ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
OBSTACLE COURSE RACING What is Obstacle Course Racing?
On the most basic level, any event where impediments or challenges are placed on the course in the path
of competitors is an obstacle course race, most commonly known by the acronym OCR.
(You’ve got to love Wikipedia)
History … From the “stadium”, the oldest event of the Olympic Games, to the contemporary era “steeplechase”, obstacle
of some sort have been presented to athletes for thousands of years. It is widely thought that Tough Guy is
the oldest obstacle course race, with the first race in 1987. You might think that these mud-filled tests of
stamina, agility, and toughness represent a new cultural phenomenon, but they trace much father back in
history. Before becoming the proving ground for a kind of sport – obstacle
courses were used as training devices, designed to build the mental and
physical fitness of soldiers, sailors and marines preparing themselves for
combat, as well as civilians interested in strengthening the whole man.
The roots of the phenomenon are typically traced to an event in the UK called the Tough Guy. Started in
1987 by eccentric former British army soldier Billy Wilson – aka Mr. Mouse – the 15km obstacle course is
situated on a farm near Wolverhampton, England. Wilson specifically designed the course to induce fear and
pain and to push participants to their very limits. In 2010, British Harvard MBA grad Will Dean launched the
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – AUG 2016
“CHALLENGE YOUR LIMITS” NEWSLETTER
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
History Continues ….
Tough Mudder, an obstacle event inspired by – some would say stolen from – the Tough Guy challenge. Two
weeks later after the first Tough Mudder was held, the first Spartan Race took place. In the next few years,
the obstacle race and mud run business positively exploded, and hundreds of OCR’s joined the Big3 and
so it hit us too in South Africa. In 2011, approximately one million people registered to participate in an
obstacle course event in the United States (US) alone. 3 and a half million tried in 2013. All of which is to say,
OCR’s will likely continue to exist because any way you slice it, when it comes to galvanizing the whole
man – building your strength, stamina, agility, confidence, and all-round toughness – no training tool truly
compares. #justsaying
A.O.T.’S STAR OF THE MONTH Sharm Malherbe
… I’m officially a Facebook Stalker…
Sharm Malherbe started with A.O.T. as part of the “Rookie Cookies” Team prior to the KZN Warrior Race,
however… Sharm has continued her quest as a “bok-for-sports” and have only but impressed us with her
determination and guts. Sharm ALWAYS has the most amazing smile on her face, truly inspirational to watch!
Sharm is married to Harvey (whom is now ALSO a member of A.O.T. … welcome Harvey)… and they have a
beautiful little 1 year old baby girl. Keep up the amazing work Sharm… you are our Star of the Month. An
A.O.T. Salomon Visor is on its way to you!
A.O.T. SALOMON KIT
Reminder that we have A.O.T. branded Salomon kit to purchase. Please do inbox should you wish to see
the catalog and price lists. [email protected]
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
A.O.T. Making news …
Jump City took place on the 08th July at uShaka Durban Beach front. A.O.T. were out and about and had our very
own obstacle 2nd year in a row. Even had our logo on the T-shirt… (thank you Jump City). Hope you all enjoyed the
rope-climb!! “wink wink”
HERE’S WHAT WENT DOWN A.O.T. RULING THE PODIUM…
PODIUM: 1st CLAUDE EKSTEEN, 2ND THE GUY THAT NEEDS TO JOIN A.O.T. 3RD DEAN MOORE
LADIES: 1ST TRISH BAHLMANN, 2ND ROBYN GREYLING & 3RD JAX MOORE
Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement and very LOUD screams
from all the supporters and fellow participants … you guys rock. All and all… A.O.T. has the
best teams EVER!!!
AWESOMENESS
BOOM!
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
JEEP WARRIOR #4 KZN #AOTPROUDNESS #CHALLENGEYOURLIMITS #FULLFORCE
BRATZ RACE: 200m uneven terrain with 5 - 8 obstacles
‘* Keagan & Daniel (up-and-coming Elites) * CJ, Keagan, Daniel & Keighley
ROOKIE RACE: 5km trail running with 10 – 12 obstacles
‘* The “Rookie Cookies” * Natasha & Leatitia * Shirees & Meritia
a.k.a. Penny, Shams, Kelly,
Kerry, Amy, Matthew & Stacey
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
‘* Claire & Candice * Kirsten, Taryn, Nicky & Liam Pretty in Purple (before the mud)
COMMANDO RACE: 10km trail running with 20 – 22 obstacles
(ASSISTANCE ALLOWED) & COMMANDO ELITE (NO-ASSISTANCE AT ALL)
Left: Team CROW Paul, Julian, Matt, Brendan,
Jean & Tyrin
Below: Our Commando ELITE’s
(Podium placing for Gareth, 3rd overall)
Tate (adding she’s 14)… and the twins Darren & Gareth
WATCH THE SPACE PEOPLE… THESE YOUNGSTERS ARE GOING
PLACES!!! And welcome back Shano after quite a few months off from
a hip op… you back in the game boet!
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
BLACK OPS RACE: 15km Trail Run 28 – 30 obstacles (failure to
do an obstacle, results in burpee penalty)
‘* Wilma & Benton * Jeanine (machine)
(May I add… THEY HAVE BEEN UPGRADED… Next Race … Black Ops ELITE)
BLACK OPS ELITE: 18km Trail Run 30 - 32 obstacles
(YOU ON YOUR OWN HERE… NO TABLETS FOR STUPIDITY #JUSTSAYING
This is where stuff
starts getting
REAL…. Real
tough!!!
18
REMIND
ME WHY WE
DOING THIS
AGAIN??
Honestly??
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
Some words of wisdom ..
She will
NOT pass
me…
AKKE
SOUT
A.O.T. is beyond proud of each
and every member taking on this
gruelling race in some pretty harsh
and wet conditions. Remember… it
builds character, perseverance, and
you get to learn a little more about
yourself overcoming those
obstacles.
#challengeyourlimits
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
Our mission at A.O.T. is to introduce you to a style of training that you have
never experienced before. Taking you out of your comfort zone and challenge
what you previously thought your limits were by expert advice, motivation and
encouragement. Nothing traditional.
www.adventureobstacletraining.com
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North, Troon Entrance
Private Coaching / Group Session Training: -
Claude: 084 5826 265
Trish: 083 566 5578
Our mission at A.O.T. is to introduce you to a style of training that you have
never experienced before. Taking you out of your comfort zone and challenge
what you previously thought your limits were by expert advice, motivation and
encouragement. Nothing traditional.
www.adventureobstacletraining.com
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North, Troon Entrance
Private Coaching / Group Session Training: -
Claude: 084 5826 265
Trish: 083 566 5578
Our mission at A.O.T. is to introduce you to a style of training that you have
never experienced before. Taking you out of your comfort zone and challenge
what you previously thought your limits were by expert advice, motivation and
encouragement. Nothing traditional.
www.adventureobstacletraining.com
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North, Troon Entrance
Private Coaching / Group Session Training: -
Claude: 084 5826 265
Trish: 083 566 5578
Our mission at A.O.T. is to introduce you to a style of training that you have
never experienced before. Taking you out of your comfort zone and challenge
what you previously thought your limits were by expert advice, motivation and
encouragement. Nothing traditional.
www.adventureobstacletraining.com
ADVENTURE OBSTACLE TRAINING NEWSLETTER #7 – Aug 2016
20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North, Troon Entrance
Private Coaching / Group Session Training: -
Claude: 084 5826 265
Trish: 083 566 5578