Blog | Getting Dirty with Laurie and Daniel - A Podcast about Obstacle Racing, Training, and Mud Runs.

REEBOK AND SPARTAN RACE ANNOUNCE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

January 17, 2013 By Laurie Hale 1 Comment

Press Release shared from Spartan Race.

Canton, MA [January 17^th, 2013] – Reebok, the global fitness brand, and Spartan Race, the world’s leading obstacle racing series and Outside Magazine’s Best Obstacle Race in 2012, have today announced a multi-year partnership. The collaboration marks Reebok’s commitment to one of the world’s newest and fastest growing sports – obstacle racing.

As part of the multi-year collaboration, Reebok will be the title sponsor for the global race series beginning with the first race of the season at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, CA on January 26^th and 27^th, and the official apparel, footwear and accessories supplier for the Reebok Spartan Race series. In addition, the Reebok Spartan Race will be featured in the brand’s upcoming global marketing campaign – the first time obstacle racing has been featured in a major campaign. Reebok also plans to develop a range of products specifically created for the demands of Reebok Spartan Race athletes, which will be available in fall 2013. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Obstacle Racing, Reebok, Reebok Spartan Race Partnership, Spartan Race

5 by 5th Virtual Run Series – January Check In

January 2, 2013 By Laurie Hale 2 Comments

As 2013 rolls around many of us start to think about what goals or resolutions we should set for the new year. As I mentioned before I decided to take part in the 5 by 5^th Virtual Run Series. This was set up to help people get moving and move towards a more active lifestyle.

As I woke up on New Year’s Day I knew I wanted to log my miles on this first day of the new year. Daniel and I decided to go out to Placerita Canyon, which is a short distance from our house and an area full of great trails. The trail we chose to do was a 4 mile out and back trail with a couple inclines along the way.

I brought my camera along because I love all the beauty that can be seen while hiking in the canyon. This area in particular dramatically changes with the seasons and becomes very green with just a little rain.

Oak groves line the paths at Placerita Canyon.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5 by 5th, 5K, Blog, exercise, Laurie Hale, New Year Resolution, running

5 by 5th Virtual Run Series

December 24, 2012 By Laurie Hale 3 Comments

I never would have thought having a doctor telling me not to run for 12 weeks would be heartbreaking. This is definitely something new for me. A few years ago, if my doctor would have told me to stop exercising I would have considered that doctor’s strict orders to lay on the couch and put myself quickly into a junk food coma. Wow, how things have changed.

I now find myself perched on top of a slippery slope that I don’t want to fall down from. I am very aware of how my body is reacting to this less active lifestyle I have been forced to accept (for the time being). I have had to temporarily give up my long trail runs, weight lifting and boot camp. This time of year it is especially hard. Even more so since I have just perfected the most sinfully delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe that would rival anyone on Food Network or the Cooking Channel. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5 by 5th, 5K, back pain, chiropractor, exercise, Laurie Hale, running, Spartan Sprint, Training

Acknowledging The Pain In My….

November 20, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

About six months ago I was just getting into the groove of running. I was slowing building up my endurance and increasing my speed. I went out early one morning and decided to do a 3 mile run around my neighborhood. It was going to be relatively easy terrain mostly on the sidewalks with a gradual hill in between. I took the uphill area slow and made it up without walking.

Coming back around I was feeling really good about my pace and decided to pick up the speed. I did this as I was coming to the downhill part of the street. I starting going really fast down the hill and felt the sting of the pounding sidewalk under my feet. After about 40 feet I started to feel a shooting pain in my back. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: back pain, beginner, Blog, chiropractor, exercise, Laurie Hale, physical therapy, running, Training

VNA Monster Mash Obstacle Race Review

October 30, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

Way before the sun came up Saturday morning we were packing up the car again and prepping for our next race. This time we were heading 2 hours east to Victorville, CA for the 1st annual Monster Mash Obstacle Race. This was to be a 5K Halloween themed obstacle race to benefit the VNA of California. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5K, beginner, Blog, exercise, Laurie Hale, Monster Mash Obstacle Race, Obstacle Race, Obstacle Racing, podcast, running

Run For Your Lives! Obstacle Race Review

October 25, 2012 By Laurie Hale 9 Comments

Here’s the scoop on Run for Your Lives: Race waves run every 30 minutes with about 500 runners per wave. Runners wear a flag football belt and 3 flags. Throughout the course you must avoid zombies who are after your life (flags). The goal is to make it to the end of the course with at least one flag to be considered a ‘survivor’. If you lose all your flags, you cross the finish line ‘dead’.

