Spartan Race for beginners; tips and tricks from my first experience!

If I told to my one-year-ago self that I would pull off a 5K obstacle race, I’d probably laugh at my face. But a year is a long time to improve, so, here is how my first experience went.

In this previous article I explained my concerns, how ready I felt, and the progress plan I had in mind.

Did I drop at least 8kg? NO

Did I train to run at least three times a week to be able to easily run 5K? NO

Did I train to make at least 15 pull ups? NO

Did I complete all the obstacles? Also NO

Did I finish it anyway? YES!

It was a very humbling experience, in addition to one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. Humbling, because after two years of regularly working out, HIIT, weightlifting, running etc. I kinda thought I’d be in a semi decent shape. Running together with so many hardworking, fit people made me realize that there is a brand new level of fitness I didn’t even know it existed.

If I thought it would be badass and tough to run a 5K obstacle race, seeing so many people completing a Trifecta Weekend without being arrogant showoffs about it, was definitely one of the highlights of the experience.

For those who don’t know, a Trifecta Weekend is running a 5K, 10K and 21K obstacle race, all within the same weekend.

Yes, you heard it right. These athletes completed the equivalent of a marathon with the addition of the obstacles, and if I initially thought it would be something superhuman to do, attending the race made me realise that these athletes, as badass as they are, they are human like me, and you, and they all started somewhere.

So, if they can do it, why shouldn’t I?

This is why I decided to sign up for the 10K Spartan Race next May, but this is for another post…

So, here’s a list of learnings and highlights from experiencing my first Spartan!

• It was extremely humbling: as said, I learned that I have a lot of work to get where I want to be, but also that it’s possible, unlike what I thought before;
• Do not underestimate the weather conditions: as crazy as it sounds, the most challenging thing was the sun and heat. I’d definitely train more in different weather conditions, for the next race. You never know if you are going to find rain, heavy winds, or a warm sun: better be prepared;
• Do not underestimate the time of the race. I train during the evening, when my energy peaks; racing in the early afternoon was harder, as my body wasn’t used to training at that time. Is your race in the morning? Incorporate at least one morning workout in your routine, it will help tremendously;
• No gloves. The debate gloves/no gloves is alive and strong, and I thought they would be helpful, but in reality they are not: you lose grip, you don’t “feel the obstacle”. In other words, for me they did not help;
• Train your grip. I failed all the obstacles that required me to have grip strength. To train your grip as a beginner, you can simply hang from a bar and try to keep hanging for as long as possible. It will change your game, guaranteed!
• Do your burpees. As you might know, the penalty for failing an obstacle is 30 burpees. You definitely want to master the burpees game, just in case!
• You will be sore as hell the next day, even on muscles you didn’t know you had. Like, I wasn’t able to work out for a full week after the race. Take some time to recover, a race puts your body through a lot;
• You will want to do it all over again; the feeling of overcoming an obstacle is highly addictive, especially if you thought you couldn’t make it; one of the best feelings ever is proving yourself wrong;
• Mentality is key. While yes, you need to have some basic fitness and technique level to complete the race, never underestimate the power of the mind. I found myself completing a lot of obstacles I didn’t think I could do, by simply envisioning myself doing it. If you think you will fail before even approaching the obstacle, you will most likely fail.

This is a short summary of my first Spartan experience; I already look forward for the next race!

Disclaimer: This web site is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by the Spartan Obstacle Race franchise. This article represents my own personal experience with the race and in no way it is intended to be an official guide.