How to Prepare for an Obstacle Race

February 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

ToughMudderBlog

I found this article and thought it was worthy to report here.  This was originally posted on Livestrong and written by Pete Williams.  This nicely recaps everything we have been saying on our show. You can find the full article here.

In the world of endurance sports, 2012 was the year of the obstacle race, with more than 2 million people competing in some sort of muddy challenge run.

Last year nearly 500,000 people completed a Tough Mudder, the 12-mile slog through strength challenges and Fear Factor-style obstacles, and just as many went through the shorter (5K) Warrior Dash. More than 350,000 competed in one of three versions of Spartan Race, ranging from 3 to 15 miles and requiring athletes to perform 30-burpee penalties each time they fail an obstacle, as well as navigate a gauntlet of mallet-wielding Spartan warriors to reach the finish line.

[Read more…]

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Acknowledging The Pain In My….

November 20, 2012 By 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…]

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VNA Monster Mash Obstacle Race Review

October 30, 2012 By 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…]

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Running Ain’t The Half of It

October 17, 2012 By 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…]

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Training in Unlikely Places

October 12, 2012 By 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…]

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Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #2

October 5, 2012 By 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…]

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Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #1

October 3, 2012 By 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…]

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