Run For Your Lives Southern California 10/20/12

Early Saturday morning, before the sun rose, we packed the car and began our trek to Vail Lake for the Run For Your Lives obstacle race. During the two hour drive we worked on our strategy to outrun zombies and devised a plan to get some great photos and video of the race. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5K, Blog, exercise, Laurie Hale, Monster Mash Obstacle Race, Obstacle Racing, Rockin' The Desert Mud Run, Run For Your Lives!, running, zombie mud run, zombies

Running Ain’t The Half of It

October 17, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

So when you think of obstacle racing usually the first thing that comes to mind is running through mud. Yes you will be running. And yes, there is usually mud. But there are lots more to these events than just running. I think people new to these events (if they are going to train) focus a lot on the running and nothing else. But this is just a small piece of the pie.

Strength training is the other part of the equation that will help ensure a successful race. All of the obstacles that you will encounter may use muscles you never knew you had. So because of that it’s a great idea to include core and strength training into your training routine.

I’m not talking about bulking up body builder style. But by using your own body weight alone can help you attain lean muscle mass that will get you over the highest walls or army crawl through mud with the best of them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5K, beginner, Blog, exercise, Laurie Hale, Obstacle Racing, Training, training tips

Training in Unlikely Places

October 12, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

When I’m not running trails or crawling through mud, you can usually find me in a theme park. Yes, Daniel and I are admitted theme park addicts. We are the proud owners of more than one season pass to Southern California’s best attractions. We are proudly turning our three young ones into adrenaline junkies one day at a time just like their parents. :)

Two of our kids enjoying Space Mountain at Disneyland.

Without even thinking about it we can log six miles on the pedometer in one day at a park. This is a great way to keep the training going even in the most unusual places. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: beginner, Blog, California Adventure, Disney, Disney's Princess Half Marathon, Disneyland, exercise, Mad Tea Party Band, Monster Mash Obstacle Race, Obstacle Racing, running, Training, training tips

Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #2

October 5, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

So you are probably thinking, “Okay, I know how to run now. How do I take it to the next level?”

Once you feel comfortable in your running shoes and you feel confident in your running skills, it’s time to bump it to the next level. Whether you’ve been a stroller strider, treadmill champ or sidewalk soldier, take to the dirt!

Your journey begins just off the paved road.

If you are training for a obstacle race or mud run, guess what? Your event will be in the dirt! I’m sorry if I scared you. It’s not so bad. I think you will actually enjoy it once you get out there and get a little dirty. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5K, beginner, Blog, exercise, Laurie Hale, Obstacle Racing, podcast, Rockin' The Desert Mud Run, running, Training, training tips

Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #1

October 3, 2012 By Laurie Hale Leave a Comment

We will be doing a series for beginners that should help you start a training routine to get you ready for your first race. If you are a seasoned mud running obstacle racer, maybe you can add a comment that could offer some more tips to other readers. Either way, we hope you enjoy this series and find it useful.

Quick Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with any exercise, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

Any time you start something new it’s easy to want to jump in and give it your all. That may not be the best idea if you are just starting to exercise or beginning to run for the first time. If you start off too fast your body may rebel, and leave you a sore stiff mess. It may just turn you off from exercising ever again. Okay, maybe not forever. But there are some things we can suggest that can help you ease into a routine that will be enjoyable and great for you at the same time.

You should make your way slowly into a running routine. Going slow and steady will get you to running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two-three months. Beginners should start with combining walking and running. Begin by alternating four minutes of waking with two minutes of running for a total of 20-30 minutes. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 5K, beginner, Blog, Laurie Hale, Obstacle Racing, podcast, running, trail running, Training, training tips