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| - Arroo! Arroo!
This was a very well organized event on what I would consider a perfect day for a race of this nature. I had already done a Spartan Sprint (4 miles) in AZ, so I thought I knew what was coming. In some ways, I did. Though, there were a few surprises that proved to be quite a challenge.
The toughest obstacles:
-Tire flip. 3 flips/person or work with a buddy for 6 flips. Those bad boys were heavy and if you don't have a crossfit or weight training background, this event can really "tire" you out.
-Dirt haul. Fill a bucket with dirt (half way for the ladies), and carry it around several small dirt hills. Work on your grip strength and carrying stamina.
-10 ft wall. Up and over! Have solid upper body strength or find a buddy to give you a boost. Watch your landing - I cut my hand up pretty bad on a rock.
-Spear throw. This is the one everybody fails because it's got some luck involved. Choose the straightest spear and throw it with your hand closer to the metal. Follow through on the throw and hope for the best.
-The course, itself, is pretty difficult to navigate if you aren't used to hiking and trail running. Prepare yourself for hills and more hills.
For the spectators:
It is fairly easy to follow racers, beating them to obstacles to watch them struggle through. They gave my spectators (friends) a map and entry into the waiting area that consisted of various athletic challenges, a beer tent and lots of muddy entertainment (the racers). Dress to hike and leave the flip flops, dresses and jeans at home. WEAR SUNSCREEN.
If you plan to do a Spartan Race, do yourself a favor and TRAIN. Sign up on their website for the Workout of the Day (WOD) that will give you race-specific exercises. Do lots of running on hills. Learn to do burpees and be able to do at least 30 in a sitting (if you don't pass an event, they make you do them). Upper body strength and grip strength will be a huge asset.
The feeling of accomplishing a Spartan Race is one-of-a-kind. Message me if you have any questions or want more tips - I'm training for the Spartan Beast (12 miles) in Monterrey in a few months.
Good luck!!
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