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©Copyright 2012, Hybrid Athlete LLC. All rights reserved. No duplication or reproduction of this document is allowed in any
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Athlete LLC. No claim or opinion in this guide is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. Please
consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. The food and drug administration has
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Beginners Guide to Obstacle Racing and Mud Runs
Whether you realize it or not, there is a recreational revolution sweeping the nation. If have not heard of, participated in or
know someone who has participated in an obstacle course race, it’s only a matter of time before you receive a muddy
initiation.
In the past, road running or triathlons were once the measure of fitness among friends. However, obstacle races like Tough
Mudder have surpassed these competitions by combining running and adventure racing in a fun atmosphere. Instead of
participating in a local 5k as a means of getting fit or socializing with friends, an increasing number of people are turning to
obstacle racing for their fitness and amusement fix.
Focus on functional and dynamic movements that will assist in building relative strength. Competitors need to be able to
move their own bodyweight over, under, around or through obstacles. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, triceps dips,
pull-ups and squats can be used to create a foundation of strength. Next, kettlebell swings and explosive movements like
jump squats, burpees and box jumps will help improve balance and leg strength.
To prepare for the cardiovascular component of the race, program resisted sprints, hill climbs, or stadium stairs into the
plan. Finally, target race specific skills by preparing participants to transporting an awkward or heavy object, or improve grip
strength by practicing rope climbs. Wearing a weighted vest during training, carrying a weighted pack, or using kettlebells
to complete a farmer’s carry will be essential to building specialty skills.
A Week of Training for an Obstacle Racer
Program a week of training to focus on the essentials; running, strength and race skills.
Monday
Strength
Tuesday
Run
Wednesday
Strength
Friday
Off
Saturday
Skills or Long Run
Today, run longer than you did Wednesday at a conversational pace
OR
Get out all of your fitness toys and combine sprints, kettlebell swings, sled
pushes/pulls, tire flips, farmer’s carry and bear crawl into one workout.
Try This
3-5 Rounds Weighted Sled Bear Crawl @ 50
Weighted Sled Push @ 50 yards yards
Run 400m Run 400m
20x Kettlebell Swing 20x KB Swings
Weighted Sled Pull @ 50 yards Weighted Sled Backwards Drag
Run 400m Run 400m
20x KB Thruster 20x KB Thruster
Sunday
Off
What to eat
Your diet should be based on lean animal protein, fresh vegetables, some fruit, healthy sources of fat, limited number of
starches and added sugars.
Fuel your workouts and race with easily digestible carbohydrates. Ideally, you would want to consume a whole-food meal
about 2 hours prior to a workout. Then, 15-30 minutes beforehand you can consume a pre-workout snack.
When working at a low intensity or for less than 45 minutes, you will not need to take on excessive amounts of carbohy-
drates because your body will be carrying a sufficient amount of glycogen to be used as energy. For efforts that are
conducted at a high intensity or that last 60 minutes or more you will want a pre-workout snack that is made up of high
glycemic carbohydrates such as fruit. Dates, banana, mango, a handful of pumpkin and sunflower seeds with raisins, or
other fruits work great here.
After the race or workout, take advantage of the post workout recovery window by consuming a snack within 45 minutes
post workout. Ideally, you want to take in a ratio of 3:1 simple carbs to protein.
What to Wear
• Most obstacle course races feature mud, water, and off-road conditions. You might want to choose clothing, shoes, and
gear that you wouldn’t mind discarding after the race.
• Choose comfortable athletic clothing and fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly. Consider compression shorts, tops,
and/or socks.
• Race in something you have trained in. Do not try a new pair of shoes or compression shorts on the day of the race.
• Opt for trail running or off-road shoes.
• Consider athletic or weight lifting gloves to help with grip an protect your hands.
What to Bring
• Hydration pack.
• Sunscreen.
Take Away
Obstacle racing is a fun experience that can serve as motivation to get in shape or satisfy need for competition. Armed
with this guide, you will be able to plan and prepare for every challenge encountered as part of an obstacle course race.