VNA Monster Mash Obstacle Race Review

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…]

Run For Your Lives! Obstacle Race Review

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…]

Running Ain’t The Half of It

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…]

Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #2

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…]

Training Tips For Beginners – Tip #1

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…]

The 3 Day Countdown

I just realized I have three days until my next event. We will be driving out to Apple Valley, CA and participating in the Rockin’ The Desert mud run. It’s a 5K run with 18+ obstacles.

Rockin the Desert Course Map

This is the first time I am doing their event, so I’m excited to see what they have in store. Besides the usual things you see at an obstacle race (mud crawls, walls, tires) they have a couple that I am really interested in. One obstacle is called the Monster Crawl. Sounds fun! I’m guessing it will be a long mud pit with barbed wired over the top that you have to crawl through. The other one that looks interesting is the Ice Bath. If this is anything like the Tough Mudder Arctic Enema that should feel really good after a run in the desert. [Read more…]