Blog Post #3

Hi everyone!

This week, I looked a little further into the kind of preparation that is required from participants in order to succeed in an obstacle course race, along with collecting any interesting facts I came across while doing so. A typical training plan ranges anywhere from 6-8 weeks for a beginner level competitor, including integrated workouts. In 2013 alone, over 2 million people competed in an obstacle course - a number that only continues to increase annually. 

Each free of charge workout found online includes guidelines, such as highlighting the importance of warming up before every workout, and understanding the importance of being comfortable in mud and dirt. A typical 6 week workout plan on Women's Running website a workout schedule/calendar, listing resting days, interval running, obstacle running, park bench routines, along with beach & playground workouts. Weeks 1-3 consist of 30 minute workouts, which include running, pull-ups, burpees, mountain climbing and swimming. Weeks 4-6 integrate long distance running, squats, planking, monkey bar workouts and longer periods of strength training. 

Aside from this, there are also paid services for those willing to spend the extra cash to prepare for the obstacle course. The "Obstacle Course Training Academy" in Ottawa (www.obstacletraining.ca), charges anywhere from $25 for a single drop-in class, to $340 for a 20-class pack. 1 on 1 personal training is also available, at $400 for 20 sessions. 

When looking at trying to understand why the idea of completing obstacle courses has really taken off in the last few years, I found that it was most important to understand the concept behind it. It is intended to provide an exciting experience for fitness enthusiasts especially. These events also provide a sense of accomplishment for having completed such a tough physical challenge, especially for those that love a new competitive and want to release their inner 10-year-olds! On top of all this, obstacle-course races also create a social atmosphere that includes parties and band concerts after the event. 

Before and during the next Genius Hour research period, I want to look a little further into dietary requirements and restrictions that increase one's likelihood of successfully completing an obstacle course. I also want to look at different obstacle course races that are targeted towards different groups, along with any additional interesting facts. 

One of the main questions that still remain for me is understanding how to set challenging yet achievable goals for someone who is just starting to train. I will continue to research this further next week. 

Thanks for reading!
Tess

From: Women's Running, 6-Week Obstacle Race Training Plan

Blog Post #2

This week, we were able to create an introductory PowToon presentation on our selected Genius Hour topic. We also watched a TEDTalk video on childrens' ability to learn anything that they are engaged and actively involved in. We also successfully embedded a Google Slides presentation that we created into our blog. Aside from all of this, we were introduced to "Plickers" - a fun and engaging way to poll student answers to certain questions.

One of the main things I learned about my topic today is that there are teams of people available that train new clients on obstacle course preparation. These teams are made up of past obstacle course winners, personal trainers and dietitians - making a business out of their experiences and creating a client group built upon new clients to the obstacle course business.

One of the challenges I found while researching my topic more extensively this week was the overload of training plans that are specifically made for men OR women, and almost none that are simply based on the racers' beginning level.

From this week, one of the questions I have is just how important diet is when training for an obstacle course race.

The next step I plan on taking include researching the various resources that are available for new trainees, especially for those that do not wish to spend any additional money on training vs. those that do. In addition, I want to further research what else in necessary or recommended in order to succeed in an obstacle course race - aside from the physical and dietary requirements. I want to also understand the importance that different forms of physical exercise and training can play in the grand scheme of things (i.e.: cardio vs. weight training, etc.). 

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog.

I will be doing my Genius Hour research & presentation on how to successfully train for an obstacle course race - something like Tough Mudder.

My goals for this project consist of research how to get motivated and committed for the race, how to be part of a successful team, and how to physically train in order to get through the course.

I will measure my progress by tracking my research through a checklist.

Copyright - What I've learned so far

Original work, whether online or printed, is always protected by copyright laws in North American countries. In order to re-use the information, all other users must obtain permission and cite the information referenced at all times. However, there are permissions and guidelines set up in order to allow students, researchers and teachers to use copyright information in different environments. 

In addition to this, it's important to understand that copyright laws do not prohibit copying - this is allowed through the "fair use" regulations. Fair use allows for some form of replication, as long as it is regulated. 

It is important for our students to understand the guidelines of copyright laws, but also the importance of what these laws and regulations are teaching - that each individual's work is their own reflection and opinion, something that is protected under these laws. 

Armario, C. (2013, April 15).Huffington Post (Online Image). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/15/english-learning-student-_n_3084141.html

Raudenbush, D. Digital Vision (Online Image).
Retrieved from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/effects-cooperative-learning-student-learning-assessment-4239.html

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