Spartan Race Super 2014: I’m A Finisher
Let me just start with saying that this day will be engraved in my mind for the rest of my life simply because it pushed me emotionally and physically. It pushed me to the extent where I had to let my guard down and face all my demons and insecurities (…Because like everybody else on this planet I do have some of those). Initially, for this post I wanted to write detailed descriptions about how everything went through during these 8.5 miles (which I think was more than that!), but I didn’t think would you would be interested in an essay format post. #AintNobodyGotTimeForThat
Instead, I made a list DO’s and Don’ts, I wished someone had told me before the race because being a big girl in a Spartan Race definitely had its own set of challenges.
So let’s begin the list of Do’s and Don’ts for the first timers Spartan Racers: Plus Size Edition
Do’s:
-You better train like your life depended on it because it will-
I trained for over four months for this race, in a manner I had never trained for anything else before and I still felt like I wasn’t ready. I strongly recommend to train your leg muscles and your uphill running skills because 80% of my Spartan Race Super occurred on hills.
-Running with fuel is a MUST-
On race day, I had no water supply or food because I didn’t know how I would carry it along the way. BIG MISTAKE! It took me five hours to complete my race and I did it on an empty stomach, which made everything even worse. I recommend getting a decent priced and lightweight hydration pack that you can wear as a backpack because you will need it. Also, don’t forget snacks and by that I don’t mean fruits and veggies. For your race day, make sure to have race energy sources like gels, Clif Shot Bloks, powders you add to your drinks or Sport beans. I recommend them because they are easy to carry and to eat on the run. You can find online caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions.
-Running with friends-
Earlier, I said that during the race all my insecurities were unleashed and I would add that I turned into a monster at some point in the race. My friends, who I love more than ever since the race, help me remain calm and positive when I was at my lowest point because negativity during this race will lead you to give up.
-Plan comfortable transportation to your race appointed location-
I live in Montreal, but I was racing with friends who lived in New Jersey. Therefore I had to plan a way to get there. I decided to drive because it would be faster and I would be more at ease to move around the city. I drove a Ford Focus 2014 that was lent to me by Ford Canada and it was the best thing that could I have happened to me. The car was cute and had so many gadgets inside to make my long distance drive enjoyable. On my way back from the race my body was done and I remember thinking how grateful I was for driving the incredible piece of machinery instead of riding the bus. The car came with fuel economy technology; therefore I spent less money on gas than a bus ticket would have cost. It was not my first time driving a Ford and probably not my last for the following reasons:
- The sport appearance of the car kept turning heads everywhere I went (…yes I’m a bit shallow and I love it…lol)
- The MyFord Touch, which is the coolest feature in the car, allowed me to sync my phone to the car so it made the long ride so smooth because I had access to my favorite playlists. When I got tired of my own music, I had an HD radio that gave me access to all sorts of music and comedy shows. Listening to hours of stand up comedy made me forget about I sore my body so that was definitely a plus on my book.
At the start of my race, I got nervous to the point where my hands were shaking and I started hyperventilating after the first mile. It was not only after I managed to calm myself down that I was able to keep a normal pace. I was so worry that I was not going to be able to keep up with the rest on my teammates that I forgot to respect my body’s limitations, but this race should not be about speed on your first time.
-Do not wear short shorts-
What a stupid idea it was to wear short for this kind of race. I was told not to wear cotton for the race because when wet they would feel heavy, which is true. The only bottoms I had that were made in dry fit material and that I was ready to sacrifice in mud were some black short. BIG MISTAKE! First, wearing short on a race for a big girl is the worst because of the thigh rubbing…((Grrrr)) Second, after the race my legs were covered with small cuts from kneeling and crawling on the rocks and that’s not cool at all!
- Do not say you can’t do it until you tried it-
I was able to do most of the obstacles with the exception of two, which led me to doing 30 burpees instead, and that’s something I’m very proud of. I was amazed by how supportive and team oriented the other racers were during the entire race. I got help from a bunch of different people with obstacles I struggled with, and people I didn’t know kept telling me words of encouragement that kept me going
The misconception I had about the Spartan race was that I was going to be the only big girl there, which was completely absurd. Spartan Racers came in every possible shape, size, and colors and once again this was cleaver reminder that fitness has no size.
I strongly recommend that you try doing a Spartan Race at least once in your lifetime. It doesn’t have to be a SUPER on your first time since they have shorter races available; but I’ll guarantee you that you will definitely come out a better person from this challenge. As a proud Spartan race finisher I must finish this post with a loud and proud (((Orooooo Spartans!))))
