The Dirty on Obstacle Course Racing

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Submitted by 360 Fitness

360 fitness Group Fire photo They are long and exhausting, they are physically and mentally challenging, and they leave you drenched in sweat, caked in mud, and covered with cuts and bruises – and more and more people are paying money to take part in them. Obstacle course racing has, in recent years, become a highly popular trend among athletes and non-athletes alike.  This new style of racing is a step up from the traditional marathon or triathlon in that running is only one component of the race.  Obstacle course racing is also comprised of military-grade obstacles such as climbing ropes, scaling walls, climbing cargo nets, belly-crawling under barbed wire, crossing monkey bars, flipping tires, darting through fire, and much more – all in the thick of mud.  This style of racing is designed to test fitness components beyond one’s running capacity because racers need to have a balance of endurance and total-body strength in order to complete obstacles that are employed throughout the course. It’s military boot camp meets your inner five year-old – and it’s motivating the masses.

Teamwork is another important component of obstacle course racing because at times, an outstretched hand can mean the difference between completing an obstacle. The camaraderie cultivated among racers on this style of course is unparalleled.

These races are proof that one can do anything they set their mind to. All different shapes, sizes and athletic abilities are seen on obstacle courses because this style of racing is designed to reward all levels of skill. Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, and the countless others out there, will undoubtedly provide not only an exhilarating, but also empowering experience!

360 Fitness Obstacle RaceThis weekend a group of 360 Fitness clients are participating in The Warrior Dash. The Warrior Dash is considered the “gateway race” for people who want to try obstacle racing: The Warrior Dash is a beginner-friendly 5k mud run with the best after-party of all the obstacle races. Obstacles are appropriate for nearly all ages. Jennifer Willms, Owner and Principal Trainer of 360 Fitness, says “We’re ready to have a lot of fun while getting covered in mud from head-to-toe. This year we are all dressing in a Superhero theme. Our team is comprised of comic book heroes such as Superman, Wonder Woman, The Hulk, Batgirl and more”

Participants of the Warrior Dash love it because they swim through mud, slosh through water, leap over fire, and then celebrate the rest of the afternoon with live music and beer.  Prizes include a fuzzy warrior hat, a finisher medal, a race shirt, and of course the free beer.

Race Distance: 3+ miles Obstacles: 10 Cost: $65-95 Website: www.warriordash.com

The Warrior Dash is one of many types of mud runs that 360 Fitness participates in.  In early August more than 30 clients of 360 Fitness will run The Spartan Sprint in Washougal, WA. The Spartan Race is “a true test of will” as described by ESPN. Spartan Races are timed courses ranging from the 3-mile Spartan Sprint to the 27-mile Spartan Ultra Beast. The obstacles are inspired by Spartan training, Navy Seal training, and American Gladiator – and include flipping tractor tires, climbing ropes, crawling under barbed wire, carrying buckets of rocks, and more. They are basic but brutally taxing. One of the defining traits of any Spartan Race is the Burpee penalty.  If a participant is unable to complete an obstacle then he or she must take the 30 burpee penalty under the supervision of race officials.

360 fitness Spartan RaceWillms and several other 360 Fitness clients are aiming to complete Trifecta status this year. A member of the Spartan Trifecta Tribe finishes one of each Spartan distance – Sprint, Super and Beast – in a calendar year, anywhere in the world. Willms has already completed a Super earlier this year in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The upcoming Sprint in Washougal and Beast in Temecula, California will earn her Trifecta status.

Willms, a former fitness and figure competitor, has traded her bikini and heels for sweat and mud.  When asked why, she says “I find immense satisfaction in completing a race no matter how long it takes.  It is challenging both mentally and physically.  These courses are designed to push ourselves to the limits of our physical and mental capabilities.  In the words of Joe DeSena, founder of the Spartan Race, ‘you’ll know at the finish line!”

Race Distances: 3 – 27 miles Obstacles: 15-40 Cost: $60-200   Website: www.spartanrace.com

Whether you’re looking to win a medal, a glutton for punishment, or just want to go out and slide in some mud with friends, there’s an event out there for you!  For more information on mud runs in our area click the links below.  To find out more about 360 Fitness and how you can train for races throughout the year visit their website at www.360fitness.me or email Jennifer at info@360fitness.me.

Warrior Dash

Spartan Race

Tough Mudder

 

 

 

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