What did I DO?

lebbyloses
lebbyloses Posts: 133 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
OK, MFP. I was foolish and overexuberant. I signed up to be on my company's team for an obstacle run...on Oct. 5. It's Sept. 17! I have barely even gone running all summer! So: Other than, you know, going running, which I do know how to train for, how do you train for an obstacle run? It will be seven miles, with obstacles so far unspecified.

Currently, I am in medium shape. Which is to say I've been coasting through the summer and let my bodyweight exercises slide, but I can still do pushups, burpees, etc. without praying for death or anything, but I can't do a pull-up and I tried the monkey bars at a local playground last night and couldn't go all the way across them--and little kids do that all the time! My office will be competing as a team of ten, and we will all be finishing together, so I'm looking for some last-minute training steps I can take to boost my endurance and upper-body strength fast so as not to be the one who slows down/screws over the whole team. I don't need to totally transform my body in 2.5 weeks, and I don't need to "win" the race. I just don't want to bring shame down on my head, if you know what I mean. Any advice?

Replies

  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    If it is a "team building" course the goal is to work together to get everyone through. Some of it is more logic than physical strength. Maybe some strength training along with the running?
  • scraver2003
    scraver2003 Posts: 526 Member
    Ooooo.. Which one is it? Spartan? Warrior Dash? I know the Tough Mudders are usually 11 miles, I think?

    If you can do pushups and burpees already, that is good... keep on those. Go for some runs - but be careful, there really isn't much progress you can make in the next few weeks and you don't want to injure yourself.

    I did a Spartan Sprint in June. It was 4.5 miles (5k, my *kitten*) and it took me 2 hours, 45 mins. I can NOT do an actual push up yet and burpees DO make me want to die. I had a Camel pack and I was VERY grateful for it. I wish I had also brought some mix to add to my water for electrolytes. I drank a lot of water, but it got to the point where I was drinking and drinking and my thirst wasn't being quenched (and then I had this weird vision thing on my way home = dehydration). I had some Honey Stinger gel and a Kashi bar - both I were very thankful for. The gel was good for energy when my muscles needed it and the bar was good for when my tummy started growling.

    My friend also did it with her work. She NEVER exercises or run or ANYTHING. And she survived. I think it took them 3 hours or so. Go slow. Don't be careless. No need to run ball to the wall to the first obstacle or up any hills. Slow and steady. Slow and steady.
  • burnsgene42
    burnsgene42 Posts: 102 Member
    I've done Army and SWAT courses in competition. Does every member have to do the Monkey Bar or is there a time penalty or other exercise (push ups) you can do. I've seen some courses that would allow you to crawl along the top of the monkey bars or do penalty push ups or there's a time penelty.
    If you have to complete it and that is your weakest event then I would concentrate on that event. Hard day , rest or easy day. Sometimes just practicing technique will make things easier. If you can almost do the event in practice probably during the heat of competition you will be able to complete it.
    I don't intend to be heartless or mean but if I knew for Sure I couldn't complete the course and that will disqualify my team , I would ask them to find a replacement for me. Happened to me once because of an injury.
    Good Luck
    Wishing you all the best.
  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
    I am doing a Dirty Girl on Saturday and I am scared to death as I haven't trained either. But I am doing it with a team (a group of girls I do bootcamp workouts with). I know we will all stick together and that this race is designed for all fitness levels, so that makes me feel a little better. I just hope I don't hold the team back!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I am doing a Dirty Girl on Saturday and I am scared to death as I haven't trained either. But I am doing it with a team (a group of girls I do bootcamp workouts with). I know we will all stick together and that this race is designed for all fitness levels, so that makes me feel a little better. I just hope I don't hold the team back!

    where's my nathon fillion gif when I need it.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Don't know, but man I really want to make a joke from that first line...

    cue quagmire.
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  • lebbyloses
    lebbyloses Posts: 133 Member
    It's not one of the brand-name races, and it will be seven miles. I don't know what any of the obstacles are. What do thru tend to be? I doubt this race will be reinventing the wheel. Apparently it is fun- focused, per the co-worker putting the team together. I'm just trying to figure out what kind of stuff to practice on the little time I have. No one will be THAT serious about it on my team, but I'd like to do a respectable job.
  • PRMinx
    PRMinx Posts: 4,585 Member
    It's not one of the brand-name races, and it will be seven miles. I don't know what any of the obstacles are. What do thru tend to be? I doubt this race will be reinventing the wheel. Apparently it is fun- focused, per the co-worker putting the team together. I'm just trying to figure out what kind of stuff to practice on the little time I have. No one will be THAT serious about it on my team, but I'd like to do a respectable job.

    Those races are so fun! You'll have a blast and you will find people at your fitness level.

    There's not a whole lot you can do between now and then to pick up strength or run faster. I would just get out and start moving so that your body gets used to running so you aren't so stiff and sore. Also, be sure to hydrate and stretch!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Don't know, but man I really want to make a joke from that first line...

    cue quagmire.

    oh quagmieeeerrrrrreeeeeeee
  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
    cue quagmire.

    oh quagmieeeerrrrrreeeeeeee
    [/quote]


    Oops!!! My bad! :blushing: :blushing: :blushing: :laugh: :laugh:
  • Unknown
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  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    cue quagmire.

    oh quagmieeeerrrrrreeeeeeee


    Oops!!! My bad! :blushing: :blushing: :blushing: :laugh: :laugh:
    [/quote]

    AH HA HA H HA HA HA HA HA great minds and all.

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