Sport Chalet Offers Obstacle Course Runners Top Five Tips To Cross The Finish Line

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Obstacle course races are highly sought after by fitness enthusiasts and thrill seekers across the globe. Endurance-testing courses offer a series of unpredictable challenges of varying distances and difficulty, and premier sporting goods retailer Sport Chalet compiled helpful tips to support a safe and successful experience for racers of all skill levels.

"Obstacle races require strength of both body and mind, and pose serious tests of stamina, resilience, and quick-thinking," said Sport Chalet Expert Paul Smedley. "Appropriate footwear, properly-fitted clothing, sun protection and hydration are key factors to consider for anyone training for, and participating in, such races. It's important to remember that while these courses are to be taken seriously, participants should have fun as well."

Smedley created a list of the top five tips to prepare for upcoming obstacle course races:

1. For races exceeding eight miles with numerous challenges, it's important to pack a lightweight hydration system like the Camelbak Bootlegger Hydration Pack, which fits the body snuggly and has an insulated tube to keep water from freezing in chilly conditions.
2. Loose clothing can negatively impact speed and interfere with water obstacles, so lightweight compression tops and pants, such as the 2XU Compression Tights and 2XU Short Sleeve Compression Top, are advised for all conditions.
3. Trail running shoes make for versatile footwear when dealing with different types of terrain. Mesh helps remove excess water to provide proper grip and stability for steep ascents and descents, featured in styles such as Reebok ATV 19 Running Shoes. Pair these trail shoes with a light sock like the SmartWool Phd Outdoor Light Mini Sock.
4. In addition to protecting feet, hand protection is equally important. When considering the possibility of obstacles and course challenges such as spear throws, rope climbs, and sandbag carries, full finger work out gloves like the Nike Extreme Cross Training Glove may help prevent bare hands from suffering damage and pain during course execution. For added protection, an arm sleeve like the 2XU Performance Run Sleeve is also highly encouraged.
5. On race day, make sure to arrive one to two hours before the designated start time. A small checklist of items to pack should include: copies of signed waivers, photo ID, waterproof sunscreen, dry clothes, fresh socks and shoes, soap and towel to wash up after the event, light jacket, and a headlamp like the Black Diamond Revolt Headlamp if the start time is 3:00 p.m. or later.

For more information on Sport Chalet's selection of gear for obstacle course-style races or to find the nearest Sport Chalet store, visit www.sportchalet.com. For additional media inquiries, contact [email protected].  

About Sport Chalet

Sport Chalet (Nasdaq: SPCHA, SPCHB)  is a premier, full service specialty sporting goods retailer featuring the industry's top sports brands in apparel, footwear, and sports equipment. Founded in 1959 by Norbert Olberz, the company has 51 stores in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah; an online store at www.sportchalet.com; a Team Sales division; and offers more than 50 specialty services for the sports enthusiast, including online same day delivery, climbing, backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, avalanche education, and mountain trekking instruction, car rack installation, snowboard and ski rental and repair, Scuba training and certification, Scuba boat charters, team sales, gait analysis, baseball/softball glove steaming and lacing, racquet stringing, and bicycle tune-up and repair at its store locations. For more information, visit Sport Chalet at www.sportchalet.com.

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SOURCE Sport Chalet