Train Smart And Avoid Burning Out

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TRAIN SMART AND AVOID BURNING OUT

When training for anything, plan ahead and develop a training schedule that is both realistic and achievable. The biggest thing is not pushing yourself too hard. Planning a workout or running schedule that works with your life schedule and your level of drive is the key to maintaining a routine that gets results.

Deep down you know what your level of drive is. Some of us train daily. Some once a week. Regardless of your level, plan according to what you will stick with. Setting up an extreme guerrilla training program is great, but for those who aren't motivated to workout every day this sort of routine is a recipe for failure. Set a frequency and schedule that you know you will accomplish. Push yourself, but don't push hard enough that you feel like a failure.

Pushing Yourself Too Hard

Here is a hard fact: If you are out of shape the event is going to be painful. 

But, with some conditioning you can finish the course and feel strong. You don't have to get into superhuman shape, you only need a bit of conditioning and stamina to finish this event.

For those racing competitively, this is a completely different story. For OCR addicts, running the event is never enough. Hardcore obstacle racers are always trying to beat their last race times. Training smart in this case is a must. Go hard, but rest well and stagger your training days. No need to aggravate any vital muscles or joints prior to the race.

Plan smart and start training a few months in advance. If you try to make up for lost time with overly aggressive training you may hurt yourself.

Have The Right Shoes

Any pair of shoes needs a few miles on them before a race. A small blister on a short run will become a big one in 5 miles. Many people develop knee, and hamstring problems just by having ill fitting shoes. It really does help to go to a shop where they can get you fitted properly. Don't attempt to run a race in a style of shoe you have not worn before. Slim sole shoes take time to get used to as do free form running shoes and mud run cross trainers. 

Every shoe type mentioned is quite different from one another and it takes time for your feet and legs to become accustomed to how they fit and move. Training with a shoes that does not fit you and your running style well will cause pain and give you a reason to stop training. Don't let something as simple as this destroy your workout. Get good shoes that fit well and are matched to your running style.

Running

Obstacle races are short runs for the most part. A mile or two at most at a time before slowing down for an obstacle. Good courses are not flat and are never level during the running stretches. Train accordingly. 

It is ok to run on a treadmill but that shouldn’t be the only running you get. Get outside and run in the grass, mountain or off-road trails, on slippery surfaces and even gravel or sand if some is nearby. Trail run at least once a wee mixing distance and speed. Shock your muscles by adding jumps or movements that require balance during your run. Train yourself to be prepared for the uneven and slippery surfaces you will encounter on the course. Besides, treadmill running is completely boring. Doing only this is an easy way to get bored and stop training. Stimulate your body and your mind and find creative ways while running to make sure you stay interested and challenged.

Variation Is Key

Obstacle races requires movements your body and muscles aren’t used to. Mix your training by doing sprints, running hills, trail running and distance running. If you run three days a week make one day a distance run. The second day sprints and on the third trail run. Don’t just live in the weight room. Try Crossfit or join a running group. 

Partner Up

One easy way to stay motivated is to find a running and workout partner. Sometimes this can be a challenge for people new to their area or who do not have much free time. We invite you to utilize our Facebook page to meet and partner up with others planning to run Atlas Race. Finding a second person to train with does three things:

1. It causes you to feel guilty of you miss a day. That other person relies on you. When you flake it will disappoint them. Keep this in mind and it becomes harder to justify skipping out on a training day.

2. It keeps things fun and competitive. Just having a training partner causes you to push yourself harder. On those days when you really don't feel like training, the pressure of keeping up with your training partner can be enough to keep you huffing and puffing through to the finish of your chosen routine. Its also a whole lot more fun when someone else is going through the pain of training with you. Shared victory is always sweeter. So huddle up and get movin!

3. It makes you more creative. When training with others ideas for new routines, workouts, running locations and even techniques flow freely. Take advantage of a second persons input when it comes to trying new things in your training. Having a second person or a group to bounce ideas off of is a helpful way to learn about new workouts or techniques you may not otherwise have heard of. Talk to your workout partner or group about mixing up the routine. A quick brainstorm after a tough training session is a great way to keep motivated and on track for glory on the course!