ACC Fan 5K

Carolina Spartan Beast

MRT Fall Series 5K**

Race #2 in the McLelland's Racing Team Fall Championship Series, held at ESC Park in Troutman NC.  Early registration was $10, race day registration was $15 (shirts are extra). Great course, relatively flat, small turnout but worth the drive, temps were perfect! Race is chip-timed, two water stops, overall and age group awards as well as door prizes.  Hard to beat for the price!

32 runners total, including three children in the 1 Mile Fun Run.

CHIP TIME:  42:09

1st Place in Age Group

MRT Facebook Page

Race #3 Registration 
 

CRC Uptown Throwdown

You had to be there!

Lots of laughter and fun on Saturday! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous day in Freedom Park! Temps were perfect, route was fantastic and the company was stellar!

This was a club managed run, open to the public with discount rates for members. $15 for the public, $10 for members - shirts were an additional $15 if you wanted one.  Only eight of us bought the shirts.  They were light blue with dark blue printed logo on the front, blank on the back, Gildan Softstyle in both men's and women's cut crewnecks. By day's end about 25 runners total joined in on the festivities.

Food is a factor at this function!  You name it, it was probably on the table or in a cooler... doughnuts, M&Ms, pizza, Gatorade, Mtn Dew, Coke, Rootbeer, more doughnuts, baked goods, CheezIts, Doritoes, baked goods, cookies, trail mix, nuts, water, plenty of water, and the list goes on.  We lacked for nothing! Someone cranked up a Bose bluetooth speaker and the fun just kept coming.

The route differed for each runner depending on where he or she chose to turn around.  Bill, Club President, no doubt held the single record for the day with a total of 24 miles (non-stop) followed by many runners that did 5 laps (with breaks between).  I personally did three laps and averaged a distance of 3.68 per lap.  I ran with Team Happy Feet again this year (love those guys!) and decidedly it was not a competition for 2014 as there was only one other team listed.  All other runners ran solo, and listed their laps on the official Relay Tracking Board.

The route began at the Lake in Freedom Park, Shelter #6, turn right (running counter clockwise) around the lake back towards downtown on the Sugar Creek Greenway.  Runners were told to turn around at the 2nd water fountain and that meant different things to different people.  Not a drinking fountain but rather the fountain displays on S Kings Drive.  I personally turned around at the stone, freestanding restrooms (near Dunkin Donuts) just past the 2nd water fountain - made for an easy turn around and a good pit stop.  This course is also predominantly flat, as are most of the greenways in Charlotte. It was fully paved and family friendly during the morning and afternoon hours.  Great place to log some miles. 

The turnout numbers (people present) is not a reflection of the event itself but rather the weekend and it's activities.  Susan G Komen was also on Saturday (a few blocks away) as well as a nearby race in the Mountains.  Lots of runners have full schedules for the fall when temps are lower and running is so incredibly enjoyable. The date was simply the best choice available, all things considered.

I would recommend this event to anyone, as well as membership in the club.  Great group of runners, lots of activities and the t-shirts... don't forget those t-shirts! As of today's date, individual membership is only $20, family membership is $35.  If interested click here for more information:  Charlotte Running Club.

My personal times made me happy today. Not where I want to be but consistently improved.  My split averages per lap:  

1.   13:57 per mile
2.   14:34 per mile
3.   14:42 per mile

With the distance from the parking area to the shelter, I got in a total of 12 miles for the day.  Just a great run day overall. Hope to do this again soon!  Freedom Park is definitely on my list for long runs.

Early morning photo with runners on course and others arriving later in the day.

(photo courtesy of Tin Ha)

Showmars 5K

Last minute entry for this race.  My local running club, Charlotte Running Club (CRC) raffled off several entries to members and I won one of them.  Woot!  Great day for a race!  Temps in the low 60's, clear weather, easy course, and a free entry! The only thing better would have been a PR, LOL!

The t-shirts this year were also a big hit! Made by Next Apparel, red with white lettering, and a polyester / cotton / rayon blend.  Very comfortable shirt!

As in year's past, Mr C. (owner of Showmars Restaurant) was present for the festivities, greeting runners and offering non-stop smiles and support to all.  Post race amenities were great too.  Water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges and pancakes.  I also noticed at registration that a Groupon was listed for this race, $15 for one, $29 for two!

Race takes place in Pineville NC, just off of 485 beginning at the restaurant and running through surrounding neighborhoods.  There are no real steep hills other than the final .3 of a mile.  Lots of walkers at this race.

