Wanting to finish an obstacle course race is one thing, but actually sticking to your guns and making it happen is another.
So let’s talk about the 3 most common pitfalls that I see beginner obstacle course racers make. . .
#1) They Wing It
With all the information out there I understand how this can happen. But not doing your homework at all and relying on your athletic days a decade ago is just setting yourself up for failure.
The main reason this happens is because new racers get overwhelmed by where to start and just don’t have a system to follow. And that’s why I created my 7-day OCR Planner. In it I lay out a simple step-by-step system that breaks down how to choose the right race, why you want to do the race in the first place, and how to plan out an effective training program so you’re doing something that aligns with your goals and not just tagging along to something your friends think is cool
#2) They Get Too Fancy
Jumping in head first and fully committing to the world of Obstacle Course Racing can be an exhilarating experience. With the supportive community of health and wellness professionals behind it, fitness fanatics, and just an overall positive message there’s a lot to love. But going overboard and falling into the trap of MORE...more classes, more workouts, more EVERYTHING...can get you in trouble. Constantly chasing every fitness craze and doing every workout all the time and not giving yourself enough recovery can set you up for failure as you just won’t be working towards a specific goal; you’ll be too scattered and thus won’t master any one skill. Furthermore, buying all the fancy new gear a week before the race, not only costs a lot of money, but can also get you injured. You want to have trained in everything prior to the race and adding too many new elements to a totally new race is just a recipe for disaster. Keep it simple and gradually build over time; or just hire a professional and learn how to do it right.
In my 7-day OCR Planner, I share my field-tested gear recommendations which can save you time, money, and help prevent injury. I also help you get clear on what you want out of OCR so you’re signing up for a race that aligns with your goals and not biting off more than you can chew. It’s important your training is focused, you understand what you’re working towards, and how to make it happen and this planner walks you through that.
#3) They Don’t Bring Anything For After The Race
This is just something no one talks about. But if you’re doing a muddy race in the elements you need to find a way to contain that mess and get warm up as fast as possible. This seems like a common sense recommendation, but with all the other things on your mind during a race, this is the last thing you’re thinking about.
In my 7-day OCR Planner I talk about what to expect during your race, how to properly prepare for it, and how crafting your OCR game plan can help put you in the right mindset so you can stop stressing and start racing while actually having fun on the course.
Whether you’re an OCR newbie or a seasoned veteran, this training will give you clarity on everything you need to know before you hit the course!
I hope you put this information to good use. I’d love to hear your story, your progress, and your questions because I’m committed to helping you train and prepare for the world of obstacle course racing and living the CHAMPION LIFE.
See you out there on the course,
Nate Brugnara