We are all anxious and very much anticipating the return to “normal” life post COVID19. The reality for a lot of us is that we may have to wait a few more weeks or months for things to start feeling normal. This is simply another obstacle we must face! Here are a few tips to help you get through the next 3-6 months.
How do you react when you come across grip-focused obstacles? For some, developing grip strength is a difficult challenge, that is sometimes overlooked while training. That’s what Spencer Mahoney of OCR Beast realized when he added the new GRIPWOD to his personal online training line.
Core Strength and obstacle course racing go hand in hand. A strong core is necessary to complete many of the obstacles we encounter during a race and it even plays a role in our running form. By improving our core strength we can improve our race day performance and decrease our risk of injury.
If you haven’t tended to sore hands, massaged burning forearms or checked Instagram in December, you probably haven’t heard of one of the most grueling training challenges proposed to OCR enthusiasts. The brainchild of OCR Beast founder and coach, “Spartan” Spencer Mahoney, the Dead Hang Challenge focuses on developing improved grip strength and of course, those epic “Popeye forearms.”
As many OCR athletes enter the dreaded off-season, we reflect on the skills that need developing in the coming months. In my informal research, I see a very common thread among us—we must build that iron grip. “Nevermore will a rig claim our burpees/souls!” we exclaim in our goals for 2018. That’s a solid goal, but where the heck does one start? Enter Grip Builder 101 developed by the team at OCR Beast.
Congratulations, you've registered for an Obstacle Course Race! Now it's time to put in the work and start training! For best results, give yourself a solid 6-8 week of training before your race date. I have developed 5 step OCR specific process to take you from where you are to where you want to be; the finish line.
Like many obstacle course racers, I have developed some impressive calluses on my hands and feet from working grip strength and running on a regular basis. There is nothing more frustrating than when you tear your callous or pop a blister and experience that raw, stinging discomfort that will ultimately sideline you for a few days while your body works to heal itself.
I’m a naturally competitive person and I’ve also always loved climbing and monkeying around on things. After doing a couple races, I found that the community is great and I have a natural ability with obstacles that I really enjoy. I love what I do and that’s important. This week on Faces at the Races we profile Jacob Kohler.
In a sport like obstacle racing, there are many different elements that affect performance during a race. Running speed/pace, recovery, your ability to handle the various terrain, and balance are all important as they are with traditional running races. However, the upper body element in one that sets our sport apart from other forms of racing.