While my personal time was below a 14 mpm pace, I was more ecstatic about my running.  I cautioned myself not to go too hard and actually ran more in this race than any other I've done to date.  Today was a good day!

Official Time:  42:33

Results Posted Here:

River Jam 5K

Tonight's race was entirely in the rain.  

It was also the final race in the series.

The rain did not deter the dedicated runners but it truly did prevent the typical crowd that shows up for the music.  The rain itself was unexpected. Forecasts right up until 5pm did not predict rain  for our area, yet there it was.

We persevered. 

I broke in my new trail shoes and was quite pleased with the result, also very grateful to be wearing proper shoes on a run like today's.  Sloggy, slushy, slippery slopes.  I went slower to avoid injury and since I'm not aiming for a competitive time on this series.  I did not finish last. Yahoo!  Kudos however to the young man that did.  He earned it tonight!

OFFICIAL TIME:  54:25

Race Results and Series Information here:

Wintergreen Spartan Super

I completed the Sprint in March of this year.

This event was #2, my Super, heading for the Trifecta.

We chose this location because it was closest to us and the timing was right.

BIG MISTAKE!

This is the 2nd hardest event that Sparta does. Vermont is #1.  Both are set on ski resorts and the terrain is the primary obstacle overall.  I have NEVER competed in anything this grueling.  Had I known this beforehand, I definitely would have driven further to suffer less.  

Brutal.  

This word was repeated over and over by participants.  No other word fits as appropriately.

No.  This photograph is not Vietnam.  It is the barbed wire crawl (uphill) just before the Finish Line.

The fog was with us the entire race.  It rained also.  About 200 runners were given a shortcut around Mile 6 due to the weather.  Those of us just ahead of them stayed the course and EARNED our medals.  For most of us, there is no other time in our lives when we will persevere this hard, give this much and press beyond all comfort zones to Finish.  Without a doubt, this race is all about mental preparation moreso than physcial.  Very few will be physically prepared for the challenge, but anyone can Finish, if he or she CHOOSES to. Both of these courses (Wintergreen VA and Killington VT) have a high DNF rate and a high injury rate. The mandatory insurance is there for a reason.  Nearly 200 persons were treated by medical personnel on Saturday and the med crew will tell you blatantly "we don't do bandaids".  I know this because I asked... after falling multiple times and wishing I had something for my bloody hands.

I did complete.  Proud of myself.  Promised myself I'd never do it again, only to reconsider the following day at a friend's suggestion to "improve our finish times".  I'll debate it.  I'll contemplate it. I will only consider it if I'm 60 lbs lighter and in an improved upper body strength condition.

I did this race in running shoes. Nike Pegasus 29+ to be specific. 2nd mistake.  And a big mistake as well.  NO ONE should do this course in anything other than trail shoes or hiking boots. I actually completed most of Mile 7 backwards and downhill due to improper shoes. I watched runner after runner slide down the hillside, unable to stop, solely because their shoes could not grip the terrain.  The slopes were mud, rocks and overgrown grass/weeds.  It was the rain and grass that gave it a mega slide factor.  The mud... well it's just mud... you get what you get based on depth and liquidity.

Reebok came out with a shoe this year specifically for the Sparta races.  My running buddy was wearing a pair.  Amazing traction. Lots of participants bought the Reebok shoes to "test" them out and all sang the praises, even with the higher price tag.  As of today, there are two versions.  The All Terrain Sprint and the All Terrain Super. Multiple color choices.  The Super has a black and red version with the actual Spartan logo.  They retail for about $120.

 I bought the Sprints (post race) on sale for $80 less the welcome discount of 15% - so for $68 I am now the proud owner (belatedly, of course) of a pair of black / neon yellow Reebok All Terrain Sprint trail shoes.  I'm looking forward to suffering through the Beast in October, more prepared, and definitely on a less rigorous course. NOTE:  There are three significant differences between the Sprint shoe and the Super shoe; width (Sprint is very narrow), number of nobs on bottom (Sprint has less) and cushioning (Sprint has less).  I bought the men's to avoid the narrow but it was still a very trim fit.  Nobs and cushioning were more than fine.

This course finished out at about 8.3 miles.  The race planners list it as 8.1 because they do not measure the distance within the obstacles themselves. I will mention here, none of the obstacles are overwhelming, it is the terrain that is hardest. The atlas balls, inverse wall, monkey bars, log flip, log carry, all are doable.

