These races are not a walk in the park and injuries do occur. Usually it's just scrapes and bruises, but there have been some serious injuries. So why do people keep coming back?
- Many want to try something different; they enjoy the diversity of the activities
- Not a competition (depends on the host)
- Enjoy the physical strength and mental challenges
- Teamwork; camaraderie
- Increased focus and concentration to complete the activity
- Fundraising
- It's exciting, some may find singular activities monotonous
Obstacle course training is a highly effective method of developing a diverse set of skills and abilities. It offers a variety of activities for participants to challenge themselves physically and psychologically and adds a sense of pride, accomplishment and camaraderie with the other athletes when you finish the race.
If you feel you are up to the challenge, Tough Mudder will be hosting events in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal this year and the Spartan Races will be held in multiple cities across Canada. If you have never participated in one of these races before, it's a good idea consult your doctor when starting any new vigorous exercise program.
References from the SIRC Collection:
1. Get Your Mud On. Runner's World. October 2011;46(10):100.
2. Mellen G. Getting Dirty for Good, Clean Fun. Sportstravel. April 2012;16(4):45-52.
3. MUD RACING GOES MARTIAL. Black Belt. August 2012;50(8):22.
4. Mullins N. Obstacle Course Challenges: History, Popularity, Performance Demands, Effective Training, and Course Design. Journal Of Exercise Physiology Online. April 2012;15(2):100-128.
5. RADDING B, OLIVERO T. GET IN THE RACE. Men's Fitness. October 2011;27(8):36.
6. Schaefer K. ONE TOUGH MUDDER. ESPN Magazine. June 27, 2011;14(11):114-119.
1 comment:
Sportswriter turned ultimate fitness athlete Pete Williams (Core Performance, Paddle Fit) talks about his latest book, 'Obstacle Fit: Your Complete Training Program to Run Fast, Conquer Challenges, and Discover Your Inner Spartan, Mudder, or Warrior' in a new Mr. Media video interview. I'll never try this stuff myself, but I know a lot of my friends are totally into it, so I had this conversation with Pete just for you. http://www.mrmedia.com/2013/02/wanna-get-obstacle-fit-get-author-pete-williams-2013-video-interview/
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