First things first I am just happy to be in one piece and able to write this blog.
Secondly, now I have to work out how best to describe the six kilometres of action packed danger that was ‘The Spartan Race’.... “Arrooooo!”
Having started to train DV8 editor Amy Nicholson earlier this summer, our target was to complete a triathlon. But training with me prepares you for much more than a swim, run and cycle! With Amy enjoying launching kettlebells, throwing around power bags and smashing ropes we decided to up the physicality of the challenge. When I suggested ‘The Spartan Race’, to my utter amazement, Amy said “yes.” It was only upon seeing the videos of previous races that she wanted to change her mind, and to be honest so did I.
So on October 2nd myself and Amy headed up to a very hot and sunny Birmingham with three other clients of mine Tessa, Eleanor and Gary to face our Spartan Challenge.
Now, for those of you not in the know, ‘The Spartan Race’ is a big deal over in the US, with obstacle racing on the verge of becoming a professional sport. In the states, they have a number of Spartan Races graded from a ‘Sprint’ all the way up to a ‘Death Race’. You have to qualify for these longer and more dangerous races by completing the more junior events to prove that you can handle the pain and sweat.
This is the second year that the organisers have brought their brand over our shores, with four events with around 1,000 runners at each. Next year, the Spartans will be returning with an “even bigger rosta for you crazy English dudes.”
Each and every race is different, with the event organisers creating new obstacles and challenges. We had heard rumours of what may face us in Birmingham, some of which were confirmed when we were adorning our neon face paints in the car park only to see smoke rising from the race area. Eleanor’s reaction was priceless: “(Insert Expletive of choice) Fire.”
You could say at this point I was a little nervous, not only for my personal welfare, but as I could well lose four clients to what I had described as “a fun Sunday out of London”.
But you don’t drive 2 hours up the M1 for nothing so after daubing ourselves in paint and sending possibly final tweets sent to our followers off we headed to the start line with our 3 page liability waivers in hand.
Gary & I somewhat foolishly made our way to the front at the start, whilst Tessa, Amy and Eleanor thought it wiser to avoid the “testosterone zone” and “build their race” from a little further back on the grid.
Whatever the start position we were greeted by fully clad Spartan soldiers, smoke and the PA system telling us to prepare “for death, for honour, for glory!”
“Have you ever done anything like this before?” Gary asked me, looking for a little confidence builder. “No” was my simple reply. Luckily there was little time to worry any further as we were off and running into the unknown!
What greeted us was varied to say the least; an initial cross country blast to tire us out across rough terrain was followed by what seemed to be an endless line of obstacles better suited to human navigation with the help of a race horse!
Next up we were crawling under barbed wire, hurtling down steep banks and over 10 foot walls. My most vivid recollections of these points in the race are my thumping heart, tired legs and the thoughts that the girls in our team were unlikely to “enjoy” what I was doing a few minutes in front of them!
As Gary, the whippet, disappeared in front of me, I imagine he was having similar thoughts when confronted by log carrying and then jumping over fire, not the easiest task when your legs don’t work properly anymore after hill sprints but obviously the incentive is there to give it plenty of effort!
It was then into the woods, a scary place at the best of times, for sand bag carries, rope climbs, cargo net scrambles and a muddy barbed wire crawl that literally went on forever! It was about this time you could do with a little rest, but no, that is not the Spartan Way!
Back out into the blazing sun and next on the agenda as some spear throwing, where missing the target means 30 burpees! Thank god, just like my driving test, I passed first time and it was into the homeward straight.
However, there aren’t many events where you have to launch yourself over a 10ft ‘Slip’ Frame then into a deep vat of ice, crawling through it under barbed wire before being greeted by two rather large and sweaty Spartan with gladiator style battering sticks! Luckily for me Spartan number one was distracted trying to smash another competitor and has his partner in crime swung low and my legs had just enough energy to jump clear and sprint for the finish line.
I then joined Gary who had finished 2 minutes ahead of me for the nervous wait for the girls. The sense of relief when first Tessa and then Amy & Eleanor emerged from the woods was huge, all in one piece all they had to do was navigate the final three obstacles! With a large crowd cheering they all finished in true Spartan spirit (beating lots of men!) and then we had the enjoyable shower experience of a fireman’s hose at short range before heading back to London with a wide selection of battle injuries and finishing medals in hand!
The Spartan Race will be returning to our shores next year, if you want a great fitness challenge you can see all the videos and action at www.spartanrace.com
Check out my my tips below for some great Spartan Workouts ideas!
How to get Spartan Fit!
This type of obstacle event will test you endurance, speed and power. Yes you need to be able to run six kilometres, but you also have to the strength to pull yourself up and over a 10 foot wall and carry heavy logs. You also need good balance and core strength to avoid injury.
Overall you need to be well rounded and have the mentality required to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Whether contemplating a ‘Spartan Race’ or just want to become to be a well rounded individual in fitness terms, it is time to get off the treadmill; get off the fixed resistance machines and throw some of these ideas into your workouts!
As Many Rounds as Possible (AMRAP) in 10 minutes of: Kettlebell Swing x 12 reps (as heavy as you can do with good form), BOSU Explosive Press Up x 12 reps, 250m Row. See how much you can do, then improve next time around.
Used a Power bag before? The Clean, to Front Squat to Overhead Press, to Slam Down is a fantastic transitional movement that hits every muscle group in the body and works your conditioning. Try 5 sets of 8 reps with 1 minute rest in between sets. You can purchase power bag from me, e: info@r4reach.com
No Kit? That’s fine. Try this outside. Bodyweight Jump Squat x 10 reps, Hand Release Press Up x 10 reps, Explosive Split Lunge x 10 reps, V-Ups x 10 reps, run 100m. Rest for 1 minute repeat for 5 sets.
Want to train like this for great results? I offer Personal Training and Group Fitness at my studio in Clapham and Stars Gym in Battersea. Check out www.r4reach.com and get in touch get in touch using info@r4reach.com
