Competing In The Best Obstacle Course Races

By Kelly Wood


Staying fit and in shape has never been so popular. Many people are now looking for ways to add extra fun and interest to their workouts. Training for a competition makes all the hard work worthwhile and gives the person focus and determination. As part of the fitness movement several new sports are emerging. Races that combine fitness, strength and agility are becoming increasingly popular and many people are looking for the best obstacle course races in their area.

Racing over a course with a variety of obstacles is very challenging. For many people it combines the fun of a race with a military style course. Many of the courses take their inspiration from a military training facility. There is a combination of climbing, low crawls, mud, water and other hazards to negotiate. Both men and women are now taking part in races and there are several different categories to suit people of all levels of fitness.

Most races are advertised on line. The rules, entry fees, terms and conditions and type of obstacles should all be described in detail. A big feature of most races is mud and water. Thick mud is really difficult to negotiate and will slow down all but the very fittest athlete. It is also hard to duplicate such conditions in training and many people are simply not prepared for the physically draining effects of wading through mud.

Training for a race is a serious business. Most competitors begin with a five or six day per week training schedule. This should include distance running, weight training, cardio vascular work outs and upper body exercises for arm strength. No matter how much they train many people are just not prepared for the psychological demands of the race. If they fail to negotiate an obstacle they must not let this affect the rest of their race.

Before signing up for a race the individual should have been in training for many weeks. This should begin with some basic running. If the course is three miles long, they should be able to run six miles easily. They will also need to add a lot of cardio vascular exercises to help cope with strenuous tasks such as climbing walls.

By the end of the course most people are really feeling the strain. They have waded through deep mud and water, climbed numerous obstacles and scaled rope walls. Finding that last bit of energy is always the most difficult. Some organizers will put a particularly challenging test at the end of the course, just too see who is ready to push themselves that bit harder.

Finding a race is not difficult. Many people network with friends to find somewhere suitable to start. It is important to begin with a more low key event that is not too competitive. This will provide a good introduction to the sport without too much pressure.

The best obstacle course races provide a high degree of challenging obstacles. Only those competitors who are really fit and determined will be ready to complete them. Those looking for something more fun and recreational will also have plenty of events to choose from.




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