A comprehensive training manual that prepares athletes for the demands of obstacle course racing. From grip strength to balance, exercises and workouts address the unique challenges of this popular sport.

The beauty of obstacle course racing is that it gets you out of your everyday routine and lets you experience life. If you are stuck in a cubicle or trapped in an urban jungle—congested traffic and crowds are your daily obstacles. Running an obstacle course race gives you the chance to get back to nature—to roll in it, get dirty, and tap into your primal self so you can experience life—in the raw, unedited and real. Margaret Schlachter, the creator of Dirt In Your Skirt blog, is one the foremost competitors in obstacle course racing today. She put together this simple guide to make your obstacle race experience everything it's supposed to be—a test of your true self. She describes first-hand her personal training methods in learning to climb a rope, scale a wall, flip a tire, throw a spear, and carry a sandbag. More importantly, she provides guidance on how to get yourself mentally and spiritually prepared for the big day—and how to dig deep within yourself during a race to find the last ounce of strength to carry you across that finish line. Every weekend thousands of competitors run obstacle races all over the world. Winning or losing is secondary. More important for them is the ability to meet the physical and mental challenges and achieve personal success by completing the race. Obstacle Race Training is an invaluable resource that enables each and every competitor to experience the maximum level of success that they are capable of.

DIVThis book from Matt B. Davis offers a down-and-dirty overview of the most popular races before tackling the most important concerns for any racer: preparation and training. /div

A complete guide to training for and competing in obstacle course races: workouts, nutrition, equipment, techniques, and mental preparation.

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) pushes athletes to their limits as they race over, under, and across a variety of challenges. But as popular as these races have become, there are few resources available to help OCR competitors improve their performance. Training for Obstacle Course Racing: A Practical Guide for the Busy Athlete provides elite-level instruction for the non-professional athlete, from beginning to experienced racers. Topics covered in this book include: Selecting and maintaining equipment Techniques for conquering specific obstacles Developing a training plan Strength and conditioning Developing a sound and safe nutrition plan Common injuries and injury prevention Preparing for competitions Most OCR athletes must be able to effectively balance strength and conditioning workouts, obstacle training, family, work, and recovery. This book is designed for just that purpose, helping athletes develop programs for their specific needs, whether training for health and wellness or winning the race.

An introduction to Spartan Races (races meant to challenge, to push, to intimidate, to test) from one of the "founding few" and creators, Joe De Sena.

It seems unthinkable that citizens of one of the most powerful nations in the world must risk their lives and livelihoods in the search for access to necessary health care. And yet it is no surprise that in many places throughout the United States, getting an abortion can be a monumental challenge. Anti-choice politicians and activists have worked tirelessly to impose needless restrictions on this straightforward medical procedure that, at best, delay it and, at worst, create medical risks and deny women their constitutionally protected right to choose. Obstacle Course tells the story of abortion in America, capturing a disturbing reality of insurmountable barriers people face when trying to exercise their legal rights to medical services. Authors David S. Cohen and Carole Joffe lay bare the often arduous and unnecessarily burdensome process of terminating a pregnancy: the sabotaged decision-making, clinics in remote locations, insurance bans, harassing protesters, forced ultrasounds and dishonest medical information, arbitrary waiting periods, and unjustified procedure limitations. Based on patients’ stories as well as interviews with abortion providers and allies from every state in the country, Obstacle Course reveals the unstoppable determination required of women in the pursuit of reproductive autonomy as well as the incredible commitment of abortion providers. Without the efforts of an unheralded army of medical professionals, clinic administrators, counselors, activists, and volunteers, what is a legal right would be meaningless for the almost one million people per year who get abortions. There is a better way—treating abortion like any other form of health care—but the United States is a long way from that ideal.

Whether you are a first time Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athlete or an experienced competitor attempting to keep his elite finisher's belt, you will find value in the only book focused on completing Conquer The Gauntlet (CTG). CTG is a four mile OCR with technical obstacles like you would find on the hit TV show American Ninja Warrior. It is known for having the hardest obstacles out of any obstacle racing series in the USA. However, just because the obstacles are challenging, don't let that scare you off. CTG is the Midwest's favorite OCR series bringing you a family friendly atmosphere along with 25 great obstacles per event. Even new athletes and first time competitors will enjoy seeing how far they can make it on the harder obstaclse like Stairway to Heaven, Tarzan Swing and Pegatron. Included in the 100 page book are: common concerns/questions with answers; three weekly training templates (beginner, intermediate and advanced); obstacle specific tips broken into strength and technique improvement; ten workouts; recommendations for training accessories; and final tips/tricks to prepare you for race day. Show up prepared by picking up a copy of Conquering The Gauntlet today, then head over to www.ConquerTheGauntlet.com to sign up for your race!