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Spartan Sprint Race Report

My adventurous friend Michelle and I decided to give the Spartan race a try since it was coming to town. I used to joke triathlon was just a "whose the best exerciser?" competition.  This is even more true of obstacle racing... And since I spend most of my time exercising in some form or another, I liked my odds of finishing. The race started with a ceremonial flame jump and then burst up a short hill. Next you climbed under barb wire and crawled under a tarp. Michelle and I seeded ourselves nearer to the back - a mistake - seems most of the people at the front of the pack were optimistic than realistic about their fitness and the gas pretty much ran out when they hit the crawl obstacles. I ended up twiddling my thumbs under a tarp with about 50 sweaty heavy breathing strangers... not the best way to start a weekend in my opinion. There was a long trail bit that came next with some over unders so I charged hard to get ahead of the pack. The next major task was to carry some rock filled buckets up and down a hill. I was not prepared for this and neither was my back. My back loves to move. It does not like to brace against a constant load. And it certainly made sure I knew that and wouldn't be forgetting it any time soon. More steep hills, and between two of these hill climbs I went off course, missing a small sign that indicated a right turn up the sharp little bank. Luckily some guys behind me managed enough air to yell me back toward the next obstacle... Pulling a little cinder block. A zigzag balance beam, a rope latter climb and some loss of skin due to cheese grater style rocks at the bottom of a mud pit below razor wire and I was nearing the end. My husband thought it would be funny to tell me I was going the wrong way in the finishing shoot. It wasn't, in fact... funny. I missed the next obstacle (a javelin that was very nearly lobbed into the crowd at my dear comedian hubby) and they needed to drag me back to complete it. I was still confused when the spear left my hand and needless to say, missed. It was not my first set of failure burpees that day but thanks to staying on the rock wall that came next, was my last. Here's a tip... Forget perfect burpees - form does not matter - speed does - so do them fast. On the climbing wall, step on the far side of the block with just a toe so you don't have to hop or shuffle down to take your next step. The last obstacle involved being hit with a giant foam bat by some shirtless guys. I think they had trouble hitting a girl and they barely gave me a detectible tap... yet as I waited for Michelle to cross the line, I was surprised (and entertained) to see and hear some very audible wallops that were sure to leave some very visible marks. I myself had a good collection of gashes and bruises on my lower legs and had to spend two hours rolling my back out that night from the bucket carry but it was worth it! I can see why these races are catching on like wild fire... Who doesn't love a good adventure? I managed to place and qualified for the next round, the Spartan Beast in Squamish at the end of the summer. Since I am not able to run long distances this year due to injury, obstacle racing has certainly filled a nice void. A void created when I am no longer hurting myself.

Comments

Ean Jackson's picture

How's your back?

If you've got any oomph left after that ordeal, let me share the outline of an exciting new event that would be a great warmup for the Squamish Beast.  It's called the Rockstar Yard Warrior.  It's conveniently located in the north shore mountains of Vancouver.  Best of all, it's free AND there's a free beer at the finish.  

It's this Sunday and it goes like this:

- arrive at the start at 7:00.  Have a coffee.  Put on bikini.  Get fitted with work gloves
- haul rocks from the front yard, past the torn-down deck debris, along the side of the house, up the path along the side of the ravine and deposit in the pile.  Repeat until rocks all moved
- pick up hammer.  Remove nails from 2X4s and 2X6s in pile of torn-down deck debris. Repeat until nails all clear
- pick up triple ladder.  Place against side of house and climb to top.  Remove pine needles, moss, rat's nests and other debris from gutter.  Clean green slime from outside of gutter with stiff brush.  Descend ladder.  Move.  Repeat until evestroughs all clean
- pick up coarse sandpaper.  Beginning at upper left-hand corner of deck, remove nicks, stains, green slime and other imperfections from deck, steps and railings
- pick up paint brush and stain bucket.  Beginning at upper left-hand corner of deck, apply thin coat of stain/perservative to all surfaces.
- move 25KG bags of concrete from garage to front yard.  Mix with water in wheelbarrow to consistency of loose stool.  Let sit for a few minutes while you go to rock pile and select keystone for rock wall.  Apply mortar to rock and set into wall.  Repeat until wall done.
- bonus points:  marinade steaks, prepare baked potatoes and fresh garden salad
- enjoy free beer

 

Alli.Tai's picture

Yeah my husband tries that one

For some reason it only works when it's absolutely inane. Now why is that?

Great to hear you had a good time!

My family and I went for a walk a couple of days before the event at Interiver and saw the horizontal climbing wall. We tried it not being muddy or tired and it was challenging! The next day me and some buddies went for a run along Lynn Creek and saw the Spartan 'wall' that you had to go up and over. Of course my buddies ran to it jumped up and over it so I had to as well.

Congrats on your placement for Squamish, it sounds like a total blast and a great activity until you're un-injured!

Cheers,

Mike

Alli.Tai's picture

Thanks Mike!

Yeah! I still can't believe the one at Tough Mudder is twelve feet! How does a person get over that? The climbing wall was interesting with wet shoes for sure!

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