Spartan Beast. Just the name sounds intimidating, and it should be. 13+ miles, 30-35 obstacles across sprawling Texas hills. I’ve completed three Spartan races at the sprint distance {3 miles, 20 obstacles} and a Tough Mudder {11 miles, 21 obstacles}, and fully expect this to push my limits.
To get ready, me and that man of mine {it should be noted it was his bright idea to skip the Super and jump straight to the Beast} are keeping a running list of what we need to accomplish before our October 31 race day:
1. Run. It sounds straightforward, but it’s harder than you might think. Neither of us really runs, so we’ve each set a goal of running at least three days a week, with one long-ish run together on the weekends. Our first trail run was this last Saturday, and I was actually a little impressed at how well we did, despite the 100+ degree temperatures.
2. Gear up. This won’t be your basic “throw on sneakers and gym clothes and race” like the Sprints. We’ve started researching what we need {check out these amazing New Balance Minimus Zeros we found – on sale!} and training with it now, ’cause no one wants to run in new shoes.
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3. Fuel up. In the Tough Mudder, your mid-race fuel is provided by MetRx and the race organizers. For the Spartan Super, you’re on your own. We’ll likely be packing salts and some sort of fat-based energy gummies. Any recommendations?
4. Lift differently. When you’re training for a bikini competition, it’s all about the weight and the reps, and less about grip strength. As I found out in my last Sprint, grip strength matters. I just happened to be lucky enough to be racing with a guy who found my penalty burpees charming – and did all 60 of them with me. For the next 80 days, no lifting straps or gloves for this kid. Rope climbing is next.
5. Build a spear. This one needs to move up the list, stat. Thanks to ClassPass, I’ve found some great training options {anyone want to go lug around sandbags with me next Monday?}. Classes that teach spear throwing, however, are few and far between. The plan – build our own. More on that once we {a} figure out how to do it and {b} successfully complete it without injuring ourselves, neighbors, or nearby squirrels.
I’m sure the list of things to do will get longer as we get closer. Have you raced a Super or Beast before? We’re going to need all the tips, tricks, and advice we can get!
Want to race with us on October 31st? Sign up here or email me {fitgirlinflight@gmail.com}.
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