by Gaby Anne Désy

This sport is currently one of the fastest growing in the world. The discipline, usually referred to as a Mudrun or Spartan race, may even be included in the Olympic Games in 2024.

Why?

During a race, you are confronted with several obstacles: walls, climbs, weights to be carried, monkey bars, precision throws, and so on. You are the only person responsible for your mental approach to these obstacles, whatever their degree of difficulty. It sometimes brings you face to face with certain weaknesses…which thereby offers you the opportunity to confront them or to work on them. The result is a great feeling of accomplishment, self-assurance, and the desire to continue once the obstacles have been overcome,

How?

Preparing properly for an obstacle race means first setting oneself a goal, a deadline, and determining the distance of the race. A progression in terms of distance is ideal, to be done on a road or a trail. Including intense intervals on the course would be an asset. Practicing functional movements and moving on several planes and surfaces is as beneficial for the sport as it is for your health (crawling, moving forward in a deep crouch, moving laterally, etc.). Strengthening the upper body and moving carrying weights would not only be useful for your race, but also in your everyday life. For more coaching before your first obstacle race, you can always hook up with training groups such as Entraînements Extérieurs Boréal, which specialize in this type of preparation.

What?

While the side effects of the sport include a return to childhood and complete detachment from regular responsibilities for a brief time, the competitive aspect is increasingly serious at the world level. More than 67 countries were represented at the most recent World Championships, held in October at Blue Mountain, Ontario. Of course, the real competition is always the battle with the self.