RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
How far away is six months? It's time enough for teams to form and start revving up for the second-annual Rambler 120 competition scheduled for Oct. 13 at the Randolph Recreation Park at Canyon Lake.
In the Rambler 120 competition, teams compete head-to-head in a 22-mile bike ride, six-mile run and two-mile raft course, followed by a mystery challenge to be announced the day of the race.
Reflecting on last year's competition, Sharon Rector, 12th Mission Support Group Community Support Flight program manager said, "It was great to see the camaraderie within each team as they worked together to finish."
"Spectators were a wonderful support to all our competitors," she said. "They cheered each team on as they approached the finish line."
The motto for the competition is, "You don't have to win, you just have to TRI," a play on the word triathlon.
"Finishing the race as a team and having fun is the ultimate goal," Ms. Rector said. "Of course, in every race, there is always going to be a winner, so now is the time to start a training routine if someone wishes to become competitive for the event."
Steve Horton, 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs, competed in the Rambler 120 last year and stressed the importance of training for the event.
"It's important to start training early so your body is physically prepared for the event," Horton said. "The competition is held at Canyon Lake, and the course has several hills to run and bike that require more energy then traditional flat courses, so you should train with that in mind."
Everyone has a different level of fitness, Horton said, but you should train your whole body if you want it to be strong and ready for a physically demanding event like the Rambler 120.
Horton offers some advice on training for an event such as the Rambler 120. Staying relaxed while running is the best way to help your breathing performance, he said.
"As a personal trainer, I have my clients try to maintain a straight posture that has them leaning slightly forward and taking short strides as opposed to the long strides a sprinter might use," he said. "The shorter strides put less stress on the leg muscles and let you run further before getting tired."
As for the raft-race portion, competitors should focus on building the upper-body while conditioning, Horton said.
Stretching is a major variable in any healthy fitness program, but it becomes even more important when preparing for this type of event. It is important to warm the muscles up a little prior to stretching to help prevent injuries, Horton added.
"While in training, set specific goals for yourself. Start off small then gradually build yourself up. If you have never been able to run more than one mile, you could set a goal to complete two miles," Horton said. "Each week you can run a little bit further, and in no time at all you will have met your goal, and can move on to a new one."
Ms. Rector explained that in the Rambler 120, competitors may form one of two types of teams, an Xtreme team, or a Relay team. In the Xtreme division, each member of the four-person team completes every event with no substitutions. Those wishing to go through the race as a relay team should form a group of five to eight members. These teams will be required to have four members out on the course at a time, but will be allowed to substitute team members for each leg of the race.
Department of Defense ID card holders, ages 16 or older, who wish to participate in the Rambler 120 competition, are eligible to register. Competitors may choose from an all-male, all-female, or co-ed team categories. There will be a team registration fee of $80, which includes a t-shirt for every member, and a post race picnic. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place in each of the three categories.
Teams must bring eye protection and at least four mountain bikes and helmets. Additionally, each competitor will be required to carry a cell phone with them through the course. Rafts, oars, life-jackets, and reflector belts will be provided.
"Training for an event like the Rambler 120 is a great reason to put together a training program and stick to it," Horton said. "Your body adapts to routines quickly, so change things up and you'll see faster improvements, and it will be more fun."
Interested competitors may pick up a registration form beginning April 30 at the Rambler Fitness Center front desk, and on the Services Web site at www.servicesatrandolph.com. The deadline to enter is Sept. 21.
For more information, call the Community Support Services office at 652-5640.