionally tight spaces:
- Roll sideways: Lie on your side and use your arms and legs to inch forward. This method minimises vertical movement and reduces snagging risks.
Navigating different ground conditions
Muddy ground
Mud can be slippery and create resistance.
- Stay centred: Keep your weight balanced to prevent slipping or sinking.
- Minimise dragging: Lift or push your rucksack to avoid it getting bogged down.
Dry, rough ground
Hard or rocky ground can cause scrapes or discomfort.
- Protect your body: Wear gloves and long sleeves to reduce skin exposure.
- Keep movements deliberate: Use steady, controlled movements to avoid unnecessary contact with the rough surface.
Waterlogged ground
Water underneath cargo netting adds a new layer of difficulty.
- Stay flat: Belly crawling is often the best option to avoid lifting the netting into the water.
- Waterproof gear: Ensure your rucksack is waterproof and keep it ahead of you to minimise submersion.
General tips
- Watch your head: Keep your head low to prevent the netting from catching your hijab.
- Work in sync: If you’re crawling alongside others, coordinate movements to avoid tangling or slowing each other down.
- Stay calm: Cargo netting can feel claustrophobic, but staying calm and focusing on your movements will help you navigate efficiently.
- Practice makes perfect: Simulate the experience by practising crawling under ropes or netting at home or in a training environment.
By planning ahead and using these techniques, you’ll be able to tackle cargo net obstacles with confidence, even in an abaya and hijab and with a rucksack in tow. The key is to stay low, stay calm, and embrace the challenge as part of the mud run adventure!