Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 61, August 2014 | Page 40

OBSTACLE RACING

Obstacle races can be a lot of fun, and most
people could probably go straight from the couch
and get through one of the fun events on the
SA calendar, like Impi, Warrior or Gladiator, but
ideally you need to be fit and trained to be ready
for whatever the event organiser is going to
throw at you. So, if you are taking on your first
obstacle race, here are a few great tips to follow.

Be prepared:

Images: Cherie Vale/Newsport Media

Your first job is to find out about the course. Are there
steep hills? Walls or ropes to climb? Monkey bars? A lot of mud, a high
jump into water? The more you do it in training, the easier it will be on
race day. However, you can’t practise everything, so when you get to a
new challenge, take a minute to see how the athletes in front of you are
handling it. More often than not they will show you how not to do it…

Find a friend: If you’ve entered as part of a team, you will have

help over the more difficult obstacles, but don’t be shy to ask for help, if
competing alone, when you need a boost up a wall. Also be on the lookout
for other people who may need a hand up.

Use it or lose it: Your car keys, phone and wallet belong in the car,

and earrings, necklaces and anything that’s clipped, strapped, draped or
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