Its great to have goals, in all apsects of life, especially in regards to your physical(and mental) prowess. Sometimes choosing a goal that seems just a little beyond what might be possible right here, right now, can be very powerful. For some that might doing their first 5K or learning to mountain bike, cutting their own supply of winter firewood or entering a ultramarathon. All depends where you are at and where you wanna get?
They’re is a growing sport called Obstacle Racing that seems to be a very good choice for many folks. Here is a definition straight outta Wkipedia’s mouth…”Obstacle racing is the sport in which a competitor, traveling on foot, must overcome various physical challenges (obstacles) in order to progress in the race. Obstacles include, but are not limited to: climbing over walls, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of water, crawling under barbed wire, and jumping through fire. Many obstacles are similar to those used in military training (ex: O-U-T), while others are unique to obstacle racing. Varying in distance and challenge level from three mile races, to near half-marathon distances, obstacle racing mixes road racing, trail running, and cross country running with a variety of obstacles throughout the course to test endurance, strength, speed, and dexterity. With race venues typically in large cities, organizers encourage athletes of all types to participate.
Obstacle racing is designed with more of the “regular Jill or Jack” in mind. Shorter courses with a fun and doable course for most anyone with a basic fitness base. Check out this video to get an idea of what to expect..keep in mind this is a marketing video. DO NOT GET INTIMIDATED. you CAN do it.
We have a team heading to this years Spartan Beast in Killington, VT once again. There will be some new faces aboard the Mocean365 team. The course will be 12 miles and very challenging but very interesting. Obstacle races embrace a party atmosphere and encourage costumes, team participation and more of a “we’re in this together, let’s just try to finish this thing. If you have ever thought of doing a triathalon, this would be like it’s rock and roll cousin. Bold, dashing, and you will be covered in mud, blood and maybe even beer if you’re not careful. No heart rate monitors or spandex needed here!
So if you want, hit us up and join us in Vermont or do one closer to your neck of the woods. These events are popping up EVERYWHERE! This new boom is media driven so you will see them here, there and everywhere. From the Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Muddy Buddy, The Warrior Dash and dozens of new series starting up weekly, this stuff is going off.
Want to do one but don’t know where to start? Well first setting a decent basic fitness base will help. Being a runner is NOT a prerequisite but being a good hiker(see walking) would be a great place to start. Starting a basic routine of strengthening moves would be key too. Pushups, Dips, Lunges, Squats. Climb some hills, x-c ski, haul in your firewood, shovel, bike, standup paddle board. Do some Yoga, some martial arts, whatever you need to get your body tuned. Just remember you do NOT need a gym or equipment that you couldn’t make yourself. Master your own bodyweight before you worry about adding weights. Running certainly won’t hurt your chances, build a base then build up gradually. Get educated, get informed, experiment with your body, listen!
So poke around though don’t get intimidated by some of the obstacle racing websites. There is a fair amount of hype to drive the marketing machine, so stay focused. If you put your mind to it, you CAN and WILL finish. And that is really the goal for most of us. Show up, have a good time, push ourselves and others while having fun. Anything wrong with that?
Feel free to contact me or Megan with any questions or tips and may the force be with you!
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