Training for Obstacle Race (Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, etc.)

[BJ]

OK... so has anyone seen any of these kinds of races? What's the best way to train for them? Has anyone competed in any?

Michelle and I have taken an interest in doing something crazy like this.

Here's a couple links...

http://www.warriordash.com/
http://toughmudder.com/
http://www.spartanrace.com/

Are there any other popular ones out there?

[MT77]

Some coworkers of mine did one this summer. Endurance is the biggest factor - these guys are 5k and 10k runners and they said it kicked their butts.

[Matt]

I see you have a block M as and av. I won't hold that against you ... GO STATE!

As you probably know, there is a Warrior Dash coming to MI later this year. It will be held in Mt. Morris, just ten minutes north of Flint.

The total run distance is only 3.3 miles, but the main part is trails, plus the obstacles.

I plan to run it. My strategy is that you can't count on cardio fitness alone, and you can't count on strength alone. It has to be cross training. I am a dedicated endurance athlete. I train swim, bike, and run, with limited resistance training. About a month before the race, I'll start throwing in a bunch of upper-body movements. Pull-ups, push-ups, dips, etc. Basically anything that I can use to drag my body over stuff. The mud and water crossings are not a concern as I have lots of lower body strength for that.

Race strategy will be to limit anaerobic exposure during the race. Keep my running pace below my normal running race pace, to keep a little bit of a buffer for the obstacles.

I'm curious to hear other strategies though, I have never done a race like this.

[BJ]

Originally Posted by Matt

I see you have a block M as and av. I won't hold that against you ... GO STATE!

As you probably know, there is a Warrior Dash coming to MI later this year. It will be held in Mt. Morris, just ten minutes north of Flint.

The total run distance is only 3.3 miles, but the main part is trails, plus the obstacles.

I plan to run it. My strategy is that you can't count on cardio fitness alone, and you can't count on strength alone. It has to be cross training. I am a dedicated endurance athlete. I train swim, bike, and run, with limited resistance training. About a month before the race, I'll start throwing in a bunch of upper-body movements. Pull-ups, push-ups, dips, etc. Basically anything that I can use to drag my body over stuff. The mud and water crossings are not a concern as I have lots of lower body strength for that.

Race strategy will be to limit anaerobic exposure during the race. Keep my running pace below my normal running race pace, to keep a little bit of a buffer for the obstacles.

I'm curious to hear other strategies though, I have never done a race like this.

We are actually doing the one in Columbus in June... I live in Ohio, so it's closer for me.

Good luck in your preparation!

[jeremy155rr]

Look up the Columbia(r) Muddy Buddy... its another one I wouldn't mind doing, theres probably one near you guys. Its along the same lines but its completely relay and you ride a bike as well! The USMC always has one here locally every year and I saw a billboard with the same advertised name going into Charleston last year (Marine Mud Run) so that may be another.

[Nyred]

My bosses son competed in a tough mudder in December. The only thing he said he wasn't really prepared for was the altitude and water temperature. They did pretty good and were invited to another one.

[JetGirl]

I'm going to be doing the 5k Spartan Race in July with a few co-workers. I want to really do well so I've started training now - mostly cardio stuff like running and rowing.

[Nyred]

I've heard the best way to prepare is to run 3 mile in hiking boots. Jump into a cold shower-fully dressed (boots & all), then run 5 more miles.