Total Warrior UK- Lake District 01/08/2015

I have always wanted to do an adventure race, and with total warrior being out of the rugby season it gave me the perfect opportunity to experience one.

Looking back on the event, all I can say is it was brilliant. If someone asked me to run it again tomorrow I would!

Having been back from my holiday for just two weeks I didn't have chance to train specifically for the event, something which I would do if I were to run it again!

Getting there

Day of the race I made the journey up to Shap in the Lake District, which was relatively pain free and very easy to find. I parked on the course at a cost of £5 which I felt was reasonable. Some people had parked in the village and walked, but I don't think they realised the walk would be so far!
Registration

This was very well run. Most races I have been to send you your number in the post and this was the first event I had had to pick the number up and register on the day. I was sceptical at first, worried that it would take a long time to register, I made sure I arrived a good hour before my start time. This time frame was probably about right. I queued up alphabetically to receive my race pack and followed the crowd into the next tent along (this was signposted, however, with the sheer amount of people they blocked the sign, it would have been better to have overhead sign posts).

Race Prep

The next tent along was primarily to help you attach your timing chip, headband, number, and temporary tattoo. They also wrote your number clearly on your headband and also on your arm if you wanted. This was to ensure that the photography company could collate all pictures of each participant together, making it easier for you if you wanted to purchase them. They were extremely helpful in this tent (and extremely busy). I also have to say a big thank you to the young girl who must have been no older than 9 or 10 who helped me put my Total Warrior temporary tattoo on (and gave me another when it didn't work properly. She was very well mannered and this was typical of the rest of the volunteers. One of my only gripes was the start. The course organisers could have called people up to the start line with the simple use of a tannoy system. I had no idea that I would have to get to the start line 25 minutes before my wave began and panicked that I was potentially in the wrong group.

The course

This was a rollercoaster of emotions. From the start you realise it's not exactly going to be easy. The first obstacle is running up and down a rather steep hill 3 times, and by the time you have recovered from that you are about to get wet- nothing like starting early! The obstacles were brilliant, as were the people around the course who helped one another through, over and under them! I would seriously recommend trail running shoes as my old Nike running trainers just didn't cut it (also make sure you tie them tight! I lost one of my shoes in the mud and it wasn't easy to get it out and get it back on!). I was slightly annoyed with the people who decided to skip out all of the hard obstacles having evidently not trained for the event, in my opinion they didn't deserve a finishers t-shirt at the end. One of the obstacles I found the most grulesome was "you tube" basically this was a long, slightly uphill tube. It sounds relitively painless, however I didn't think it was wide enough, as I struggled actually getting in it! I also couldn't get any purchase as my entire body was caked in mud! Another thankyou to the bloke who helped me through and pulled me out, although he pulled me out directly onto a rock which wasn't the most pleasant! My favorite obstacle was probably the "slideaway" which is a 120ft waterslide, with added washing up liquid so you are actually clean when you get to the bottom (I would run the whole course again just for this obstacle!). A big shoutout to all the photographers, who seemed to pop up in all the right places, although not in the first 4/5km (I think they were waiting until everyone was covered in mud!).

Spectator experience

I had 3 spectators with me so I feel compelled to write about their experience of the day too. Firstly, I have to mention the porta-loos. They could well have been caked in mud by the end of the day, but they were spotless, as was the rest of the course.However, the spectators all had trouble knowing where loved ones were around the course and what time they were likely to finish. My suggestion is that the timing chip be linked to a tracker around the the course, either GPS or timing mats at half way and closer to the finish similar to road races I have competed in. This would allow spectators to get to obstacles at the right time! Also, a course map could also be handy for them to get around! Another negative would be the lack of seating areas. There was only a handful of picnic benches so it was difficult to get a seat.

After the race

As you finish the race, straight away you have your timing chip cut off and are given a goody bag along with your finishers t-shirt and headband. I was handed my "beer token" as it is advertised that you get a free beer after the race. However, I was shocked to be told that this token only qualified as £1.50 off, with the cost of a can being £3. This is something which I feel needs to be addressed by the race organisers.A medal would have been nice, and although not advertised, I feel it would be a nice addition next year.The merchandise tent was good, the quality is also very good and it was reasonably priced although I did feel that the selection was quite small.

Overall

An enjoyable event with a good atmosphere to go with it. A few tweaks and this event could be even better. I will be taking part again next year!

To sign up for a race yourself, visit www.totalwarrior.co.uk and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!

What is wrong with the word "diet"!?

Often you will hear people in the office talking about "this new diet" they've heard about.

5/2
Atkins
Herbalife
Juice Plus
Paleo
Raw till 4
C9

No doubt you have already heard of a few of these, if not all of them! You have probably even tried one or two of them yourself. If you have, ask yourself why you stopped.

On Atkins you would have been deprived of carbs in the first instance and you may have lost a lot of weight because of this. Since coming off the diet you are probably now the same weight as when you started. You have binged a little on the carbs that you "weren't allowed" and you are now stuck in the same rut you were beforehand- although now you have experienced low carb, you don't want to do it again!

