Workout for Winter

It may be fall, but snow is on it’s way. With opening day two months out, it’s time to start getting ready. What does that mean? Sure gear is important, but being in at least half decent shape is important to having an awesome, and injury free season.

Over the summer, Stratton was host to the North American Obstacle Course Racing Championships and the competitors are no joke. Stephanie Quinn, a Michigan native, became hooked on obstacle course racing in part due to the adventure, strength, and outdoor time it allowed her. When it comes to the sport of obstacle racing, Quinn is no joke, and originally started to spend her time outdoors cross country skiing in Michigan.

 

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“Once I caught the adrenaline bug in my early teens I turned my attention to downhill skiing and snowboarding,” Quinn, who is also the co-founder of GroundBreakers Fitness Collective, said. “It became the weekend focus in high school and college, my friends and I would load up our cars on Friday after school and head out for the weekend. I have had some of my best experiences while skiing – developmentally as an athlete and in strengthening my connection with nature and the great outdoors.”

Here are some of Quinn’s top tips to incorporate into you’re pre-winter workouts:

    • Variety is the spice of life – I train 3 – 5 days a week spending between and hour and ninety minutes in the gym working my way through weight based HIIT circuits and I run outside, usually in the morning. Because I do not live in a mountainous region I rely on the treadmill to simulate incline and spend time working on my uphill and heavy carry endurance there.
    • Stretch well and stretch often – “Both stretching and active recovery are a big part of my routine – taking care of my body is priority number one. I pay close attention to aches and pains and I take time throughout the day to make sure that I am moving around in a way that promotes mobility. I use my foam roller and other recovery tools and even started incorporating Pilates into my weekly routine. Physical Therapy is also a great help to me, I try to go once each week to get some focused attention around trouble spots, get the necessary adjustments and give my body the best chance to perform as well as it can.”
    • Fuel up –  I try to eat at least two hours before I head to the start line. Favorites include protein pancakes, oatmeal, bagels and peanut butter. I generally keep my meal light and focus on water and electrolyte intake. A small meal and good hydration will take you a long way.
    • Get hyped – Pearl Jam please! I like fast paced, upbeat, intense music and I keep it playing until the very last minute. Music helps me to dial in, focus and find a good running cadence. The last song I listen to before I head to the start line tends to loop in my mind as I navigate the course – It comes in pretty handy.
    • Recovery is just as important – After a race,  a hot shower, a giant cheeseburger and a Netflix marathon are my go to! I use the AirRelax leg compression system to get the blood flowing and the PureWave massager to break-up my muscle fascia a couple days later.

 

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