As the UK spartan season draws ever closer, it’s time to get ready. With the courses being in different locations, you can’t really predict the terrain; will it be muddy, wet, hilly….probably yes to all of those, but you can predict some of the obstacles you will face along your route regardless of the distance your running. Here is a list of the key ones to expect along the way.
Wall Climbs
These are OCR’s most obvious obstacle. 4ft, 6ft or 10ft; you know there will be wall climbs. Shorter walls don’t tend to cause bother. The key to high walls is run and get one leg over asap! Use that to pull you over.
Barbed Wire Crawls
Get low and crawl. I tend to use the rolling on my side technique which will make you dizzy if you don’t alternate between rolls and crawls. Just watch your head and your back. I’ve ruined a few shirts doing this.
Bucket Brigade/ Sandbag Carry
When you need to fill a bucket with rocks, dirt or sand and then carry it around a course, the only real tip here is to find the right grip for you. I tend to cross my hands under the bucket to maintain a tight grip.
Atlas Stones
Squats and quad strength will help with the initial lift of the ball. Rolling the stone onto your forearms and using your legs to drive up from the ground will have you moving the stone in no time. Then you usually need to drop the stone, do some burpees and bring it back. Fun times.
Monkey Bars/ Multi Rig
Hopefully you have been doing you pull ups and dead hangs. Upper body and grip strength are key. Along with that is momentum. Find somewhere to practice and cycle your legs as you move forward. It makes it easier. Just hope to get to the other side before your grip runs out.
Spear Throw
My biggest enemy!! First off make sure the rope is on the other side of the barrier. Hold the middle of the spear and aim for a dipping motion with the spear. Too much power isn’t needed. It’s way more finesse. Look at the target and throw. Easy…
Rope Climb
One of my personal favourites (but only because the great and better runners in my group can’t do it). I focus on technique rather then strength. Usually strength is sapped by the time you get to a rope climb. Focus on your feet and using an S lock. This will also allow you to rest mid way up.
Hopefully this list helps you prepare for the Spartan Season that is about to kick off so you can truly shout aroo when at the starting line!
Are you doing any Spartan Races this year? What’s your favourite Spartan obstacle? Let me know in the comments below.
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