Exercise, the one word that many people living in a western country either love or hate. It can be quite a divisive word. People are proud of the fact they do not exercise whilst others find extreme power and pride in the exercise routine. Regardless of whether you're the former or the later, most people shudder at the idea of running a Spartan race.
But y'all, Spartans really aren't as unattainable as you think! Can you walk/run 5kms? If so, you can probably do a Spartan. Now I know that statement will cause people to absolutely LOSE THEIRSH*T, Spartans are by no stretch easy, BUT they are 100%, absolutely, attainable. Your biggest obstacle is your own mind! So whether you think I'm batsh*t crazy, lying through my teeth, or spot on, here are my reasons why you shouldn't be afraid to give a Spartan race a go.
1. It's Not Only for Elite Athletes
Whenever I talk to friends and family about Spartan races, their first response is "That's just for elite athletes, I could never". Guys, I don't know if you've seen me, but I am in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM an elite athlete. I am the captain of Slow Turtle USA. Even with training, speed ain't my thing, and I'm ok with that.
I ran my first Spartan after a few years of minimal physical activity. By minimal, I mean, I only walked when I was at work. I have friends who signed up for their first Spartans at almost 200kilos and freakin killed it! Your initial fitness level SHOULD NOT BE AN OBSTACLE! Get out there and try. I guarantee you'll be shocked at what you're actually able to do.
2. Your Body is Stronger Than You Think
Unless you're super new to this blog, it's no secret that I have a few chronic health conditions. For the longest time, it was my excuse. I refrained from doing certain activities because I was afraid of my own body. Guess what, I was so wrong. My body is so much more capable than what I ever would have guessed.
Do I have limitations that other Spartans don't, hell yeah! But I prep for those challenges before the races and listen to my body. I'm looking at you people who think no one needs a hydro pack during a Sprint jerks. For me to have a successful race, I make sure I don't ingest caffeine, I always carry a hydro pack, I always pack my meds, and 90% of the time, I'm walking up hills (no one wants to see a grown adult flare in the middle of the woods). Does this slow me down, yup! But it does ensure my body stays functional so I can cross that finish line.
Your body won't fail you. Get out of your own head and try!
3. The Distance Really Isn't That Far
Look, I'm not saying go straight for an Ultra. That's just crazy talk but a Sprint, that's totally doable. Think about it. The average person can walk a kilometre in about 10 minutes. So ask yourself, can you walk for, let's say 2 hours straight? If you can, chances are you can do a Spartan.
Get bored with walking or running? Here's why Spartan could be the perfect race for you. You're never running for long periods at a time. In most races, the max you're running without an obstacle is about 1 km. You've got this!
4. You'll Always Find Help
We've all been there. It can be impossible to find people to run a race with you. But the Spartan community is absolutely incredible. As long as you're racing in the open heats, you'll always be able to find a race buddy or help at a challenging obstacle. Even the volunteers shout encouraging words to you.
I have raced in about 20 Spartans to date, and in every race, I meet new encouraging people. I never feel alone during the races. We're all enduring the process together. And there is something even more motivating, and exciting watching random strangers become your friend in the span of a race. You celebrate the successes and you power through the failures together.
5. Even Your Failures Will Help You Improve
We, as a society, are petrified of failure. This often impedes us from giving things an actual go. Our mind psychs us out before we've even tried. During a Spartan, this is where the burpee penalty can be quite motivating. I don't know about you, but I hate burpees. They are the bane of my existence. If I have to choose between flinging my body over an 8-foot wall or 30 burpees, someone best better be ready to catch my flailing body on the other side of that wall.
But even when you attempt and fail an obstacle, you learn so much. You can highlight areas of improvement, acknowledge fears, and know exactly where you could have tried harder. It's motivation for the next obstacle and possibly your next Spartan.
6. It's a Great Excuse to Travel
Spartan holds races all over the world. The US, Greece, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Austria, Dubai, Sweden, the list goes on and on. So why not link a Spartan race to your holiday? It gives you the chance to explore the area a bit more, get a little exercise in, and feel super accomplished. It is still a big goal of mine to do the trifecta weekend in Sparta. How cool would that be?
7. How Many Other Unknowns Have You Feared?
Think about it, how many other activities have you been nervous about or were afraid to attempt? Once you gave it a go, how did you feel? Your mind is a powerful tool. Overcoming that apprehension will only leave you feeling stronger while boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence. Spartan does exactly that! I cannot tell you how incredible you feel crossing the finish line. The overwhelming sense of accomplishment is probably one of the best feelings on the planet!
When you break it down, a Spartan race really isn't that intimidating. It's simply another obstacle you are sure to overcome. Even if you're racing solo, you're never actually alone on the course. The comradery you face on the course will flow into your everyday life. Who knows, maybe you'll even join the Trifecta Tribe!
Have you ever raced a Spartan before? What were your thoughts before, during, and after the race? Share your Spartan story in the comments below!
But y'all, Spartans really aren't as unattainable as you think! Can you walk/run 5kms? If so, you can probably do a Spartan. Now I know that statement will cause people to absolutely LOSE THEIR
1. It's Not Only for Elite Athletes
Whenever I talk to friends and family about Spartan races, their first response is "That's just for elite athletes, I could never". Guys, I don't know if you've seen me, but I am in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM an elite athlete. I am the captain of Slow Turtle USA. Even with training, speed ain't my thing, and I'm ok with that.
