Blog Post #6

Hi everyone!

This week, I wanted to look a little further into the importance and significance of realistic and continuous progress tracking and goal-setting for obstacle course race competitors. Having read various blog posts and written journals of first hand experiences (such as ones on ocrworlchampionships.com), many shared that the most important strategy for each competitor to have - especially when first getting started in obstacle racing - is to develop belief! It is important for each athlete to remain open to possibility and maintain a sense of optimism towards all steps taken to prepare for the race. Although at first it may feel as though you are trying to convince yourself - if you repeat over and over: "I love burpees!". Eventually, it sinks in and becomes reality. 

Fun Fact: Adventure racing participation doubled in four years: from 1.089 million in 2009, to 2.213 million in 2013! (From the OIA's 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report)

In addition to this, it is important to make S.M.A.R.T. goals - an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. By doing this, you are setting a detailed plan of action and you've moved well past the "wishing" stage. 

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It is equally important to understand why you are setting your goals. When you understand why you have a powerful WHY, it will make it easy to accept the physical and mentally challenging difficulties you may experience when preparing for the obstacle course race. 

Through researching the topic, I was also able to pick up on the importance of making goal-setting fun! When preparing for an obstacle course, if you are constantly doing activities that you do not enjoy, the odds of you sticking to your goals are gradually decreasing... 

Whatever you do, making resolutions and setting goals is crucial in obstacle course race training! This is the most successful way to make out a plan to achieve them. 

Next week, I would like to spend a bit more time on additional physical requirements and training guidelines suggested for those taking on a new obstacle course race.