You will read / hear warnings of the sixth mile (Black Diamond Slope).  It is a terror... the source of nightmares... and worthy of it's reputation. What you won't hear is that while this is the toughest mile on the course, that does NOT mean there are any easy miles on this course! 

There is no flat in Wintergreen.  None.  Nada. Deal with it.

You will cross the side of the mountain, more than once, climbing on rocks, hanging on to trees and plants.

You will struggle with altitude.  

You will walk amongst the mighty Spartans.

You will be certain of this when you reach a point in the terrain where your fellow warriors are all standing still, breathing, recuperating, before moving another 10-15 ft and repeating the process.  You will do this in absolute silence and you will feel at one with everyone around you.

This course levels the playing field for all. 

Love it. Hate it. But it takes a real Spartan to complete... REGARDLESS of finish time.

It's not about the battle, it's about the Victory.

Prepare for Glory!  Aroo!

OFFICIAL TIME:  8:29:08  

 (Elevation)

 (Mile 6)

River Jam 5K

My time has improved only slightly.  I have berated myself for not having a good pair of trail shoes.  I rarely do trail races, this year being an exception.  A really large exception.  First race of the year was a trail race.  Hmmm.  Definitely time for a good pair of trail shoes.

OFFICIAL TIME:  47:03

Race Results and Series Information here: 

River Jam 5K

Attendance was up for this particular event.  Really enjoyed the crowd, the enthusiasm, and of course, the music.  USNWC does a wonderful summertime community event on Thursday nights.  Lots of visitors there solely for the music and relaxation, most seated on the lawn watching a few continue through the waters or obstacles while most are there solely for the music, food, and fun!

OFFICIAL TIME:  47:25

Race Results and Series Information is here: 

River Jam 5K

THIS TIME I was on time.

THIS TIME I did not get lost.

THIS TIME was a really good workout through the USNWC.

OFFICIAL TIME:  48:54

Race Results and Series Information is here:

Asheville Half Marathon

Hills.
Hills.
Hills.

Enough said.

Overall, this race deserves a 10 rating.  Plenty of sponsors, well marked, ample water stops and porta pottys.  The only thing it did not have en route was GU (or similar) but it was being sold the day before at the Expo 5/$5 so it's shameful to complain.

I have never paused so many times when on a course as I did this one.  Admittedly, I was out of shape.  My world took a detour on May 21 as my Father (a local pastor) took ill, was admitted to the ER / ICU and passed on his 51st wedding anniversary (Memorial Day).  We hosted a funeral 6 days later to a standing room only congregation.  God is good.

This race was my first venture back into running and I was determined to cross the finish line regardless of my time.  Nothing but good to say about the course, the sponsors and the setup.  

Hope to see you all again next year!

CHIP TIME:  3:34:52

GOTR Iredell County 5K

I have checked another item off of my Bucket List.

I coached a group from Iredell County over a period of 12 weeks.  Eight very enthusiastic 3rd through 5th  grade girls showed up Tuesday and Friday afternoons beginning in March.  This was the Girls On the Run 2014 Spring Session (GOTR).

The original plan was to "help" a friend, co-coach the group with her at a location nearer to Hickory NC where my friend is located. Turns out the friend couldn't participate, her employer could not spare her the weekly two afternoons needed to fulfill the commitment. So... I became the coach.  Two local ROCKSTARS were able to join us last minute as my lifesavers and co-coaches.  Both also signed their daughters up for the session so we just had a wonderful time!

If you're unfamiliar with GOTR, it is an outstanding program for young girls.  There are two age groups (elementary, middle / junior levels) and the group size ranges based on the school's size.  Our group was smaller because it was a charter school with a lottery system for enrollment (limited class size).  I learned a lot about the Iredell County School system while there.  I live in Mecklenburg County so I missed the buses, the formality, the metal detectors, the stand-alone location, the full size athletic accommodations, etc.  The Charter school had only a McDonald's sized playground for the younger children... nothing else.  Most of our workouts took place at a grassy field belonging to a local church two blocks up the street from the school.  Yes.  My "city girl" was showing.  Our mock 5K took place on the same busy streets and through a huge graveyard in Statesville NC.  Beautiful location for a run, just not the expectation for an elementary school outing.  *chuckle*

The program itself is well organized, written by professionals and designed to build self esteem, broaden perspectives, welcome diversity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.  Coaches receive a canvas bag of goodies at the beginning of the season which includes a manual with each lesson outlined in detail.  At present, there are three variations of the manual so that if a child chooses to repeat GOTR she won't get the same lessons each time.

