Only Fools Ride Horses

September 18, Colchester, Essex

If you fancy an alternative Obstacle Course Race featuring an equestrian course and plenty of surprises – including an Only Fools And Horses theme – then Only Fools Ride Horses (OFRH) could be for you.

This is an OCR with a twist. Organised by the Pukka Races team, OFRH consists of a four or eight-mile themed obstacle course race. Set on an equestrian course in stunning countryside, they include 30 equestrian jumps alongside tough hills, water, woodland, and plenty of other surprises, including ladders, a challenging A-frame, cargo nets and a 150-ft long water slide.

The Only Fools And Horses theme is represented by speakers pumping out quotes from Delboy around the course, plus Delboy and Rodney dressed as Batman and Robin looking to put you off your stride.

The main aim is to have fun. It’s not muddy, so it’s perfect for beginners or a taster for those who like the idea of OCR’s but don’t fancy wading chin deep in water or mud.

Like all the Pukka Races, the aim is to raise money for charity. Proceeds from this race go towards the Help Alexia Walk Foundation. Alexia has Quadriplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy and is unable to sit up unaided, crawl, feed herself, play with toys, walk on her feet or balance. Race proceeds will help raise funds for both an operation and a hydro pool, which will help give Alexia a great chance at walking. Money will also go to the charity ‘Tree Of Hope’ who are helping Alexia.

Those looking for something a bit more challenging can enter Pukka’s Diablo event in April next year, which features steep hills and loads of mud, or next years World War Run with 80 + obstacles. For now, and those enthused by OFRH, he/she who dares wins!

Entrants will get a customized Pukka Races medal, Pukka Races t-shirt, goodie bag and free race photos.

For More Information Visit: www.pukkaraces.co.uk/races/

It’s the biggest event of the XRunner calendar, and we can certainly see why. Now in it’s seventh year, the Wild Warrior eXtreme obstacle race invites those of all levels and experience, promising ‘Muddy Good Fun’ for all. From fresh-faced 15 year olds to superhero morph-suit-wearing 69 year olds, everyone is welcomed to join in on the ‘Total Mudness’ of this event.

Interested? Choose from a 5k or 10k run across a stunning valley situated on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park. Warriors can expect rolling fields, wooded areas and a whole lot of water and mud to wade through before reaching the finish line. Obstacles to be found along the way include The Swamp of Doom, Muddy Mayhem and The Assault Course, as well as Water Slides, Tightropes, Quick Sand and more. Having grown in popularity and size significantly over the past few years, Wild Warrior now expects around 3,500 runners, spread over ten start waves throughout the day. Designed to suit both males and females, young and old, you can expect to see a very mixed hoard of people just waiting to get muddy. Teams are also welcomed, and given a £5 discount per person for 10 people or more. Even without this, prices are fair and affordable – who needs to worry about cash while they tackle muddy obstacles?

Past events have seen a wide range of warriors, including Katie Price in 2012 and OBE Olympic champ Steve Cram the following year. Some have even used this event to raise cash for worthy causes, including two tough blind ladies who attached themselves to a guided runner to complete the course for the Guide Dogs Association. So whether you’re looking for a little excitement after the summer months, or just a great excuse to get muddied up, this one could be for you.

For More Information Visit: www.xrunner.co.uk

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August…

…sees Tough Mudder, Presented by Merrell, returning to Skipton’s Broughton Hall for yet more insanity. We’ve taken a peek at the plans and can tell you that this year’s event is set over a 12 mile course.

Dark woodlands, deep bogs and thick, swamp-like mud await and of course, then there’s the obstacles…

This year’s course is going to push you harder than ever before. Mudders will need to summon all their strength and determination, to earn the coveted orange headband this time around! Brand new 2016 obstacles await, including Block Ness Monster, their most popular obstacle ever! Hardcore returning Mudders are catered for too. Legionnaires can choose to access more challenging new upgrades of selected obstacles, plus attempt “Frequent Flyers’ Club”, a new high-octane finish obstacle!

Ever wanted to try Tough Mudder but thought it’s too extreme? Well the Tough Mudder Half might be for you. Set over five-miles, it features a dozen signature obstacles – but excludes the fire, ice and electricity elements of the original Tough Mudder event. Doubt you’re going to miss those!

For Full Details Please Visit: www.toughmudder.co.uk

Man Vs Lakes

9 July / Cumbria

Rat Race presents a 26.2-mile course through the Lake District, crossing the quicksands of Morecambe Bay and rolling mountainous country before a shore-toshore crossing of Windermere. Expect obstacles such as Man VS ‘Vertical Kilometre’, floating assault course and the ‘Swallows and Amazons’ rope swing. You’ll need a decent pint after this one.

www.ratrace.com/mavslakes2016

St Begas Ultra SBU35

27 August / Cumbria

A 36 country mile Ultra trail race, starting in the heart of the Lake District with breathtaking views of Bass Lake, and finishing up in the West coast village of St Bees. Along the way expect woodland trails, mountainous climbs and stunning country scenery. You’ll pass through the ‘Jaws’ of Borrowdale, the Ennerdale Valley and local fell Dent. Good luck!

www.ukantrail.co.uk

Insomnia 24

23 / 24 July / Leicestershire

The aim of this game is to run as many laps as you can around a 10km loop, circling the picturesque Cattows Farm in the National Forest. Expect woodland trails, rolling fields, challenging terrain and panoramic views. Take part alone, in pairs or in teams, either way you’ll be fully supported by the Insomnia team as you run.

www.goultraevents.co.uk

Allerthorpe Classic Triathlon

7 August / York

Returning to the scenic Allerthorpe Lakeland Park for it’s ninth year, the Classic Olympic Tri includes a 1,500m swim, 40km single lap cycle and 10km flat run. Open to all abilities, and more popular than ever, this event promises support and encouragement for all taking part, as well as spectacular views along the way.

www.freebirdevents.co.uk

Kurtis Stacey

On Why You Should Choose Weights To Help You Shift Unwanted Weight

Have you ever been to the gym and heard someone say: “i don’t want to go massive,  i just want to lose some fat and put on a bit of muscle here and here…”

he truth is, you can’t and won’t lose all that fat and gain muscle over night. It’s a lifestyle change that will take time, effort, persistence and dedication, pretty much all the words you don’t want to hear when wanting to get in shape.

Well now its time to put down the biscuits and pick up some weights! Accompanied with a healthy diet (which is a whole other matter) weight training has many benefits to aid fat loss and here are some of the key reasons why:

• The human body naturally burns calories each day to maintain a  pound of muscle, more than it does to maintain a pound of fat. So,
  the more muscle you build, the more calories your body will burn.
• Weight training increases your resting metabolic rate. This is the energy that your body requires in order to stay alive when resting.
• Studies have shown that after weight training your body will continue to burn more calories even at rest (in some cases up to 36   hours after your workout).

The most important thing to remember is that you want to burn fat. Cardiovascular exercise that isn’t accompanied with a weight-training routine will burn into your fat and your muscle stores. So whatever type of training you decide to do, weight training should always be a crucial part of your fitness programme, as should a healthy diet.
Below is a basic full body workout to get you started and a good starting block for weight training.

• Flat Bench press: 4 Sets of 8-12 reps
• Clean and Press: 4 Sets of 8-12 Reps
• Bent Over Row: 4 Sets of 8-12 Reps
• Barbell Squats: 4 Sets of 8-12 Reps
• Wide Grip Lat Pull Down: 4 Sets of 8-12 Reps

A good indication you are lifting the right weight is that the last 3 reps should be a struggle. You should try having 1-2 minutes rest between sets.