Herbalife, C9 and Juice Plus probably stopped when you stopped seeing results, couldn't afford the supplements anymore or you became one of those annoying reps (until people stopped believing the bullshit and stopped buying!).

5/2... 500kcals per day for 2 days (no thank you)!

Paleo and raw till 4 have a bit more substance behind them, but if you're not vegan, you will struggle, and eventually slip back into old habits!

If someone puts the word diet as a suffix to an eating plan. Simple thing to do is ignore it. Google search will put these top because they pay to be, always look a little deeper. Stop listening to poor advice from companies and institutions who are only after one thing...your money. Always remember you have a diet, you are not on one, if someone asks you if you're on a diet, the answer should always be "no, just eating healthy and feeling awesome".

Eat healthy wholesome foods, you will feel better about yourself, have more energy and lose weight in the process (as long as you are eating within your limits).

Put your credit card away looking for that quick fix and go and spend your money at the butchers and greengrocers!

Promixx Vortex Mixer*

Having seen these bottles at the Bodypower Expo in Birmingham back in May, I was delighted when I was contacted by Promixx to review the shaker.

This powerful electric shaker, which features a specially designed blade, appeals to the secret couch potato that reigns inside all fitness fanatics. However, saving your tired arms is not the only selling point.

The blender uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack (rechargable battery only in upgrade pack) to ensure the shakes are the smoothest I've ever had! In fact my mid workout BCAA powder mixes perfectly, whereas before I would always have a lot of lumps and froth.

Promixx also claim that the lid is 100% leak free, and I'm yet to doubt them!

Key features include;

• Sports Flip Cap
• Twist Seal Lid
• BPA Free
• 600ml Capacity
• Detatchable base

Retailing at £18.99 for the basic model and £16.99 for the upgrade pack which includes the Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, it seems expensive, for what is essentially a shaker. However, you must consider how many shakers you work through, and break! The promixx shaker is very well made and comes with a 1 year warranty.

This shaker comes with my highest recommendation.

For more information on Promixx and their range of vortex mixers click here

Spotting. What, Why and How?!

This one does not just go out to all the heavy lifters out there, But also the occasional gym go-er. This advice could pretty much go out to anyone who happens to be in the wrong place at the right time.

Have you ever been in a quiet gym, minding your own business when the guy lifting weights you could only dream of asks you for a spot? You begrudgingly agree, as you look around and see there is noone else.

This has happened to all of us, now whilst there are countless posts on blogs and informative websites regarding correct form, there does not seem to be much advice regarding spotting or assisting.

Here are a few pointers to ensure the lifter will be happy after his or her set.

1. If someone asks you for help, they are asking you for a reason. He / She will have scoured the gym and you WILL be the MOST Appropriate person to ask.

2. Ask what the lifter wants from you. Do they need a hand lifting the weight up to the starting position, do they want you to pass them a dumbell, how many reps are they aiming for?

3. Give them some moral support!! Do not just stand there watching! A simple "you've got this bro 'or even just shouting encouragement will go down well; Especially if the lifter is Struggling.

4. DO NOT grab the bar UNLESS absolutely necessary! You will know when you are needed as the lifter will start to fail the lift (ie the bar will be going down rather than up). This is mainly what you are there for, to stop the weight crashing down onto his / her chest/floor- Because That hurts (trust me I've been there!!).

5. DO help re-rack the weights eleven o'clock the lift is completed- Often this is hard for the lifter as the weight is reracked in an awkward position on the bench and the lifter will have to walk forward with the weight after a squat.

6. Congratulate the lifter after a good set, This Will make them feel good as someone will have recognised their hard work, positive reinforcement if you will!

7. Often the lifter will feel uncomfortable disturbing your workout to ask you, especially If they need you for more than one set. Give them a friendly 'Just ask if you need me again mate" and you will find that when you need a spotter, they'll be the first person over to help you out! You may even find yourself with a new training partner as you are in the gym at the same time, depending on your goals obviously!

I appreciate this post will not appeal to the masses, however it is something I feel compelled to write about due to a few bad experiences!

Sci-Mx PRO2GO Caramel and Vanilla Bars

Over the past few months, having being on a cutting diet to reduce bodyfat, I have become obsessed with protein bars. These have allowed me to still have a 'treat' yet also remain commited to my macros.

The bars that I have been most impressed by so far are the Sci-Mx Nutrition Pro2Go Caramel and Vanilla flavour. They genuinely taste like a chocolate bar you would buy off the shelf and I'd describe as tasting like a mix between a Milky Way and a Mars bar!

In actual fact, you can buy these singularly off the shelf, as I often do if I run out, from ASDA supermarkets in the UK.

The nutritional profile of these bars is pretty good too. Each 60g bar packs in 20.2g Protein, 23.5g Carbs and 7.1g Fat.

In case you had not heard of them, Sci-Mx are a UK based company, which is one of the reasons they get my backing! Formed in 2007 they have quickly risen to become the UK's largest privately owned sports nutrition brand.

If you haven't tried these bars and constantly struggle with not having a sweet treat during the day then they are 100% for you. I love them and am sure that you will too!

To purchase these bars click here!