June 2017
The last month has seen the summer finally arrive, as well as a busy training schedule. With scorching temperatures over the past couple of weeks, the motivation to train can be difficult. It has been fantastic to see so many clients persevering with training for different events, despite the conditions.
For me personally this month brings one of the greatest challenges, as I (have been trying to) train for the OCR European championships. A little more on that coming up later on.
This month I wanted to take the time to look at some of the multi disciplinary events and training opportunities taking place - from triathlons to athletics - as the summer months bring a whole host of new challenges. There are many local events and clubs that you or family can get involved with such as Hillingdon Tri, Jetstream Tri (where my daughter Sabrina is a member). You can even start to get to grips with an open water swim with a local outdoor swim venue at Merchant Taylor School.
The end of May was busy with events such as the Hercules Festival 28/5/17 at Merchant Taylor School grounds. There is also Try a Tri in St. Albans, which is aimed at children and Grassman event hosted by Jetstream Tri (20/5).
What is OCR and how is it different?
O.C.R. stands for Obstacle Course Racing which is a challenging total body sport gaining popularity each year. A lot of people have heard about a Tough Mudder, Spartan, or Bear Grylls OCR event. Some events are not chip timed such as Tough Mudder but most events are. Some events have age categories too and some of these very challenging events are selected and used for qualification for championships. The UK has about 5 of these events, one of which is the Nuts Challenge in which I came 1st in my age group last March. Events are held throughout the year in most European countries and usually the top 5 within each age category qualifies for either the National, European or World Championships.
What made you take the decision to take part?
I was asked verbally and by email if I was interested in representing my country at the European Championships (EC). This was straight after The Nuts Challenge in March. I did some research and found out the EC was going to be held in The Netherlands (29/6-2/7) which made it an easier decision for me to go as a lot of family and friends are there.
How did you find the qualifying race?
The Nuts Challenge is an awesome event which my P.T. client Imran Ahmed entered me in for so we could form a Fit For Anything/Barclays team and have some fun. I wasn't aware it was a qualifying event and in fact the plan was to get Imran around the 7km course twice quite quickly and safely whilst having fun. The course was mostly on an army challenging terrain with lots of water obstacles.
What was the hardest part of the course?
For me it was coping with the cold after coming out of the water (temp 5c) towards the end of the second lap which was after about 3 hours of non stop "battling".
What are you hoping to achieve?
I would like to finish the OCR EC events I qualified for (age category ones on Friday 30/6 and on Saturday 1/7). Each obstacle needs to be conquered successfully for prize winners. Unfortunately, I haven't fully recovered from a shoulder injury so I will have some limitations...
What would your advice be to anyone that thinks that obstacle races are too great a challenge?
The advice would depend on the individual, there are so many factors to take into account. Know your limitations and try to overcome those...there are people who have disabilities who take part (such as Michael R Brans - @myoneleggedlife). Find out as much as possible first about the event you want to do, the obstacles, your fears and try to adjust and train yourself physically and mentally with help of a personal trainer.
June - what's been happening this month?
Threshold series "Race to the Tower" (Cotswolds) 10/6-11/6,
Race to the King 24/6 (South Downs)
Sabrina is taking part in The E.Y.A.L. (Early Years Athletics League) for Watford Athletics Club (under 13 girls cat) which runs from April-July and includes if selected will compete in: Track: 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, 100m relay.
Field: Javelin, discus, shot, long & high jump.
30/6:Start of OCR European Championships in the Netherlands
July
15/7 Race to the Stones (voted best all-round event in UK).
Lots of endurance cycling coming up such as L'etape du Tour which is an amateur cycling event (ride one of the most decisive mountainous stage) in the Tour de France for reasonably fit people usually held 2-3 days before the pro's do it (in half the time I may add) which is usually 3rd Saturday in July.
Many of you have kindly sponsored me through company logos on my t-shirts, or with donations for the OCR championships. I am very thankful for your support and will keep you posted how I get on.
I am looking forward to training hard with you all over the next month.
Best wishes
Roel.