The Thrill of Virtual Running

I bet that title just made you go, "huh?".  Virtual running...sounds a little like an oxymoron.  However, it is real and you really do run (or jog, or walk or run/walk).  Virtual running is a fairly new concept in the road race world.  Organizations such as "Will Run for Bling" are now allowing people to run/walk/jog on their own and still help charities/organizations.  This is nice for people who may be intimidated by competing with other runners yet it gives people a goal to work towards.

So how does it work?  Well, first you can go to a virtual running website (i.e., Will Run for Bling) and peruse the list of upcoming virtual races.  Sign up for the one that tickles your fancy then hit the road or the treadmill.  You submit your finishing info and they send you "bling", which may be anything from a customized race bib to medals to t-shirts.  It's that easy!!

So the next time you are thinking about what your next fitness goal will be, consider virtual racing.  Compete against your friends or neighbors or just yourself.  Help various organizations and have fun at your own pace.  Try it today!! 

 

Are You Ready to Get a Little Dirty?

What's the latest craze for competitive adults?  Mud runs and obstacle courses.  What a great way to unleash your inner child!!  Events such as Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, and Warrior Dash are popping up all over and are adding an "extreme" element to your typical 5K/10K/half-marathon races.  Climb over walls, wade through chest/waist deep muddy water, crawl under barbed wire, and jump over fire.  These competitions aren't for the faint of heart but they do add a different component to the race.  Instead of just focusing on cardiorespiratory fitness for straight running events, these mud run/obstacle course events add muscular strength and endurance into the mix.

Think you are ready to try an obstacle course race?  First, be sure to note, you will have to sign a "death" waiver to be eligible to compete in any of these types of competitions.  If you are not willing (or crazy enough) to have the potential of dying on an obstacle course, then by all means, don't sign up!!  If you do have that wild hair and are looking to reclaim some playground bragging rights, then this type of competition might be what you need.  Click on the links above to check out information on some of the bigger mud runs/obstacle courses.  Get a feel for how long the event is and what types of obstacle you will face.  Once you are committed, it's time to start training.  While you will definitely need to run/jog as part of your training, you will also need to add other exercises to prepare your body for the obstacles.  Head out to the local park and shoo the kids off of the monkey bars.  When the coast is clear, grab on and see how far you can travel without falling off.

Remember, these events aren't for the faint of heart but the mud runs/obstacle courses do help build camaraderie and team spirit.  So find some friends who are just as crazy as you are and sign up for one of these events.  You'll have a new accomplishment to brag about to friends and family members.  How many people can say they jumped over fire and crawled through the mud...on purpose?!?

If you are ready to sign up for one of these events (or you've already committed yourself) and need help with a training program, stop in at PROMATx Health Club and talk with one of trainers.  Learn how we can help you get in shape and prepare your body for an obstacle course.