Obstacle Course Racing is a Great Motivator to Get in Shape

This new style of racing is sweeping the country and even the globe! The
beautiful thing about it is that, for the most part, its not even a
competitive race.  The goal of most of these events is to just finish.  To
take on a challenge and complete it.  The other great thing is that it
will often require help from a fellow racer. Either to boost you over a 10
foot wall or pull you out of a slippery mud pit! 

Training for these races is a total step away from your normal everyday
gym routines and classes. Cross-training is an understatement.  Training
for these races requires you to get outside and run hills, hike some
trails, play on the monkey bars, and to climb over, around, and through
things.  Think of just being a kid again! Do some push ups, pull ups,
lunges and squats.

These races require overall fitness, so great runners get slowed down by
the obstacles and big guys that can lift a lot of weight get slowed by the
running part.  So these races help you train in a very well rounded
fashion.  The bonus of training for these races, especially if you can
find someone who trains people for these events, is that you will most
likely build lean muscle and burn lots of fat!  Here is a little plug for Precision Fitness in Pawcatuck.  Check out this training video: http://youtu.be/NSYS9quPyw4

Basically obstacle course races come in 3 sizes now: the 5K, the 8 miler
and the 10-12 miler.  The longer the race, the more obstacles.  There are
several big players in the world of obstacle course racing to choose from
but of course there are several local ones popping up all over the place.

For the 5K Races, The Warrior Dash and the Spartan Sprint Race are the
most well known.  Rugged Maniac is one that is picking up steam all over
the country as well.  These races generally have 13 or more obstacles.

This distance is a great place to start.  I also recommend doing a search
for a local obstacle course race, you may find on right in your backyard.
If you decide to try one of these races, I suggest forming a team.  A team
will give an instant goal to train for and other people that depend on
you, this will help you stay the course. 

My favorite local one is the Bold r Dash 5K Obstacle Course Race.  It has 20 obstacles and at Yagoo Valley.  Check it out at www.BoldrDashRace.com

Warrior Dash claims to be the "world's largest running series" and after
coming back from one recently, I believe them.  They had over 11,000
runners take off in waves of 500 racers every 30 minutes.  They race both
Saturday and Sunday at their race locations.

A Spartan Sprint race is very similar in organization, but Spartans claim
to be the hardest race.  Their goal is simple... to get you off your
couch, throw you in the mud & trails, and feed you one tough endurance
event day that will be the adrenalin rush of your life.

The 8 miler group is pretty much dominated by the Super Spartan.  This one
has 20 plus obstacles and is a great precursor to those wanting to go the
the next level of obstacle course racing, the 10-12 mile races: Tough Mudder or the Spartan Beast!

Now these two races will definitely test you mentally and physically.  You
are looking at 25 plus obstacles and lots of challenging terrain.  The
Tough Mudder and Spartan Beast are ones you should definitely train for.
They require lots of upper body strength as well as lots of running so
start with the 5K races first.

Tough Mudder claims to be the "Toughest Race on the Planet" while Spartan
Beast claims to be "An Obstacle Course Race from Hell"!  I believe these
two have a 30% drop out rate, so be prepared if you attempt them.

So, if you want to step out of the box and try something different, find
an obstacle course race near you.  Grab some friends to do it with you!  You will train harder and with a purpose.  These races are an accomplishment you can be proud of and you may even make some new friends along the way!