Spartan Training: Day 1

As a young child I used to watch American Gladiators religiously. In addition to American Gladiators, I used to watch Nickelodeon's GUTS. Both shows put contenders against themselves in strenuous activities, all leading to a final challenge. On American Gladiators it was THE ELIMINATOR; on GUTS is was the Aggro Crag. These shows appealed to both my sadistic, bring the pain, personality and my competitive nature.

The way I looked at both the Eliminator and the Crag was simple, don't let it beat you. To me it seemed simple, assess the situation and go for it. So whether it was climbing a cargo net, swimming 25 meters, running up a treadmill, or sprinting up a mountain while big rocks came tumbling down on your head, I was down for the challenge. Unfortunately I never made it to either competition, so then I heard of adventure-type races like the Spartan, Warrior, and Tough Mudder.

So the decision has been made. The first weekend of June I will take part in the Tri-State NY Spartan Sprint. All gimmicks aside, the reason I chose to do a Spartan Race is because, well, it is the most local of these obstacle course type races.

Personally I have never been much of a runner. I could keep up with most people in a dead sprint, but once that sprint went past a few hundred yards, I was done. So a marathon/triathlete I am not, in fact I loathe running. So the next best thing to me, a Spartan Race. Not too far, enough obstacles to break up the run, and the defining factor, 30 minutes away where I live. These factors appeal to me and a group of my friends. So we will be entering the race with the thought process of beat the race, not let it beat us.

My training regimen must change as a result. No more can I ignore cardio workouts and just go through the motions. I have a goal now, a goal that I must be ready for. The plan is simple, lift heavy weights, a lot of times, and with limited rest. Cardio-wise, the plan is to progressively get to where I can run for 3-5 miles without stopping. Ya know because in most cases I'd rather re-break my ankle then to take another step. So the treadmill and arc trainer will become familiar allies, as will my jump rope and battle rope. Hopefully I will be prepared enough to perform, hopefully.

Not Changing...

The following is a question that was proposed to me the other day during a discussion with a friend of mine:
Misguided Friend: I've been working out consistently for the past few months. For a while I was seeing a lot of changes, but now I'm not. I'm not seeing a difference and I feel as if I have plateaued. Why am I not seeing any change?
(insert lengthy conversation here)
MGF: I'm going to send you a copy of my workout routine, can you take a look and tell me what's wrong with it?

Speed, Greasy Fast Lightening Speed

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We can't all be like the Italian Stallion. Then again, there really is no need to be in the average person's life. Hard work and dedication are the two reasons for Rocky's success in the movies. The same holds true for those of us not headlining a major motion picture. Putting in a maximum effort, physically and mentally, towards a goal is only going to help you to obtain it.  

Rocky needed to add speed to his repertoire in order to defeat his opponent, Apollo Creed. It wasn't that he needed to be a fast sprinter, but that he needed to increase his agility and quickness. For an athlete at any level it is necessary to train your speed, quickness, and agility. Doing so will only help individuals bring themselves to the next level of competition.

Now I would not suggest going out and chasing a chicken around unless it looks like fun. I never tried this method, but always have wanted to since I was a little boy. Now it is common knowledge that training for speed and explosion is important if you plan on competing in athletics at an optimal level. To do so is much easier than one realizes.