Photo by Joselyn King Seabrook, 41, owner of the Prodigy Wellness Center in New Martinsville leads a group from her gym to participate in the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge Sunday in Wheeling.

WHEELING ­­– Sarah Seabrook proudly leads her community of gym friends to the Tough As Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan each year.

Seabrook, 41, is owner of the Prodigy Wellness Center in New Martinsville.

“We’ve been doing it every year since they started having it,” she explained. “We come as a group and work out as a group, so we all look forward to this every year.

“We enjoy wellness as a community. We enjoy getting outside and doing things outside the gym that promote wellness and fitness.”

Most in her group do some kind of strength training, walking or running, on a regular basis. They also participate in “bootcamp” activities, as well as yoga, pilates and cycling.

As obstacle course day approaches, however, the preparation ramps up, she said.

“We definitely focus on getting outside more so we’re getting acclimated to the weather,” Seabrook continued. “Nutrition should be a part of our daily lives.

“But as the race approaches, I try to make sure people stay hydrated and properly fueled. I make sure they are practicing their fueling and hydration during workouts so they are ready the day of the race.”

Seabrook said the hardest parts of the Tough As Nails course for her typically are the ropes and monkey bar challenges. She has been running obstacle course races for the past 15 years, and her favorite one is the “Spartan” course.

“It incorporates obstacles and trail running that you can prepare for in the gym,” Seabrook explained. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed.

“Having something like this accessible in Wheeling is wonderful because I can bring my community with me.”

She advises those wanting to participate in Tough As Nails next year to start training a few months before, get extra mileage in, and pick up heavy weights.