For a little over two years I wanted to run a Spartan Obstacle Course Race.
The photos online of people trudging through the mud, jumping over walls, and crawling under barbed wire intrigued me.
In my mind, Spartans were strong, fit and fierce.
I wanted to be one of those people.
But back-to-back pregnancies and fear of not being fit enough forced me to put it off as one of those things I would do one day.
Committing to the Goal.
After losing over 50 pounds of baby weight with months of consistent resistance and endurance training, it was time.
Since I had already accomplished my other goals, Spartan was the last thing on my fitness bucket list.
Once I told my husband about my goal I knew there was no turning back.
Training for Spartan.
Once we were all signed up, I had a few weeks to get ready.
Even though I had been training and running (mostly on the treadmill) for months I had no clue what to expect.
I knew I had a pretty good foundation. So I used the Spartan to help me remain consistent and inspired to up my intensity in the gym.
Spartan inspired me to run faster and lift heavier than I ever had before.
Race Day.
The morning of race day I was extremely excited but also nervous. I didn't know if I'd be able to finish the race and complete the majority of the obstacles.
Although I had been training for a couple of months, building my endurance and strength, I was still a little intimidated by the whole experience.
When I shared my fears with my husband he assured me I was ready and I knew he was right. So, I pushed doubt aside and decided that I would do my best, run my race at my own pace, and have fun!
Arriving to the Ranch.
Even though I started the day a little nervous once we arrived to the Ranch the atmosphere was amazing.
Everyone was super supportive. Volunteers cheered us on and experienced racers encouraged newbies like us.
Once the race started I realized I was in great company and there were racers of all fitness levels.
Throughout the race I found myself helping and encouraging people I never met before and being inspired and supported just the same.
My confidence grew with each mile and obstacle. I was having a great time. Me. The woman who said she hated running was running up and down the hills of Malibu and enjoying it.
The atmosphere was electric. Everything was going well until...
The Monkey Bars.
Doubt, as it does sometimes, crept back in on the monkey bars.
These were not normal monkey bars these were widely spaced, Spartan style monkey bars.
My goal was to try each obstacle no matter how intimidating and ask for help when needed.
Sensing my fear, my husband offered to let me ride on his shoulders to "complete" the obstacle but I declined.
I wanted to give it a try even though I had NEVER been able to do the monkey bars, not even in grade school.
My husband went first. Then I climbed up to the starting platform as a growing line of eager racers lined up behind me.
I reached out for the first bar...and froze. I couldn't do it. I let the young lady behind me go instead. Watching her swing from bar to bar inspired me to try again. So, after she had gone almost midway I put my hand on the bar and let go using my momentum to propel me forward.
Before I knew it, I was at the halfway point and had actually caught up with the young lady ahead of me. I could hear my husband cheering me on and letting me know I was almost to the end.
As I reached the end platform he swept me up in a big bear hug. Without saying a word we both knew how much that moment meant to me and how much of a mental and physical obstacle I had just overcome.
After that point I felt unstoppable!
I knew that I would make it to the end and despite being kicked in the head with a cleat and slicing my hand on a rock I would not quit.
Not this time!
Aroo!
Do you have a big scary fitness goal you want to achieve? Have you considered running a Spartan, marathon, triathlon, or 5k?
If so, Go for it!
Running my first Spartan Race confirmed that the idea of doing a thing is often more scary than actually doing it.
Whatever your big, scary fitness goal, go for it!
1. Make the commitment by signing up.
2. Create a training plan and stick to it. Or, find a trainer or coach who can create a plan for you.
3. Show up on Race Day and give it all you’ve got.
4. Have fun!
I promise you won't regret it and you might even surprise yourself, I know I did. Don't let fear or doubt stop you from doing anything...you can do it!!!
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