Last week team Okanagan Peak Performance Inc headed up to Whistler for Tough Mudder. [caption id="attachment_4245" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Team OPP post-Whistler Tough Mudder For some of us this was our fourth or fifth 'Mudder. And for others this was the first experience. Regardless of wether this was our first or multiple race of this type there are a number of take-aways to help others considering doing the same. 1. Saturday's Race is Fueled by Wednesday's MealYou know how people talk about a 'pre-game meal'? The food you eat before the big game to ensure you have all the proper nutrients and hydration to win the big game. Well, instead of thinking of this as the meal right before the race start thinking of a few days or even a week out. Eat better quality foods. Carry a water bottle and ensure you are properly hydrated. Pack enough food for your travel to the race. Bring food for breakfast on race day. Ignoring any one of these tips and you potentially jeopardize the results that might have been. 2. HydrationThis year at TM teams were taking an average of 4 to 4.5 hours to complete the course. And this year the conditions were warm for Whistler at 23 C. So when you consider you will be exerting for that long in warm climate you need to ensure that you don't become dehydrated. As soon as you sense thirst you are already dehydrated and performance is compromised. [caption id="attachment_4246" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Replacing only water can create problems But there's another thing to keep in mind. You don't just lose water. Sweat contains salt and you need to replenish what you are losing. I don't want to get too sciency on this but imagine if your body has a very specific salt concentration in...

Team OPP just returned from the Tough Mudder in Whistler. And we killed it!By this I mean that we all:* completed the race* didn't suffer any type of injury* all bounced back as quickly as the next day* shaved up to 50 minutes off last year's time (way to go girls!)But what about you?Have you ever trained for a specific race or event?Maybe it was a triathlon or a powerlifting competition. You might like to run and entered a 10 k or half marathon.Whatever the event was there are a number of benefits of putting your name down for an event. Below are the Top 7 Reasons for Entering a Competitive Sporting Event.#1 - Increased Training IntensityFor most people knowing that they will have to face some type of challenge will help them to dig a little deeper during training and push harder.For me it was the hill beside the ski jump at Olympic Park in Whistler. Last year this climb destroyed me and I kept reminding myself that this wasn't going to be a repeat. Every step on the sand-dunes or run around the block with a sandbag was inspired by the thought of last year's event.But even if you don't have a previous experience to draw upon it's pretty easy to picture your opponent doing a little extra to gain an advantage. And you don't want them to get ahead or in competition when it matters so you up your game as well.#2 - End Point in SightWhich is harder to train indefinitely until a coach says 'stop' or to perform a set amount of an exercise, even if it's a lot, and know you're done when you get there?Obviously knowing when you're done is easier. And when you're going through a tough phase of training it's much easier...

So you want to be a Tough Mudder?Well maybe not. Maybe you've never heard this term before.Fair enough.Below are a few videos that will fill in the gaps.Ok so are you still in? Do you want to know what it's like to push your body physically to the limit and overcome? Do want to test yourself and see how you stand?If that's the case then we can definitely help you out.Actually that's not true.There might be a few people that could help you out. We can help you crush this event. We can help you compete rather than just complete this event (if you have that kind of competitive spirit). We can make it so you aren't crippled walking stairs on Monday.But more on the program later. If you just can't wait leave a comment and I'll set you up with the exact program we used. Plus a few inside secrets as to what gear to use, how to fuel up, how to attack the obstacles and more. Trust me this insider knowledge is crucial to dominating this event.So what about the race? What was it like?Well it a was a true mountain challenge. You are running almost the equivalent of a half marathon race in the mountains. You will be completely submerged, and swim a short distance, in ice cold water. You will be run through mud that could be up to waist deep in parts. You will have to do climb Berlin walls and half pipes. And much more.Here's a sampling of some of the videos Okanagan Peak Performance client Nick Fane shot during the race.The first shows the Monkey Bars from Nick's perspective as he has the camera on his chest. The bars go up, across and then down. And if you don't hang on to the bars you...