The race itself took place at Lowe's Home Improvement Corporate Offices in Mooresville NC.  We did a double loop around their vast property Saturday morning, complete with hills and bridges.  Lots of volunteers and fan support. Four water stops throughout the course and Teal / Purple shirts for the runners.  Teal for those that are active in GOTR and purple for those that were there to race or run with a racer.  This race (as all GOTR races) is open to the public.  

The race is a timed event, per se, but there is no official listing of finish times.  You simply see your time on the digital clock when you cross the finish line.  I was a running buddy for an adorable home-schooled 3rd grader.  Very fast runner. Very slow walker.  We finished in 46 min, two minutes faster than her last race.  She was ecstatic!  All GOTR runners wear the same running bib, they are all #1.  There are no chips and no professional photographers (online sales of race photos) but lots and lots of cheering and family / friend photos.

I would encourage any parent or guardian to sign their child up, at least once, for this event.  It offers lots of positive support for young ladies at a time when it is so critically needed.  Kudos to our group for all finishing under 1 hour, and more importantly, for having tons of FUN while doing it!

Unofficial Time:  46:00

  

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of the MRT (McLelland's Racing Team) Spring/Summer series in Iredell County, NC.

Iredell County Sweet 13 5K Racing Series

Race #1 - 5/6/2014 - Lakewood Park | Statesville
Race #2 - 5/13/2014 - McLelland’s Family Shoes | Statesville
Race #3 - 5/20/2014 - ESC Park | Troutman
Race #4 - 5/27/2014 - Statesville Soccer Complex | Statesville
Race #5 - 6/3/2014 - Fort Dobbs | Statesville
Race #6 - 6/10/2014 - Allison Wood | Statesville
Race #7 - 6/17/2014 - Fiddler’s Grove | Union Grove
Race #8 - 6/24/2014 - Love Valley | Statesville
Race #9 - 7/1/2014 - CrossFit Cyclone | Statesville
Race #10 - 7/8/2014 - Lookout Dam | Statesville
Race #11 - 7/15/2014 - Statesville Soccer Complex | Statesville
Race #12 - 7/22/2014 - Broad Street Methodist Church | Statesville
Race #13 - 8/5/2014 - Lakewood Park | Statesville

Races will span the county with courses ranging from road to trail. This is a 5K championship series that will pay cash prizes to the top 3 male and female competitors that compete in at least 10 of the 13 races. Nightly awards presented to individuals in age groups categories. Pre-Registration is $10 for adults, $5 for children, shirts sold separately.  Price increases on race day.  Online registration is available at Races Online.  Website does charge a service fee.  Entries can also be mailed or paid in person at McLelland Family Shoes.  Races are chip timed.

River Jam 5K

Okay.

I had a blonde moment.

Yes, the logo above states 6:15 START time.

At one point, way back in the beginning, I saw a 6:30 race listing so I assumed that was what I was signing up for.

I failed to read the email notice sent the evening before the race.

It clearly stated both races began at 6:15.  I have zero idea what was supposed to happen at 6:30.

After going back today and re-reading the site, there is now no mention of a 6:30 anything.

Hmmmmmm....

Nonetheless.... it was....

My bad.

Seriously.

My bad.

I got there at 6:18, the race started, obviously, at 6:15.

Then things got interesting.

Since the two races (3 mile and 6 mile) were running simultaneously, they allowed me a late start.

They failed to tell me how the course was marked off.

The two distances both had completely different routes.

Which I discovered AFTER the race by looking at the course map.

I was wearing a blue bib (3 mile race) so I followed the blue dot trail.

Things are never that easy.

It was a bike trail... hideous bike trail.

It was 3.65 miles long.

It was completely separate from either of the race trails.

I did not see any runners until the FINISH line.

There were, however, bikers en route throughout the entire 3.65 miles.

Step off the trail, wait, step back on the trail.

Narrow trail, mind you.

I also stopped at several points due to lack of signage.  

Yes, the bikers had lots of red arrows, blue dots and First Aid signs but..

At any point where the course crossed a road or entered a wide open space..

Nothing.

Nada.

Zilch.

Apparently orange cones don't do it for me.

I did figure out the blue stripes but the cones looked more like barriers than trail indicators.

I constantly kept my eyes glued for other runners and for actual shoe prints.

Didn't happen.

I had the whole course (on foot) to myself.  

I did pass a few runners going the opposite direction with no bib.

I knew they were simply Whitewater members out for a strong trail run.

I finished.  

I got my shirt.

