Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Spartan race recap & giveaway!!

The sun rising over Spartan village before the race...

Midwest Vikings Volunteer Crew
So remember when I said I was afraid to run the Spartan Race because I was worried I would injure myself so close to the marathon? Well, yeah, about that...who uses caution anyway? My friends really wanted to do the Sprint distance so I finally caved and agreed to join them. I was originally registered for the Super but was able to transfer the registration to a future race. For the Sprint, we decided to volunteer in the morning so that we could earn a free entry in the afternoon wave of the race. 

Umber and I helping with registration
We arrived at the race site well before the sun made an appearance. Check in was easy then we headed to our posts. Volunteering is a great way to interact with other runners but let's not lie, mostly we wanted that free entry. As the hours ticked by our anticipation and excitement kept growing. When we finished our shift we headed to the car to drop off our things and get prepped for the run. Typically there's about 5 of us who run these OCRs together but that day we had some extra additions to the group. (The Midwest Vikings had an earlier wave time so unfortunately we weren't able to run with the rest of our team)

Pre-race with Umber & Sam
We were all smiles as we made our way to the starting line until we realized we had to climb a wall just to get there. We haven't even started the race yet and we're already scaling a wall. No big deal, I've done this before. With relative ease we're all able to make it over. The sprint distance is about 4+ miles and includes 20 obstacles. Our only plan was to have fun and finish together. 

The obstacles. Well, this race definitely lived up to its name because there were a few of the hardest challenges I've faced to date. I keep saying I need to work on my upper body strength, but seriously, I'm a total sissy on a few of these. For those of you who may not be familiar with the Spartan Race series, there is a 30 burpee penalty for any missed obstacle. Its important to note that for some obstacles you only get one chance to get it right. One example is the spear throw. Out of our entire group, Freddie was the only one who got it on the first try. We all took our burpee penalty as he watched then we kept on going. 

Coming soon to the Spartan Race Calendar hahaha
Another important note is that having a team is the best advantage you can have. We helped each other through every single obstacle and when someone couldn't do it, we all split up their burpees to help them out. Teamwork truly does make the dream work. We carried each other, leaned on one another's backs and gave more than one helping hand. Our team spirit must have been infectious because we soon noticed that our ranks had grown since we started. We like to think of ourselves as sweepers on the course and try to help anyone who looks like they're struggling or got left behind.  Our motto is, Together We Conquer!
Yes, I swam through this
...and then climbed out of this

I believe I can fly!!!
For me, these races are all about pushing yourself as far as you can go. They challenge you both physically and mentally. Finishing this race with a smile is truly a testament to your will power and also threshold for mud. While many of the obstacles are difficult for someone of my short stature, I don't let that defeat me. I often have to find creative ways to make the race work for me. My goal for next year is to finally earn my Spartan Trifecta (finishing the Sprint, Super and Beast distance races all in one calendar year).  

I loved this race so much that I want one of you to have the chance to also try it out.  I'll be giving away one entry to an open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any Spartan Race in the continental US.  They have a Sprint distance coming up Nov 1st in Milwaukee at Miller Park (I'll be there!) and also a Beast in Dallas, Sprint in Mississippi and many more.  Leave a comment with what your race goals are and I'll pick one lucky winner to become a Spartan. Aroo!!!

**Contest ends Wednesday Oct 29th at 11:59pm CST**

Together we conquered!

10 comments:

  1. I just did my first Super and I want to get my Trifecta next year too. We helped tons of people on the course, it would have been crazy not to!

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  2. Hi Natali! This is AudioFlood, and you won our facebook giveaway! Give us a call at 866-456-0586 so we can send you your prize. (Also, we love that you do so many cool races. You rock.)

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  3. I've always wanted to do a Spartan! I've run a few half marathons, a handful of other races, and am thinking about training for triathlons...by the way, have you done a tri? If you did, was it a good experience? Anyways, you're a great inspiration and I'm glad I found your blog!

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  4. My goal is to complete my first Spartan sprint as I've never participated in a Spartan before. I've got my eyes on Fenway Park next month.

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  5. I've been training for my first 50 miler in December. My goal is to finish....and to not die.

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  6. Excited for my 1st 15k and prepping for my 1st marathon in january. wish me luck

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  7. I'm starting small. I've only ever done 5K's so my next goal is a 10K. And ultimate goal is a half marathon! :)

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  8. Hi! I'm not sure if my comment went through or not, so sorry if this shows up twice. I did my first Spartan the same day as you (and took pictures of Freddie and you all finishing)! I am thinking of doing a super next year. I'd love to do the vegas super, if I can afford it and figure out childcare.
    I started working out in August 2013 and lost 50 pounds. Before this year, I couldn't imagine doing a 5k much less a spartan! I love the life I live now.

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    1. Ps - I took some of the pics above!
      Great job with the race :-)

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  9. Hi! Did you pick a winner for your giveaway? :-)

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