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How to Pick Your First Obstacle Course Race? (Copy)

2022-06-08 00:00:00

First of all, congrats on deciding to start your OCR journey. As a first timer, we know you have a lot of concerns on picking your first OCR event. Before buying that ticket and scheduling your training time, think of these factors:

Logistics Distance, Number and difficulty of obstacles, Going with a group or going solo, Other preparations and training

The choice to venture into the world of OCR is a rewarding one. However, the variety of races can be overwhelming. OCR events are popping up left and right since they have become more popular and there's always a new enticement to register.

Talk to OCR enthusiasts and you'll get plenty of well-meaning but sometimes conflicting advice about which OCR events to join. There's a good fit out there for you; all you need to do is track it down and sign up.

The factors you should consider before joining your first OCR are : logistics, distance, the obstacles, whether you want to try a group event or a solo one, and what kind of preparations you would need to make. Mulling over all of these can help you decide which race is best for your first OCR

Logistics/Convenience

Obstacle Course Racing - Day and Time

Day and Time

First, choose a schedule  that will give you enough time to train. Two or three months of training prior to the race is a good start, especially if it’s your first OCR.  

When considering the date of the race, remember that it's inadvisable to do OCR with a hangover as this will impede your sharpness and coordination. If you have  any planned event that involves drinking, then do not schedule an OCR event the next day, because you will not be in optimal condition to race.

The same goes for other activities that tire you out like long plane rides and illnesses. You’ll need time to recuperate before you're prepared for strenuous activity like climbing walls and lifting sandbags.

You have the best chance of finishing the race when you're well-rested, fresh, and alert.

Location

It’s best to keep your first OCR  close to home. If your hometown isn't hosting one anytime soon, don't give up hope. You can always expand your search to the next city over.

Make sure you know the location and the schedule of the event. Getting lost on the way to the race is not part of the adventure.

Price

Registration for an OCR can cost anywhere between P500 to P3000,with the longer distance categories being more expensive. But you're sure to get your money's worth no matter what category you join, so choose something that is within your price range.

Health limitations

The risk of injury is always present in any sport – although, training well keeps that risk fairly low.

It’s advisable to research the physical challenges of the OCR event you want to join. Make sure that the length and difficulty of the race is within your health condition. Check the race location for possible allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. This is especially important if your allergen can be found in nature like pollen or certain types of plants and trees. Even if the path looks clear, it might be good to have the appropriate medication on hand on the day of the race.

Don’t join an OCR if you have a surgery prior to the race or if you have any open wounds at the time of the race. Over-exerting yourself too soon after an operation may trigger complications. Contact with dirt, mud, and murky water may also lead to an infection.

Your health always comes first, so rest and recuperate. There will be other races that you can join once you’re in better shape.

Obstacle Course Racing - Distance

Distance

One of the things that makes OCR appealing to runners is that the obstacles break up the monotony inherent in long-distance running. Depending on your stamina and training level, you can choose from a wide range of courses from five kilometers to 21 kilometers.

For example, if you're just looking to let loose and have fun with some friends, a five-kilometer Tough Mudder would be perfect for you. If you're a more serious, competitive athlete, you may opt for the Spartan Race instead and sign up for the 13- or 21-kilometer category.

Obstacle Course Racing - Difficulty of obstacles

Number and difficulty of obstacles

Shorter distances tend to have fewer obstacles, while you'll encounter more obstacles at a higher frequency in long-distance races. It's also good to know whether the race you're considering joining gives you the option to skip certain obstacles. In some races, it will cost you a penalty of a few pushups or burpees - but in other races, you can't do it at all.

For example, the five-kilometer Tough Mudder has ten obstacles. The 13-kilometer Spartan Race, has 25 obstacles, and the 21-kilometer Spartan Race has over 30 obstacles.

Try to gauge what your body can handle before it gives up on you and needs to call it a day.

Obstacle Course Racing - Group or Solo

Group or solo?

There are obstacles that asier when you're conquering them with a team. This is true both because of the structure of the obstacles and because the pain and exhaustion feels less intense when it's shared. It's also a good feeling to know that you have teammates who have your back and can offer a helping hand or give you a boost.

But not everyone plays well as a part of a team. For some, this could be an issue of a negative attitude, but for others, it's simply not the best way for them to work. From the classroom to the office to the course, there are people out there who just operate better when they're allowed to do so independently.

Whether your style is more aligned with a group race or a solo race, there are plenty of OCR events for you to choose from.

Obstacle Course Racing - Training

Training and other preparations

Time commitment

There are OCR events where you can simply show up on race day and finish without a problem. On the other hand, there are events that require months or even years of hard work and training as well as special diets and adjusted sleeping patterns. Understanding this commitment early on will help you see your decision through to the finish line, no matter how long it takes.

Well-rounded workout

It's a misconception that people who regularly run marathons or hit the gym will automatically do well in OCR. Though it might give them an advantage in some aspects, every race includes obstacles that require specific training and techniques. While your regular workout may be effective to tone your muscles in the exact way you like, you may need to make some modifications to prepare for OCR, especially if it's your first OCR event.

When considering your first OCR event – or, more likely, deciding whether to accept or reject a friend's invitation – you can find a ton of information online, especially on sites dedicated to OCR - like Pretty Huge Blog.

This could be the choice that eventually ignites a lifelong passion, but that doesn't mean it needs to be perfect. Weigh your options and go with what feels best-suited for you. If it ends up being different than what you were expecting, simply pinpoint what you'd like to change the next time and add that to your checklist.

Want to level up your obstacle training? 

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