Gorilla Obstacle Race

Last Wednesday, I  got the privilege to test out the Gorilla Obstacle Race course with coach Junrey and race organizer Antonette Veloso, and for the first time I realized how hard when the obstacles imitate real life's challenges and struggles.

The GOR is composed of 14 obstacles from a multiple attempt obstacle that includes a 6-foot wall, slippery wall, tire flip, tire drag and the dreaded rope climb. There's the single attempt obstacle, the monkey bars and horizontal wall traverse, then the mandatory obstacle sand bag carry, tire field, barbed wire crawl, water jug carry and tire roll. A penalty of 400-meter run around the course will be slapped to those who can’t accomplish each obstacle and will be disqualified if you fail to accomplish the mandatory obstacles.

An obstacle challenge race is probably one of the most exciting and thrilling ways you can spend your weekend. People of all shapes and sizes should at least complete or try an obstacle race. You can take your time if you don’t want to run, you can jog or simply walk. Don’t be surprised that in an attempt to climb up the 6ft wall, someone might suddenly push you and boost you up.

If you are planning to join this obstacle race, first things first. You need to start moving and if you have not yet started exercise, you need to start running, the most practical perhaps is to run or walk to work. Next in line is to practice burpees. A burpee is a full body exercise that is considered to be one of the most effective full body weight exercises. It is a combination of three exercises rolled into one. From standing position, you drop to a squat with your hands on the ground, jump or kick your feet back to a plank position, arms extended and do a push-up with your chest flat and ground. Push your body up, jump back on your feet to a squat position then jump up both hands extend up and with space between your feet and the ground. Then repeat. The other exercise you can do is to start carrying weights in your routine like changing the five-gallon water bottle on your dispenser or yet carrying it from your car to your kitchen. Try bear hugging it or putting on your shoulder or carry it by the mouth area on top which will improve your grip strength.

As a starter, you can divide your training into 3 segments - base training phase, specific training phase and simulation training phase. The Base phase focuses mainly on the fitness aspect from cardio vascular endurance, muscular power and endurance, strength and conditioning, balance, stability and flexibility. This is the foundation of each training and helps you prevent from getting injured. The Specific phase deals mostly on technique, form and timing. Example for a specific obstacle like the monkey bar, you would need your grip strength both from the hands to the forearms but this will would be useless if you don’t have common sense on technique like using your forward momentum and timing on the swing. Then the last phase, which is as important as the simulation training phase wherein you weave and combine everything. Now the question, do you need a coach? Yes or no but I would strongly suggest you join a team where you can compare notes and get advices.

For the Gorilla Obstacle Race, the category to contested are the elite male and female. They are  for the most competitive racers who want to test themselves against the best and stand the chance to win prize money. The champion will receive P5,000 and a one night stay at BAI Hotel, while the second and third placers will pocket P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. The top 3 will also get P1,000 worth of gift certificates at Albur’s.

There's also an open category for racers who wish to enjoy and finish the race with fun and conquering the Gorilla Obstacle Challenge set on May 5 in Latasan, Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City. Registration fee is pegged at P1,500 inclusive of race bib, draw-string bag, finisher's shirt and medal, towel and refreshments). One may register at Albur's Restaurant Cebu, Veranda Parkmall, Glutapeel Parkmall or visit www.race.ph/gorillabootcamp. For those who have registered, you may use the premises on Saturdays and Sundays to train until race day. For more details, you may contact the organizers at 0917-878-2448.