I ran my first Spartan after a few years of minimal physical activity. By minimal, I mean, I only walked when I was at work. I have friends who signed up for their first Spartans at almost 200kilos and freakin killed it! Your initial fitness level SHOULD NOT BE AN OBSTACLE! Get out there and try. I guarantee you'll be shocked at what you're actually able to do.
 |
| Does this look like the body of an athlete?! |
2. Your Body is Stronger Than You Think
Unless you're super new to this blog, it's no secret that I have a few chronic health conditions. For the longest time, it was my excuse. I refrained from doing certain activities because I was afraid of my own body. Guess what, I was so wrong. My body is so much more capable than what I ever would have guessed.
Do I have limitations that other Spartans don't, hell yeah! But I prep for those challenges before the races and listen to my body. I'm looking at you people who think no one needs a hydro pack during a Sprint jerks. For me to have a successful race, I make sure I don't ingest caffeine, I always carry a hydro pack, I always pack my meds, and 90% of the time, I'm walking up hills (no one wants to see a grown adult flare in the middle of the woods). Does this slow me down, yup! But it does ensure my body stays functional so I can cross that finish line.
Your body won't fail you. Get out of your own head and try!
3. The Distance Really Isn't That Far
Look, I'm not saying go straight for an Ultra. That's just crazy talk but a Sprint, that's totally doable. Think about it. The average person can walk a kilometre in about 10 minutes. So ask yourself, can you walk for, let's say 2 hours straight? If you can, chances are you can do a Spartan.
Get bored with walking or running? Here's why Spartan could be the perfect race for you. You're never running for long periods at a time. In most races, the max you're running without an obstacle is about 1 km. You've got this!
4. You'll Always Find Help
We've all been there. It can be impossible to find people to run a race with you. But the Spartan community is absolutely incredible. As long as you're racing in the open heats, you'll always be able to find a race buddy or help at a challenging obstacle. Even the volunteers shout encouraging words to you.
I have raced in about 20 Spartans to date, and in every race, I meet new encouraging people. I never feel alone during the races. We're all enduring the process together. And there is something even more motivating, and exciting watching random strangers become your friend in the span of a race. You celebrate the successes and you power through the failures together.
5. Even Your Failures Will Help You Improve
We, as a society, are petrified of failure. This often impedes us from giving things an actual go. Our mind psychs us out before we've even tried. During a Spartan, this is where the burpee penalty can be quite motivating. I don't know about you, but I hate burpees. They are the bane of my existence. If I have to choose between flinging my body over an 8-foot wall or 30 burpees, someone best better be ready to catch my flailing body on the other side of that wall.
But even when you attempt and fail an obstacle, you learn so much. You can highlight areas of improvement, acknowledge fears, and know exactly where you could have tried harder. It's motivation for the next obstacle and possibly your next Spartan.
6. It's a Great Excuse to Travel
Spartan holds races all over the world. The US, Greece, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Austria, Dubai, Sweden, the list goes on and on. So why not link a Spartan race to your holiday? It gives you the chance to explore the area a bit more, get a little exercise in, and feel super accomplished. It is still a big goal of mine to do the trifecta weekend in Sparta. How cool would that be?
7. How Many Other Unknowns Have You Feared?
Think about it, how many other activities have you been nervous about or were afraid to attempt? Once you gave it a go, how did you feel? Your mind is a powerful tool. Overcoming that apprehension will only leave you feeling stronger while boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence. Spartan does exactly that! I cannot tell you how incredible you feel crossing the finish line. The overwhelming sense of accomplishment is probably one of the best feelings on the planet!
When you break it down, a Spartan race really isn't that intimidating. It's simply another obstacle you are sure to overcome. Even if you're racing solo, you're never actually alone on the course. The comradery you face on the course will flow into your everyday life. Who knows, maybe you'll even join the Trifecta Tribe!
Have you ever raced a Spartan before? What were your thoughts before, during, and after the race? Share your Spartan story in the comments below!
And until next time...
Stay curious!
I really should give it a go! I think I could do it......
ReplyDeleteYou definitely could! They're definitely more mental than physical. You'll never know unless you try!
DeleteI would never have thought of this as something I could do. Maybe over time it could be attainable.
ReplyDeleteMind over body and anything is achievable. Self confidence is very important
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! And these races are definitely a big mental test more than a physical test
Deletesounds like fun! i have never taken part in such contest but it sure sounds fun
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that looks fun! Maybe one day I'll be able to do something like this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI was definietely one of those people who thought you were batsh*t crazy after reading the first paragraph lol but you did sway my feelings. Dare I say you even encouraged me to try it. To your last point, I just tried surfing last week and thought I'd never be able to do something like that so maybe my body is capable of doing more than I give it credit for. A colleague of mine has invited me twice and I always decline. If I get another invite I'm totally going for it.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should! I guarantee it will be challenging but you'll definitely enjoy yourself. Especially if you gave surfing a go and enjoyed that! I hope even if they don't invite you to another you seriously think about giving it a go!
DeleteI am always inspired to see others participate in the Spartan Race. One day, I hope I can join your elite group! 🚢🍕📸💖
ReplyDeleteThanks for clearing up these misconceptions! I love to work out, but triathlons and races like this seem a little intimidating. Now I'm interested and have no doubt I could do this. I love a challenge!
ReplyDeleteNot being athletic, this definitely intimidates me! My cousin and her husband have done it twice already and they said it was awesome!
ReplyDeleteTrust me, there are people at all fitness levels out there. When I first got into them, I was far from athletic. Heck even at the most recent race I ran, I tripped and fell at the train station so I'm not even sure I could be classified as an athletic person....definitely a clusty person lol
DeleteEasier said than done. I know people my age do it, but I'm still very hesitant!! I admire those who do.
ReplyDeleteWow! I think this is something you have to prepare for. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily. I had a friend sign up and race after years of not exercising and weighing in at about 200 kilos. He may have had one of the longer times, but he gave everything a go and he finished the race!
Delete