By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
Beaconsfield residents Jennifer Alcorn and Caroline Laforest joined thousands of people recently who took on one of the toughest obstacle courses put on by Spartan in Mount Tremblant.
According to Laforest, who competes in several races each year, the hours of hard training are well worth it.
“It was exhausting but exhilarating when it was over. I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment,” said Laforest in an interview with The Suburban, “I will be participating in the Ottawa Spartan Sprint later this season.”
Trending in the sports world for almost a decade has been the challenge of obstacle courses for people of all ages. In an effort to get people off the couch, new challenges created by organizations such as Spartan, Iron Man and Tough Mudder have created a phenomenon where anyone can take fitness to a new level while testing their endurance, stamina and decision making skills. Giving the participant a goal to prepare for throughout the year makes fitness a challenge and an accomplishment rather than a dreary obligation to keep fit.
For Jennifer Alcorn the race was one she took on with her children. There are different obstacle courses designed for people of all ages. Her five mile course included 15 obstacles.
“I felt empowered doing the race, this was my first race and my goal was to finish it. There were times when I wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” Alcorn explained, ”My children got a chance to bond on their course while I did mine—Emma helped her younger sister Cate when she needed it.”
“The environment was very friendly, people helping other people through their challenges, at one point I had to lift a 40-pound propane tank over my head and a stranger came up and gave me a hand, the race gives us all a feeling of camaraderie,” she said.
Alcorn and LaForest were impressed with the organization of the event, there were many kiosks available with coconut water, massage and hand taping.
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