So my first ever Super Spartan race is officially 17 weeks away… I can’t tell you enough how excited and nervous I am! As some of you may already know, I started running only in summer 2013. No wonder, I am worried about successfully completing *meaning, finishing with the mid of the pack* an 8+ mile mud race with up to 20 obstacles! I mean, who wouldn’t? Haha!
And I can’t believe it’s already the end of January! Wasn’t New Years just yesterday?! THE TIME IS FLYING! And this means that I have to really refocus and start training seriously and smart. Seriously because I want to enjoy the race and perform well, and smart because I want to avoid injuries and concentrate on the game plan that will prepare me for the race in the best way possible!
According to You’ll Know at the Finish Line: A Spartan Guide to the Sport of Obstacle Training by Joe Besena and Andy Weinberg, ‘Anyone training to finish a Super should be able to run up to ten miles comfortably and should mix in strength training a few days per week.’
There are a few things that I should be focusing on:
- Endurance: LSD (Long Slow Distance) training;
- Running Downhill: Since running downhill requires ‘braking’, it causes the muscles to contract which in turn leads to muscle damage. Running downhill on a regular basis makes muscles ‘accustomed’ to eccentric contractions and, therefore, more resistant to injury;
- Building Strength: Body-weight circuits & lifting;
- Learning to Stay Hydrated: It may seem like a natural thing; however, BELIEVE YOU ME, I am really not good at it and will need to experiment with different hydrating and fueling strategies.
I decided to use a 12-week Super Spartan training guide to get ready. I will try to follow it as closely as possible; however, because I have extra 5 weeks, I will be adjusting it to my fitness level as I see fit.
Today the program asks for the following:
45-minute trail run; every 10 minutes find a rock or a log and lift it for 10 reps, performing arm curls, shoulder presses, and squats. Add 5 reps each time so that you finish your last set with 25 reps for each exercise.
In my case, I will have to use a treadmill *I am not quite ready to run in freezing temperatures yet, DUH!* and will most likely use some sort of weights *You weren’t seriously thinking I would bring a log or a big rock to the gym, right?! Oh, c’mon guys! Gimme a break! Haha!*
Anywhoooo! This is the plan!
On a lighter note though, I’ve got a cool Infographic for you. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I wanted to get the conversation going!
Source (unknown): Pinterest
I mean, REALLY?!?! Sending yourself flowers?! I don’t know, maybe a friends’ mutual ‘flower sending exchange’ would work & feel better?!
Now it’s your turn! Have you ever trained for an obstacle race? Do you have any tips that you think would help me in my journey? Also what are your biggest and best ‘WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!’ Valentine’s day moments? Let’s start this week off with a nice giggle!
xoxo
Olena
candies & crunches 