Spartan Race Recap

Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends. It's always so tough getting back to work after a long weekend, but all good things must come to an end.

Since I started blogging a few months ago, I've mentioned in a few posts that I was going to be participating in a Spartan Sprint. When I signed up for that event, it seemed so far off, so it's hard to believe I've already done the race. Needless to say, it was worth the wait. It was everything I imagined it would be and probably the hardest thing I've ever done physically.

I'm a worrier by nature, so the days before the event, I was more concerned about the logistics than the race itself. I mean, I was nervous about the race, but I was more worried about what to wear and who was going to watch my "stuff." I knew the race itself would be hard, but I also knew I could run about 5 miles, and since the race was only 5K, I figured it would be do-able. 

The weather driving up was a little bit unsettling, but alas, we arrived and the sun started to peak through the clouds a little bit. There were so many people there - a lot of nervous and excited energy. We had about an hour to wait before our heat was scheduled to run, and it was a long hour. 

We finally gathered amongst the crowd by the starting line. I was SO nervous and just wanted them to say, "go!" 

When we finally started, it was instantly very difficult. The crowd dispersed pretty quickly, but even at the starting line, the terrain was tough and indicative of what was to come. The course was more or less all hills - up and down, through forest and trails. It was so intense and I found myself getting winded super quickly. We approached our first obstacle pretty early on, and it wasn't too bad. The tougher obstacles came later in the game, and involved a lot of strength. It was a bit frustrating to see a big crowd at an obstacle, but it gave everyone a brief opportunity to catch their breath.

The obstacles ranged from carrying a water jug, to crawling under barbed wire, to climbing a jungle gym, to trekking through a pure mud river with barbed wire above, and even jumping over these super high wooden fences. Some were crazier than others, but all were challenging - especially when you are in the midst of a tough run.

Even though I had my doubts, I managed to complete the course. My time isn't posted, but it was about 1:45 min or so. It seemed like a long time, especially for a 5K, even with the obstacles. What I quickly learned after finishing the race, was that it wasn't a 5K at all. It was actually about a 7.5K race, which was part of the "trick." YIKES!!!

After the race, I ate some delicious poutine (which I later regretted), and later had one of the best showers ever.

I still can't believe I finished, and even though it was insanely difficult, it was such an incredible experience. It was so incredible, that I am probably doing another race similar later this month. Maybe I'm crazy :)

A glimpse of the large crowd, before the race

I had to get a few shots in, pre mud river

A photo opp near the end of the race, slippery slope in behind

Me, climbing the slippery slope (love the face, right?!)
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The muddy river, ducking under barbed wire...another lovely face
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Super exhausted and proud - at the finish line
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A horribly unhealthy lunch post-race

Enjoying it at the time, regretting it later

My shoes, which used to have pink laces.

That's all, folks!

If you're thinking of doing any of these "theme" races - I urge you to try one!!!