Welcome to the BOX -- the 3 RING BOX

We're Jennifer and Chad from 3 RING BOX.

Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try. Are you already preparing for the Beast on the Bay 2014? Have you marked your calendars for September 6 as the day you cash in on your decision to try? We are here to help you plan, train, and execute your goal in beating the Beast. Let us introduce ourselves: We are Chad and Jennifer Silber of 3 RING BOX, located on 8348 Edinboro Road, Erie, PA 16509. Over the next several months, we will be sharing our thoughts about  everything from gear, nutrition/hydration, physical prep and even how to conquer certain obstacles in the most safe/efficient manner possible. So stay tuned each week and if you want the most effective training in order to get you ready to take on the Beast.

Our first experiences were quite a shock.

Our background with obstacle racing/extreme racing started in 2011 when we signed up for a Tough Mudder in Attica, Indiana. We are both competitive by nature, as we are both former collegiate athletes. We’re also, in more ways than one, just nuts! That year we ran the Ruckus in Washington County, PA in order to get a taste of what obstacle racing was all about. As we anticipated, after the Ruckus, we were hooked and ready for the Mudder in November. What we did not anticipate was going from 90+ degree weather at the Ruckus to 30 degree weather at the Mudder…SHOCKER!!! So to date we have ran a total of 6 Tough Mudders, World’s Toughest Mudder (24 hours, 50 miles & 198 obstacles), Ruckus, Mud on the Mountatin, Warrior Dash, and OilCreek 50K.

Always give 100% -- even in ice!

The training and prep for each consists of running, strength training and body weight exercises (pull-ups, push-ups, burpees, hand-stand push-ups, air squats, etc.) The key is being comfortable in your own body and being able to be consistently active for 3-4 hours. The training aspect is key, and we have a great place to do that at 3 RING BOX. Also, the way a person eats will reflect how they do in the challenge. It’s like the old adage says: Garbage in/garbage out, and it applies here 100%. Carbs, carbs, and carbs. Energy is the key for these events and depleting oneself of the energy needed will only result in the demise of the individual. The training will offset the carb intake, so a person doesn’t need to worry about gaining weight. If the training is adhered to and given 100% effort, you will not only become stronger, but also achieve the desired results. 

We are excited about this year’s Beast on the Bay. It will be bigger and better and more challenging all around. We are thrilled to be part of the focus group for the obstacle course and to offer the necessary training ground at 3 RING BOX. The fence rider or someone not sure about taking part needs to consider doing something they never thought they could do. Sign up and print your confirmation and put it on your bathroom mirror, or your refrigerator, or on your computer at work -- wherever you will see it, you’ll see it all day and every day until September 6. Then get out and start training -- do something that you never thought you could do, that your family and friends also thought you would never do, and go and prove them wrong. The feeling you will have when you cross that finish line compares to no other. 

If you're on the fence about participating, just take the leap. You'll be glad you did.

 For the rookie -- and we all were one at one point in time -- do not ignore the training. Don’t come in cold turkey and think that 10 miles and 25 obstacles is going to be a cake walk. Yeah, you may be able to do it, but your recovery will be longer and your chance for injury will be higher. Do yourself a favor and get yourself training at a place where you will be able to practice on obstacles, get stronger, and increase your overall endurance and motor – here’s a plug for 3 RING BOX.

In the end, everyone will feel something different at the finish. For me, it’s about watching those on the team, especially the rookies, cross the finish line and then come up to me and ask when the next race is. There is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that is only felt by those who take the chance and try. You can’t replicate the feeling. It’s like no other. 

 Until next time,

Chad and Jennifer, 3 RING BOX