Fancy a change? Train for an Octathalon!

By Carl | August 12, 2008

Recently I found myself lacking motivation at the gym; same faces, same equipment and the same programs. So, in need of a change,  I have decided to integrate some Octathalon training into my program and hopefully enter a competition or two next year.

What is an Octathalon?

An Octathalon is a cross training competition that features 8 exercises each done one after the other. The Octathalon has been running since 2005 and has three different courses, all with the same eight exercises but with different amounts of weights distances and repetitions.
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Below is the format for the Cup competition but there are two other formats; Club (designed for people with less strength but more CV) and the Short (designed to introduce people to the sport). 

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Why train for an Octathalon?

Cross training is a great way to condition different muscle groups develop a new set of skills, and improve your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds.

Rory Macquisten the organizer claims; “For pre-season fitness in your sport, the Octathalon will get you fitter in a shorter period of time than almost any other training you will be able to think of. This is due to the nature of training for all the transitions and high repetition exercises done at speed. You will find yourself returning to your sport much fitter than you used to which will lead to you enjoying it far more”.

How do I train for an Octathalon?

All you need is a quiet gym (mornings are best!) and preferably the following; a heart rate monitor and a training partner - its easier when you are not suffering alone! Then you need a plan, thankfully the organizers of the Octathalon have created 5 taster sessions to give you both an indication of what training to run through one of the courses is like and an indication of the nature of the Octathalon itself. They have also developed an introductory set of sessions as well as the set for those people who have already reached a reasonable level of fitness.

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These 5 taster session names are:

1.  Cardio Blast.
2.  Step it Up.
3.  Changing the Pace
4.  Pedal Power.
5.  Picking up Speed.

The 5 taster session each focus on a specific element of the Octathalon. Once you have completed the above sessions I would recommend that you try running through one of the courses once a month to measure your improvement.

Download the programs for free

All you need to do is visit the Octathalon website and let them know where you heard about the Octathalon, they will email you 5 PDF training guides. Alternatively I will post a free training guide on this blog once a fortnight.

Over the next few months I will be tackling these training programs and speaking to several of the Octathlon athletes including; Vito Graffagnino (three times Tough Guy champion)  and  Jacqui Macquisten (reigning women’s Octathalon champion).

Of course I will post my progress on the blog and let you know if I manage to obtain any “trade” secrets from Vito or Jacqui.

Competition

This years Octathlon Competition will be held on the 11^th of October however you must submit a qualifying time by the 30^th of August (perhaps I’m a bit late for this year!). Applications cost £10 and will be deducted from the entry fee (£50.00) if you are successful. Please click here for more information.

Videos

Just visit the Octahlon Video’s page to see the pro’s in action. It’s a bit like watching Paula do the Marathon. They make it look that easy you think; it cant be that difficult…

Join me, please!!!!

Next week I will try the Cardio Blast Program. To download your free copy just click on this link. It would be great if you could join me and let me know what you think of the program and how you coped.

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