Fit for the summer – the StrongmanRun Challenge
We are not among the lazy. In both summer and winter, we prefer to be outdoors in nature. Preferably on foot or on skis. And that tends to hide the fact that the right sport is often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In order for us to really work on our basic fitness with regard to planned mountain tours, we are taking on a challenge. It’s just better to train with a little pressure in your neck – don’t you feel the same way?
This year, the friend will face a tough sporting challenge at the world’s largest obstacle course, the FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun in Engelberg. Around 40 obstacles await him over a distance of 18.5 kilometres. In “Simi backwards”, for example, he has to run up the ski jump. Aiaiai, have you ever seen how steep it is? And I don’t even want to know what awaits him in the Chamber of Secrets. In order to be able to enjoy the beautiful mountain panorama of Engelberg in addition to the run, you have to work on your fitness.
I voluntarily take on the part of moral support and will observe from a safe distance whether I will also dare to take to the track next year. After all, the proportion of women last year was 25%. I also take part in the training program. I don’t want to chase after my well-trained friend in the mountains all the time in summer. Admittedly, I haven’t been able to make friends with jogging so far. The weaker self is fully convinced that this is for the cat. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to convert him this time.
We still have two months to prepare for the FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun, which will take place on June 6, 2015. For running training, we have picked out three favorite jogging routes that cover different aspects.
The Morning Round
For the 6-kilometer loop around the Chäferberg, all we have to do is jump out of bed. In addition to a refreshing morning atmosphere, this round also offers a varied terrain with some climbs. If the work is a little longer in coming, a second or third round can also be added. After all, we have to slowly approach the distance of 18.5 kilometers.
The all-rounder
The flat round trip along the Limmat to the Werdinsel and back to the starting point also measures 6 kilometres in this basic form. This round can also be expanded as desired. Motivating here are the many other joggers, some of whom really torture themselves with strength exercises under the watchful eye of the personal trainer. Super inspiration for putting together your own strength program. And as a reward, we treat ourselves to a refreshing mint tea at the Sphères at the end – or, when it gets warmer, a cool down in the Limmat.
The Summit
On the 3 kilometres from Triemli to the Uetliberg, almost 400 metres of altitude have to be overcome. If we manage to do this at running pace at the end of the two-month period without a break, the breath should also be enough for the ski jump. For the time being, the only thing that drives us is the great view at the end of the route.
However, running training alone is not enough. After all, you don’t want your friend to get stuck in the mud. Thus, from now on, a strict push-up regiment applies at home. In the next few weeks I will read through all the fitness blogs for more tips and keep you up to date on the training process. Oh yes, and here are your fitness and motivation tips! Are you an avid runner? How do you overcome the weaker self? And do you have a favourite jogging route in the Zurich region?
Our participation in the race takes place in cooperation with FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun – as always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.
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