The Spartan Race Experience
This spring I attended Florida’s annual Spartan Race, a 3-5 mile obstacle course and sprint. The Spartan Race is a worldwide event that allows its participants to challenge their bodies through disciplined training. My experience completing the race was life changing. Though the idea of aching lungs and a dirt caked body may sound like hell to most, being able to see what my body was capable of was truly rewarding. So why should you consider joining your local Spartan Race? What sets it apart from other marathons and endurance events is the absolute intensity. It’s all about pushing your limits. Something I loved is the inclusiveness of the Spartan community. Despite the rigor of the course you don’t have to be an elite athlete to participate in the race. Even if you just want to have a good time with friends, all three of the races will accommodate you. It was my first Spartan race and I completed the gruelling 3 mile course that included 10 obstacles. Along with this, I was penalized with 90 burpees for skipping obstacles such as the twister, monkey bars, and rings. Be prepared for bumps, scrapes, and bruises. Every obstacle you encounter was separated by long stretches of running bear crawls, lifts, and burpees. My completion time was an astonishing hour and 14 minutes, yet the feeling of crossing the finish line was like no other. The whole family can participate in the race as they offer kids races. Children 4-13 can join in on the fun in the Jr and Varsity Spartan Races. These races are mini versions of what their parents would compete in, with 7 obstacles and a 1.5 mile sprint. It was inspiring to see children and parents coming together to challenge themselves and have fun. In my experience, the biggest challenge you overcome is not the course itself but the mental hurdles. Your body is pushed in ways it has never been pushed before, and to overcome this one must commit themselves fully to finishing. Truthfully, there were times during the race where I felt like I could not complete it, but one must set those thoughts aside. What I found helpful was to constantly remind myself of what I was working towards, I knew my body could handle it after weeks of training. “Mind over matter” I kept telling myself. The Spartan race was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. It breaks you down both physically and mentally. Throughout the 3 miles I kept telling myself to “Keep going”, “You’re almost done”, “Only a little longer”, and I finally made it, I got to the finish line! At the end, trophies were handed out, but those medals were only a small part of the overwhelming pride I felt. It was such a fantastic experience and I am so proud of myself and my teammates at Go Run Project. If you are someone who wants to push yourself both mentally and physically, this is the race for you. It is all in how committed you are, the rest will fall into place on it’s own. After chanting “I am a Spartan!” alongside other committed competitors, you’ll be hooked.