Train like a Beast

Once you have made the decision to take on the Beast, the next obstacle is to start your training, which needs to begin sooner than later. Definitely make sure that training is something that you put an emphasis on as you prepare for BBB. Do not go into September 6^th having not prepared yourself for what awaits you at Presque Isle. You must prepare your body and mind to endure 2-4 hours of continuous physical demand. Your body is stronger than you think and your mind will play tricks on you, but in the face of fatigue, pain, and discomfort it is important that you have trained to be comfortable being uncomfortable. So let’s talk about that comfort factor for a minute.

The body is made up of an elemental composition that can be viewed from the point of mass composition or atomic composition. The human body is approximately 57% water, and water is 11% hydrogen by mass but 67% hydrogen by atomic %. Hence, most of the mass of the human body is oxygen, but most of the atoms in the human body are hydrogen. Body composition may also be analyzed in relationships of molecular type (e.g., water, protein, connective tissue, fats (or lipids) apatite (in bones), carbohydrates (such as glycogen and glucose) and DNA. In terms of tissue type, the body may be analyzed into water, fat, muscle, bone, etc.

Phew...so, what does this mean in terms of training? If you deplete the body of what it needs -- i.e. water, oxygen, protein, carbohydrates, etc -- you will forcing your body into a state of duress that is unhealthy and will result in a frustrating training regimen. We will come back to the nutrition/hydration details in a week or two. For now we will focus on the physical attributes of the training regimen and what it is going to take to get you prepared to physically bust the Beast.

Your body is your body. You are your own science project, as no two people will respond exactly the same to a specific exercise program/regimen. So what you need to do is work with what you have while striving to make it the best it can possibly be. Be proud of what you are doing and always remember that you are given one body and what you do with it is up to you -- garbage in = garbage out! Strength is a key component to taking on any obstacle race challenge/event. Your body is the luggage that you will run around with, climb with, jump with, and ultimately stomp the Beast with. Get comfortable with working with your body weight.

What this means is a training program that incorporates body weight movements and exercises will be successful in helping you get ready. Here is a look at some of these movements and environments:

       

   Running – As elementary as it sounds you need to be able to run and/or walk 10 miles. The rate at which you run is up to you. A mile is a mile, but the speed at which you complete that mile is what will differ person to person. Your body must be accustom and receptive to the toll running will take on it in a given 10-mile span. Avoid surprises and start running today. Also, skip the treadmill. Get outside on God’s treadmill. Running outside on variant terrain and weather is vital to the training approach to an event such as Beast on the Bay. Strap on the iPod and get on the trails if possible. You need to experience variable changes in terrain and be able to make your body recognize the changes it will face.

       Body Weight Movements – Remember that gym class from the ^5th grade? Well, take yourself back to that day of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, etc. These are a few of the exercises it will take to help you through the BEAST. Being able to work with your own body weight is key in the fact that you must be comfortable with moving yourself around, as aforementioned, for 2-4 hours.

If you’re interested, feel free to start your training at 3 RING BOX on 8348 Edinboro Road and talk with Jenn and Chad. Training is important, and if you need our help you can find it there and here on the blog.