Allow me to elaborate…<\/p>\n

Commit to the Event<\/h2>\n

This can be done in 3 easy steps<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

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1. Diarise the date<\/strong> in your calendar and lock it in. Be sure to let your wife\/husband\/partner know the date to make sure there is absolutely nothing else planned on the day – and also so that they know what you are committing to which may motivate them to join you, or simply support your training towards the event.<\/li>\n
2. Make a financial commitment<\/strong> by entering the event as early as possible. This is another way of securing the date in your calendar. It also makes it feel that much more “real.” By doing this you have cemented in the date that you plan to achieve your goal –\u00a0this sets up a time frame for you to be able to start scheduling in the necessary training. Most of the Obstacle Race event organisers reward you for an early commitment to the race by offering an “early bird entry” fee.<\/li>\n
3. Tell everyone!<\/strong> There’s nothing like being accountable to a goal than by telling everyone about it. Start by calling your mum to let her know and assure her that it is a legitimate thing that lots of people are doing to have fun. Word up\u00a0your circle of friends\u00a0and be sure to let them know that you may be a “party pooper” over the next several weeks because of your early morning training sessions. Open it up to your acquaintances and wider audience on your chosen social networks. Be sure to track and post your progress by utilizing training hardware and software such as a fitbit, garmin vivofit,\u00a0mapmyrun.com, strava.com, myfitnesspal app, Facebook, Instagram, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   Develop a Base Level of Fitness & Conditioning<\/h2>\n

   Everyone has a different starting point in terms of their own fitness and strength. Think of it this way… what is your training age?<\/strong> How long have you been engaging in exercises\/workouts\/training that is specific to an Obstacle Race? From 2001 until 2012 I was mainly focused on endurance training for long course triathlons (swim, bike and run). From 2012 to date I have been mixing up my training a lot more to include high intensity cardio and strength training. This is more adept to the training required for an Obstacle Race. So I would conclude that my training age is 3 years<\/strong>. What is your training age? As a result of my overall fitness, strength, endurance and conditioning I have a pretty good \u00a0starting point. I can get stuck in straight away with specific training to mimic the challenges that I will be faced with on race day. Lets stick to the rule of 3’s…<\/p>\n

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   1. Master your own body weight<\/strong>. The best piece of gym equipment that you’ll ever own is your body. Until you have mastered your own body weight through functional movement (i.e. exercises that mimic combinations of your everyday activities), don’t bother trying to add more resistance by throwing weights around. Become proficient in these exercises… push-ups, pull-ups, triceps dips (seated and vertical), squats, single leg dead-lifts, pistol squats, running. The training video below will give you an idea of what I’m alluding to.<\/li>\n
   2. Functional loaded resistance<\/strong>. This is your next progression – add resistance to your exercises by including dumbbells, barbells, kettelbells, battle ropes, medicine balls, slam balls, power bands, agility band, vipr, suspension trainer (RIP60\/TRX), weight vest, power sled.<\/li>\n
   3. Mix it up<\/strong>. Combine your body weight movements together with the functional loaded resistance exercises into a circuit style format (either using time or repetitions for each exercise – e.g. 10x exercises at 1min\/20 reps per exercise, 200m run between each exercise, repeat for 10x rounds). This is your “sport specific” training that is going to simulate the exact demands of your energy systems required to successfully complete (and compete) in your Obstacle Race.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n