Where to train for the Warrior Dash?

warrior dash logoJulie emails:

I had a momentary lapse of sanity and signed up for the Warrior Dash down at Windham Mountain in September.
Where in the Capital Region could I train for such an event? The obstacle I'm particularly worried about is the one where I have to climb over a wall. Other obstacles include jumping over fire and crawling under barbed wire.
Any help would be much appreciated!

The "jumping over fire and crawling under barbed wire" bit made us curious about what exactly Julie had gotten herself into. The Warrior Dash site bills the race as "the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes," where "where 13 obstacles from hell await this 3.23 mile course." Also: the race is "more about mental toughness than being in great shape." And it looks like people wear costumes.

The event has been held in other parts of country in years past -- this is the first time in the Northeast. It's September 18 and 19. Registration is $65 and closes on September 7.

So, anyone have suggestions for Julie? Please share!

Comments

Sounds like Basic Training.

Wow, people will actually pay $65 to do the stuff we did for free in the Army?

Julie, scaling a wall is easy. If you can't jump it on the run, just run up to it, jump and throw one leg over the top. Once you have one leg over the top edge it is really easy to pull the rest of your body over.

Worst case, if you really can't make it over, is to team up with someone. Boost them over and then they pull you over from the top.

Crawling under barbed wire is easy too, just stay low ! ;) It is faster to go very slowly and hug the ground than it is to try to go fast on your elbows and knees, get snagged, and have to untangle yourself. Dirt is your friend.

I know a bunch of folks at ACF are doing this. Talk to Jason Ackerman to see if he can help you out.

http://www.albanycrossfit.com

sounds like the gym.

just do some pullups

If it's as crazy as the Tough Guy Challenge, I'm so in.... to take pictures.

Great series of photos every year on The Big Picture:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/02/tough_guy_challenge_2010.html
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/tough_guy_challenge_2009.html

Julie, you're worried about jumping a wall when FIRE and BARBED WIRE are involved? I don't ever wanna make you angry!

It does sound very familiar to basic training. In which case, as long as you're in running shape and have a badass attitude and you'll be all set. The wall looks like wooden planks, so you'll scale it no problem as long as you've got some momentum going.

Just maybe wear a thick T-shirt and some waterproof shoes.

If you're looking to replicate the post-Apocalyptic atmosphere that this race seems to aim for, I heard the Senate's in session tonight.

Listening in.

I'm doing the Warrior Dash too! I seriously need to start training for this or I'll be dragging bum through the course!

Maybe check out one of those wooden playgrounds to see if they have walls you can climb.

Albany CrossFit!

www.albanycrossfit.com

I just signed up for this race too. I've never done any obstacle course races before, but I run a lot, so my suggestion would be just to make sure you're fit enough to run a race. Maybe work on some weight training so you get your strength up to get through the obscales. Also work some hills into your running routine, since I heard the race is up a mountain...

My goal is just to have fun. But I'm kind of scared, too! It should be an amazing experience.

My suggestion would be to find a playground, and just start climbing on the equipment. Maybe one of those wooden-style playgrounds would have a wall you could climb over... or some might have a jungle gym!

I ran the Dallas race in May, and here are my tips for a Warrior Dash Training Session:

1. Put on a viking helmet (any kind will do)
2. Chug a beer
3. Sprint up a hill
4. Roll through a mud puddle
5. Crawl back down the hill
6. Repeat as necessary

In all seriousness though, it's a fun race. At the time I was running maybe three miles, once a week, and I was able to complete the course in around 30 minutes (it wasn't easy, but it wasn't impossible either). Good luck, and have fun!

When I was training to get into the Air Force Academy I had the most problems with pullups. The way I worked it out was by getting my head above the bar even if I had to stand on something, then I lowered myself as slowly as possible. I did this many times a day (I was in H.S. so I had the time.) After a week I was doing 10 pullups. After a month I could do 50 straight.

Good luck!

Hmm.... there should have been mention of the 1.5 mile up hill start to the race, you know where there skiers go *down* the mountain. Haha other than that it was a blast!

I have some of my pics up if you want to follow the link.

How high were those walls? I am trying to practice on a 6 foot wall, but these look like 5 foot high tops.

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