Spartan Sprint/Warrior Dash

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I did the warrior dash back in Nov. I would recommend trail running with hills. The obstacles are not that intense, but the terrain can be rough. Be sure to wear shoes you can cinch up tightly (suction of the mud is fierce) and plan on leaving them after the race. It was a blast and I highly recommend running it with a group of friends.

Make sure to check out Hero Rush as well!
It's a firefighter themed 5k obstacle race!
Herorush.com

I'm doing it this June for the first time. My hubby did it last year and has challenged me so it's on. I plan on doing some trail running, I'm currently doing Insanity, and will also begin seriously lifting so that the obstacles are easier for me. I'm thinking I may do P90X or NROL4W after Insanity.

Hey! I'm doing it in Ottawa too!


I just found this video today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joIrCUtfxfU

It looks like an absolute blast!!! I'm excited, and stoked to get ready for this thing! Hopefully the weight will continue to drop off (less of me to lug around the course). And I started doing the 100 push up challenge. I don't need to get to a hundred though. I'll be happy with 20!!!

Training for a Mud run or obstacle course race like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, or warrior dash should include workouts that are focused on strength, cardio, and race specific skills. I have competed in a number of obstacle races, triathlon, and ultra marathon and found this type of training to be most effective.

Your main training goals should be to:
• Increase strength relative to bodyweight, cardiovascular and muscular stamina, durability, and mental toughness
• Learn, execute, and improve efficient biomechanics of functional movements like running, lifting, climbing, jumping, and landing
• Develop core strength and stability through functional, compound movements
• Improve balance, lower limb strength, and muscular recruitment and coordination under weight-bearing loads

Look to include compound, functional movements like kettlebell swings. Train under a weight-bearing load, over an extended period of time completing resisted runs, sprints, hill climbs, and stadium stairs. Finally, train skills specific to the race including relative strength, grip strength, core strength/stability, dynamic, unilateral, and non-linear movement, transfer of force/power, and transport a load.

Some workout suggestions include:

Strength Training:

Bodyweight exercises: squat, lunge, push-up, pull-up, dips

Loaded bodyweight exercise: adding weight/an additional load to pull-ups and dips

Kettlebells: in the strength training category kettlebells are paired with Olympic or compound movements during circuits that incorporate a heavier weight and fewer repetitions

Cardiovascular conditioning: Even if you are not a runner or endurance athlete, cardiovascular exercise still needs to be factored into your training program. In addition to some longer distance efforts try interval training.

High Intensity Intervals: working at or near max effort to fatigue the muscles and lungs. Alternate between periods of all our effort and shorter periods of rest.

Example: 400m all out sprint followed by a rest period that is half the amount of time it took your to complete the 400m sprint. Repeat 6-8 times

Intervals/Hill Sprints/Track Workouts: Mixed work periods from intense effort to low/moderate effort.

Example: Hill sprint that takes 60-90 seconds to complete, then walking or easy jog to start line. Repeat 8-12 times.

Tabata: High intensity working set for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeated for 8-12 sets.

Example: Overhead kettlebell swings for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat 8-12 times.

Try implementing these strategies and feel free to email me at joe@hybridathlete.org for additional workouts.

You can get more info from my free download here: http://www.racedaydomination.com/free-download/



Here is a bodyweight workout to get you started!

Warm-up:

Jog@ 2-5 minutes

Lunge @25 yards

Reverse Lunge @ 25 yards Walking

Broad Jump @ 25 yards

Training:

2 Round

50x Step-up (each leg, add weight vest or resistance if possible)

20x Push-up

30x Bodyweight Squat

50x Step-up (each leg, add weight vest or resistance if possible)

20x Push-up

30x Bodyweight Squat

50x Step-up (each leg, add weight vest or resistance if possible)



3 Rounds @ 50 yards each movement

Bear Crawl

75% Sprint

Plank Crawl

Walking Lunge

Bounding Jump Squats

Do Work and let me know if you have any questions!

Joe Vennare
Hybrid Athlete and Race Day Domination