OCR/Mud Run Club

I've been following some Elite racers on Facebook and training seems to vary from person to person. Some are lean runners while others are bulkier and crush obstacles. The lean runners lose out huge with 30 burpee penalties, but then again the majority of the course is running. So pick your poison. There is definitely some leeway since the courses can vary so much.

Personally - my goal is Vermont. So I'm looking at a 7-9 hour 16+ mile mountain race. I have some prep races (similar terrain) scheduled to judge my training as I go. But right now I'm focused on increasing the duration that my HR is up. I've had issues with cramping during long races this year so I've been tweaking workout nutrition and getting my body used to working for longer periods of time. I do a class at the gym designed by a fellow Spartan (and certified personal trainer) where we superset three exercises for 10 minutes and then get a small break. A lot of the exercises help simulate race obstacles and build the muscles required for them. From my experience you need muscle strength to a certain level and then it's all about muscle endurance. I'm still working on being able to do pull ups so I can do the walls by myself and some of the crazier monkey bars - but that will come with more weight loss and practice!

I usually do 3 of the above style workouts a week 1-2 hours long. And then I do cardio after that. Plus 2 just cardio workouts. Lots of interval cardio on different types of machines. I will break it up and set the treadmill at a steep incline and grab a kettle bell and carry that on my shoulders (simulating a sand bag carry) for quite some time. << that makes you sweat like crazy! I'm looking to start trail running on the weekends here shortly and plan on doing some weighted runs and looking for steep hills to sprint up. So yeah...that's about it for now. I will tweak as needed. I'm still like 30 pounds from goal weight so losing the pounds will be my biggest help for sure.

I've been told to lunge until I can lunge no more to prep for Vermont. HAHA!

peachyfuzzle wrote: »

One of my goals way off in the distance, maybe this summer if I get down to anywhere near where I'm hoping to be, is to do a Tough Mudder.

But, that's on the backburner for now even though it is something I'm working toward.

I've seen people of ALL ages, shapes, and sizes completing brutal courses. I always strongly encourage people to try them before they think they are ready. The feeling you get when you somehow climb over a 10ft wall, get up that half pipe, and cross that finish line is something you will only understand once you do it. It has personally fueled me to push harder at my fitness goals and become more consistent in my nutrition.

Laurochka wrote: »

I've done 2 Tough Mudders and 2 Spartan Sprints - aiming for a Spartan Sprint and Super this year and another Tough Mudder.
There are a few groups on here for OCRs - try these:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/323-tough-mudders
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/6486-obstacle-course-mud-run-racers

I didn't even know Groups existed on here *mind blown* Thanks!!

@peachyfuzzle - Safety is always a concern! I of course do not know your health history or current fitness level. Just know that you do not have to be in super amazing shape to do one. The pictures they post and use on social media and their websites are deceiving. I've seen people that are bigger than the guy in your picture on courses! Like I said - I'm still 30 pounds from my goal weight, and certainly can't lift my own body weight over walls and can't do most of the monkey bars! The majority of our limits exist only in our minds Best of luck on your journey!!

veganbettie wrote: »

i saw the schedule you posted for next year in the group girl. you are crazy.

I completed my first Spartan Sprint in Malibu the other weekend. I loved it. I probably wouldn't travel for a OCR but it was fun. My bruises are starting to fade which makes me sad.

I'm assuming you're in the chicked group on facebook?

Haha...well I figure in a few years I won't have the time and money to indulge so I should take advantage of those resources now!

Congrats on Malibu, I heard it was a good course. Give it another two races and you'll want to travel for them, haha! And yes, battle scars (bruises) are the best! What is this chicked group on Facebook you speak of?

yoovie wrote: »

raises hand hermoine style
my new Tough Mudder season starts May 9 in Chicago, I have 4 lined up over the summer and Im going for my 10xMudder headband when I do the WTM (not next year, Im just doing the pit crew next year in Vegas)

it is a very serious addiction.

I tried out the chicked group on FB, it was exceptionally difficult to jump in and make friends. It's pretty closed off and 'hardcore only or go home' which doesnt really fit with my really happy, really excited about having a blast while facing my fears approach

mebbe cause Im mostly TM and didn't ever do a second Spartan cause I didn't really like the sprint.

It is an addiction....my entire tax return = my traveling funds lol!

10x TM headband is no joke! That will be awesome. WTM sounds freaking crazy. Amelia Boone is half crazy, half hero to bounce back from the knee surgery and not only win the women's division but CRUSH the majority of the men! I too would love to pit crew there sometime! Which Sprint did you do? Spartan and TM's definitely are different. I tend to be competitive and go hard....but in the end, it's all about having fun and proving you can do things you didn't think you could.