I scored my worst 5K time ever.

Period.

And it's official.

Listed on the world wide web.

24:07 minutes per mile.

Wow.

Stellar, right?

Yeah.

I had a blonde moment.

My route

Actual Route

This event is tied to a monthly summer outdoor musical concert.  From 7pm to 10pm bands provide live music and locals come out in droves to watch the sunset, sit on the grass and enjoy the sounds.  The U.S. National Whitewater Center has now become a valid attraction for the Charlotte area.  It had a very slow growth process in the beginning but with much improvements along the way, and many great race events on the grounds, it has grown.  

It was literally packed Thursday night - with members, runners, avid music fans and newbies who just wanted to "see what it was all about".  It provides trails for running and biking, whitewater rafting, zip lines, climbing walls, canopy tours, bungee jumping, obstacle activities, paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also very family oriented.

The race series is only $10 per race (if pre-registered) and it is chip-timed.  Thus I have no complaints whatsoever.  There is a $5 parking fee with an option for an annual parking pass for $40.  I'm not there enough to warrant the parking pass and I will mention that many runners dislike the fee, the thought being that the race entry should cover parking. It has been a standard though with Whitewater and at present, still exists as part of any visit to the center. They've had to expand the parking lot over the years to accommodate traffic so the upside is, there will always be a place to park at the Center.

It was hot and humid tonight but I was glad I went.  Got a mega workout with all the hills and climbs and I've made a mental note for next month:  Trail shoes, 6:15 Start.

Happy Trails to all!

107 / 118  
Tracy D Rabon
Charlotte NC
4440 49 F
CHIP TIME:  1:12:21.5
GUN TIME:   1:21:28.0
CHIP DIFFERENCE:  9:06.5
PACE:  24:07/M
TIME BACK:  46:40.6

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of the MRT (McLelland's Racing Team) Spring/Summer series in Iredell County, NC.

Iredell County Sweet 13 5K Racing Series

Race #1 - 5/6/2014 - Lakewood Park | Statesville
Race #2 - 5/13/2014 - McLelland’s Family Shoes | Statesville
Race #3 - 5/20/2014 - ESC Park | Troutman
Race #4 - 5/27/2014 - Statesville Soccer Complex | Statesville
Race #5 - 6/3/2014 - Fort Dobbs | Statesville
Race #6 - 6/10/2014 - Allison Wood | Statesville
Race #7 - 6/17/2014 - Fiddler’s Grove | Union Grove
Race #8 - 6/24/2014 - Love Valley | Statesville
Race #9 - 7/1/2014 - CrossFit Cyclone | Statesville
Race #10 - 7/8/2014 - Lookout Dam | Statesville
Race #11 - 7/15/2014 - Statesville Soccer Complex | Statesville
Race #12 - 7/22/2014 - Broad Street Methodist Church | Statesville
Race #13 - 8/5/2014 - Lakewood Park | Statesville

Races will span the county with courses ranging from road to trail. This is a 5K championship series that will pay cash prizes to the top 3 male and female competitors that compete in at least 10 of the 13 races. Nightly awards presented to individuals in age groups categories. Pre-Registration is $10 for adults, $5 for children, shirts sold separately.  Price increases on race day.  Online registration is available at Races Online.  Website does charge a service fee.  Entries can also be mailed or paid in person at McLelland Family Shoes.  Races are chip timed.

CHIP TIME:   44:06

Race Results

Moving for Matthew 5K

This was a last minute decision for me.  I seem to do this often.  Very encouraging race. Most of the participants were there solely as supporters of young Matt, who has cancer.  His pastor spoke for a few moments and I had the opportunity to shake the young man's hand before leaving.  He is a teenager with a very positive outlook considering his circumstances.  His Mantra is John 16:33 as can be seen on the race shirts.

This was a MRT (McLelland's Racing Team) run and the course is one we've ran before.  The starting point alters (YMCA, Lakewood Park, Methodist Church, Northview IB) but the route is usually the same or similar.  A few hills en route but with lower elevations. A water stop at the halfway mark and LOTS of new signage for the roads / direction.  Definitely a plus for this year!

 

I stayed through most of the awards ceremony since this was an evening race.  I left around 8:45 PM and they were just beginning the Male Awards.  This was MRT's first try at chip timing (disposable) so my fingers are crossed that all the "bugs" will be worked out by the time the Sweet 13 Summer Race Series begins. As is the norm for most of the MRT events, there are door prizes given out prior to the award ceremony, based on bib number drawings (must be present to win).  I won an olive green Dansko t-shirt.  Not a bad night, all in all.

In spite of local weather predictions, we had a humid, DRY, breezy run Wednesday night (6:30 PM Start) and we're looking forward to more runs with the MRT group over the summer.

Ready. Run. Race. 

OFFICIAL TIME:  44:09

Race Results

Shamrock 4 Miler

(Apologies for a very late post)

The weather was quite nice for this race.  I hadn't ran it since 2010 so a few things were different for me.  The course start / finish has been changed. Positive change.  And the Registration area had been moved.  I honestly didn't find it until the START gun went off.  I parked in the same area I had parked 4 years ago, saw runners warming up so I knew I was close.  

The Registration area can actually be accessed inside the Stonecrest shopping center parking lot.  Lots of vendors present.  A very family friendly race.

The course was an out and back and slightly longer than 4 miles (Garmin clocked 4.16).

Because the course was longer my official timing is higher than my actual timing.  There will always be variance in a courses length due to the USATF rules of measuring a course but the variance should be minimal on an out and back. The elevation map looks very hilly but the climbs were actually low grade. Not a bad course this year.

Publix was a sponsor this year (they are moving into the Charlotte area gradually) and the goody bags were actually mini recycle bags.  Nice touch.

I signed up for this race simply to keep me on track towards a goal of 1000 miles for 2014.  I decided after last year's GPX series (very disappointing) that I would not commit to every race in a series after so many mistakes and miscommunications from RFYL.  For 2014 they have once again made some alterations to each series (GPX and Distance) in order to promote more participation.  The races are decent, the management of timing, points, communication and overall acknowledgements for the series lacks a great deal. Thus I may randomly run some of my more favorite races but not with the intent to keep up in either series. Sorry to see the continual conflicts with RFYL.  I missed the CPCC race (Apr 26) but heard that RFYL failed to attach team names correctly to runners who specifically registered as part of a team...some were even registered under opposing teams. Seems the errors never end and the confidence for what should be Charlotte's oldest and best running vendor is dwindling.

I am, however, signed up for two Trail Series this year at Whitewater (River Jam) and in Iredell County (Sweet 13).  Looking forward to breaking in some trail shoes and spending a few weeknights with my running friends!

CHIP TIME:  1:00:22

Spartan Sprint

Aroo!

First Spartan Race.

The Sparta Race Series has a Trifecta.

Sprint (red), Super (blue) and Beast (green).

I have committed to completing the Trifecta in 2014.

Spartan Sprint - ATL GA, March 8th

(Course is built in a beautiful horse park in Conyers GA.  Alicia Keys and Lynyrd Skynyrd both ran this course same day. Lots of mud and wall obstacles but overall a gorgeous site. 4.7 miles total.)

Spartan Super - Wintergreen, VA, August 23rd

(Course is built on a ski slope.  Many actual DNF due to the elevation climb, over 10,000 feet. 6 mile course. Hard core.)

Spartan Beast - Charlotte, NC, October 25th

(Referred to as the Carolinas Beast located in Winnsboro SC. 10-12 mile course, runners are rewarded if they complete the climbing challenges. Fastest times are around 180 minutes.  $25 per person to spectate, $20 if you buy in advance. Not for amateurs.)

My Induction Into the World of Sparta

I weighed 225 the day I showed up for the Spartan Sprint.  I completed all but three obstacles - Vertical Rope climb, Traverse Wall, and the Spear Throw (google them or watch video on youtube). I actually hit the spear target correctly but it didn't "stick". Burpees for me.  The Vertical Rope Climb was a knotted rope about 12 ft up. Your starting point is in 2 feet of mud.  I confess I cannot dead lift 250 lbs (225 + mud and water weight). Burpee penalties are 30 burpees for each incomplete obstacle. I'm up to 65 now (5 for being late to my own HEAT).  The Traverse Wall is difficult regardless of weight but for me personally, weight (rules state - cannot hold on to the top of the wall) made the balancing extremely strenuous.  More burpees for me.

This is me AFTER being hosed down!  Do not be deceived by the "we have showers at location".  NOT!  It is a massive collection of hose pipes and you learn the buddy system real quick. And oh, lest you are still positive minded, there is no hot water. NaDa.  They do provide heated tents for clothes changing, separate tents by gender. Very 'grass roots'.

The final two obstacles of the GA Sprint are the Barbed Wire Mud Crawl and the Gladiators.  I am providing pictures. No explanation needed. 

Aroo!

Gasparilla Half Marathon